Kaiārahi connects Ara architecture students with industry mentors

_{Colin McKean a mentor from Field Studio presents at the pilot launch}

There was a buzz in the third-floor studio at Ara's Kahukura building this week as architecture ākonga (students) gathered alongside some of Canterbury's leading architects for the launch of a new mentoring initiative.

The NZIA Ara Kaiārahi – Architecture Mentoring Pilot 2026 pairs ten Bachelor of Architectural Studies ākonga with mentors from Canterbury architectural practices.

The programme takes its name from kaiārahi - someone who walks alongside and guides others - reflecting the mentoring relationships at the heart of the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of ākonga, Jake Sionemale, Ara's NZIA Student Representative, said the mentoring programme broke new ground.

“When it comes to internships, a lot of people find it difficult to even approach an architect. So, this is a really great first step for those joining this pilot and a true point of difference for Ara," he said.

The launch was opened by NZIA's Huia Reriti, a strong supporter of the initiative, and attracted a large turnout of students from across Ara's architecture programmes, alongside mentors and Ara kaimahi (staff).

Before mentor and mentee pairings were revealed, each architect shared a building that had inspired them, offering a glimpse into the experiences and passions that shaped their own careers.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for as the draw was made and the first connections formed.

NZIA representative Charlie Nott said kaiārahi would help break down barriers between education and industry. He said learners would connect one-on-one with their mentors but also spend time in their studios as projects evolved.

"We want to share our experience but also learn from students' ideas and different ways of looking at the world.

"We also want them to see there's no single path into architecture. Whether you're working from a kitchen table or part of a large practice, there are many ways to build a rewarding career. It's important that students feel confident following their passions rather than feeling constrained by what they think the industry should look like."

Principal Academic for Architecture Bernadette Muir said the enthusiasm shown by mentors and industry partners had helped bring the programme to life.

"Every programme starts with people willing to have a go. We hope this is the beginning of a long and successful collaboration and that future Ara students will look back and recognise this inaugural cohort helped create something lasting."

Ara Dean of Faculty for Applied Technologies Peter Sauer thanked the NZIA and mentors for helping create new opportunities for Ara learners.

"We're grateful to all those who have come on board to support this initiative.

"Sometimes students can place architects on a pedestal, but this programme creates time and space for meaningful connections with the real people behind the profession."

While Kaiārahi Architecture Mentoring begins as a pilot, there’s strong enthusiasm from Ara, NZIA and participating practices for it to become a lasting feature of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies experience.

By connecting students with mentors as they begin their professional journeys, the programme aims to strengthen and invigorate the architecture profession for years to come.