The NZIA will announce the top students of architecture in New Zealand for 2017 at the NZIA Central Innovation Student Design Awards presentation on Thursday 30 November, from 5.30pm - 7.30pm at the Grand Tearoom at the Heritage Hotel. Doors open 5.15pm.

The winners are chosen from among four finalists from each of the three schools of architecture – Victoria University, Unitec and University of Auckland. The finalists are in their final year (5th Year), and the presentation is a design project completed as part of their thesis year. To be selected as the top student is an outstanding achievement.

The work of all twelve finalists will be on display and the winner and the two other highly commended awards will be announced by the NZIA President Christina van Bohemen who heads the Judging panel comprising: the New Zealand Judge, Jon Rennie from Athfield Architects; and the Australian Judge, Rachel Neeson from the Sydney practice Neeson Murcutt Architects.

Before the awards ceremony, Rachel Neeson will give a short talk.

Registered Architects receive 5 CPD Points for attendance at this talk.

Registrations required (limited to 100 spaces).

This year's finalists are:

UNITEC - Department of Architecture

• Marisha Aya
• Andrew Frankum
• Hannah Stephensoon
• William Howse

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON - School of Architecture

• Ryan McCully
• Jessica Wright
• Stacey Mountfort
• Gerard Finch

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND - School of Architecture and Planning

• Lucy Vete
• LiWen Choy
• Mustafa Mora
• Ayla Raymond-Roberts

The venue will be also be open to members of the public on Thursday 30 November between 1.00-2.00pm to view the finalists’ exhibitions.