New Zealand Registered Architects Board - member
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On behalf of the Minister for Building and Construction, the Ministry is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment to the New Zealand Registered Architects Board.
About the Board
The New Zealand Registered Architects Board (the Board) is a body corporate, established under section 47 of the Registered Architects Act 2005 (the Act), to carry out three main regulatory functions: registration, continued registration (i.e. ensuring registered architects maintain competence and professionalism in their career) and complaints and discipline.
The Act provides a registration framework and protects the title of ‘registered architect’ for those who meet the minimum standards to be registered. Registered architects are bound by a code of ethics and are accountable for their work through a complaints and disciplinary process, administered by the Board.
The Board comprises six to eight members, four of which are nominated by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects and four other persons recommended by the responsible Minister. All members are appointed by the responsible Minister. Members can serve terms of up to five years.
Objectives and functions
The Board’s role is to decide who can be, and who can continue to be a Registered Architect. The Board is responsible for the development and administration of rules about competency standards, ethics, and complaints and discipline of members of the profession.
The Board’s functions are to:
- make rules relating to registered architects that are prepared and approved in accordance with the Act
- register architects who have been assessed as competent to practice independently
- maintain an online register, so the public can confirm that an architect is registered
- review the competence of architects every five years
- receive, investigate, and hear complaints and, if need be, discipline architects
- provide information to the public about the registration system for registered architects.
The Board’s website (www.nzrab.org.nz(external link)) has further information about the Board and its activities.
Board membership
Collective and individual duties of Board members
The Board must:
- ensure the registration of architects is efficient and fair, and ensure Registered Architects maintain the skills and knowledge to remain competent
- ensure the titles ‘Registered Architect’ and ‘Architect’ are protected in terms of the Registered Architects Act 2005
- ensure the Board has a robust strategic planning process that plans and identifies opportunities for improving the registration and licensing system and disciplinary process
- appoints and manages the performance of the Chief Executive and monitors the performance of the organisation
- set the culture and tone of the organisation
- ensure complaints regarding architects are resolved in accordance with the requirements of the Registered Architects Act 2005 and the Registered Architects Rules 2006
- meet all obligations under relevant legislation, including reporting under the Registered Architects Act 2005.
Disciplinary Hearings
On occasion Board members are required to attend disciplinary proceedings. Attendance is shared by Board members, with a board quorum required per hearing. The time requirements for such proceedings are dependent on the nature of the charges, the required days set aside for the hearing, and the preparatory meetings and papers. Recent Disciplinary Hearings have ranged from 1-5 days, including report writing.
Remuneration and time commitment
The Board is expected to meet on average eight to fifteen times a year, including six full day Board meetings, short video conference meetings when required between formal meetings, one to two strategic planning days, some telephone conferences and disciplinary hearings. Members are paid an annual rate of $12,127, in accordance with Board classification as a Group 3a Level 5 entity under the Cabinet Fees Framework.
Person specifications
Specific skills
At this time, the Minister for Building and Construction is seeking candidates for a member role on the New Zealand Registered Architects Board, whose skills and experience align with the following:
- strong governance experience, including having previously served on Crown or private boards
- understanding of good regulatory practice, and experience with the duties and responsibilities associated with regulatory or disciplinary bodies
- proven ability to support the development and implementation of long-term organisational strategy
- developed relationship and stakeholder management experience
- ability to build and maintain a strong relationship with, and to gain the trust and confidence of, the profession
- financial acumen, including the ability to evaluate spending in Crown organisations and assess value for money
- knowledge of public accountability, machinery of government and New Zealand’s wider building and construction sector, including an appreciation of New Zealand’s architecture industry
Additional skills, experience and attributes
In addition to skills outlined for each role, the following would be advantageous to applicants:
- experience dealing with complex issues
- strong communication skills
- the ability to work effectively in a collegial environment
- experience recognising and managing conflicts of interest
- demonstrated leadership skills
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Additional information
For enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz