Catholic buildings shortlisted in regional architecture awards

By CathNews New Zealand

April 21st, 2026

(Clearly/Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)

Several buildings on Catholic sites have been shortlisted for regional architecture awards throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Two Catholic projects in Hamilton were on the shortlist for the awards programme of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects.

These were the new Chanel Centre for Hamilton Diocese, which was shortlisted in the commercial architecture category, and the new Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary Hall, which was shortlisted in the public architecture category. Both projects were listed as being by Chibnall Buckle Team Architects.

The blessing and official opening of the new Chanel Centre took place on February 17, Shrove Tuesday.

The centre on Clyde Street in Hamilton East is in a Catholic precinct that includes the new hall, the cathedral, St Mary’s Chapel and Marian School, and is across the road from Sacred Heart Girls’ College.

There were 35 projects shortlisted overall in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regional awards.

Among the 30 projects shortlisted for the Wellington regional awards was a campus redevelopment at St Patrick’s College, Kilbirnie, by Designgroup Stapleton Elliott. This was named in the education category.

In the Canterbury regional awards shortlist, the Chapel of St Thérèse of Lisieux overlooking Lyttelton Harbour was named in the Public Architecture category. The private chapel, which is open to the public, was constructed in 2025 by Bull O’Sullivan Architecture as a gift to the people of Christchurch.

Regional architecture awards honour the best new architecture in each of the NZIA’s eight regional branches. Winners at the regional level may be considered for further honours at a national level. The regional winners will be announced in May and June.

FULL STORY

2026 Waikato & Bay of Plenty Shortlist (NZIA)

2026 Wellington Architecture Awards Shortlist (NZIA)

St Patrick’s College Learning Hub | Work // Mahi (Designgroup Stapleton Elliott)

2026 Canterbury Architecture Awards Shortlist (NZIA)

The Chapel of St. Thérèse of Lisieux / Bull O’Sullivan Architecture (Archdaily)

Regional Architecture Awards (NZIA)