About IRHACE
The Society originated in 1933 as Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers Inc. to advance the practice, education and technology of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC+R) industry. Following the merger with New Zealand Heating and Ventilation Engineers Inc (1955-1989), we were incorporated on the 10th February 1989 and became the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand Inc (IRHACE).
On the 13th April 1933, the initial meeting of refrigeration interests was held in the board room of the NZ Dairy Produce Control Board in Wellington. In 2026, IRHACE turns 93 years old.
The 12 persons that attended that meeting represented a wide range of industry and scientific research interests. The original constitution was modelled on the British Association of Refrigeration and was submitted for registration under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The first AGM was run in Wellington on 31 May 1934.
The Refrigerant License Trust Board (RLTB) was established by IRHACE and CCCANZ (Climate Control Companies Association of New Zealand). Funding is provided by refrigerant levy collection, initially to develop and provide refrigerant filler and handler training and certification for HVAC&R practitioners. Subsequently RLNZ has expanded its activities to provide a wider range of training and professional development for people in the HVAC&R industry.
To give effect to our aims, the strategic direction of IRHACE for the future is:
To develop a continuing development policy and framework for IRHACE members to support a more skilled and technically competent membership.
See here for our Strategic Plan
Our main aims are to promote the economic well-being and quality of life of our members, and of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industries, and to improve the economic well-being and quality of life of every New Zealander through:
- representing and promoting the industry interests of our members
- advancing and promoting (including the use of standards) the technology used by and activities of those in our industry
- supporting training and education in the industry
- promoting a high level of skill, qualifications and continuing professional development
- promoting the development of practice guides and other industry Standards as the Council thinks is appropriate for and relevant to our industry that members shall follow
- providing a forum for our members, associates and affiliates to discuss and share their knowledge and experience
- providing a forum where our members, associates and affiliates and members of the public can settle their disputes
AFFILIATIONS
IRHACE (The Institute of Refrigeration, Heating, and Air Conditioning Engineers) collaborates with various organisations through affiliations and memorandums of understanding (MOU) both within New Zealand and internationally. These partnerships enhance professional development, knowledge sharing, and industry standards in the HVAC&R sector.
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and IRHACE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties across Australasia in the HVAC&R space. This formal agreement helps both Institutes in the advancing of the industry, and in the sharing of information. Members of each Institute will also benefit in shared access to technical resources, events, and education/training.
AIRAH is the peak body representing the HVAC&R industry in Australia. Their mission is to lead an Australian HVAC&R industry that is highly skills, safe and sustainable.
More information
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). IRHACE has been a member of the ASHRAE Associate Society Alliance (AASA) since the 1960s, ASHRAE AASA.
ASHRAE is a diverse organisation dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. In its desire to broaden its scope of activities in the world and thereby make possible a more effective and fruitful exhange of knowledge and ideas among engineers engaged in the arts and sciences of HVAC&R, created the Associate Society Alliance in 1962.
Member countries include: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vietnam.
More information
The Climate Control Companies Association of New Zealand (CCCANZ) serves as the primary industry association for HVAC&R companies in New Zealand. Its purpose is to promote high standards of business competence and advocate for member’s interests.
More information
Carbon and Energy Professionals New Zealand (CEP) and IRHACE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2021.
CEPs purpose is to address climate change through inspiring, educating and connecting professionals in carbon, energy and sustainability. They support their organisational partners to further the message of efficiency, productivity and decarbonisation.
More information
New Zealand Construction Industry Council (NZCIC) is an industry association of associations in the building and construction, design and property sectors. It is the collaborative voice of the build environment industry in New Zealand and operates at the interface between government (central and local) and industry.
NZCIC members are organisations and peak bodies for professions involved in the delivery of our built environment. The NZCIC is a collaborative group for information, networking, research and advocacy towards a better built environment for all New Zealanders.
Members include: CCCANZ, NZCB, FMANZ, NZ Institute of Building, STCF, Master Plumbers Association, National Association of Steel Framed Housing, Master Brick & Blocklayers, Steel Construction New Zealand, Waihanga Ara Rau, BRANZ, HERA, BCITO, Mates in Construction, ETU, CHASNZ, SiteSafe, ADNZ, DINZ, NZIA, NZIQS, PMINZ, Engineering New Zealand, FTMA, Concrete NZ, WPMA, Metals NZ, NZPMA, Window and Glass Association, Building Industry Federation, BOINZ, NZIBS, Passive House Institute NZ, NZGBC.
More information
RLNZ is a charitable trust that promotes, educates and trains people in the refrigeration, heating and air conditioning industries and encourage them to further their professional development through a range of technical and specialist courses.
More information
IRHACE proudly announces its collaboration with WorldSkills New Zealand (WSNZ) and the signing of an MOU in 2023. This agreement covers the promotion and showcase of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry to stakeholders and the public as well as areas of cooperation.
Worldskills New Zealand is an independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986, dedicated to encouraging excellence in vocational skills. The Worldskills International competitions, like a world championship for vocational skills, take place every two years and are hosted by member countries from across the globe.
These competitions promote apprenticeship, professional training, mobility, youth, and their skills. The events and network help to skill development through promoting and developing global training standards, benchmarking systems, and enhancing industry engagement, as well as influence industry, government, and educators through cooperation and research.
Our greatest opportunity for New Zealand Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprentices is our partnership with WorldSkills. This venture will enable an apprentice, put forward by our industry, to represent our country on the world stage, and compete against others in an already well-established international competition” IRHACE.
More information
World Refrigeration Day (WRD) celebrates the people and technologies responsible for creating and maintaining the world we live in, a world dependent upon temperature-controlled environments. Centred around June 26, the event is supported globally by industry, professional groups, scientific and engineering associations, as well as by governments and individuals.
It commenced after an idea of refrigeration consultant Stephen Gill, former president of the Institute of Refrigeration in the UK. The inaugural World Refrigeration Day on June 26 2019 was an immediate monumental success where more than 800 physical events took place in at least 153 countries around the world. IRHACE is a WRD Ally.
More information
The HVAC&R Centre works with XPO Exhibitions on our trade shows.
- The HVAC&R Hub is an annual event, in July, run alongside BuildNZ, Facilities Integrate and the National Safety Show at the Auckland Showgrounds.
- Hub South is a bi-annual event, in May, run alongside SouthMACH at the Woolfbrook Arena in Christchurch.
More information
ABOUT IRHACE
Membership
Promoting the advancement, education and technology of HVAC&R industry.
Industry Journal
Read the Industry Journal for HVAC&R news from across New Zealand.
Events
View what events are on in the HVAC&R industry.
Appointments
Industry experts that work together with wide spread industry consultation and public input.
Committees
Committees and special interest groups including the regional network.
Governance
IRHACE is an incorporated society (429813) established in 1933.