Recognised Qualification

It's not that my qualifications and engineering diploma isn't recognised here, yes I have all the highest certification from NZ authorities and professional associations, I even have peer support from these professional organisations! It's just that I don't get to work in my engineering profession, I am always employed well below these qualifications. By itself it's really embarrassing, because quite often you realise you are wasting time as a professional, you are not growing and not learning as you could have and should have been. Incredible! It seems to me NZ government and professional bodies are saying one thing, but the businesses, that are partners with these organisations, have a completely different idea. When you try to break that barrier you are just told you haven't got the relevant work experience. Bizarre...