Yes, in certain situations a bricklayer in New Zealand absolutely needs to involve a structural engineer — and skipping this step can lead to unsafe structures, failed inspections, or costly remediation work. Whether it's a load-bearing wall, a tall retaining wall, or a new masonry home, engineering input is often a legal requirement, not just good practice.
Why Engineering Matters in Masonry Work
Brick and block masonry can be incredibly strong and durable, but it behaves very differently from timber framing under load and — critically in New Zealand — under seismic forces. Our country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, meaning earthquake performance is a core consideration in the NZ Building Code. Masonry that isn't properly designed for lateral loads can be dangerous, which is why engineering oversight is built into the consent process for many masonry projects.
Jobs That Typically Require a Structural Engineer
Load-Bearing Masonry Walls
Any load-bearing brick or concrete block wall — one that supports the weight of a roof, floor, or another wall above — needs to be designed to carry those loads safely. A structural engineer will calculate wall thickness, reinforcing steel (reo) requirements, mortar specifications, and connection details. Your bricklayer will then build to those engineered drawings.
New Masonry Buildings
Constructing a new brick or block home, or a substantial masonry addition, requires a building consent from your local council. The consent application must include structural engineering drawings and calculations. Standards such as NZS 4230 (Design of Reinforced Concrete Masonry Structures — confirm the current title and scope with Standards NZ) and NZS 4229 (Concrete Masonry Buildings Not Requiring Specific Engineering Design) are relevant here — NZS 4229 provides a prescriptive pathway for smaller, simpler masonry buildings, but even this has limits and your council will confirm what applies. Check Standards NZ for the current versions.
Retaining Walls Over 1.5 Metres
Brick or block retaining walls are a common grey area. Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, some low retaining walls may be exempt from building consent — but this depends on height, surcharge (what's above the wall, such as a driveway or building), and ground conditions. As a general guide, a retaining wall over 1.5 metres in height, or one retaining soil near a structure or boundary, is very likely to need both a building consent and a structural engineer's design. Always confirm with your local council before starting work, as exemption thresholds can vary.
Seismic Strengthening of Existing Masonry
Older unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings — think older brick homes and commercial buildings built before modern seismic standards were introduced and commercial buildings — are a known earthquake risk in New Zealand. Any seismic strengthening work must be engineered. BRANZ has useful research on masonry performance and retrofitting approaches that engineers and bricklayers can reference.
Lintels, Openings, and Structural Alterations
Cutting a new window or door opening into an existing masonry wall, or modifying a lintel, changes how loads travel through the structure. A structural engineer should assess whether the wall is load-bearing and specify the correct lintel size and bearing details before your bricklayer touches the wall.
When Engineering May Not Be Required
Not every bricklaying job needs an engineer. Smaller, non-structural work is often straightforward:
- Garden walls under 1 metre that don't retain soil and aren't near boundaries or structures
- Repointing and mortar repairs to existing brickwork
- Brick veneer repairs where the structural frame is untouched
- Decorative brickwork such as feature panels or garden edging
Even for these jobs, a good bricklayer will assess the existing structure and flag anything that looks concerning. If there's any doubt, getting an engineer's opinion early is far cheaper than fixing problems later.
The Building Consent Process
If your project needs a building consent, the typical process looks like this:
| Step | Who's Involved |
|---|---|
| Scope the project | Homeowner + bricklayer |
| Structural design | Structural engineer |
| Consent application | Homeowner or agent submits to council |
| Inspections during build | Council building inspector |
| Code Compliance Certificate | Issued by council on completion |
MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on the consent process, and your local council's building department can tell you exactly what documentation they need.
Licensed Building Practitioners and Restricted Building Work
Masonry that is Restricted Building Work (RBW) — essentially structural or weathertight work on homes — must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). Many experienced bricklayers hold an LBP licence in the Brick and Blocklaying domain. Always ask your bricklayer for their LBP number before they start on any consented work.
When to Call a Professional
Call a structural engineer before work begins if your project involves:
- Any new or altered load-bearing masonry
- A retaining wall over 1 metre (and definitely over 1.5 metres)
- Seismic strengthening of older brick buildings
- New openings or structural alterations to existing masonry walls
- Any work that your council confirms requires a building consent
A qualified bricklayer will often have relationships with structural engineers they work with regularly, so don't hesitate to ask for a referral. You can also find experienced, local bricklayers on tradedirectory.co.nz who understand NZ Building Code requirements and can guide you through the process.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
