[1] The organisation was founded in 1905 and is committed to supporting members by providing ongoing professional training and material and services that are essential to their work.

It's to do with identity.”[5] In 2017, representatives of the Institute and Ngā Aho, the society of Māori design professionals, signed Te Kawenata o Rata, a covenant that formalises an ongoing relationship of co-operation between the two groups.

[2] Current Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects Board Past presidents include Judith Taylor (2022–2024) and Judi Keith-Brown (2020–2022).

In 2022, the Institute introduced the John Sutherland Practice Award to honour individuals, groups, or collectives for their influence and impact on architecture.

As of 2024, the distinguished fellows are Brian Aitken, Nick Bevin, Richard Harris, Maurice Mahoney, Anne Salmond, Graeme Scott, Julie Stout, John Sutherland, and Christina van Bohemen.