Can you help solve Aotearoa New Zealand’s housing affordability challenges? Entries are open for the 2026 F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship for Affordable Housing. 

The Fellowship's purpose is "to promote creative design thinking, problem solving and new ideas and approaches to significant unmet housing needs across Aotearoa New Zealand through a self-directed research and design project."

This Fellowship invites architects and design professionals from Aotearoa New Zealand to explore how architecture can help address one of today’s most pressing challenges: housing affordability.

The recipient(s) will embark on a self-directed research project supported with $20,000.

Submissions must be received by 12 June 2026.

Applications for the Fellowship:

• Must be a graduate of a programme in architecture or related field, such as landscape architecture, urban design, planning, public policy, engineering and/or similar

• Can be submitted by an individual or a team (collaboration)

• Must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens and/or permanent residents

• Must be able to be completed over no more than 12 months and must begin within six months of receipt of the award letter

Full details on the entry requirements can be found here.

Entries for the Fellowship can be emailed to Eryn Townsend at etownsend@nzia.co.nz.

About the F. Gordon Wilson Fellowship for Affordable Housing

This Fellowship seeks to promote creative design thinking, problem solving, and new ideas and approaches to significant unmet housing needs across Aotearoa New Zealand through a self-directed research and design project. The programme cultivates new housing leaders who contribute to the ongoing transformation of affordable housing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This Fellowship offers an opportunity for engaged professionals to explore new ways of approaching housing needs for the consideration of decision makers. It is hoped that innovative approaches will ultimately influence design outcomes and the overall wellbeing of people and communities.

Click to see the 2025 winner and shortlisted submissions.