WHO WE ARE
Healthcare engineering is the branch of engineering responsible for the technical services, medical equipment, buildings and critical infrastructure that support the delivery of healthcare. The New Zealand Institute of Healthcare Engineering brings together professionals working across healthcare facilities, clinical engineering, biomedical technology, infrastructure management and associated services.
Origins — 1936
The Institute’s story began at 9.55 am on 6 October 1936, in the boardroom of Wellington Hospital.
At the first meeting of hospital engineers in New Zealand, those present agreed to establish the Public Hospital Engineers’ Association.
Eleven engineers attended the meeting, with a further 15 submitting letters confirming their intention to join. Most were Chief Engineers working for Hospital Boards throughout New Zealand. Many came from steam or marine engineering backgrounds and were responsible for the complex mechanical systems that kept hospitals operating.
Growth and Change
As New Zealand’s healthcare system developed, the Association evolved alongside it.
It became the New Zealand Hospital Engineers’ Association, expanding its membership to include engineers working in private and psychiatric hospitals, as well as professionals with mechanical and electrical qualifications in a wider range of engineering roles.
The restructuring of Hospital Boards and the increasing use of private contractors brought significant change to healthcare engineering departments. In some districts, established building services and medical-technical teams were reduced or closed.
Through the perseverance, adaptability and expertise of its members, the Institute continued to evolve. It responded to new technologies, changing healthcare environments and the growing complexity of healthcare infrastructure.
Today
Today, NZIHE is an active and forward-looking professional body representing people across healthcare facilities engineering, clinical engineering and biomedical technology.
Its membership includes engineers, technicians, facilities professionals, managers, trainees and others responsible for supporting the buildings, systems and medical equipment used throughout New Zealand’s healthcare sector.
NZIHE also welcomes organisations and professionals that supply, maintain and support the specialised equipment and services required within modern healthcare environments.
Nearly 90 years after its establishment, NZIHE continues to build on the knowledge, professionalism and commitment of its founding members. It is an Institute of which its founders would be proud.
NZIHE’s affiliations with IFHE and IHEA connect New Zealand healthcare engineering professionals with a wider international community, supporting collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, experience and industry best practice.
Member benefits include:
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Access to international knowledge and industry developments
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Connections with Australian and global professionals
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Opportunities for networking, collaboration and professional exchange
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Greater awareness of international best practice
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A stronger New Zealand voice in the healthcare engineering sector
INTERNATIONAL
CONNECTIONS
NZIHE