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Engineers Welcome Govt Plans for Climate Change Impacts
06 October 2006

The Chief Executive of Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ), Dr Andrew Cleland says the institution looks forward to working more closely with Government on climate change.

Dr Cleland welcomes the Government’s announcement that it will seek partnerships with engineers and other groups in its efforts to address climate change in New Zealand.

“It’s imperative that New Zealand prepares now for the unpredictable events that climate change may bring”, says Dr Cleland. “Extreme weather such as storms, floods and droughts will affect our everyday lives and our economy if we’re not prepared”.

It is vital that the possible impacts of climate change on New Zealand are investigated. Contingency plans for key areas can then be created; these should include transport, telecommunications, energy and water supplies, construction and land use, and hazardous substances and waste.

IPENZ has a membership of around 10,000 engineers who assist in managing our lands, infrastructure and coastlines.

“Our engineers can advise on issues from a risk management approach, addressing such issues as the response to cascade failure and revising cost:benefit analyses”, says Dr Cleland. “The adequate integration of risk assessment and early warnings, with prevention and mitigation measures, can prevent natural hazards from becoming disasters”.

For more information go to:
http://www.qualityplanning.org.nz/plan-topics/climate-change.php

Notes to journalists

About IPENZ: The Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) is the professional body which represents professional engineers from all disciplines in New Zealand. The Institution sets internationally bench-marked qualifying standards for degree qualifications in engineering, and serves engineers by securing formal recognition for their professional standing. IPENZ provides services for about 9000 members.

For more information contact:
Verona-Meiana Putaranui
IPENZ Media Co-ordinator
Telephone: 04 473 2028 / 021 479 885
Email: vputaranui@ipenz.org.nz

Or

Charles Willmot
Director Engineering
Telephone: 04 474 8932 / 021 483 522



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