Standards system improvements on the right track

BusinessNZ says many of the changes to New Zealand’s system of standards proposed today by the Government are on the right track, but it will be important that the standard setting process remains demonstrably independent of government and regulatory control. 

New Zealand Standards, important for many aspects of business, establish agreed specifications for products, processes, performance and services.  Standards are important for business priorities such as innovation and international trade.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says it has been clear for some time that improvements were needed in the New Zealand standards framework and many of the Government’s proposals are positive in that regard.

“But it remains important that the standard setting process includes a board that is clearly independent of government and a conformance system that is properly funded.

“Standard setting mechanisms also need to be demonstrably independent of government and regulatory control, so that industry can properly engage in the process.

“The system plays an important role domestically, and also internationally, with New Zealand’s participation in the international standards system.

“Business looks forward to the introduction of the Standards Bill, and the debate on the issue, in Parliament in 2014.”