AIA House achieves New Zealand’s first Fitwel certification
We’re proud to share that the recently refurbished AIA House at Smales Farm in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has achieved a Fitwel 2 Star Rating, becoming the first project in Aotearoa New Zealand to receive Fitwel certification. Fitwel is a world-leading healthy building standard that measures how workplaces support the physical and mental wellbeing of occupants.
AIA’s New Zealand head office recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to meet the needs of a modern, hybrid workforce. The shift to hybrid working prompted a consolidation from five to three floors for its 700+ team – an opportunity to reset workplace culture in a bespoke space aligned with AIA’s global brand and purpose.
As one of the world’s largest life insurers, AIA places strong emphasis on employee wellbeing – a commitment embedded throughout the workplace design. Spanning 7,000sqm, the refreshed interior reflects the brand’s core values through a high-performing, flexible environment offering a range of settings to support different modes of work.
With a reduced footprint, a dedicated social space was essential. A kitchen now forms the heart of the workplace, providing an expansive space for connection and cross-pollination between teams. Inspired by AIA Vitality – AIA’s science-backed health and wellbeing programme and a core offering of the life and health insurer – a ‘Vitality Trail’ weaves between floors, encouraging staff to move throughout the day and reinforcing AIA’s Purpose of ‘helping New Zealanders live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives’.
The Fitwel Standard is backed by over 7,000 peer-reviewed public health and economic research studies from academic institutions worldwide. The evidence is clear: every property influences the health and quality of life of its occupants and surrounding community, and as demand grows, assets that prioritise people continue to outperform in the market. The measures required to achieve Fitwel certification deliver positive health outcomes that extend beyond building occupants to the broader community, preventing workplace illness, while supporting social equity, wellbeing, safety and physical activity. The value is twofold for building owners and tenants: improved occupant performance, reduced absenteeism and greater tenant satisfaction, alongside more efficient, health-driven operating strategies.
Congratulations to our registered Fitwel practitioner and interior designer Patricia Trieu, who led the certification process, alongside graduate interior designer Chris Bentley. Special thanks to AIA’s People & Culture and Facilities Management teams for their collaboration, documentation support and partnership in creating a workplace focused on the health and wellbeing of staff.