.svg){kind=small}
Standards Australia’s visit to New Zealand reinforces the important role of standards in trans-Tasman trade
Statements
By harmonising how standards are developed and adopted, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand are supporting industry growth, regulatory coherence, and safer, more efficient outcomes for businesses and communities on both sides of the Tasman.
Members of the Standards Australia executive team and Board recently visited New Zealand to reinforce the role of standards in trans-Tasman economic growth and trade, and strengthen the relationship between our national standards bodies.
The Standards Australia delegation included Board Chair Tracey Gramlick; CEO Rod Balding; Chief of Staff Brad Vermeer; and Chief of Engagement, Standards and International Relations Karen Batt. They were joined by Board members Berne Gibbons, Marlene Kanga, Nick Koukoulas, Louise McGrath, Ken Slattery and Bill Tabourlos.
While in New Zealand, they met with New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon MP, the New Zealand Standards Approval Board led by Chair Peter Harris, Standards New Zealand’s leadership team, Ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from business and engineering.
A key focus of discussion was the positive progress made since the introduction of our Standards Development and Distribution Agreement in January 2026. This agreement marked a major step forward in modernising and streamlining the development and maintenance of joint trans-Tasman standards, and the harmonised adoption of international standards together.
The agreement deepened alignment on shared priorities, including emerging technologies, energy transition, climate resilience, AI, biometrics and supply chain strength. It also reinforced the essential role of standards as an enabler of the NZ–Australia Single Economic Market, as well as longstanding arrangements like the Closer Economic Relations agreement and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
When Standards Australia met with New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon MP, Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Todd McClay MP, and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hon. Cameron Brewer MP, discussions focused on how standards can help Australia and New Zealand make the most of their close economic relationship. This includes opportunities to improve consistency across both countries and reduce technical barriers for industry.
.png)
This visit was a valuable opportunity to engage with our trans-Tasman partners, building on our long history of collaborating on joint Australian and New Zealand standards. Standards Australia remains committed to ensuring this partnership remains a strong and stable pillar of economic prosperity, innovation, and co-operation.
By harmonising how standards are developed and adopted, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand are supporting industry growth, regulatory coherence, and safer, more efficient outcomes for businesses and communities on both sides of the Tasman.
Members of the Standards Australia executive team and Board recently visited New Zealand to reinforce the role of standards in trans-Tasman economic growth and trade, and strengthen the relationship between our national standards bodies.
The Standards Australia delegation included Board Chair Tracey Gramlick; CEO Rod Balding; Chief of Staff Brad Vermeer; and Chief of Engagement, Standards and International Relations Karen Batt. They were joined by Board members Berne Gibbons, Marlene Kanga, Nick Koukoulas, Louise McGrath, Ken Slattery and Bill Tabourlos.
While in New Zealand, they met with New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon MP, the New Zealand Standards Approval Board led by Chair Peter Harris, Standards New Zealand’s leadership team, Ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from business and engineering.
A key focus of discussion was the positive progress made since the introduction of our Standards Development and Distribution Agreement in January 2026. This agreement marked a major step forward in modernising and streamlining the development and maintenance of joint trans-Tasman standards, and the harmonised adoption of international standards together.
The agreement deepened alignment on shared priorities, including emerging technologies, energy transition, climate resilience, AI, biometrics and supply chain strength. It also reinforced the essential role of standards as an enabler of the NZ–Australia Single Economic Market, as well as longstanding arrangements like the Closer Economic Relations agreement and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
When Standards Australia met with New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon MP, Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. Todd McClay MP, and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hon. Cameron Brewer MP, discussions focused on how standards can help Australia and New Zealand make the most of their close economic relationship. This includes opportunities to improve consistency across both countries and reduce technical barriers for industry.
This visit was a valuable opportunity to engage with our trans-Tasman partners, building on our long history of collaborating on joint Australian and New Zealand standards. Standards Australia remains committed to ensuring this partnership remains a strong and stable pillar of economic prosperity, innovation, and co-operation.