Standards and Accreditation Bill - Third Reading

The Standards and Accreditation Bill received its Third Reading in Parliament on 15 October 2015.

Once it has received Royal assent, preparations for putting the new arrangements in place for the development and approval of and access to New Zealand standards will commence.

These include:

  • establishing a new independent statutory board (the New Zealand Standards Approval Board) to approve New Zealand standards and membership of standards development committees
  • establishing an independent Statutory Officer (the New Zealand Standards Executive)
  • retaining and strengthening key elements of the current arrangements, such as codifying in legislation the role of balanced committees of technical experts in developing standards
  • locating the standards development function in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to ensure closer alignment with government objectives such as economic growth, international trade, innovation and health and safety
  • strengthening the existing cost recovery model arrangements, by providing for full lifecycle costing of standards
  • improving access to standards
  • better reflecting the Testing Laboratory Registration Council’s accreditation activities, including renaming the Council the Accreditation Council.

Timing

The changes to accreditation will come into effect the day after the Bill receives Royal assent from the Governor-General.

The new arrangements for the development and approval of and access to standards will take effect within six months of the passing of the Bill, or sooner by Order Of Council. MBIE will shortly commence recruitment for the New Zealand Standards Approval Board.

Transition

Standards New Zealand will continue to provide support for standards development, approval and access in the meantime. They are working closely with MBIE to ensure a seamless transition to the new arrangements. MBIE will begin engaging with key stakeholders on the implementation of new arrangements over the coming months.

Further information

Further information on the new arrangements for the development and delivery of New Zealand Standards is available on the Standards New Zealand website

Standards