Highlights of the evolution over the past two decades of a seismic design strategy, used in New Zealand for reinforced concrete buildings, are reviewed. After a brief outline of some philosophical concepts of the capacity design methodology, the main features of its application with respect to ductile rigid jointed frames, structural walls and hybrid structural systems are sketched. Another aim of this strategy, complementary to ductility requirements, is to strive for high quality in detailing. Numerous examples are presented to illustrate how this can be achieved. A specific intent of this state of the art review is to report on features of design and detailing which are considered to have originated primarily in New Zealand.