The first engineering society in New Zealand was the Institute of Local Government Engineers, which was founded in 1912. In 1914 it merged with the New Zealand Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1913, which in 1982 became the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ). IPENZ is open to all engineering professionals.

The terms engineering profession, professional engineer, and professional engineering are used by IPENZ in the most general possible manner, to include all those who use a systematic process of analysis, design/synthesis, and implementation; strive to operate in a responsible way; are governed by a code of ethics set by their peers; and engage in continuing professional development to maintain the currency of their competence. IPENZ publishes the peer-reviewed print journals e.nz and Engineering treNz as well as the member newsletter, engineering dimension. Membership is currently about 9,000.

Because of New Zealand's unique geology—it is prone to floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions—IPENZ has a strong focus on natural hazard and risk management. It also supports a heritage project, whose goal is described on its web site as "To inspire and teach present and future generations by preserving the legacy of the past through the identification, maintenance and promotion of New Zealand's engineering heritage."

The IPENZ code of ethics, perhaps under the influence of Engineers for Social Responsibility, gives high priority to social and environmental responsibility; along with the Australian Institution of Professional Engineers, IPENZ was one of the first engineering societies to do so. While it would be incorrect to describe it as an activist organization, IPENZ has on occasion taken strong public stands on issues such as dam safety.

See Also

Australian and New Zealand Perspectives;; Professional Engineering Organizations.

Bibliography

Internet Resource

Institute for Professional Engineers New Zealand. Available from www.ipenz.org.nz.