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New Zealand architecture draws heavily from the crude but intelligent styles as practiced by the Maori and Pakeha tribes. The native Maoris would fashion out structures with material such as wattle frames, stone slabs and daub like plaster. With the advent of the settlers, European and American influences reared their head and vastly changed the architectural scenario in New Zealand. Early residences were confined to simple wooden cottage like structures with an open porch or verandah. Around the late 1800s the Georgian style of architecture was the rage and most of the constructions were wooden. The 20th century architects were won over by brick and plaster and buildings such as the Auckland Town Hall are prominent examples. The later part of 1800 brought about a great synthesis of the indigenous architectural styles of New Zealand and the western schools. The natives took to architecture and gave a free reign to their imagination and creative spirits; the result being, spectacular high rises and international applause. Much has also been done to promote architecture and architects in New Zealand. An institution called the New Zealand Institute of Architects incorporated has been established and represents almost 85% of the structural designers and architects of the country. It is dedicated to improving architectural education and the facilities and infrastructure available to architects of New Zealand.
Some of the famous structures that speak of New Zealand's free spirit and architectural innovativeness are:
- Sky Tower, New Zealand is the tallest tower in the southern part of the globe. This 328m tall structure offers a view in the radius of about 80 km surrounding it. - Westpac Rugby Stadium can accommodate about 34,500 spectators and boasts of the finest amenities possible for such a large crowd. Amyas Connell, Basil Ward, Bill Alington, Bill Toomath, Edmund Anscombe, Ian Athfield, Jim Beard, John Swan, Louis Hay, Peter Beaven, Ratana, Roger Walker and Rua Kenana are among the noted New Zealand architects.
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