Learn about the new committee member handbook at exclusive webinars
Learn more about the newly revised and available Standards New Zealand Committee Handbook which has been fully updated to better support standards development committee members in your role on a standards development committee.
We will be running webinars on the new committee handbook on three dates over the weeks ahead. This will be a general overview on the content of this guide and refresher on the roles and responsibilities of committee members and chairs.
Join us to learn more
- What is committee consensus in practice?
- What makes a good standard?
- Why do we adopt international standards and when should we make national modifications to them?
- Committee member roles and responsibilities and best practice processes.
- Balloting and achieving consensus.
- The different types of standards development committees and opportunities for you.
- Benefits of being on a standards development committee.
There will be some coverage of New Zealand committees mirroring the work of international committees. Choose a date that suits below and click the link to register for one of these webinars:
What’s inside the new handbook?
Our previous handbook was created in 2016 shortly after Standards New Zealand joined MBIE. It provided solid advice but was due for a refresh. After reviewing it in 2024, we identified two key gaps:
- It focused almost entirely on New Zealand-only committees, leaving out joint trans-Tasman and international mirror committees.
- It covered legal requirements well but didn’t explain the “what, why, and how” of standards development in enough depth.
The new handbook is a comprehensive, user-friendly resource designed to answer your questions and clarify expectations. It covers:
- all types of standards development committees overseen by Standards New Zealand
- roles and responsibilities for members, chairs, and convenors
- types of standards publications and projects (revisions, amendments, new standards, adoptions)
- the standards development process
- how international mirror committees and international standards development work
- key concepts of standards development
- legal matters and obligations
- a new Code of Conduct.
What’s new and important?
- Clear guidance on what committees deliver for amendments, revisions, and adoptions
- A conceptual framework for standards, including:
- what consensus means in practice
- why standards focus on conformance requirements (and how these differ from mandatory requirements).
- New Code of Conduct: Ensuring integrity, professionalism, and respect in all committee work
Does this apply to current members?
Yes. The handbook reflects existing practices and clarifies areas that were previously less defined, such as thresholds for successful committee ballots, legal obligations and roles and responsibilities of various parties.
Access the new handbook
View and download the new committee handbook here(external link)
You can also find this link on the Committee opportunities webpage(external link). Your role and responsibilities remain the same, but we hope this update brings greater clarity to the important part you play in shaping standards.
Thank you for your continued contribution to improving standards for all New Zealanders.
Malcolm MacMillan,
National Manager, Standards New Zealand
