Hi Laila,

thank you for reaching out.
You could look for an architect willing to design with the updated earth building standards. Or someone familiar, there are a number around the country, however, I don’t know of one in Wellington. There are two in Nelson nearby (Peter Olorenshaw and Graeme North). Feel free to contact me personally to discuss options further: elizabeth@designmake.co.nz I’m working for an eco architect in Southland.
There are some earth builders in the Kapiti Coast who are running some courses (Tom and Blue). The earth building standards are your best place to start, and coming to our annual conference to network. If you have a local licensed builder who is keen on using them, that’s great. They may want to come to our EBANZ conference coming up in early November in Nelson to talk to others. There is the option of being an owner builder. Sol Design based in Geraldine (near Christchurch) offer courses on straw bale house building aimed for people wanting to build their own home.
If you would like to do your own workshop on your building site, we can help you promote it on our website and facebook page. You may be able to get a natural builder to visit and get your local builders started.
thanks,
Elizabeth