Our priorities for the new government

Skills shortages

Aotearoa needs at least 2,300 new engineers every year to sustain its economic development but currently is only graduating 2,000 annually who will work in the profession – and that number is decreasing. We challenge this Government to invest and focus on STEM in education, as well as immigration settings that continue to recognise and respond to market demand. We also want to see reinstated funding for the Wonder Project, which inspires New Zealand’s next generation of engineers and other STEM graduates.

Occupational regulation 

Previously, we have supported Government to drive regulatory change for its role in enhancing accountability and public safety. Our focus now will be to strengthen the Chartered Professional Engineer regulations to achieve the outcomes of occupational regulation but with minimal disruption. 

Infrastructure pipeline

Infrastructure serves society’s long-term needs. We need certainty over projects, including bipartisan agreement. We advocate for independent oversight of projects; that engineers be involved for expert input; that centralised resources are leveraged; and that procurement includes terms and conditions that enable improved long-term outcomes.

Reforms

System reform is needed in numerous areas in which our profession serves clients and communities. In particular we support the need for water reform, RMA reform and building system reform that optimises outcomes, using whatever levers are deemed most appropriate. We believe strong direction from central Government, coupled with better clarity of roles, resources and accountabilities within local government, would help considerably.

Resilience

Designing for a resilient Aotearoa depends on properly understanding the risk of natural hazard. Our profession has a huge role in enabling this understanding and its implementation. In particular, we want to engage with work on the Emergency Management System, the Building Act and Building Code, and earthquake-prone buildings.

Climate Change 

Engineering New Zealand has a firm position on climate change. We must be part of the conversation on investments, adaptive infrastructure that provides for tomorrow’s world, and regulation enabling development that is much more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

Transport

The Transportation Group also provided a briefing on their priorities for transport, including the need to: understand EVs and technology cannot achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050; properly consider regional travel needs; ensure funding is increased and dependable; ensure the benefits of people using alternatives to cars is realised; appreciate that interventions to reducing road casualties are available, measurable and impactful.

Cover letters