Sector engagement
While we work across all industries, we focus on a number of key priority sectors
Certain industry sectors in New Zealand have high growth potential and are priorities for Government. We partner with these sectors to help grow value for all by:
- Providing access to global markets
- Fostering innovation
- Bringing about ease and efficiency
- Assisting with risk mitigation and compliance
- Establishing trust
- Keeping people safe and improving wellbeing
In each sector of the economy there are opportunities for regulators, businesses and individuals to work with Standards New Zealand. This could be through developing of standards, participating on local and international committees, contributing to our Value Add programme or discussing new Access arrangements.
We also work with organisations, industries and stakeholders when deciding whether aged standards should be withdrawn, updated or superseded.
To get involved with our work email our team.
Building and construction
Standards New Zealand was established in 1932, following the Napier earthquake, to develop building standards. Involvement in this sector is as strong as ever. By working closely with our colleagues at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), many Standards New Zealand documents are listed as Approved Solutions to the Building Code.
Digital economy
As the digital economy goes from strength to strength in New Zealand, there is an opportunity for standards to support businesses with their reputation management, credibility, validation, and customer confidence. The digital economy contributes strongly to trade and innovation and acts as a bridge between new and existing products, services, and processes in terms of business interaction, compliance and interoperability.
New Zealand currently participates in seven diverse areas of the digital economy by lending our voice to international standards development. New technologies constantly challenge how businesses and consumers operate and how new products and services are delivered.
Standards in the digital economy [PDF, 423 KB]
Energy
Standards New Zealand has been developing standards for the electrical sector since the 1950s. They cover everything from spark plugs to systems testing and apply to everyone from electricians to DIYers. Many of the standards have been developed jointly with Standards Australia and in partnership with organisations such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and the Electrical Contractors Association of New Zealand (ECANZ).
Environment and Climate Change
A number of sectors across the New Zealand economy are being impacted by new legislation to combat climate change. As the science continues to evolve and New Zealand contributes its share of resourcing to the wider challenges around sustainability and climate change, standards play a key role in shaping the discussion. New Zealand industry has chosen to participate in some international environment standards development through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Health
The New Zealand Government is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders through a complex network of organisations that deliver health and disability services. There are a number of national and international health standards available that can help support these objectives.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is committed to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3, which covers good health and wellbeing. There are a number of standards that support the development of safe, high-quality medical practices and equipment that help healthcare providers deliver a more reliable and effective service.
Standards in the health sector [PDF, 324 KB]
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(external link)
Local Government
With 109 regional councillors, 11 regional chairs, 707 territorial authority councillors, 67 mayors, and over 30,000 staff, it's clear how much of the decision-making for our communities is done within each region. Local governments across New Zealand are long-time supporters of, and contributors, to standards, which run across multiple industries in each region including building and construction, the primary sector, water and waste, and health and safety.
Primary Industry
This sector is one of the biggest employers and a key contributor to the social and economic fabric of many of our regions. The primary sector is multi-faceted, with individual industries contributing to the prosperity of the New Zealand economy. These include horticulture, viticulture, apiculture, dry stock, dairy, forestry and aquaculture.
Given New Zealand's status as a trading nation, the work done by Standards New Zealand as the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) enquiry point is crucial to the primary sector.