New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct For CPEng

CPEng status in New Zealand is given to those who are experienced engineers and have been assessed as fulfilling a quality mark of competence.

Having this designation means that the engineer can cope with complex engineering issues that require expert technical knowledge to be solved. It’s a must for its holder to be reassessed at least every six years to maintain their CPEng status.

Those engineers holding the CPEng status are required to demonstrate New Zealand-specific technical experience. However, CPEng is a competency mark that has worldwide recognition.

It is a protected title, and those having this title have registration with the Registration Authority for Chartered Professional Engineers, and they have to stick to a Code of Ethical Conduct.

Engineers New Zealand considers ethics and professionalism very serious matters. It considers its engineers responsible for their work on behalf of the New Zealand public. Its ethics are on the basis of professional competence, social responsibility and personal integrity. Engineering New Zealand members have to follow the Code and commit to it each year.

Code of Ethical Conduct:

Its Code of Ethical Conduct outlines the high standards of ethical behaviour that are expected of all Engineering New Zealand members.

·        Take sensible steps for safeguarding health and safety

·        Report breach of the Code

·        Pay attention to the effects on the environment

·        Behave appropriately

·        Maintain confidentiality

·        Report adverse consequences

·        Let others know about the consequences of not following advice

·        Act competently

It’s a must-do for all Engineering New Zealand members to stick to the Code. This code is not for those who are not members of Engineers New Zealand or Chartered Professional Engineers.

Eligibility criteria:

If you desire to become a Chartered Professional Engineer, you need to:

·        Possess a Washington Accord-accredited qualification (Bachelor of Engineering, Honours) or be capable of demonstrating equivalent knowledge.

·        Go through an assessment to show that you fulfill the competence standard.

·        Adhere to the Code of Ethical Conduct of CPEng.

·        Have a reassessment every 6 years for the maintenance of your CPEng registration.

It’s not compulsory to be a member of Engineering New Zealand to apply for this grade.

Registration Authority:

The Registration Authority is Engineering New Zealand as per the Chartered Professional Engineers New Zealand Act 2002. It means that Engineering New Zealand maintains the Register of Chartered Professional Engineers and manages applications and assessments.

Chartered Professional Engineers Council (CPEC):

The Chartered Professional Engineers Council is a statutory organization, set up on 1 July 2002 as per the Chartered Professional Engineers Act 2002. It must comprise a minimum of six, but no more than eight members that include:

·        3 people who are nominated by Engineering New Zealand

·        One person who has been nominated by the Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand

·        2 to 4 people who have been nominated by the Minister

·        A Deputy Chairman and a Council Chairman

The Council:

Approves and reviews any changes to the CPEng Rules that are related to minimum standards for evaluation and ethical conduct

Hears appeals from decisions of the Registration Authority regarding disciplinary matters that include decisions not to renew the registration of a Chartered Professional Engineer

Reviews and reports to the Minister on the performance of the Registration Authority and The Chartered Professional Engineers Council (CPEC) in utilizing their respective powers and functions as per the Act.