The aim of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering is to provide skilled and competent engineering technicians who: Apply engineering theory to practice, and competently perform technical operations to the standards, ethical and professional responsibilities required by the engineering profession; Have a knowledge sufficient to permit informed, rational decision making in a specialist fields of engineering and to implement these decisions; Will work collaboratively with construction workers, clients, authorities, agencies, industry and other professionals to provide a comprehensive engineering service in the relevant specialist area; and Have an understanding of all cultures and in particular an awareness and clear understanding of the tangata whenua and the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Resource Management Act.

Civil Engineers design and build roads, structures, utility infrastructure and buildings. Civil is the broadest field of engineering and can involve working in construction, materials, maintenance and utility operations.