Help shape the future of technology standards in New Zealand

Standards New Zealand is inviting public feedback on a significant programme of work to adopt a collection of internationally recognised technology standards for use in New Zealand.

The standards have been reviewed through the International Technology Standards Programme (ITSP), which was established by Standards New Zealand following a commission from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The programme helps ensure New Zealand keeps pace with global developments while giving local experts a voice in shaping the standards that underpin emerging technologies.

We know there is great value in adopting and using international standards for the New Zealand market – they provide trusted guidance and frameworks that support safety, security, interoperability, and innovation. By adopting standards already used internationally, New Zealand organisations can align with recognised good practice, strengthen market access, and support consistency across products, services, and systems. Over 60 standards covering 5 key areas are potentially available for adoption.

Bringing global good practice to New Zealand

New Zealand experts have played an important role in reviewing these standards to ensure they are relevant and practical for local use. Adoption means they are considered by a committee of experts as being appropriate for the New Zealand and wider market.

5 review committees were established under the ITSP to consider whether collections of international standards should be adopted in New Zealand. Following their review, Standards New Zealand is now seeking public feedback before making final decisions on adoption.

For this public consultation we are asking: Is there any reason why these should not be adopted and if so why?

The consultation covers standards in 5 key areas:

IT governance and IT service management

These standards support organisations to govern and manage their information technology effectively, helping align IT investments with business objectives, manage risk, meet compliance obligations, and continually improve service delivery.

Security devices and biometric technologies for identity

Covering technologies used for identity verification and authentication, these standards provide guidance for the secure design, implementation, and management of systems that help protect identity information and strengthen trust in digital and physical access environments.

Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection

These standards provide recognised frameworks and good practice for protecting information assets, managing cyber risks, safeguarding personal data, and maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

Artificial intelligence

As AI adoption grows across industries, these standards offer guidance for the responsible development, governance, and use of AI systems. They help organisations address risk, improve transparency, and build trust in AI-enabled technologies.

Quantum technologies

Quantum technologies have the potential to transform computing, communications, and cryptography. The standards under review provide guidance on terminology, interoperability, security, and performance to support the safe and consistent adoption of emerging quantum capabilities.