February 20, 2020
Professions looking for more Maori input
Architects and engineers say the diversity – including getting more Māori on board – is critical to the future of their professions.
Engineering New Zealand, Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects and ACE New Zealand launched its Diversity Agenda two years ago, and more than 165 firms and organisations have now signed on.
They have now launched the Diversity Agenda Accord, which will require signatories to commit to a series of objectives and report to their peers every year on their performance.
The professions are predominantly male and Pākehā, with women making up just 16 per cent of engineers and 25 per cent of registered architects and Māori being only 3 per cent of engineers.
Engineering New Zealand chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene says the professions need to reflect the diversity of communities so the world they create reflects the communities they support.
She says diversity has proven to make organisations more effective, successful and profitable.
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