Setting the Benchmark: The New Era of Cadastral Licensing
Craig McInnes, a director at Fox and Associates, is helping to shape the future of surveying in New Zealand through his role on the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board.
As a long-serving board member, Craig is at the forefront of setting national standards for cadastral surveyors. He is championing modern, accessible pathways into the profession and ensuring the integrity of New Zealand’s land ownership system.
In a recent interview, Craig shared insights into his role on the board and the major project he’s leading to modernise the licensing framework for new surveyors.
Who is the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board?
The ‘cadastre’ is the foundation of land ownership in New Zealand. It is a network of legal boundaries, titles, and rights that define who owns what, and where. Every time a new title is created, or a boundary is changed, it must be done by a licensed cadastral surveyor.
Accuracy and trust in this system is essential for property owners, as well as banks, councils, developers, and communities. The Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board exists to protect that trust.
Established under the Survey Act 2002, the Board sets the national standards for licensing cadastral surveyors, oversees licensing renewals, assesses complaints, and investigates any professional misconduct.
Craig has served on the Board since 2016, first as a substitute member and then a full member from 2019, all appointed by the Minister for Land Information. With a strong belief in upholding standards and supporting the next generation of surveyors, Craig brings both technical expertise and thoughtful leadership to the table.
Modernising the path to licensing
Craig is currently leading a complete overhaul of the national competency assessment framework for cadastral surveyor licensing. This system was well-due for an update as it hadn’t seen any meaningful changes since it was introduced in 2002.
Why change? The old system relied on rote learning exams and outdated project requirements. It was rigid and often inaccessible to smaller firms or graduates with non-conventional experience.
Recognising the need for a more relevant and accessible pathway, Craig and the Board set out to bring the framework up to date. This includes aligning it with current industry needs while maintaining the high standards the profession depends on.
A smarter, more practical framework
To modernise the licensing process, Craig was involved in a broad consultation across the profession. Working alongside respected experts, including former Surveyor-General Dr. Don Grant, he helped shape a new framework based on real feedback from industry stakeholders.
The updated process is structured around a clear, sequential pathway: academic qualification, a portfolio of practical experience, a professional challenge grounded in real-world scenarios, and a final interview.
To facilitate this initiative, Craig oversaw the development of an online learning management system and supported the appointment of a dedicated coordinator to manage the rollout.
This revamped structure encourages professionals to engage in authentic, competency-based assessments. It prepares them for real projects and makes licensure more attainable without sacrificing quality.
Why this project matters
- Better prepared graduates: The modern framework ensures new surveyors enter the profession with the right skills, ready to deliver accurate, high-quality work from day one.
- Broader access: By removing outdated barriers, the new system opens the door for more graduates, including those from smaller firms or regions with limited project variety.
- Maintained alignment with Australia: Our pathway keeps pace with Australian standards, enabling mutual recognition of licences.
- Legacy-building: By modernising licencing, we are shaping the next generation of cadastral professionals.
Looking ahead
Craig’s work on the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board is a powerful example of how Fox and Associates contributes to the future of surveying in New Zealand. By modernising how surveyors are trained, assessed, and licensed, he’s helping the next generation enter the profession with the skills, confidence, and integrity our land system demands.
This focus on raising standards and supporting the next generation mirrors our wider commitment at Fox and Associates: to lead with purpose, drive innovation, and leave the surveying profession better than we found it.