In this issue:

Kia ora koutou,

It’s been a noteworthy time for Standards New Zealand, and I’m pleased to share some exciting developments that reflect the growing momentum behind our work.

First, it was heartening to see Prime Ministers Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese jointly acknowledge the importance of harmonising trans-Tasman standards during their recent Leaders’ Meeting in Queenstown. Their statement reaffirmed the value of our shared regulatory frameworks and the role joint standards play in strengthening the Single Economic Market.

Joint statement - Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting 2025 9 August 2025, Queenstown

Behind the scenes, Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia have been working diligently to modernise and streamline our joint standards arrangements. Earlier this month, we signed a new Heads of Agreement that builds on our 40+-year partnership and over 2,000 existing joint standards.

This renewed commitment will help improve the interoperability of products and services across the Tasman, reduce compliance costs, and support economic growth in both countries through the use of standards.

Equally important is our shared focus on international standards. Last year alone, New Zealand and Australia jointly adopted over 200 international standards. This not only enhances trans-Tasman alignment but also positions trans-Tasman businesses to thrive in global markets.

We’re also proud to announce the recent publication of SNZ PAS 6014:2025 – Residential Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Systems.

As a homeowner with solar panels, battery storage, and an EV, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of right-sizing systems and ensuring component interoperability. This new guideline offers practical advice on system selection, regulatory requirements, and how to maximise performance and value from renewable energy investments in Aotearoa.

Looking ahead, the coming months will be busy as we represent New Zealand at the annual general meetings of the IEC and ISO. These global forums are invaluable opportunities to learn, share our success stories, and strengthen bilateral relationships with other national standards bodies. AI and its use in a standards context will eventually be a big topic of discussion.

Closer to home, we continue to support our Pacific neighbours through capability-building initiatives. This includes hosting a professional development workshop here in New Zealand for our Pacific Island colleagues in October and launching a suite of e-learning modules tailored to Pacific Island standards and conformance needs.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Vic MacLennan, who recently concluded her ministerially appointed term as Chair of our New Zealand Standards Approval Board. Vic has been a tireless advocate for the value of standards in New Zealand, championing diversity and inclusion in our development committees and fostering meaningful engagement across industry and government.

Noho ora mai,
Malcolm MacMillan
National Manager, Standards New Zealand

Looking to install residential solar? Let our free guidelines shed light on good practice

EECA has supported the development and release of a new Publicly Available Specification (PAS) that gives Kiwi homeowners a clear, practical guide to choosing and using solar energy and battery storage at home.

SNZ PAS 6014:2025 Residential solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems provides useful advice for:

• homeowners, on different solar and/or battery system types, choosing one appropriate to your needs, how they interact and how they sell surplus electricity back into the system.
• suppliers and installers, to clarify the compliance landscape for different solar PV systems and outline their legal responsibilities.
• wider industry to highlight how solar technology supports a more resilient and balanced electricity network, unlocking new business opportunities and enhancing energy security.

Sponsored for free access by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the new PAS helps you make smart, safe decisions about solar power, whether you’re just starting to explore options or ready to install a system.

Download your copy of SNZ PAS 6014 to guide your transition to solar energy

Aged standards under review for safety of toys and methods for sampling ambient air

In partnership with Standards Australia, we regularly review standards that are over five years old and we invite you to have your say on their future. Should these be withdrawn, reconfirmed, or revised?

• Are they still fit for purpose?
• Do you use alternatives to meet your compliance needs?
• Which standards are being reviewed?

Current joint Australian/New Zealand and adopted international standards under review include:

• Twelve standards in the AS/NZS 3580 series for methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air.
• Six standards in the AS/NZS 8124 series for safety of toys.

If you use any of these standards in your work we strongly encourage you to have your say on their future. To view the standards and comment please use the appropriate links below. The deadline for feedback is 26 September.

Have your say on the future of consumer safety standards - safety of toys

Have your say on the future of environmental sector - methods for sampling ambient air

Standards out for public consultation

Public consultation plays an important part in the process we run for the development and revision of all New Zealand, joint AS/NZS and aged standards. It means anyone can view a draft, consider how it might apply to your work and provide feedback for consideration in the final document. We have a number of consultations open and all can be view on our consultation hub:

Standards New Zealand Consultation Hub

Keep up to date

The best way to keep across new draft documents that relate to your work is by signing up for a free account and selecting your industry under the notifications section. You can also sign up for updates on any existing standards through 'Keep me up to date' on any product page. Check out the option at the top of the home page or see 'Subscribe to updates' at the bottom of the homepage.