NZ Institute of Architects announces new Chief Executive

27 March 2012

New Zealand Institute of Architects announces new Chief Executive

The New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA), the professional organization representing more than 90 per cent of New Zealand’s registered architects, has appointed Teena Hale-Pennington as its new Chief Executive.

Announcing the appointment, NZIA President David Sheppard said Ms Hale-Pennington’s background in local government and resource planning would be invaluable in assisting the architectural profession meet its current challenges.

“Our new Chief Executive also has a strong track record as a strategist in sustainable development and the provision of affordable housing, two areas of immediate concern, especially in New Zealand’s major cities.”

Ms Hale-Pennington was formerly Wellington City Council’s Director of Strategy, Planning and Urban Design. Prior to that she was Manager of Strategy for Auckland City Council, where she prepared the Council’s submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

In her earlier career Ms Hale-Pennington held strategic planning and project management positions in the private sector and in the New South Wales public service. She was educated at Griffith and Wollongong Universities in Australia.

“I’m very much looking forward to assuming the chief executive role at the NZIA,” Ms Hale-Pennington said. “The work of the NZIA’s members is integral to the making of the high quality urban environments that New Zealanders want and that this country needs.”

“Public awareness of the importance of architecture has never been stronger,” Ms Hale-Pennington said, “and the challenges architects confront have seldom been more complex.”

“The rebuild of Christchurch, housing affordability and the related debate about more intensive urban development, and the regulatory environment affecting the construction industry are some of the issues facing New Zealand’s architects.”

“Complex issues require collaborative solutions,” Ms Hale-Pennington said, “and the NZIA wants to contribute fully to the efforts to provide New Zealanders with safe, sustainable and enjoyable built environments.”

Ms Hale-Pennington paid tribute to Beverley McRae, her predecessor as NZIA Chief Executive.

“Beverley was the Institute’s Chief Executive for 14 years, and over that time she made a significant contribution to the architectural profession and to the construction industry,” Ms Hale-Pennington said.

Ms Hale-Pennington takes up her position as NZIA Chief Executive on 2 April.

ENDS

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