A world without Standards would soon grind to a halt. Transport and trade would seize up. The internet simply would not function. Hundreds of thousands of systems dependent on information and communication technologies would falter or fail — from government and banking to healthcare, air traffic control, emergency services, disaster relief, and even international diplomacy.

What is Standards New Zealand?

Standards New Zealand is New Zealand’s leading developer of Standards and Standards' based solutions.

Standards New Zealand is the operating arm of the Standards Council, an autonomous Crown entity operating under the Standards Act 1988. The Standards Council, an appointed body with representatives from a wide range of community sectors, is the governing body for Standards New Zealand.

The majority of Standards are developed in partnership with Standards Australia. As New Zealand’s representative for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Standards New Zealand ensures that New Zealand has a voice in the international Standards community. 

What is a Standard?

Standards are agreed specifications for products, processes, services, or performance.

New  Zealand Standards are developed by an expert committee using a consensus-based process that allows the public to provide input.

New Zealand Standards are used by a diverse range of organisations to enhance their products and services, improve safety and quality, and meet industry best practice.

Why do we need Standards?

• Standards help to keep our homes, buildings, playgrounds, and health services safe. They help to prevent accidents and injuries in a broad range of areas.

• Standards minimise the impact of potential disasters such as earthquakes, or fires and electrical hazards, and also improve the quality of goods and services. They help to protect the environment, and they boost our economic growth and our trade opportunities.