Overview
The New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) is a statutory board tasked with registering, monitoring and, if need be, disciplining architects.
This is done to protect the public and, by that, the reputation of the architectural profession.
The NZRAB became fully operational on 1 July 2006, when it replaced the Architects Education and Registration Board. The registration and discipline arrangements now in place are considerably more rigorous than previously, reflecting the community’s increased concern about the quality of buildings in recent years.
Protection of Title
The NZRAB gains its authority from the Registered Architects Act 2005, its stated purpose being “to protect the title of Registered Architect”. The Act says that persons who provide architectural services may only use the titles “Registered Architect” or “architect” if they are registered. Other persons may design buildings, but they may not call themselves “Registered Architects” or “architects”. Architects bring to their work a broad vision of what the built environment can and should be, in addition to their technical expertise.
Functions
To achieve its purpose, the NZRAB:
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registers architects who have been assessed by their peers as competent to practice independently
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maintains an online register, so the public can confirm that an architect is registered
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quality assures the competence of architects every five years
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investigates complaints and, if need be, disciplines architects.
Governance
Board members are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Minister for Building and Housing. Half the Board members are nominated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects.
The current Board members are described here. The Board has an operating manual, which you can view here.
The Board also has a committee structure intended to develop policy for the Board to consider and then monitor its implimentation. To view the memberships of these committees go here.
Organisation
The NZRAB maintains a small office in
Wellington, with three staff. The NZRAB is reliant on 45 assessors who are architects, their principal task being to assess applicants for registration.
Funding
The NZRAB is fully self funding from fees paid by architects and applicants for registration. In total, there are approximately 1550 architects registered in
New Zealand.
Communications
The NZRAB’s main way of providing information to applicants for registration, members of the public who employ architects and architects themselves is the NZRAB website. From the website, architects can access a second website that provides them with personalised information about the ongoing training that they need to undertake to keep their registration up to date.
The NZRAB has also issued a number of brochures explaining what it does (see "Publications") and each year publishes a Strategic Plan and an Annual Report.