26 Jun 2026
University engineering enrolments have grown by more than half, while annual graduate numbers have nearly doubled, a new report reveals.
The Engineering New Zealand report, released today, analysed trends in accredited Bachelor of Engineering with Honours BE(Hons) programmes across New Zealand universities from 2013 to 2023. Enrolments increased by 58 percent and graduate numbers rose by 80 percent over the period.
The report shows encouraging growth but it’s insufficient to resolve the country’s long-term engineering skills shortage.
Engineering New Zealand Chief Executive Dr Richard Templer says that Aotearoa will struggle to address its infrastructure deficit without enough engineers.
“It’s estimated we need between 1,500 and 2,300 additional engineers every year to meet demand and support resilience, innovation and economic growth.
“Our long-term skills issue is compounded by an ageing workforce, as well as engineers leaving for opportunities overseas and job losses due to the recent economic downturn.”
New data from ACE New Zealand shows, over the past two years, engineering firms have lost 1,350 people through redundancy and 596 have gone overseas.
“These job losses and lack of prospects for engineering graduates will lead to a workforce shortage when infrastructure and construction spending picks back up,” Templer says.
Infrastructure is one of the biggest issues for this year’s general election.
“Funding it is one challenge; having the workforce to deliver it is another,” Templer says. “A more consistent, bi-partisan approach to infrastructure planning would help to address both.”
The findings also show a positive shift in graduate diversity, with Māori and women graduate numbers more than doubling between 2013 and 2023, and Pasifika graduate numbers tripling over the same period.
However, Māori, Pasifika and women remain underrepresented in the engineering profession.
Engineering New Zealand and its industry partners are working to address this.
The Matata Initiative, part of the Engineering New Zealand Foundation, is offering more than $1 million in funding over the next three years to support Māori and Pasifika rangatahi into engineering and technology careers.
The Wonder Project, Engineering New Zealand’s free programme for schools, has worked with over 2,000 volunteer engineers to inspire 160,000 ākonga with science, technology, engineering and maths.
“An engineering workforce that reflects the communities it serves is critical to delivering better outcomes for New Zealand,” Templer says.
“We’re seeing real progress, but there is more work to do.”
Engineering New Zealand supports continued investment in engineering education and stronger long-term workforce planning to ensure the country can meet future demand.
“This needs to happen alongside long-term planning for New Zealand’s infrastructure pipeline so engineering firms have the certainty to hire and invest with confidence, and we have offered our expertise to support this work,” Templer says.
Notes to Reporters:
Engineering New Zealand is New Zealand's professional body for engineers, representing over 23,000 members. We represent – and regulate – our members. We also act as the Registration Authority for Chartered Professional Engineers.
The estimated need for 1,500 to 2,300 additional engineers each year to meet industry demands and support ongoing economic growth is based on a PwC report commissioned by Engineering New Zealand that was delivered in 2020 and updated in 2021.
The Matata Initiative was launched by the Engineering New Zealand Foundation in 2023 with funding from Professors Dick and Mary Earle. It aims to lift the numbers of Māori and Pasifika young people who undertake four-year degrees in engineering or technology and go on to launch professional careers in those industries.
The Wonder Project is a free programme for schools funded by industry partners and supported by thousands of volunteer engineers. It provides curriculum-aligned programmes for year 5 – 13 ākonga aimed at encouraging them to engage with STEM subjects. You can learn more about its impact on The Wonder Project website.
The Engineering New Zealand Foundation was established in 2002 to support Engineering New Zealand’s current and future members with their careers and wellbeing.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact media@engineeringnz.org or 021 211 8100.
