The qualification will be added to the List of Accredited Architecture Qualifications maintained by the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia from whom the Board licenses an agreement to accredit the MArch(Prof) programmes in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Having an accredited qualification is a requirement for the primary pathway to registration as a New Zealand-registered architect.

Otago Polytechnic becomes the fifth school of architecture in New Zealand to gain accreditation, and joins the University of Auckland, Unitec Institute of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington, and AUT as the country’s five accredited architecture schools.

As the only accredited architecture school currently located in Te Waipounamu, the South Island of New Zealand, Otago Polytechnic says the recognition helps expand equitable access to architectural education and strengthens the profession through a diversity of regional voices.

Head of Architecture, Associate Professor Tobias Danielmeier, says the Otago programme represents a bold southern contribution to architectural education, being tectonically focused, place-relevant, as well as culturally grounded.

“Rooted in Ōtepoti Dunedin, the southernmost school is a champion for place-based architecture. We are committed to equipping graduates with not just design capabilities, but with the tools, technical knowledge, and ethical grounding to shape meaningful futures.”

The two-year Master’s programme at Otago places strong emphasis on Mātauranga Māori, environmental responsibility, and industry-engaged learning.