18 Mar 2020
We are taking the unfolding and fast-changing coronavirus situation very seriously. Our top priority is to support our engineers.
It's a time for us all to pull together – to protect our community and the people who are vulnerable. At Engineering New Zealand we’ll be playing our part in flattening the curve, which will affect how we do our work.
Read the latest Government updates
The Government has announced unprecedented support
Yesterday's Government announcement covered wage subsidies, leave payment and tax relief for businesses.
See what's available and how to apply
Is your business prepared?
Our auditors Grant Thornton have developed some guidance to help businesses as well as a checklist for building a disaster response plan that they're happy for us to share.
Download Grant Thornton disaster response plan checklist | 1.6 MB
For many engineers, supply-chain issues are becoming a key concern. Consultancy McKinsey has put out a briefing note designed to help leaders understand and prepare for Covid-19. It includes a list of supply-chain actions you should consider, both now and in the medium term.
Download McKinsey briefing note | 1.4 MB
Fellows' Dinner postponed
We've made the difficult decision to put off the Fellows' Dinner on 27 March, which would bring together well over a hundred people from around the country.
This evening is all about celebrating and congratulating outstanding achievements – the last thing we want is for people to feel anxious about attending. It doesn't feel like the right time to celebrate. We’ll look to reschedule the dinner later in the year, so that we can properly recognise these outstanding engineers.
Check out our list of achievers
Attend our AGM remotely
Our AGM will now be via remote attendance only. This means wherever you are in New Zealand, you’ll be able to watch and engage with the AGM via webinar – and you’ll also be able to vote remotely.
On Friday 27 March, all paid members will receive a link via email to join the AGM, which will be held at 3.30pm.
Local events continue as usual for now
At Engineering New Zealand, rather than travel we are meeting virtually where we can, partly to help practise for potential disruption. Changing behaviours now will help us be ready.
We're also keeping a close eye on Government advice around events. Your professional development and opportunities to connect with peers are really important, so we intend to keep offering face-to-face courses and small events as long as it's appropriate and safe. This means working closely with our facilitators and branch and technical group committees, and regularly reassessing the situation.
We are working with our venues and suppliers to ensure the highest standards with regards to any cleaning, sanitisation and catering.
We're also asking people not to attend any course or event if they feel unwell.
If we cancel or postpone something, or you're no longer able to attend, we will work with you to manage any paid registrations.
We are also exploring how we can bring a lot of what we offer to you online.
How can we support you?
What are you most concerned about right now and how can we help? Our top priority is supporting members, and this means understanding what would help you the most. Please let us know.
Email us at hello@engineeringnz.org with the subject line "Covid-19 response" and tell us what you need.
