Te Kāhui Whaihanga is pleased to welcome Judith as our President, bringing almost 40 years professional experience to this role.

Judith is an Auckland-based associate at Context Architects. As well as her extensive work as an architect, including multi-storey construction projects, seismic upgrades and refurbishment of heritage buildings. She has been chair of the Wellington branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga, served as a member of the former Architects Education and Registration Board (now the New Zealand Registered Architects Board) and has been a New Zealand Registered Architects Board assessor.

She was Building Projects Manager, then Group Manager, for Parliamentary Services, before joining Context Architects, where she is Associate of Professional Development.

Judith is the fourth woman president of Te Kāhui Whaihanga since it was founded in 1905.

Judith is keen to tackle the role as the profession of architecture faces a myriad of challenges.

“I am excited and honoured to be taking on the role as President.”

“With climate change arguably, the biggest challenge ever faced by the profession, our members and the public will be looking to the Institute for leadership, support and a commitment to effect change. That makes this an exciting time to take on the role of President - a significant responsibility that I do not take lightly.”

“For me, architecture is the perfect profession, with its combination of arts and science. In a single day it can take you from a building site to a board room. Few careers offer such stimulation and variety. Every day is a new challenge.”

Teena Hale Pennington, Chief Executive of Te Kāhui Whaihanga, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Judith as President. Judith brings decades of expertise to the role. I know she will be a positive and effective leader across the entire Institute.”

“I also want to thank Judi Keith-Brown for her tireless work as our President for the past two years.”

“She has guided us during the challenges of the pandemic and left us stronger for it.”