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Does the "new agreement between Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia" make the cost of living in New Zealand cheaper; if yes, how?

Answered Question 4682 (2026)
Question published
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Asked by

Arena Williams

Member for Manurewa · Labour Party

Question

  • Does the "new agreement between Standards New Zealand and Standards Australia" make the cost of living in New Zealand cheaper; if yes, how?

Answered by

Hon Scott Simpson

Member for Coromandel · National Party · Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Answer

The benefits of the agreement are predominately for New Zealand businesses, through reduced participation costs (e.g. commissioning fees), better access to Australian and global markets through international standards use, and more influence over the standards development that affect their industries. Businesses may be in a position to pass on these savings to consumers.