What's new in the world of Standards New Zealand.
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Your June update on all things Standards.
In this issue:
- ACABIM and robotics – leading the future of compliant construction
- New electric vehicle PAS leads the way for commercial fleets
- Addressing inequality for hearing-impaired in fire emergencies
- Plumbing and drainage joint standards AS/NZS 3500 series gets an overhaul
- Taking tech to the world with standards
- Join our digital reader pilot
- Help develop international standards
Imagine a world without standards - greater confusion, inconsistency, uncertainty and risk.
We don’t see standards, but we all want to know they are there and working. This was the key message explained at our recent ‘Why Standards Matter’ event at MBIE in Wellington, and streamed online for attendees across New Zealand.
Why do standards matter? It’s simple, standards protect people and the environment; increase productivity and drive innovation; ensure safety, consistency and reliability; build trust and confidence in the marketplace; promote interoperability and efficiency. Standards give consumers assurance and allow for international trade and business growth - all positive things.
I’m always heartened to hear from organisations that illustrate some of the diversity of applications standards have supported, and meet the dedicated expert contributors that give their time to developing them on committees.
Whether you are a policymaker, implement standards or an end-user, everyone has a reason to take notice of standards. At Standards New Zealand we have three challenges to run by you our readers:
1. Is there a way standards can help support your sector to stay safe and prosper?
2. Are you interested in getting involved in developing standards?
3. Can you play a part in making standards more accessible?
Read on to learn more about the diverse world of standards, and to paraphrase Andy Prow, CEO of RedShield cybersecurity, one of our speakers at our Techweek2021 event, ‘you don’t win work because of standards and compliance. But without them you do lose!’
Please get in touch if we can help you with standards in your sector.
Ngā manaakitanga
Carmen Mak, National Manager
ACABIM and robotics – leading the future of compliant construction
Read about a world where complex building compliance is automated and integrated into advanced computer software, and futuristic robotics are helping to construct houses – we learned this was less science fiction, more science fact at our Techweek2021 event ‘Building compliance goes digital’.
Discover the exciting vision of expert researchers Doctors Johannes Dimyadi, Robert Amor and Minas Liarokapis at Auckland University and Compliance Audit Systems, leading the way in digital standards integration.
Calling all innovators, creators and entrepreneurs! Think you can get creative in how standards are used?
ACABIM showcases our Value-Add Programme - working with partners to 'break the book' so that standards can be read in ways that work for users in your sector.
We can provide content if you've got a practical and feasible idea to make it more accessible. Contact us to discuss your ideas.
It's time to EV-olve the way New Zealand moves! New electric vehicle PAS leads the way for commercial fleets
SNZ PAS 6010:2021 Electric vehicle (EV) chargers for commercial applications is freely available for any business looking to save money, help reduce carbon emissions and lead the way in electric vehicle use. Thanks to Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) you can find best practice and guidance for those looking to install EV chargers for their fleet and those looking to provide the service - be at the forefront of future transport. Interested in integrating EV chargers at your workplace?
Find out more and download the PAS - New guidance on EV chargers.
Addressing inequality for hearing-impaired in fire emergencies
Following the recent publication of NZS 4512:2021 Fire detection and alarms systems in buildings (for public buildings and workplaces) and NZS 4514:2021 Interconnected smoke alarms for houses we are pleased these have incorporated contributions from representatives within the deaf community of over 800,000 New Zealanders.
What key factor has been included? Addressing inequality with NZS 4512
Plumbing and drainage joint standards get an overhaul
There’s change on the horizon and you need to know. Calling all plumbers, drainlayers, building designers, consenting officers, and other construction industry professionals – revisions to the AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and drainage series of standards were published on 28 May 2021. These revisions include some major changes and improvements to clarify some installation provisions and remove inconsistencies.
