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\nCommerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson. (File photo)
\nPhoto: Facebook \/ PACER Plus\n<\/p>\n
New Zealand has adopted more than 110 new or updated standards in line with Australia, in the first such update in a decade.<\/p>\n
The Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson said the standards would make it easier for businesses operating on both sides of the Tasman.<\/p>\n
The two national standards bodies had come to an agreement after the prime ministers backed an update in Queenstown in August.<\/p>\n
It included 33 new joint standards and a further 24 re-aligned standards for the two countries in areas like civil engineering, fuels, public health and safety, and building design.<\/p>\n
New Zealand was also adopting a further 57 digital technology international standards already in use in Australia on topics like artificial intelligence, cyber security, cloud computing and geographic information.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Simpson said it meant New Zealanders could have greater confidence that new technologies would be used safely and responsibly.<\/p>\n
“It ensures our standards system reflects modern science, technology, regulatory and business practice. It’s a win for New Zealand businesses, consumers, and our economy.”<\/p>\n
The agreement also removed commissioning fees for New Zealand industry to participate in joint standards development.<\/p>\n