Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections Across Standards and Accreditation

Standards and accreditation work best when they grow together. That’s why ongoing engagement between the organisations that support quality infrastructure is so important. Over the past few weeks, JASANZ met separately with both Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia in Wellington to discuss shared priorities and explore the issues shaping the future of quality infrastructure.

Most recently, JASANZ’s Kyran Rei (Sector Manager, Food & Biologicals), Sumeet Sharma (Sustainability & Environment), and Bernie McLaughlin (Deputy General Manager, Accreditation) met with the Standards New Zealand team at their offices at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in Wellington. They were joined by Standards New Zealand National Manager Malcolm MacMillan, Principal Advisor Clare Francis, Manager Commercial and Sectors Nick Ascroft, and Head of International Engagement Ramola Duncan.

Earlier, representatives from Standards Australia visited the JASANZ office in Wellington, providing another valuable opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest. While standards development and accreditation fulfil distinct roles, both are essential components of a system that helps demonstrate competence, meet recognised requirements, and build trust with customers, regulators, and communities.

These regular discussions help ensure standards and accreditation remain aligned and responsive as the world around us evolves. By maintaining strong relationships and open communications channels, JASANZ, Standards New Zealand, and Standards Australia can continue supporting a more effective, trusted, and connected quality infrastructure system.