10 Jul 2025
Engineering is a fast moving, technical and complex profession. That’s why staying connected to like-minded engineers on topics you love, accessing relevant resources and getting guidance from experts is crucial to your success.
One of the best ways to enhance your professional engineering journey is belonging to a Group in the field or area you’re passionate about.
Technical Interest Groups (TIGs) and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are part of Engineering New Zealand; advocating for their members on specific fields of engineering or interest areas. Collaborating Technical Societies (CTS’) and Affiliated Groups are also part of the mix – you might find your field of engineering falls under one of these entities.
Either way, Engineering New Zealand works with these Groups as technical and community engagement experts to promote good practice in engineering. You don’t have to be a member of Engineering New Zealand to be part of a Group – however it’s wise to join both for deep industry knowledge.
Think of Engineering New Zealand as your professional home – providing a national voice, recognition and standards, continuing professional development (CPD), plus volunteering and networking opportunities. Groups are your technical or special interest home – providing a community of engineers with shared interests, specialist insights and focused resources and discussions
Catherine Hemi. Image: Supplied
Catherine Hemi reflects on her membership with the Society of Construction Contract Practitioners (SCCP). “There has been a real buzz around the updated contract over the past 18 months. With the establishment of the SCCP, there is great alignment here with what industry people are wanting in terms of professional recognition, development, and support. Being part of the SCCP community is a fantastic opportunity to upskill myself and be supported by other senior professionals. It’s exciting times.”
Being part of a Group helps you feel connected to your engineering discipline, build your skills, learn from experts and give back to your peers by sharing your knowledge.
Sulo Shanmuganathan, Chief Engineer, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), shared an example of this in action, “NZTA is looking forward to working in collaboration with Bridge Engineering Technical Society (BETS) as it grows and flourishes to become an enduring professional body. One of the standout features of BETS is its ability to provide a strong and unified voice for the bridge engineering sector in New Zealand. This unified voice will be instrumental in a wide variety of ways, including identifying issues, facilitating effective information sharing and engaging with other parts of the industry. I congratulate the founding committee for its foresight and wish BETS well.”
One of the standout features of BETS is its ability to provide a strong and unified voice for the bridge engineering sector in New Zealand.
Ben Scott, a member of the New Zealand Timber Design Society (TDS) says the Society aims to promote the use of timber alongside steel and concrete by bringing together architects, suppliers, builders and engineers to share project and technical knowledge. “In particular, the TDS site visits are a great way to learn from industry leaders about the do’s and don’ts of timber design, and provide designers with the tools to propose and detail sensible, sustainable, and cost-effective timber structures.”
Matthew Boswell, Director, Panel Prop and Earthbolt Ltd, summarises the value he receives from belonging to the Temporary Works Forum. “Great to be involved in a forum where we can mix with skilled and enthusiastic experts in the temporary works space sharing their knowledge.”
One of the flagship events that many Groups host are their industry conferences that bring together inspiring speakers on the latest technical insights. Member feedback for the New Zealand Society on Large Dams (NZSOLD) 2025 Symposium said there was a good mix of learning, interesting content and networking. One member said, “great to have a selection of dam owner and regulator perspectives as well as technical specialists”.
Groups also update their members through topical and relevant content. A member of the Mechanical Engineering Group member said, “this is a perfect platform for the upcoming young breed to grow their skills and get knowledge in various aspects of the engineering industry”.
Learn more about the many Groups available to enhance your engineering career – and consider joining one today.
