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 Expected closing date Notes

Consultation

Health and Safety Amendment Bill

Expected closing date

18 March 2026

Notes

This bill is intended to reduce unnecessary compliance costs, increase certainty for businesses and organisations about their obligations, and continue to reduce the incidence of workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.

The Education and Workforce Select Committee has now called for submissions. Submissions close 18 March 2026.

Engineering New Zealand will be submitting on this.

You can find more information or make a submission here.

Government will soon be seeking feedback on a range of important issues. 

In the next six months most of these issues will be via new draft legislation being introduced to Parliament and the Select Committee will seek comments from the public in the form of submissions. The list includes:

Consultation

Expected due date for consultation

Notes

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 Science Sector Reforms

Expected due date for consultation Late 2025

Notes The Government is making changes to New Zealand’s science, innovation and technology system. These changes aim to clarify priorities, lift economic outcomes and harness advanced technology for a more prosperous future.

Legislation is expected to be introduced late 2025.

Consultation University Reforms

Expected due date for consultation Late 2025 – early 2026

Notes The reform aims to modernise New Zealand’s university sector to better align with national priorities in skills development, research, and innovation. Legislation is expected to be introduced late 2025 to early 2026.

Consultation Fire Safety Review

Expected due date for consultation Early 2026

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

MBIE is preparing proposed changes to the Building Code’s fire safety provisions, based on public feedback. These changes will be presented to Cabinet in early 2026 for consideration.