Barry Brown - IPENZ MacLean Citation Award

Barry Brown, a Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) has been awarded the IPENZ MacLean Citation 2005, for his contribution to improved building regulation in New Zealand. He has been a key driver of an increasingly engineering-based approach in building regulation over more than a decade.

Barry’s personal commitment and integrity was evident when he was one of the first to appreciate that the development of an effective national building regulation system needed much more than the new 1991 Building Act. He did much of the strategic thinking about the performance-based nature of the Building Code, and the various tools required to assure compliance. He initiated the widely-used and very successful Producer Statement.

Barry’s expertise was recognised through his appointment to the Building Industry Authority, ultimately becoming Chair just before the weather tightness issue became a focus. Once it became clear that the Building Industry Authority would be disestablished Barry continued to work tirelessly seeking improvements to building regulation systems. By the time of disestablishment the various operating groups transferred to the Department of Building and Housing were significantly improved in their capability.

“The MacLean Citation is only awarded occasionally to persons who deliver exceptional and distinguished service to the engineering profession. This year’s recipient, Barry Brown is an outstanding role model of the dedicated professional engineer,” said IPENZ Chief Executive, Andrew Cleland.

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