What's new in the AS/NZS 3500 plumbing and drainage standards series
Taking on the world with standards
Silverstripe digital services business CEO Wayne Yarr and RedShield cybersecurity CEO Andy Prow explain how their businesses are unrecognisable to a global market without standards.
‘We don’t win work because of standards and compliance. But without them we do lose!’ says Andy Prow.
Want to take part in our digital reader pilot?
We understand the way documents are read, used, and shared is changing. The Digital Reader helps make accessing standards so much easier, anywhere, on any type of device through dynamic content and mobile optimisation. It’s standards in your pocket!
Ewan Heron, our Standards New Zealand Access Account Manager, has been out in the regions working with stakeholders to demonstrate this new platform, and you can get involved. We’ve just surveyed our first group of users but we welcome more to trial this new technology.
It’s easy – all you need is:
1. An internet-connected smartphone or similar device
2. A spare 5-10 minutes to give it a try
3. You do not need a technical understanding of the standard– this is more around user experience – but it would be helpful if you did.
We are piloting five standards until September 2021 - we invite you to give this a try and give us your feedback.
- NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings
- NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency – Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings
- NZS 8156:2019 Ambulance, paramedicine and patient transfer services
- NZS 2403:2015 Code of practice for deep geothermal wells
- NZS 4541:2020 Automatic fire sprinkler systems
Help develop international standards
Standards New Zealand facilitates New Zealand stakeholder participation in international standards development committees through our membership with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and membership of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), through the IEC National Committee of New Zealand.
Should you be interested in getting actively involved, or have any particular questions, email us at: ISOAdmin@standards.govt.nz
From wheelchairs to explosive atmospheres - we need experts!
We are currently recruiting subject matter experts for a diverse range of ISO and IEC technical committees and subcommittees including on paper, board and pulps, anaesthetic and respiratory equipment, wood, timber and plywood, wheelchairs, explosive atmospheres and hazardous areas, electric dishwashers and electrical household appliances. Find the full list here:
We can come to you
We want everyone to understand the benefits of standards in promoting safe, efficient and competitive business. If you feel a presentation from our team would help team members in your business, do get in touch – drop us an email to engagement.snz@mbie.govt.nz
Updating links to Standards NZ’s new website
If your business has URLs linked to Standards New Zealand’s website anywhere within your internet, intranet or documents, please be mindful these may have redirected to a ‘404 page not found error’, following the launch of our new website back in March.
If you need support to relink updates to any content you previously had, please do get in touch and we can help you.
Sign up for ePing alerts - for the inside edge on exports
Getting a heads up on changes to product and export requirements in foreign markets is crucial for making adjustments in your business.
Sign up for ePing - an invaluable, free online web service for exporters that helps you keep track of and react to changing product requirements. It's a joint initiative of the UN, WTO, and ITC that lets private and public stakeholders around the world access and discuss technical barriers to trade (TBT) notifications. Standards New Zealand is the local enquiry point for TBT, so let us know if you have any significant concerns around any proposed changes.
Find out more about TBT and ePing - Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
An eye on energy at Downstream 21
March saw Standards New Zealand’s Access Manager Ewan Heron, Sector Engagement Lead Ceara Owen and Senior Standards Project Manager Chris Forsman connect with leaders and representatives in the energy industry at Downstream 21 Conference, in Lower Hutt. Over 400 leaders and influencers from the energy sector gathered to discuss current sector challenges and opportunities such as network performance, distributed energy, the changing retail landscape, regulated markets, emissions, technology and customer trends under themes including climate change, resilience in the face of black swan events, and electrification.
Hearing stories on how Standards New Zealand adds value to the sector gave us a much better understanding of how we can support changes within a rapidly evolving sector.
What's on at Standards New Zealand?
You can download the latest work programme to keep up with New Zealand and joint Australian/ New Zealand standards being developed at Standards New Zealand.
Covid-19 related standards
COVID-19-related ISO & IEC standards and standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are still freely available, to help in the fight against the pandemic.
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