Organised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects, the Auckland Regional Architecture Awards celebrates the region’s most outstanding architecture of a given year across commercial, residential, heritage, and interior design. The 2026 Auckland Architecture Awards shortlist featured 64 projects, selected by a jury led by Rachael Rush of Klein Architects.

The awards were formally presented at the SkyCity Theatre during a gala evening, where NZICC was awarded the top prize for Public Architecture and Interior Architecture.

Described as among the country’s most significant tourism investments of the century, NZICC is a remarkable project for its scale, design intelligence, and cultural significance. Designed by Warren and Mahoney with interior architecture and convention centre expertise by Woods Bagot, this collaboration has yielded a world-class convention facility capable of hosting a wide range of international and local events, while making a positive contribution to the city.

Te Tumu – NZICC was one of only two projects among this year’s winners to receive recognition in two categories. 

Interior Architecture 

NZICC has received the top award for Interior Architecture, recognising projects that push the boundaries in spatial design and material use across comemrcial, civic and hospitality projects.

Woods Bagot Principal and Global Delivery Leader Andy Gentry says the interior architecture placed a strong emphasis on accessibility, flexibility, and inclusivity, while grounding the centre in a strong sense of cultural identity.

“We’ve created a memorable visitor experience with internal circulation, material palette and spatial program that is not only highly functional and flexible, but features strong cultural resonance,” says Gentry.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal Eric Buhrs adds that Te Tumu’s interiors are exceptional, both in scale and in distinct design identity. 

“We’re proud to have shaped the interior architecture and operational intelligence behind a venue designed to perform at the highest international level whilst being a unique Aotearoa experience,” says Buhrs.

“Our ‘One Language, Many Voices’ narrative creates a cohesive interior experience while allowing each space to express its own identity and purpose. The interior design celebrates both the scale of international events and the intimacy of local cultural expression.

“NZICC sets a new benchmark for integrated design, bringing together culture, performance and place on a truly international stage.” 

Public Architecture

Te Tumu has also taken out the top award for Public Architecture, honouring buildings that make the greatest contributions to their city and community. With architecture led by Warren and Mahoney and interiors by Woods Bagot, the new convention centre represents a highly complex facility that will support the country’s cultural program for decades to come. 

Buhrs says the the NZICC “redefines convention centre performance”, with its highly flexible, vertically integrated planning strategy designed to host multiple events simultaneously. 

“NZICC is not just a venue—it’s a connected piece of the city, designed to invite Auckland in while hosting the world,” says Buhrs. 

NZICC is anticipated to host around 500 events every year. 

Winners at the Regional Architecture Awards level may be considered for further honours at a national level.

View the full list of 2026 winners on the Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects website.

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