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Master Electricians New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s release of the Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025, describing the update as a “critical and long-overdue modernisation” that brings New Zealand’s regulatory framework into line with international best practice.
The updated regulations — SR 2025/225 — change how standards are cited within law, allowing the most current edition versions to be referenced.
“This is an important and practical reform,” said Alex Vranyac-Wheeler, Chief Executive of Master Electricians New Zealand. “For years, our regulations have referenced out of date editions to standards going back decades, creating confusion and inconsistency across the industry. By moving to reference the latest editions of the standards directly, we’re ensuring New Zealand’s safety framework keeps pace with modern technology, materials, and methods. It means electricians and inspectors can work confidently to the most current edition of a standard without waiting years for regulatory updates—making our industry more responsive, safer, and aligned with international best practice.”
Improving clarity and safety outcomes
Master Electricians says the change will provide greater regulatory certainty for practitioners while maintaining a strong emphasis on public safety.
“Electricians can now work confidently to the latest edition of a standard knowing they’re compliant and delivering the safest possible results,” Vranyac-Wheeler said. “This reform eliminates a long-standing grey area that has frustrated professionals and, at times, put compliance at risk.”
Industry collaboration and future focus
Vranyac-Wheeler acknowledged the role of the Electrical Industry Advisory Committee (eIAC) and other stakeholders in achieving the update.
“This outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and government collaborate,” she said. “It’s encouraging to see the Ministry recognise the need for a more agile, modern system. We look forward to continuing that partnership as the sector navigates new technologies like solar, storage, and smart-energy systems.”
The amendments come into effect from 13 November, but also have a 12 month transition period where people can comply by using either the old referenced edition of a standard or the new referenced edition of a standard.
For more information please refer to he legislation website: Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SL 2025/225) Contents – New Zealand Legislation.
Master Electricians has also developed FAQ’s below to help members understand the changes and their practical implications — this resource will be updated regularly as new guidance becomes available.
Where can I find the latest version of the Electrical Safety Regulations
Here is the link for the Latest version of the Electrical Safety Regulations
Use this link to download the latest copy in PDF these will be reflected to the latest standards editions on the standards website
What editions of a standard shall I use?
The new editions of a standard shall be used, they are referenced in Schedule 2 in the new amendment of the Electrical (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025. These will be reflected on the standards website.
But always refer, check or verify the latest edition of a standard found on the standards website to Schedule 2.
When does this come into affect?
You do not have to comply with amendments to the regulations until 12 November 2026.
You may choose to use the amended regulations from 13 November 2025.
There will be one year grace period where you can choose to use either the old edition of a standard or the new edition of a standard, but after that year, the new current cited edition of a standard will come into full effect.
If I look on the standards website, will that new edition of a standard be current?
You can find this out by looking in Schedule 2 of the Electrical (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025. and this should reflect the new edition of a standard released on the standards website.
Why is this important to me?
It is important to use the current edition of a standard that is cited under the regulations.
The regulations are a legal document that we refer to.
This means that if we work to the current edition of a standard cited under Schedule 2, we will be legally compliant and will be able to carry out electrical work safely to the current edition of that standard.