Commonwealth Association of Architects 60th Anniversary General Assembly to be held in conjunction with Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects 2026 in:situ Conference
Historic gathering will bring together architects from across the Commonwealth as part of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects biennial architecture conference between 7-10 September 2026
Auckland, New Zealand, 31st October 2025 – Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) are pleased to announce that the CAA 60th Anniversary General Assembly will be held in conjunction with the NZIA’s architectural in:situ Conference in Auckland, New Zealand from 7-10 September 2026
This event marks six decades of the CAA's commitment to fostering collaboration, excellence, and innovation in architecture across the Commonwealth. The 2026 General Assembly will bring together architects, practitioners, academics, and students from across the Commonwealth nations to celebrate this significant anniversary and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of architecture in our rapidly changing world—creating opportunities for mutual learning and partnership between global and local perspectives
Hosting the event in Aotearoa New Zealand offers a unique platform for reciprocal exchange and partnership, presenting an opportunity for architectural communities worldwide to discuss contemporary challenges facing the built environment, fostering collaborative dialogue which recognises both local knowledge and international expertise
The programme will feature keynote addresses from internationally renowned architects, panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities and the CAA General Assembly, culminating in a gala celebration dinner. Key highlights will include the announcement of the CAA Awards winners, recognising exceptional architectural projects from across the Commonwealth, and the prestigious announcement of the 2026 NZIA Gold Medal recipient
The CAA Awards submission cycle opens November 2025, inviting entries from architects across Commonwealth nations to showcase projects that demonstrate design excellence, innovation, and positive social impact
Regarding the upcoming conference, Huia Reriti, Perehitini (President) of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects remarked:
"We are deeply honoured to welcome the Commonwealth Association of Architects to Aotearoa for their 60th Anniversary General Assembly. This conference presents an extraordinary opportunity for our architecture community to share our unique perspective on design that honours te ao Māori and Pasifika, responds to our environment, and reflects our commitment to collaboration across the region.”
Echoing this sentiment, Steven Oundo, President of the CAA, commented:
"The CAA's 60th anniversary is a moment to reflect on our shared history whilst also looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Commonwealth architects. Holding our General Assembly in Aotearoa New Zealand is particularly fitting as we explore themes of cultural identity, sustainability, and architectural excellence.”
Registration details and the full conference programme will be announced shortly.
Further Information
in:situ
in:situ is the biennial conference of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects. Established in 2015, it has become Australasia's premier architectural event, bringing together leading practitioners, academics, and students to explore excellence in architecture
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects
First established in 1905, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects is a membershipbased professional organisation which currently has more than 4,000 members. Approximately 50% are registered architects working in New Zealand, with the balance of membership made up of New Zealand architects working overseas, architectural graduates, architecture students, teachers of architecture and retired architects
Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA)
Established in 1965, the Commonwealth Association of Architects was established to maximise the contribution by architects to the wellbeing of society and facilitate cooperation among architects. The CAA represents architectural institutes from countries throughout the Commonwealth, supporting professional development, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of architectural practice
Media Contacts
Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects
Kevin Ptak
Manager, Marketing and Communications
M: +64 21 275 4321
E. k.ptak@nzia.co.nz
Commonwealth Association of Architects
Vince Pirrello
Vice President, Pacific
M: +61(0) 472 719 514
E: vince.pirrello@commonwealtharchitects.org