Future of the Registered Engineering Associates regime
The Engineering Associates Act 1961 (the Act) establishes a voluntary registration framework for engineering associates. The Act outlines the training and experience a person must have before they may be registered as an engineering associate. Registration allows the person to use the ‘Registered Engineering Associate’ (REA) credential.
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The Act also establishes the Engineering Associates Registration Board (EARB) to oversee the registration of engineering associates.
Engineering Associates Act 1961 – New Zealand Legislation(external link)
Engineering Associates Registration Board(external link)
Targeted consultation on the potential repeal of the REA regime
From 20 November 2025 to 18 December 2025 the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) consulted REAs and key stakeholders including the EARB, local councils, professional bodies and industry groups on a proposal to repeal the REA regime.
More information can be found in the:
Targeted consultation document [PDF, 348 KB]
The consultation sought feedback to identify how, if at all, the REA credential was being relied on in practice, and to understand any impacts of repeal that MBIE may not have been aware of.
Prior to consultation, MBIE understood that the REA credential was not relied on for a regulatory purpose and that past feedback indicated it was not consistently relied on or recognised.
MBIE received 168 submissions, including 144 submissions from REAs. Submissions raised a range of views on repeal, including examples of how REAs are using the credential and risks or issues MBIE should consider further.
Next steps
MBIE is investigating the key risks and issues that submitters raised as part of targeted consultation. This work will inform advice to the Minister for Building and Construction on the future of the regime later this year.
If a decision is made to repeal the REA regime it will take some time to implement this. MBIE will communicate timing and next steps to all REAs in collaboration with the EARB.
If the regime was to be disestablished, a bill to repeal the Engineering Associates Act 1961 would be drafted, introduced to Parliament, and then pass through a legislative process which would typically include public consultation at the Select Committee stage. The bill would also cover transitional provisions to minimise the impact on those currently using the regime.
There are no plans to introduce a bill in 2026.
Turning Policy into Law – Parliamentary Counsel Office(external link)
Potential implications for REAs
As no decisions have been made, current REAs can keep using their credential as they normally would, and organisations that recognise or value the REA credential can continue to rely on it. Any changes will be clearly communicated through MBIE and the EARB.
Registration as an REA is voluntary and does not provide a legal right to practise. MBIE’s current assessment is that, for most cases, a repeal would not prevent REAs from continuing to work in their existing roles. However, MBIE acknowledges that some practitioners rely on the REA credential to demonstrate experience for specific purposes such as recognition by councils, Watercare and compliance with New Zealand Standard 3104:2021 Specification for Concrete Production. These impacts are being actively assessed through further engagement with stakeholders.
If the REA regime is repealed, REAs would have the option to demonstrate their competence in other ways, such as through membership of a professional body, or by relying on their qualifications and work experience. Transition for each REA would depend on individual circumstances, such as what their clients or employers require from them. MBIE is working with the EARB and others including Engineering New Zealand to understand potential transition pathways.
Immigration implications
REA registration is currently recognised in the Skilled Migrant Category points system, and MBIE is aware that some migrants rely on this pathway. If repeal proceeds, MBIE will work with its immigration policy teams to consider transitional arrangements for people who are part way through the immigration process.
Questions
If you have any questions about the future of the Registered Engineering Associates regime, you can contact MBIE by emailing building@mbie.govt.nz.