Skip to main content

The standards development committee handbook is an important resource for anyone involved in developing, reviewing, or contributing to New Zealand, trans-Tasman and international standards.

Whether you’re new to a committee or already serving on one, the handbook helps you understand your role, take part effectively, and contribute to high‑quality standards.

It covers:

  • committee types
  • roles and responsibilities
  • meetings
  • voting
  • consultation, and
  • how New Zealand engages with international standards bodies.

Key information in the standards development committee handbook

The handbook includes information on:

  • New Zealand and joint Australian/New Zealand standards development committees
  • mirror committees, participating in international standards reviews
  • committee member roles, including chairs, members and convenors
  • the types of standards and related publications
  • how standards are developed, revised, amended or adopted
  • key concepts such as consensus and balanced representation
  • member obligations, including managing conflicts of interest
  • copyright and permissions.

Last updated: 10 March 2026