Submissions on Government initiated programmes are one of the ways we ensure the voice of engineers is considered. Engineering New Zealand responds to these proposals by utilising the expertise of our members to help shape Government policy.

We’re following these topics closely and this page will be regularly updated.

We’re also working on other important topics beyond these consultations (such as the long-term engineering skills shortage).

We welcome your input to help shape our responses. If you're interested in getting involved, please get in touch with us at advocacy@engineeringnz.org

Government is now seeking feedback on the following issues:

Consultation

Closing date

Notes

Consultation Vocational education reform

Closing date Ongoing

Notes Consultation on the vocational education network and the needs for each sector is ongoing.

Learn more about the Vocational Education Reform

Government will soon be seeking feedback on a range of important issues, including:

Consultation

Expected due date for consultation

Notes

Consultation Resource Management Act- Replacement legislation

Expected due date for consultation Second half of 2025

Notes The Government is proposing to replace the RMA with two new laws. One focussed on managing the environmental effects and the other to enable urban development and infrastructure.  

Legislation is expected to be passed into law by mid-2026.

Consultation Public Works Act Review

Expected due date for consultation Late 2025

Notes The Government is expected to introduce legislation to make broad amendments to the Public Works Act. Changes will focus on modernising the law, improving landowner engagement, and introduce new tools to support disaster recovery – while protecting property rights and ensuring the Crown and councils can deliver for New Zealanders.

Consultation Building- proportionate liability and consent authority structure

Expected due date for consultation Early 2026

Notes Legislation will be introduced to move to a proportionate liability model. We expect this to include options to enhance the role of private insurance and look at options to reform BCA structure to drive consistency, certainty and efficiency in the building consenting system.

Consultation Building - self-certification scheme

Expected due date for consultation 2026

Notes There is likely to be targeted consultation”, add in “this may be included in the legislation to move to proportionate liability

Consultation Earthquake-Prone Building and Seismic Risk Management Review

Expected due date for consultation Mid 2025- 2026

Notes Consultation document expected. 

The purpose of the Review is to ensure seismic risk in existing buildings is being managed effectively and in a workable, proportionate way.

Consultation Science Sector Reforms

Expected due date for consultation Second half of 2025

Notes The review centres on the Science Advisory Group’s recommendations to strengthen New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology sector. 

Legislation to be introduced (likely quarter 2).

Consultation University Advisory Group

Expected due date for consultation Late 2025

Notes The review centres on the University Advisory Group’s advice on improving New Zealand’s university system, focusing on equity, the Performance Base Research Fund, and international education. Advice will inform policy changes. 

The Group is expected to deliver its final report to Government by April 2025. 

This will be published once Cabinet has considered it (likely end of 2025/early 2026).

Consultation Going for Housing Growth

Expected due date for consultation Late 2025

Notes Legislation is expected to be introduced in late 2025. 

This programme is made up of three pillars: 
– Freeing up land for urban development, including removing unnecessary planning barriers. 
– Improving infrastructure funding and financing to support urban growth. 
– Providing incentives for communities and councils to support growth.

Consultation Fire Safety Review

Expected due date for consultation 2026

Notes The review aims to ensure that fire safety in the Building Code achieves the purpose and principles of the Building Act 2004.  

It is likely that MBIE will consult on options to address the issues they consulted on in December 2024.

Consultation Health and Safety Reform

Expected due date for consultation Late 2025

Notes The Government is reforming the health and safety system. The reform aims to clarify duties, reduce regulatory overlap, and adjust compliance requirements for small, low-risk businesses by focusing on critical risks.

Legislation is expected to be introduced before the end of 2025 and passed in early 2026.