9 Dec 2021
As the year draws to a close, we look back at all we've accomplished in 2021 – we couldn't have done any of it without you.
Covid-19 continues to sweep the globe, and people are facing unprecedented amounts of stress and uncertainty. At a personal level, many are struggling with significant changes to their way of life and measures to protect themselves and loved ones, while others may have had a friend or family member who has been affected by the virus – or been affected by it themselves.
Businesses and their employees have also been impacted. While the economic stimulus has been positive, getting skilled workers across our borders has become more difficult.
Still, we have much to celebrate this year. And we couldn’t have done it without you.
Nearly 350 members attained chartership and 380 were successful in reassessment. Many technical groups have provided crucial expertise to inform and improve engineering practice, as well as delivering critical projects to advise MBIE and Waka Kotahi. The profession’s credibility was further strengthened with more than 50 firms attending the second Diversity Agenda Accord summit in May. You’ve also helped us strengthen our accreditation systems and resolve more than 50 complaints.
You connected with your peers and with us in record numbers, at over 400 events hosted by branches, Groups, Students and Young Engineers, groups and staff – the majority of which were held successfully online.
You helped influence our submission on MBIE’s proposal for occupational regulation, something our profession has long called for. This year we made 12 formal submissions to government on behalf of the engineering profession.
In March, we recognised six distinguished fellows, 28 fellows and two honorary fellows, for their significant contribution to the profession. In July, we recognised an incredible array of projects in our second ever industry awards, the ENVIs. We launched the inaugural Engineering Heritage Award, with the New Ōpaoa Bridge in Blenheim emerging as winner.
More than 3,000 of you took part in our professional development courses. We were thrilled with the support shown when we launched Engineering Climate Action last month – already about 30 of you said you’re keen to be part of our Climate Action Engineers Directory – and over 500 STEM professionals volunteered as Ambassadors for the Wonder Project (helping 24,000 Kiwi kids get excited about science, technology, engineering and maths).
As we all move through these challenging times together, we want to thank you for your continued support. We are indebted to more than 2000 volunteers, without whom we could not have made such incredible progress on our goals.
As well as these accomplishments, members have shown huge commitment to supporting the profession’s response to Covid-19 – as well as making sure colleagues, families and communities are cared for. It’s been one heck of a year, and it hasn’t been easy.
From all of us here at Te Ao Rangahau Engineering New Zealand, best wishes for the festive season. We hope you get the time to yourself and your loved ones that you so deserve.
Watch our video recap of 2021
