8 May 2006

STANDARDS NZ fields many enquiries about how exactly Standards are developed. The following summary outlines the steps involved in developing Standards – from initial discussions about opportunities, to promoting the final publication.

Committee members are central to the Standards development process. They make an immense contribution to their sector and to New Zealand as a whole.

Teamwork is critical when developing Standards. Being an effective and considerate team member is essential to the success of the project. The Standards development process relies on reaching consensus, which involves the need to consider other views and a willingness to compromise.

As Standards NZ is a not-for-profit, self-funded Crown entity, the cost of developing Standards is spread widely. The ‘in-kind’ contributions from both organisations that sponsor committee members, and from committee members themselves, are especially valuable. This involves time and expert knowledge. It enables the development of Standards to continue, which ultimately benefits all New Zealanders.

The Standards Development Process

Initiate and plan

New projects to develop, amend or revise Standards are initiated after wide consultation. Standards NZ works with sponsor organisations to clearly define the problem or opportunity and identify the need for a Standard. For example, the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority approached Standards NZ in 2004 to discuss the need for a New Zealand Automotive biodiesel Standard, in light of international developments. The Standard (NZS 7500:2005) was published in 2005. Similarly, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) met with Standards NZ to discuss risk management gaps in the recreation industry. These discussions
resulted in the successful Guidelines for risk management in sport and recreation (SNZ HB 8669:2004), published in 2004.

Develop the Standard

Once the project objective and scope are established, Standards NZ researches which organisations have an interest in the subject and approaches organisations to nominate committee members.

Committee members develop Standards both by researching and modifying existing material, as well as developing new content. This process mostly occurs during meetings and may also include conference calls, working groups, or individuals working on specific sections of the document. The Standards NZ project manager coordinates the committee, which often represents a diverse cross-section of different interests from across the particular sector. For example, the Health and disability sector Standards committees involved representation from a wide range of organisations including the
Ministry of Health, the NZ College of Midwives, District Health Boards and many more health and disability service providers.

“Participating in the development of Standards can be challenging but also fun,” says Karen Davis, who chaired the Infection control audit tool (P 8150) committee, and was a member of the Processing of endoscopes (P 8149) committee. “Standards help to promote accepted good practice. You can make a valuable contribution to your sector and to society by participating in Standards committees,” says Karen, who applies extensive practical experience and academic research skills to Standards committees.

Public comment

Once the committee has agreed on the draft Standard, interested  members of the public are actively encouraged to submit comments on the draft. The public comment period is advertised within the sector. For example, widespread publicity for the public comment period around the revision of the Automatic fire sprinkler systems Standard, NZS 4541:2003, was generated by Standards NZ, the Department of Building and Housing and the Fire Protection Association in late 2005. This resulted in approximately 1,000 comments being received, ranging from minor editorial corrections to recommendations for significant changes.

All public comments are carefully considered by the committee and
agreed changes made. 

Consensus

Standards development committees are driven by a consensus-based approach. Consensus involves collaborative problem-solving and debate, in order to reach a generally accepted solution. The committee, under the leadership of the Standards NZ project manager and the committee Chair, will almost always achieve 100% consensus.

Standards Council approval

Prior to publication, all Standards require final approval from the Standards Council. The Council is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate process has been followed, and the development of the Standard has been independent, balanced and consensus-based.

Publish and promote

The Standard is published and made available in electronic and hardcopy format. Standards can be purchased on-line, by e-mail or phone, or via the Standards New Zealand On-line Subscription Service, which provides access via the web 24/7. Standards New Zealand promotes the Standard throughout the sector to ensure the benefits are
enjoyed as widely as possible.

Benefits for Committee Members

Committee members enjoy the opportunity to:

• contribute to the content of the Standard, which benefits their sector, employer, and consumers
• enhance their professional development
• build networks and learn from others in their field
• learn from the latest international knowledge
• help create trade opportunities
• be part of a collaborative project, which involves public consultation
• represent and protect the public interest.

For further information about the Standards development process, please contact Craig Lauchlan, General Manager, Development, at Standards New Zealand, e-mail craig.lauchlan@standards.co.nz, phone 04 498 5906