WAM to proudly represent Aotearoa on the global stage at WAF 2025

This year’s festival will take place in Miami Beach this November, centred around the theme “Hearts and Minds” - a call for architecture that resonates both emotionally and intellectually. It's a theme that speaks directly to the intent behind our shortlisted projects, which demonstrate how design can shape culture and community while meeting the highest international standards of technical performance.

“This recognition reflects the vision and commitment of our clients - the University of Auckland, and Dexus in partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs - to deliver world-class social and cultural infrastructure,” says Warren and Mahoney Head of Design Blair Johnston.

“These projects also showcase the outstanding creative and technical talent within New Zealand’s design and construction industries, which continue to raise the bar on the global stage. We look forward to sharing these stories at the World Architecture Festival in November.”
 

Hiwa Recreation Centre – Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland – Designed by Warren and Mahoney in association with MJMA Toronto

Hiwa is a transformative project that redefines the university experience. Conceived as a world-class hub for student wellbeing, Hiwa integrates physical activity, mental health, and social connection into an eight-storey vertical facility at the heart of the City Campus.

Driven by evidence-based research linking recreation with academic success, Hiwa is both a response to student needs and an investment in their long-term wellbeing. 
Hiwa offers an expansive programme of recreation and wellness spaces in an innovative vertical configuration: a below-ground aquatic hall, squash courts, group fitness areas, weight and cardio facilities, dance and yoga studios, a rock-climbing wall, multi-purpose sports halls, a major show court with spectator seating, and rooftop turf and relaxation spaces. 

These functions are seamlessly connected by a continuous vertical fitness circuit, comprising stairs and mezzanine and rooftop running tracks, ensuring activity and movement is on display.

Named after Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the Matariki star of aspiration, the centre embodies ambition and transformation. At its core, Hiwa responds to the University’s strategic goal of enhancing campus life and fostering a strong, engaged student community. 

It elevates the University’s infrastructure, offering world-class amenities that attracts students and contributes to Auckland’s status as a globally competitive education destination.  Learn more. 
 

Archives New Zealand – Designed by Warren and Mahoney in association with Tihei for Dexus (Tennant - Archives New Zealand - Department of Internal Affairs NZ)

Archives New Zealand is a legacy project of national significance, designed to house the nation’s most important documentary heritage. Located in Wellington’s Parliamentary Precinct, the building is a powerful architectural expression of identity and resilience.

By physically connecting Archives to the National Library of New Zealand a cohesive ‘heritage campus’ has been created—one that fosters enhanced collaboration, eliminates redundancies, and boosts the overall effectiveness of both institutions in serving Aotearoa.

The design elevates archive’s role and presence in the city. Five levels of highly technical, climate-controlled storage spaces sit above a a carefully considered public interface, and new public plaza encouraging connection between community and taonga.

Developed by Dexus, designed by Warren and Mahoney in close partnership with Tihei and delivered by an extended team of consultants, contractors, trades, and government stakeholders, the project represents a rare fusion of resilience, innovation, and cultural expression. Archives New Zealand celebrates the capabilities of local experts who have delivered a significant piece of New Zealand’s civic and cultural infrastructure with global relevance. It is function-led, yet deeply symbolic, where architecture safeguards memory, and engineering meets identity. Learn more. 

About the World Architecture Festival

WAF is the world’s largest live-judged architectural awards program. Each shortlisted project is presented in person to a panel of internationally respected judges, fostering open critique, transparency and rigorous design dialogue across 17 live judging rooms. This year, WAF will be hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center from 12-14 November.