Background to the Changes (He Kōrero Whakamārama)

Waihanga Ara Rau, the standard-setting body for Construction and Infrastructure in Aotearoa New Zealand, has revised its Training and Assessment Guidance for high-risk, compliance-based safety training. These updates follow extensive industry consultation and align with NZQA’s Aromatawai (assessment principles) to promote holistic, fair, and practical assessment practices.

Why Things Are Changing (Ngā Take Matua mō te Panonitanga)

Industry feedback was clear:

“We need more time on the tools.”

As a result, the new training approach emphasises:

• Greater focus on hands-on, practical learning
• Improving understanding of why safety procedures matter
• Helping workers return home safely to their whānau

When Will These Changes Begin? (Te Rā Whakahāngai)

These MEWP training updates will come into effect from:

• 1 September 2025

The goal is to raise the quality, consistency, and safety of MEWP training across New Zealand.

What’s Changing? (Ngā Paerewa Kua Whakahoungia)

The following unit standards are being updated:

Theory Unit:

• US 23966 – Describe types of Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs), and industry requirements for their use.
  This unit is the theory prerequisite for all MEWP practical training. It may be delivered on its own or alongside up to two practical units.

 Practical Units (Half-day per unit):

• US 23960 – Prepare and Operate a Scissor Lift EWP
• US 23961 – Prepare and Operate a Truck-Mounted EWP
• US 23962 – Prepare and Operate a Self-Propelled Boom Lift EWP
• US 23963 – Prepare and Operate a Trailer-Mounted EWP
• US 23964 – Prepare and Operate a Vertical Lift EWP

Each practical unit will now be delivered as a standalone half-day training session.

ACT Safety fully supports the intent of these changes and is committed to continuing to deliver high-quality, learner-focused training that promotes workplace safety and wellbeing.
We’re also developing new and innovative course formats, which we’ll share as they become available.

New Experience Requirements (Ngā Whakaritenga mō te Whakaū Mātauranga)

To meet the updated assessment requirements:

• US 23966 remains the mandatory theory prerequisite for all MEWP practical training.
• All MEWP training will now include an increased focus on real or simulated workplace environments.

These changes ensure learners are confident and capable in diverse operating conditions and equipment types.

The Benefits (Ngā Painga)

These changes help ensure your team is:

• Trained to a higher safety standard
• Ready for real-world operations
• Backed by verified and practical training

Want to Learn More? (Mō Ētahi Atu Kōrero)

Read the full Waihanga Ara Rau short course report here:

Short-Course-Guidance-Document_FINAL_5-6-25.pdf

For questions about how these updates affect your training or business, we’re happy to help:

• info@actsafety.co.nz
• 0800 270 959