New Zealand Standards Approval Board Chair

About the Board

On behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking applications from candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as Chair of the New Zealand Standards Approval Board.

The New Zealand Standards Approval Board (the Board) is an advisory committee established under the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (the Act). The Board supports Standards New Zealand in its development process, providing independent decision making and checks and balances. The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is the responsible Minister for the Board. More information on the Act can be found here.

Key functions of the Board are to:

• approve or decline proposals for persons to be chairpersons and members of standards development committees of standards organisations
• approve or decline proposed new New Zealand Standards, adopt or decline to adopt other standards organisation’s standards as New Zealand Standards, approve or decline modifications to New Zealand Standards, and archive or revoke New Zealand Standards
• provide the New Zealand Standards Executive with reasons in writing for its decision the if the Board declines to approve members, standards, or modifications of standards as per subsection (1)(a) to (f) of the Act
• advise the Minister on any matter referred to the Board by the Minister, provide the Minister with advice on the currency of New Zealand Standards, and on priority areas for the development and review of New Zealand Standards, and on any other matter that the Board considers necessary or advisable.

Further information on the Board can be found here.

Person specifications

Skills, Experience, and Attributes Required

At this time, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates for the Chair position with the following skills and experience:

• previous Chair or long-term board experience
• understanding of public sector accountability
• an active interest in developing standards across a diverse range of subject matter committees
• prior involvement in the development or setting of standards.

A background in one or more of the following industries would be helpful – IT, engineering, digital, small business, or manufacturing.

Applicants for the Chair position should have the necessary skills and experience to enable them to meet the requirements in terms of relevant legislation, and have the demonstrated skills to lead board level decision-making. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

More information

Please refer to the position description for more details.

Applications close on Sunday 14 September 2025.

For enquiries about the position, please contact boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz.