I feel confident in commenting on issues of architecture and urban design in New Zealand.   Our profession is characterised by large egos and a belief in self infallibility.  Few will admit it - but architecture and urban development are subject to fashion - we just clothe them in architectural rhetoric! 
This often results in personal gratification and sycophantic journalists embellishing misleading, but beautiful selected photographic images.
Having said that, some developments do achieve qualities that should withstand the test of time. 
How to achieve them is the issue! 
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