Our Panel of recognised Engineers to the Contract (EtC)
What's an Engineer to the Contract?
EtCs play a vital role in the delivery of building and civil engineering construction projects as set out in the New Zealand Standard 3910 Conditions of contract for building and civil engineering construction. EtCs fulfil a dual role. They act as the principal’s agent, and as an independent certifier, moderating the interests of the contractor and the principal in building and construction contracts. They also adjudicate where necessary. An EtC doesn't need to be an engineer but must be a natural person (not a company).
The current version of NZS 3910 dates from 2013. A substantial revision of this contract took place during 2022 and 2023, including changes to the roles and responsibilities of the EtC, including the title – an EtC in the revised version will now be referred to as an Independent Certifier (IC). Publication of NZS 9310:2023 is expected in December 2023.
Our EtC Panel
Engineers to the Contract on our Panel have been recognised as having the professional skills and mana to be highly effective in the role. Their collective experience covers all sectors of the construction industry.
All members have signed up to a Code of Ethics and support each other within the group. They're also expected to apply the Construction Sector Accord’s Guiding Principles.
The Panel was set up under the administration of Engineering New Zealand in a joint venture with the Construction Sector Accord. In its pilot phase, it was governed by a cross-industry Steering Group, with members appointed after a comprehensive, cross-stakeholder evaluation process.
In its next phase of development, the Panel is transitioning to a self-governing and self-financing technical group under the auspices of Engineering New Zealand. This process to become the Society of Construction Contract Practitioners (SCCP) started in August 2023 and will run to June 2024, guided by a Management Committee. The new group will offer membership to a wider range of contract administration participants, and welcome applications from EtCS and ICs who wish to be evaluated and included alongside existing Panel members, furthering the goal of creating a go-to organisation for the industry.
Engaging an EtC
If you're a principal looking to engage an EtC for your horizontal or vertical construction project under NZS 3910, you can contact Panel members directly to discuss their services and availability. Check our list of current Panel members for contact and background information.
Resources for EtCs
Our Panel of EtCs is developing resources and guidance for new and emerging EtCs, principals, contractors, and the industry in general. This material is available on the resources page.
