Building Industry Performance Improving says IPENZ

The building and construction sectors’ performance has improved over the last two years and will continue to improve as the new Building Act is progressively implemented says the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ).

While the new Building Act has incentives and mechanisms for the whole sector to improve its game, this was also happening under the old Act. The weather tight issues and the John Scarry open letter had caused most of those in the sector including the regulatory authorities to sit up and take stock of their roles and responsibilities said IPENZ Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Cleland.“For its part, IPENZ has implemented the new Chartered Professional Engineers regime and promoted it to the building consent agencies as the mark of a competent professional engineer. We are also putting in place mechanisms to help engineering professionals perform their design and inspection responsibilities better” said Dr Cleland

While claims are being made that some buildings are being poorly designed and constructed IPENZ is reminding Members of their obligation, highlighted last year, to advise owners of any buildings where they had concerns about their structural integrity. “These obligations still stand and if they have concerns about the work of other engineers, to make use of the mechanisms provided by IPENZ to raise these concerns” said Dr. Cleland.