News from the team and updates on standards published, out for consultation, and on the horizon.
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In this issue:
- National Manager’s update
- Moving standards into the digital age
- New Zealand’s EV transition is accelerating, now infrastructure must keep pace
- Help shape the future of technology standards in New Zealand
- Developing the next generation of IEC leaders
- This Cyber Smart Week consider how digital and cybersecurity standards can help your business
- Standards volunteer experts recognised at Government House
- Convene the Convenors 2026: Conversations that matter
- Strengthening the Trans-Tasman Standards Partnership
- Strengthening regional connections through APCF 2026
- Standards New Zealand strengthens regional cooperation at APEC meetings in China
- Work begins on revision of NZS 4121 accessibility standard
- Standards in development
National Manager’s update
Kia ora koutou,
It remains a busy period for Standards New Zealand, with significant domestic and international activity under way.
As New Zealand’s national standards body, we have important responsibilities to participate in the global standards system and represent New Zealand’s interests. This helps ensure international standards reflect New Zealand conditions and expertise, while supporting trade, interoperability and market access.
Recent international engagement included representing New Zealand at the APEC Standards and Conformance meetings in China, with participation in the ISO General Assembly and IEC General Meeting to follow. These activities help keep New Zealand connected, influential and informed about emerging areas of standardisation.
Good progress is also being made on the International Technology Standards Programme, commissioned through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Five adoption committees have assessed and endorsed 65 priority ISO and IEC standards for public consultation across areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, digital identity, IT governance, biometrics and quantum technologies. This work will help strengthen cyber resilience and support the safe adoption of emerging technologies.
You can also watch our new video about digital technology standards.
Standards for Digital and Emerging Technologies
We have published the Standards New Zealand Business Strategy 2026–2029, which focuses on strengthening business fundamentals, increasing international standards adoption and use, and deepening our trans-Tasman partnership with Standards Australia.
We recently welcomed the Standards Australia Board and executive team to Wellington to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. Strengthening this relationship supports the Single Economic Market and benefits businesses operating across both countries.
We also continue to trial digital consultation formats. Feedback from industry has highlighted areas for improvement, and we are reviewing the experience while recognising that digital delivery is an important part of the future of standards.
Finally, thank you to everyone who contributes their time, expertise and support to New Zealand’s standards system. Your contribution remains essential to its quality, credibility and success.
Noho ora mai,
Malcolm MacMillan, National Manager Standards New Zealand
Moving standards into the digital age
Standards New Zealand is focused on introducing new digital formats for standards to provide better functionality and meet the needs of the digital age. Any future transition will improve the user experience through enhanced navigation, collaboration, mobile device compatibility, and other features that static PDFs cannot provide.
New Zealand’s EV transition is accelerating, now infrastructure must keep pace
Environmental concerns, improving technology, and lower running costs have increased the popularity of electric vehicles in recent years. As this trend continues, New Zealand must ensure its infrastructure can support the rising demand for EVs. Although work has begun, there is still a long way to go.
Learn more about the state of New Zealand’s EV infrastructure
Help shape the future of technology standards in New Zealand
Standards New Zealand is seeking public feedback on the adoption of technology-related standards for use in New Zealand. The five key areas under consideration are IT governance and IT service management; security devices and biometric technologies for identity; information security, cybersecurity and privacy protections; AI; and quantum technologies.
Learn more about having your say on New Zealand’s technological future
Developing the next generation of IEC leaders
In November 2026, Gavin Austin, Storm Holgate and Daniel Chien will represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Each brings a wide range of knowledge in their respective fields that will support New Zealand’s voice in the international standards sector.
Learn more about the IEC and what New Zealand’s representatives have to say
This Cyber Smart Week consider how digital and cybersecurity standards can help your business
Cyber Smart Week 2026 begins on 5 October. Digital technology is present in every facet of life, especially in business. Cyber Smart Week is a good time to consider how your business manages digital and cybersecurity risks.
Learn more about where to start and what to consider
Watch our new video: Standards for Digital and Emerging Technologies - YouTube
Standards volunteer experts recognised at Government House
Nearly 200 volunteer standards committee members from across the country were recognised at the recent Volunteer Recognition Luncheon for their contributions to developing and maintaining standards across various sectors. The event, hosted by Her Excellency the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, also highlighted the impact of this work on everyday life in New Zealand, the economy, and international trade.
Convene the Convenors 2026: Conversations that matter
The second Convene the Convenors forum for 2026 focused on practical experience, with discussions covering new opportunities, international influence, committee engagement, working group participation, and consensus-building. The experience and knowledge participants brought together made the forum a valuable resource for those who help develop standards on behalf of New Zealand.
Strengthening the Trans-Tasman Standards Partnership
The Standards Australia Board and senior executives were welcomed to Wellington last August. The meeting highlighted the strong, long-standing relationship between the two national standards bodies and their contribution to the trans-Tasman economic relationship.
Strengthening regional connections through APCF 2026
Malcolm MacMillan and Ramola Duncan represented Aotearoa New Zealand at the Pacific Area Standards Congress and the Asia-Pacific Cooperation Forum in Singapore. The events provided an opportunity for New Zealand to participate in regional discussions, strengthen international relationships, and gain insight into the future of standards and conformity assessment.
Standards New Zealand strengthens regional cooperation at APEC meetings in China
Malcolm MacMillan represented Standards New Zealand alongside standards bodies, regulators, quality infrastructure organisations, and other government representatives at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Dalian, China, last August. The programme centred on APEC’s Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance and focused on bringing economies together to strengthen cooperation on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment.
Learn more about key discussions and takeaways from the APEC event
Work begins on revision of NZS 4121 accessibility standard
The first revision of New Zealand’s accessibility design standard in 25 years has begun. The revision aims to update the standard to meet modern accessibility needs and will be informed by the direct experiences of disabled people, alongside recent advances in inclusive design.
Standards in development
Steel structures standards public consultation deadline extended
We’re extending the deadline for feedback on the revision draft of NZS 3404:1997 Steel structures standard Parts 1 and 2.
Some users of the standard have requested more time to share and collate feedback within their organisations and to review the draft thoroughly. We welcome feedback on the public review process and have extended the deadline to Tuesday 6 October.
Have your say on the draft methamphetamine contamination standard NZS 8510
Public consultation will soon open on the draft revision of NZS 8510, the standard for testing and decontaminating methamphetamine-contaminated properties. The update aims to align with the Residential Tenancies (Managing Methamphetamine Contamination) Regulations 2026 and support a clear, nationally consistent approach to managing contamination. Feedback is invited from anyone with an interest in the standard before it is finalised in 2027. The consultation should be available around the end of September at https://consultations.standards.govt.nz/. You can also follow us on LinkedIn for alerts.
Visit standards.govt.nz for more
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- Latest publications - Standards New Zealand - newly published NZS, AS/NZS, IEC and ISO standards.
You use standards, so let's chat
We love to showcase how businesses and organisations use standards in the many diverse industries across Aotearoa. Standards are more than documents, they enable safety, reliability and quality assurance in services and products used by millions of New Zealanders every day. If you are interested in featuring in an article and telling us your story about the standards you use or that are important to your work, please get in touch for an informal chat: editor@standards.govt.nz
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