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Welcome David Kernohan

David Kernohan has joined the Department as the Principal Adviser on Building and Housing Sector Policy. 

David Kernohan

David is an architect and former Dean of the Victoria University School of Architecture. Since 2000 he has run Architecture Diagnostics, a consultancy firm specialising in architectural research, building performance and building heritage conservation. The most recent of his five books on architecture, Wairarapa Buildings, was published late last year.

In 2003 David was a member (with Don Hunn and Ian Bond) of the Weathertightness Overview Group that produced the Hunn Report. 

David views taking on the position with the Department as 'an opportunity to see the process through full circle'. His wideranging role will include:

  • helping develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the building and housing sector
  • placing that understanding in the context of government-wide policy-making
  • giving advice on how best to address building and housing sector issues and what government can do to improve the performance of the sector
  • supporting the establishment of appropriate monitoring, research and evaluation procedures.

Initial tasks include providing policy advice on the Chief Executive's Advisory Panel, the building practitioners licensing regime, the Architects Registration Board and sector monitoring processes.

In addition to his responsibilities with the Department, David will maintain his commitments to the development of Wellington's waterfront. He chaired the Wellington City Council's Waterfront Development Sub-committee for 3 years and is now a Director of Wellington Waterfront Limited.

In 1996 David and his wife Christine took over the Gladstone Vineyard in the Wairarapa. Christine is managing director and wine-maker, producing award-winning wine, while David applies himself to quality assurance.