Step forward - have your say on new irrigation skills standards

Over the past year, IrrigationNZ has been working closely with Muka Tangata to review and modernise the qualifications that support our industry.

Every five years, our NZQA-recognised qualifications undergo a formal review to ensure they remain fit for purpose. This time, we’ve taken a bold step forward - transitioning our unit standards to the new skills standard format that’s being adopted across the New Zealand vocational education system.

It’s been a significant piece of work and vital to do. Updating to skills standards now means our qualifications will be future-ready and aligned with the evolving needs of irrigators, designers, and assessors across the country.

We’re proud to say that the first sets of draft Level 4 and Level 5 irrigation skills standards are now ready for industry feedback. 

Your input matters. These new standards shape the way future training will be delivered and assessed, so if you're involved in the irrigation sector, please have your say. 

Feedback closes 24 September 2025.
View the draft Level 4 skills standards and provide feedback here
View the draft level 5 skills standards and provide feedback here