Fire Engineering Class Development

​Background

In August 2025, the CPEng Rules were amended to allow the Registration Authority (RA) to create registration classes

(Rule 43). These classes are clearly defined categories within the CPEng Register, introduced to strengthen assurance in areas with significant public safety risks or regulatory needs.

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Fire Engineering was identified as the first priority class, due to: 

• the high-risk nature of fire-related engineering. 

• increasing scrutiny from regulators and building consent authorities (BCAs). 

• strong sector support for classes in this area. 

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Registration classes add another safeguard to the “Swiss Cheese” model of risk management. While no single measure is flawless, multiple layers together provide stronger protection for the public. In the CPEng system, safeguards already include qualification checks, referee input, fit and proper person assessments, the Code of Ethics, and ongoing registration requirements. Introducing classes strengthens this system further by addressing gaps identified by regulators who depend on CPEng to carry out regulated activities.  

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At its August 2025 meeting, the CPEng Board approved the initiation of the Fire Engineering Class project, marking the start of this work. 

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About the project

This work will run from October 2025 to September 2026. It will develop the first registration class under the 2025 CPEng Rules and serve as an exemplar for future classes (with Structural Engineering planned next). 

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The project aims to deliver the following benefits: 

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• Greater assurance for BCAs and the public. 

• Clarity regarding class competence expectations for engineers wanting to register in the class. 

• Improved national consistency of Fire Engineering. 

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​What the project will deliver​

• Development and establishment of a Fire Engineering Class in accordance with CPEng Rule 43. This will be led by a working group of fire experts, assessors, and regulators. 

• Targeted consultation with the fire engineering sector and key stakeholders. 

• Implementation of the new class including transition planning, updates to systems, forms, assessor training, and public information. 

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Express your interest in joining the working group

The working group will play a critical role in shaping the class scope, competence requirements, and supporting guidance for implementation. We are looking for individuals with experience and insight in fire engineering regulatory systems who can contribute to the development of this class.  

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We are seeking individuals who bring knowledge, credibility, and collaboration skills to contribute to this significant project. Roles include: 

• A Technical Lead with experience in professional standards or fire engineering regulation who will lead the drafting of the class documentation 

• Fire engineering practitioners (x2) with practical experience in carrying out fire engineering work in the New Zealand building regulatory context, and an understanding of how fire safety designs are reviewed and approved by councils. Responsible for supporting the technical lead, providing subject matter input to shape the scope of the class and ensure the competence requirements reflect current and emerging practice. Ideally, these individuals will also have experience as CPEng assessors.  

• A Building Consent Authority representative, ideally someone with technical or consenting experience in fire safety. Responsible for providing the regulator perspective, ensuring the class supports the needs of consenting authorities and addresses public safety risks 

• MBIE Representative – to provide alignment with regulatory policy and building system integrity. 

• FENZ Representative – to ensure the class reflects public safety and emergency response considerations. May also be an IFE member.  

• SFPE NZ representative – to bring the wider professional and industry view. 

• CPEng assessor, responsible for advising on how the proposed criteria can be consistently and fairly assessed, including the types of application evidence likely to be required and assessor training needs for implementation. Note: this role may be combined with another if a nominated fire engineer or BCA representative also has current or recent experience as a CPEng assessor. 

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​What we value​

• Broad understanding of the fire engineering landscape in NZ. 

• Willingness to collaborate, listen, and share ideas. 

• Credibility and mana in your area of expertise. 

• Commitment to attending and contributing to working group meetings between December 2025 – April 2026 (mix of online and in-person). 

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Commitment

Technical Lead:

• Drafting and development work between December 2025 – May 2026, including substantial time outside of working group meetings (estimated 10–15 hours per month). 

• Actively lead drafting of class documentation (scope, competence requirements, guidance). 

• Coordinate with working group members, incorporate feedback, and work with ENZ staff on iterations. 

• Compensation will be provided for this role. 

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Other working group members:

• Attend working group meetings between December 2025 and May 2026, with pre-reading and document review. Meetings may be a mix of in-person (Wellington) and online. Pre-reading and review of draft documents (approx. 1–2 hours per meeting). Occasional email feedback between meetings. 

• Actively contribute to discussions, share insights and perspectives, and work constructively towards consensus. Listen to and consider diverse viewpoints (technical, regulatory, and user perspectives); maintaining confidentiality where required. 

• Provide input from your area of expertise (technical, regulatory, user) and support the Technical Lead in developing the class scope, competence requirements, and guidance for implementation.  Represent the interests of your sector or organisation (where relevant) while keeping the broader public and profession in mind. 

• Ensure recommendations are evidence-based and aligned with best practice and uphold the reputation of the Registration Authority and the CPEng system. 

• Honoraria or travel reimbursement available

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How to express interest

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals across the sector, including practitioners, regulators, and technical experts. Shortlisted individuals will be contacted in October, and appointments will be confirmed by the CPEng Board in December. Closing date Monday 3 November 2025. You can also reach out to Registrar@engineeringnz.org if you have any questions.