Sixteen projects have been shortlisted in the 2026 Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay Architecture Awards. The shortlisted projects were selected from entries in the awards programme of the Gisborne & Hawke’s Bay Branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.

The shortlist was compiled by a jury led by Matt Edmonds of Designgroup Stapleton Elliott and rounded out by Emelia Atkins (Warren and Mahoney), Simone Bub (Bub Architects) and lay juror Shannon Bray (Wayfinder Landscape Planning).

The winners will be announced on Friday 1 May.

See above for images of the shortlisted projects, which are: 

Housing

Black Barn House for Geoff & Lynne by Garry Cullen
Hilltop House by Hulena Architects
Lee House by Clarkson Architects
Mangakuri Home by Makers of Architecture
McHardy House by Clarkson Architects

Housing – Multi-unit

Bledisloe Social Housing by DCA Architects of Transformation

Public Architecture

Hawke’s Bay Airport Fire Station by RTA Studio
MTG – Hawke’s Bay Museum Research & Archives Centre by RTA Studio

Commercial Architecture

Te Wairoa e Whanake, Ahi Kōmau Gemmell’s On Parade & Wairoa Visitor Information Centre by Collaborative Projects Studio

Education

Eskdale School by DCA Architects of Transformation
Lytton High School Hall - Te Hīnātore by Architects 44
Mangapapa School by DCA Architects of Transformation
Tamatea Intermediate / Te Kura Takawaenga o Tamatea Rebuild by Pacific Environments Architects

Enduring Architecture

Marine Parade Strategic Development Plan (2000) by Opus International Consultants (now WSP)

Heritage Architecture

Restoration of (Former) Napier Women’s Restrooms by Ann Galloway and Gavin Cooper in association

Hospitality

The Loft and Kitchen Refurbishment – Craggy Range by RTA Studio

The Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZIA Local Architecture Awards are proudly sponsored by APL and Resene.