The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors is an incorporated society established to monitor and maintain the professional and ethical conduct of surveyors in New Zealand.The NZIS was founded in 1888 as a national body to preserve and develop the integrity and status of the profession of surveying. The Institute has 16 branches throughout New Zealand as well as one in Hong Kong, these being supported by a National Office in Wellington and guided by an elected president and councilors.

Amongst many important roles, surveyors fulfill an important role in the land title system of New Zealand, helping to protect the integrity of land ownership and property rights.The functions of the Institute are:

To protect and promote the interests of the profession of surveying and the interests of the public in relation to surveys and surveying
To promote and encourage proper conduct and suppress illegal, dishonourable, or improper practices by members of the Institute
To preserve and maintain the integrity and status of the profession of surveying
To provide opportunities for the acquisition and communication of knowledge in relation to surveying and related matters
To consider and suggest amendments to the law relating to land, surveys and surveying
To provide means for the amicable settlement of professional differences
To arrange completion of outstanding title surveys or other related work in the event of default or incapacity of a registered surveyor.

The majority of our members spend four years obtaining a Bachelor of Surveying Degree or its equivalent, and many have also passed the Cadastral Survey Licensing Board’s examinations entitling them to carry out land title surveys. Qualified cadastral surveyors ensure that land measurements are accurate and that boundaries are marked and visible. These surveyors can confidently reproduce boundary marks erased by time, and are the only professionals qualified to take accurate land measurements and to determine precise positions.

Registered Professional Surveyor

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The Registered Professional Surveyor (RPSurv) distinction is awarded to NZIS Members who meet specific professional criteria. It is awarded at the NZIS Council's discretion and to be successful, applicants must meet the following criteria:

be academically qualified
be competent in spatial measurement and three other surveying related disciplines
have advanced competence in some recognised areas of surveying
be committed to the maintenance and enhancement of on-going competence
be committed to work with integrity and a high degree of professionalism and ethical behaviour.

For more information, please contact one of our offices

Last Updated: 12 February 2012

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