Strengthening New Zealand’s voice in international technology standards – get involved
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, international standards play a vital role in supporting safety and trust while enabling innovation, productivity and interoperability across products, services and systems. You can get involved in making those standards.
International Technology Standards Programme (ITSP)
From artificial intelligence and cyber security to biometrics and quantum technologies, international standards increasingly shape how emerging and sensitive technologies are developed, governed and used. They influence regulatory frameworks, market access and global alignment, making early engagement essential for countries like New Zealand.
Recognising the value these standards provide, New Zealand experts are already actively contributing to international standards development across a range of technology domains. To build on this work, Standards New Zealand has established the International Technology Standards Programme (ITSP), focused on strengthening New Zealand’s influence in, and use of, technology related international standards.
‘International standards increasingly shape how emerging technologies are used, regulated and trusted around the world’, says Ramola Duncan, Senior Advisor – International Engagement, Standards New Zealand. ‘Through the International Technology Standards Programme, we are strengthening New Zealand’s ability to influence these standards as they are developed and to adopt those that best support our needs at home.’
A two part programme: participation and adoption
The International Technology Standards Programme brings together two connected initiatives:
- Boosting participation in international standards development, and
- Adopting international standards for use in New Zealand.
Together, these projects ensure New Zealand is not only keeping pace with global developments, but actively shaping and confidently using the standards that underpin emerging technologies.
Learn more at a free webinar
Learn about the participating on the eight priority technology committees under New Zealand’s International Technology Standards Programme (ITSP) at an upcoming webinar - register below.
Wednesday, June 24, 11AM - 12PM
Webinar: Get Involved in International Technology Standards(external link)
Boosting participation: influencing standards as they are developed
Balanced representation is a core governance principle in international standards development. It helps ensure resulting standards are fair, credible and widely adoptable, and that no single commercial or political interest dominates the outcome.
Participating in international standards development committees allows New Zealand to influence the technical content of standards while they are being developed, rather than responding only once standards are finalised. This early engagement helps ensure standards reflect New Zealand’s current and future interests and are easier for regulators and businesses to adopt and use.
New Zealand is already a participating member in several relevant international technology committees. However, participation is often limited in both number and breadth of representation. Increasing participation allows New Zealand to contribute more consistently across working groups, engage earlier in technical debates, and strengthen long term capability.
The Boosting Participation Project is actively recruiting additional New Zealand experts to contribute to eight priority international standards committees covering high impact technology areas:
- Information security, cyber security and privacy
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technology
- IT governance and IT service management
- Cards and security devices for personal identification
- Biometrics
- Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
- Risk management
Through increased expert membership, targeted capability building initiatives, and support for participation in high value international meetings, the project strengthens New Zealand’s ability to engage effectively and influence the standards that will shape future technology use.
The Boosting Participation Project is led by Standards New Zealand’s Ramola Duncan, Senior Advisor – International Engagement with support from Craig Pattison, a technology professional actively engaged in international standards committees.
Adopting international standards for New Zealand
Alongside participation in standards development, the International Technology Standards Programme also focuses on ensuring suitable international standards are assessed and adopted for use in New Zealand.
The international adoption process administered by Standards New Zealand involves qualified experts assessing whether a standard is appropriate for the New Zealand context. This includes consideration of regulatory settings, cultural factors and local operating conditions, providing confidence for regulators, businesses and the wider public in the use of these standards.
The Adopting International Standards Project supports alignment with international practice in areas critical to the safe use of emerging, critical and sensitive technologies. Early engagement with strategic stakeholders will help identify four priority suites of international standards for assessment.
These standards will be considered by committees of technical experts, with final adoption decisions made by the New Zealand Standards Approval Board based on committee recommendations. Adoption decisions are intended to be completed by the end of November 2026.
This project is being managed by Glenda McLaughlin, with support from Tanya Paramore.
Credit: Rocket Lab
Getting involved
Whether contributing to the development of international standards or supporting their adoption for New Zealand, participation in the standards system is valuable and professionally rewarding.
Standards New Zealand welcomes interest from individuals with expertise across emerging and critical technology domains, as well as engagement from strategic stakeholders to help identify priority standards for adoption. Through the International Technology Standards Programme, New Zealand is strengthening its voice in the global standards system and supporting the safe, effective use of technology at home.
If you are interested in learning more about getting involved, learn more and apply through our website: