Business Strategy 2026-2029

 

 

The official electronic version of the Business Strateg 2026-2029 is provided in PDF format. We may also publish this document in other electronic formats to improve the accessibility of our information. While these alternative formats may have minor presentation changes, we make every effort to ensure the information is accurately converted. Standards New Zealand – Business Strategy 2026-2029 [PDF, 4.8 MB]

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Hīkina Whakatutuki – Lifting to make successful MBIE develops and delivers policy, services, advice and regulation to support economic growth and the prosperity and wellbeing of New Zealanders. More information Information, examples and answers to your questions about the topics covered here can be found on Standards New Zealand website or by calling us free on 0800 782 632. Disclaimer This document is a guide only. It should not be used as a substitute for legislation or legal advice. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in this document, or for any errors or omissions. ISBN 978-1-75992-849-4 2026 © Crown Copyright The material contained in this report is subject to Crown copyright protection unless otherwise indicated. The Crown copyright protected material may be reproduced free of charge in any format or media without requiring specific permission. This is subject to the material being reproduced accurately and not being used in a derogatory manner or in a misleading context. Where the material is being published or issued to others, the source and copyright status should be acknowledged. The permission to reproduce Crown copyright protected material does not extend to any material in this report that is identified as being the copyright of a third party. Authorisation to reproduce such material should be obtained from the copyright holders.

Our vision

Prosperity and protection through trusted standards.

Our role

As New Zealand’s national standards body, we represent New Zealand’s interests in the global standardisation community, bring leading industry and government experts together to develop and adopt high-quality standards, and make standards accessible to New Zealand users.

Our principles

Standards NZ follows the widely recognised underlying principles of good standardisation. These ensure our standards are high quality, evidence-based and trusted.

Standards NZ develops standards with integrity, independence and transparency, ensuring decisions are evidence-based, impartial and free from undue influence. Our work is grounded in real-world value, supporting national priorities and addressing genuine economic, social, and environmental challenges. We follow internationally recognised good practices to maintain trust, credibility, quality and confidence in the standards we deliver.

We promote the development, adoption and use of international standards as a first preference, supporting global connectivity, compatibility, consistency and market access. We aim to align New Zealand standards with international frameworks to reduce barriers to trade and enable participation in global markets.

We encourage wide and balanced participation in standardisation, ensuring that relevant stakeholders and their needs are considered, so everyone can contribute meaningfully. Through transparent and inclusive processes, we seek a broad range of perspectives so that standards reflect the needs and interests of those affected.

Our consensus-based processes bring together industry, government, and other stakeholders. By working towards shared agreement, we support stronger buy-in, longevity and adoption of standards across the system.

We work in partnership with commissioning organisations, industry, government agencies, regulators, consumer groups and other standards bodies to develop and deliver standards and related services. Collaboration enables shared ownership, coordinated delivery, and standards that are fit for purpose.

Our values

Māia – Bold & brave

Mahi tahi – Better together

Pae kahurangi – Build our future

Pono me te tika – Own it

Our priorities

For 2026-2029, Standards NZ will focus on three strategic priorities:

Business fundamentals: Our core functions are to develop and adopt standards, provide access to standards and participate in the international standards system. We will get the basics right, embrace modernisation and business efficiency, support our commissioning agencies and better enable our volunteer committee members. We will continue to support MBIE policy work on New Zealand’s
standards system.

International alignment: For a small trading nation, the market access, foreign investment, innovation and efficiency opportunities from the use of international standards are significant. We will continue to engage with other national, regional and international standards bodies and will prioritise our role in facilitating New Zealand experts onto international standards development committees. Increased New Zealand participation will result in international standards that better reflect New Zealand’s interests and needs and encourage their use by New Zealand businesses and regulators.

Trans-Tasman partnership: A trans-Tasman standards system is critical to New Zealand. It reduces complexity for users, improves market access and economic integration and makes the best use of system resources. Building on the four-decade-old partnership, we will continue to work closely with Standards Australia to deliver a more harmonised, efficient and internationally aligned standards system for both countries.

 

In this report

National Manager's foreword

Who are we

Context

Strategic priorities — Business fundamentals

Strategic priorities — International alignment

Strategic priorities — Trans-tasman partnership