Webinar: Fire Engineering Fundamentals for Designers
Thu, 5 Nov 2026 - 14:00 – Thu, 5 Nov 2026 - 15:00
A lunchtime introduction to fire design principles every architect and designer should know.
Kia ora — the professional home for Aotearoa's built environment
Tōtara Institute brings together architects, planners, engineers and building surveyors to learn, connect and shape better places for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Supporting practice, from first project to fellowship
CPD that counts
Workshops, webinars and short courses that keep your registration current and your practice sharp.
Annual conference
Three days of ideas, debate and whanaungatanga with peers from across the motu.
Site visits
See the work up close: hosted tours of notable projects, from mass timber to seismic retrofits.
A voice on policy
We make submissions on building, planning and infrastructure law on behalf of our members.
Upcoming events
CPD workshops, site visits, webinars and the annual conference. Members register online in a couple of clicks.
Members' Breakfast: Meet Your New Council
Thu, 12 Nov 2026 - 09:30 – Thu, 12 Nov 2026 - 11:00
Start the day with coffee, pastries and the six members elected to Council this year. Bring your questions about the Institute's priorities for 2027. Free for members and their guests.
CPD Workshop: The Building Code Amendments Explained
Thu, 19 Nov 2026 - 15:00 – Thu, 19 Nov 2026 - 18:30
A practical afternoon on what the latest Building Code changes mean for design, documentation and consenting.
Latest news
Kia ora to our newest members
Forty-two architects, planners, engineers and surveyors joined the Institute this quarter. Here is who they are and how to connect.
Conference 2027 registrations now open
Building for a Changing Climate comes to Ōtautahi Christchurch on 18 March 2027. Early-bird pricing ends 30 November.
New CPD framework takes effect on 1 April 2027
The Council has approved a simpler CPD framework: 30 points a year, with at least ten from structured learning.
Join more than 3,000 built environment professionals
From students and graduates to fellows and firms, there is a membership category for every stage of your career. Members get CPD tracking, event discounts, the member directory and a say in how the profession is regulated.
Career opportunities
Roles from employers across the sector, posted by members and partners.
Building Surveyor
- Organisation
- Mātai Building Consultants (fictional)
- Location
- Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
- Applications close
Assess commercial and residential buildings across the Waikato for a growing building consultancy. Company vehicle provided.
Graduate Structural Engineer
- Organisation
- Kahikatea Structures (fictional)
- Location
- Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Applications close
Join a friendly Christchurch practice designing schools, health buildings and seismic upgrades. Mentoring towards CPEng included.
Senior Urban Planner
- Organisation
- Pūriri Planning Partners (fictional)
- Location
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Applications close
Lead resource consent and plan change work for a growing Auckland planning consultancy. Hybrid working and a four-day-week option.
“Good places are never the work of one profession. The Institute is where architects, planners, engineers and surveyors learn to build them together.”
Already a member?
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