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 consultation with industry stakeholders and align with NZQA’s Aromatawai (assessment principles) and the Principles of Assessment to promote fair, practical, and holistic learning.

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

Industry feedback was consistent:

“We need more time on the tools.”

This has led to changes that focus on:

• Greater emphasis on practical, hands-on training
• Ensuring learners understand why safety matters
• Supporting safe work environments and helping workers return home safely to their whānau

When Will These Changes Begin? (Te Rā Whakahāngai)

The revised Telehandler training requirements will take effect from:

• 1 September 2025

These changes are designed to improve training quality, consistency, and safety outcomes across Aotearoa.

What’s Changing? (Ngā Paerewa Kua Whakahoungia)

The following unit standards are being updated and will now each be delivered as standalone one-day courses:

• US 23637 – Operate a Telescopic Handler under 7 Metres with Attachment
  - This unit is recommended as a prerequisite before attempting more advanced telehandler training.
• US 33425 – Operate a Telehandler Above 12 Metres with Stabiliser
• US 33426 – Operate a Rotating Telehandler

These changes reflect the high-risk nature of telehandler operation and aim to ensure competency is built progressively and safely.

ACT Safety fully supports these training principles and remains committed to delivering high-quality, practical learning focused on both worker safety and organisational compliance.
We are also exploring new course formats, which will be shared as they are developed.

New Experience Requirements (Ngā Whakaritenga mō te Whakaū Mātauranga)

To be awarded these unit standards on your NZQA Record of Achievement, learners will need to provide verified workplace experience through an Attestation document, which ACT Safety is currently developing.

 These requirements ensure operators are confident, capable, and versatile in real-world conditions.

The Benefits (Ngā Painga)

These changes help ensure that your team is:

• Trained to a higher industry standard
• Better prepared for real-world conditions
• Supported with verified, experience-based assessment

Want to Learn More? (Mō Ētahi Atu Kōrero)

You can access the full Waihanga Ara Rau short course report here:

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

If you’d like advice or support on how these changes may impact your training or workforce, get in touch with us:

info@actsafety.co.nz

0800 270 959