17 Sep 2026
Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau recently welcomed representatives from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to discuss shared challenges and opportunities facing the engineering profession.
The visit brought together leaders from both organisations to explore how stronger international connections can support engineers, communities and the advancement of technology for the benefit of society.
IEEE is one of the world's largest technical professional organisations, with approximately 500,000 members spanning more than 190 countries. Like Engineering New Zealand, it works to advance technology and engineering while supporting professionals, education, standards and innovation.
For engineers in Aotearoa New Zealand, relationships with international organisations such as IEEE create opportunities to share knowledge, learn from global practice and contribute local perspectives to conversations shaping the future of engineering.
Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Templer, General Manager Global Brett Williams and Member Experience and Engagement Manager Belinda with IEEE's Mary Ellen Randall, Grayson Randall, Leo Hwa Chiang, Dr Yi Mei and Dr Bach Nguyen during their visit to Te Whanganui ā Tara Wellington.
Discussions covered a range of topics that are increasingly important to the profession, including disaster recovery mahi, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and ethics, humanitarian engineering, education and accreditation, standards development, and STEM engagement.
Many of these challenges are shared internationally. Whether responding to natural hazards, navigating the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, or encouraging the next generation into engineering careers, there is significant value in learning from experiences across different countries and communities.
The visit also highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between professional engineering organisations. By strengthening connections across the global engineering community, organisations can help ensure engineers are equipped to respond to rapidly changing technologies, contribute to resilient communities and support sustainable outcomes.
Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Templer noted “It was remarkable to be able to discuss the differences and similarities between our two organisations. A key difference was that Mary fills a role that combines the titles of President Kennie and myself! A key similarity was both our organisations focus on AI and its impact on engineering and the world”.
Engineering New Zealand extends its thanks to IEEE President & Chief Executive Mary Ellen Randall, IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Board Chair Grayson Randall, IEEE Singapore Operations Director Leo Hwa Chiang, Dr Yi Mei and IEEE Fellow and Victoria University of Wellington senior lecturer Dr Bach Nguyen for sharing their insights and perspectives.
As technology and society continue to evolve, ongoing collaboration between organisations such as Engineering New Zealand and IEEE will help strengthen connections across the global engineering community and support engineers working to make a positive difference in people's lives.
Learn more about IEEE on the IEEE website.
