The Government has approved dam safety regulations for the safe management of dams after construction, to reduce potential impacts to people, property, and the environment. The regulations commence in 2024.
Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau, as the Registration Authority for Chartered Professional Engineers, is developing a framework for assessing and registering Recognised Engineers to support compliance with the new dam safety regulations.
Under the regulations, engineers will be registered to audit and certify potential impact classifications (PIC) and/or dam safety assurance programmes (DSAP).
Engineers will be registered as Recognised Engineers of one or both types. Recognised Engineers must also be Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng). Recognised Engineers will be registered as RecEng PIC, RecEng DSAP, or RecEng PIC/DSAP.
Together with the New Zealand Society on Large Dams (NZSOLD), and supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), we’re working to develop the framework for the required Recognised Engineer qualifications and competencies to be assessed.
We’re nearing the end of the development stage, having tested and validated the framework, and trained Practice Area Assessors who will assist with future assessments. It’s expected that a small pool of Recognised Engineers will be registered in April. We’ll then also develop the final assessment guidance.
It’s intended that Engineers will then be able to apply to be assessed and registered as Recognised Engineers from 1 May 2023. The application and assessment process will use the same method and tools as the CPEng assessment process. Further information on the application process will be posted on this webpage in April. In the meantime, it is suggested that any prospective applicants familiarise themselves with the following publications:
Registered Recognised Engineers will be published on our online register from late April.
This page will be progressively updated through March and April. In the meantime, see MBIE's infographic for the timeline and actions required of dam owners, engineers, and regional authorities or email us to find out more.
