The engineering landscape in New Zealand is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, significant infrastructure projects, and a growing focus on sustainability and resilience.
For chartered and professional engineers, staying ahead of the curve means continually developing key skills. As we look towards 2025, a combination of technical expertise, digital literacy, and strong soft skills will be crucial.
This article outlines the top 10 skills New Zealand engineers should focus on, aligning with Engineering New Zealand (ENGNZ) standards and the dynamic demands of the profession.
Remember, under the Engineering New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct, maintaining and enhancing your competence is a core responsibility. The skills listed below can form a significant part of your CPD activities.
1. Digital Engineering & BIM Proficiency
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and broader digital engineering practices are no longer niche skills but fundamental requirements. The New Zealand government and private sector are increasingly mandating BIM on projects for improved efficiency, collaboration, and lifecycle management.
Why it's crucial: Enhances project visualisation, reduces errors, improves collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, and supports better decision-making.
Actionable CPD: Engage in courses on specific BIM software (e.g., Revit, Civil 3D), attend industry seminars on digital workflows, or complete online courses in digital twin technology.
Recommended Course:
This course empowers engineers with foundational Geographic Information System (GIS) knowledge to enhance project accuracy, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
2. Sustainable and Resilient Design
As the impacts of climate change become more apparent and New Zealand commits to a net-zero future, skills in sustainable and resilient design are essential.. This includes understanding low-carbon materials, circular economy principles, and designing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
Why it's crucial: It ddresses pressing environmental challenges, meets stricter regulatory requirements, and aligns with societal expectations for a greener future. Engineering New Zealand's article on Climate Change highlights the engineer's role.
Actionable CPD: Courses on Green Star or Living Building Challenge accreditation, workshops on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, and research into sustainable materials.
Recommended Course:
This course covers sustainable design principles, low-carbon materials, and adaptation strategies, equipping you to lead environmentally responsible projects that align with Aotearoa’s net-zero goals.
3. Data Analysis and Interpretation
The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret large datasets is becoming essential across all engineering disciplines. These skills support evidence-based decision-making, enable predictive maintenance, optimize designs, and enhance project outcomes.
Why it matters: Data literacy drives more efficient, informed engineering processes and reveals valuable insights from complex datasets.
Actionable CPD: Consider enrolling in courses on data analytics tools like Python, R, or advanced Excel; attending workshops on machine learning in engineering; or participating in seminars focused on data visualization techniques.
Recommended Course:
Engineering Mathematics: Numerical Analysis and More
Sharpen your analytical toolkit with this deep dive into numerical methods, applied mathematics, and problem-solving techniques essential for modeling, simulation, and complex design validation across all engineering disciplines.
4. Advanced Project Management & Leadership
While technical skills are foundational, the ability to manage complex projects, lead diverse teams, and navigate challenging stakeholder environments remains critical. This is especially valid given New Zealand's pipeline of significant infrastructure projects.
Why it's crucial: It ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Strong leadership fosters innovation and team cohesion.
Actionable CPD: Pursue project management certifications, undertake leadership development programs, or gain experience in contract management and dispute resolution.
Recommended Course:
Develop the leadership and strategic thinking skills needed to manage complex engineering projects. Learn to align project goals with organizational strategy, build cohesive teams, and navigate real-world challenges in high-impact roles.
5. Understanding of Te Ao Māori and Treaty of Waitangi Principles
Meaningful engagement with Māori as Tangata Whenua is increasingly integral to engineering projects in New Zealand. Understanding Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi helps ensure culturally sensitive and inclusive project development.
Why it's crucial: It fosters respectful partnerships, ensures projects align with cultural values, and meets legal and ethical obligations. Engineering New Zealand's commitment to Te Ao Rangahau, the world of engineering, research, science, and technology from a Māori perspective, underscores this.
Actionable CPD: Attend workshops on cultural competency and Treaty of Waitangi principles, engage with local iwi/hapū on projects, and learn basic te reo Māori.
6. Expertise in Renewable Energy Technologies
As New Zealand transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, engineers with expertise in renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and emerging solutions like green hydrogen are in high demand.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) provides information on New Zealand's energy strategy and initiatives.
Why it's crucial: It supports the national goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving energy independence.
Actionable CPD: Specialised courses in renewable energy system design and implementation, conferences on energy innovation, or research into new energy storage solutions.
Recommended Course:
Gain a comprehensive overview of key renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal. This course is ideal for engineers supporting New Zealand’s transition to clean energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure development.
7. Advanced Materials Knowledge
Innovations in materials science are leading to stronger, lighter, more durable, and sustainable materials. Engineers must stay updated on these advancements to optimise designs and improve performance.
Why it's crucial: It enables the development of more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions.
Actionable CPD: Learn about new material applications, research emerging composite materials, or explore advancements in bio-based and recycled materials.
Recommended Course:
Sustainable Concrete Pavement Practices
Stay ahead in materials innovation with practical insights into eco-friendly concrete solutions. Learn about lifecycle considerations, durability, and new technologies that reduce carbon impact in transportation and infrastructure projects.
8. Cybersecurity Awareness in Engineered Systems
As engineering systems become increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital technologies, understanding cybersecurity risks and best practices is essential.
Why it's crucial: It protects critical infrastructure from cyber threats, ensures data integrity, and maintains public safety.
Actionable CPD: Workshops on Industrial Control System (ICS) security, courses on cybersecurity fundamentals, or attending conferences focused on critical infrastructure protection.
Recommended Course:
The Process Safety Case for Automation & Cybersecurity
Understand the intersection of process safety and cybersecurity in modern engineering systems. This course highlights best practices for protecting digital infrastructure, mitigating risks, and maintaining operational integrity in automated environments.
9. Strong Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Skills
The ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including clients and the public, is vital. Effective stakeholder engagement builds trust and facilitates smoother project delivery.
Why it's crucial: It ensures project objectives are understood, manages expectations, and fosters positive relationships with all stakeholders.
Actionable CPD: Public speaking courses, workshops on technical writing and presentation skills, or training in facilitation and negotiation.
Recommended Course:
Master the art of clear and confident communication in technical contexts. This course covers verbal, written, and visual communication strategies to improve stakeholder engagement, leadership presence, and collaborative project success.
10. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning Mindset
The most critical skill is the commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to adapt to rapid technological and societal changes. The engineering field is dynamic, and continuous upskilling is no longer optional but a necessity.
New Zealand faces a long-term engineering skills shortage, making adaptability and continuous development even more vital for current practitioners.
Why it's crucial: It ensures continued relevance in a fast-changing professional landscape and supports career growth.
Actionable CPD: Regularly review your skills against industry trends, actively seek out new learning opportunities, join professional networking groups, and mentor junior engineers. Engineering New Zealand's CPD guidance stresses the importance of a varied and ongoing learning program.
Recommended Package:
Custom CPD Package for Engineering New Zealand Members
Tailor your CPD journey with this flexible package designed for ENGNZ members. Select from a wide range of accredited courses to meet your professional goals, fulfill your 40-hour CPD requirement, and track your progress—all in one place.
Conclusion
By focusing on these ten skills, New Zealand engineers can not only meet their CPD requirements but also position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond. Embracing these areas of development will enable you to contribute effectively to a thriving, innovative, and sustainable Aotearoa.