Field Engineering and Technology
Review of Wind Farm Maintenance New Zealand qualifications
Reviewed qualifications
|
Ref |
Version |
Qualification Title |
Credits |
|
4261 |
1 |
New Zealand Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance (Level 3) |
60 |
|
3793 |
2 |
New Zealand Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance (Level 4) |
80 |
Development/Review information
|
Qualification Developer |
Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board |
|
Reason for the review |
Scheduled review |
|
Review date |
September 2025 – November 2025 |
|
Outcome date |
February 2026 |
|
Next review date |
December 2030 |
|
Summary of development/review and consultation process |
|
The Wind Farm Maintenance qualifications (Level 3 and Level 4) scheduled review assessed their ongoing fitness for purpose in supporting New Zealand's expanding wind energy sector. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) comprising representatives from across the wind energy industry was established. The TAG met to validate findings and inform the broader industry consultation approach. Industry consultation was conducted from 10–21 November 2025, targeting asset owners, employers, training providers, industry associations, and health and safety specialists. The consultation explored current qualification effectiveness, industry changes and future needs, access and delivery barriers, qualification structure and pathways, and preparation for emerging developments such as offshore wind. Stakeholders confirmed that the qualifications remain fundamentally fit for purpose whilst identifying opportunities for refinement. Key themes emerging from the consultation included the need for greater programme flexibility to address employment prerequisites, alignment with Global Wind Organisation (GWO) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards where appropriate, improved awareness of pathways and progression opportunities, and strategic positioning for future offshore wind developments. The qualifications continue to provide the wind energy industry with graduates who have the essential skills and knowledge required for maintenance operations in wind farm environments, whilst maintaining appropriate flexibility for training providers to deliver programmes that meet diverse learner and employer needs. Responsibility for these qualifications has been transferred from Waihanga Ara Rau to the Energy and Infrastructure Industry SkilIs Board to reflect VET reforms. |
|
Main changes resulting from the development/review process |
|
· Updated Qualification Developer details. · Minor updates to ensure qualifications remain current, including Qualification Award and General Conditions for Programme. · Review date set |
Review outcome
|
Ref: |
Version |
Qualification Title |
Outcome category |
New qualification ID/version (as applicable) |
|
4261 |
1 |
New Zealand Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance |
B-New version of qualification |
4261-2 |
|
3793 |
2 |
New Zealand Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance |
B-New version of qualification |
3793-3 |
Qualification review outcome categories
|
Outcome |
Result |
Category |
|
Minor changes to the qualification |
Qualification version number and ID (Ref) remain the same. New review date is required. |
A |
|
Moderate changes to the qualification |
New qualification version number. Ref/ID remains the same. New review date is required. |
B |
|
Significant changes to the qualification |
New replacement qualification with a new Ref/ID The existing qualification will expire. |
C |
|
The qualification is no longer required by industry |
The qualification will expire with no replacement. |
D |
Transition information
|
Ref: |
Version |
Qualification Title |
Last date of entry* |
Last date of assessment |
|
3793 |
2 |
New Zealand Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance (Level 4) |
NA |
31 December 2027 |
|
4261 |
1 |
New Zealand Certificate in Wind Farm Maintenance (Level 3) |
NA |
31 December 2027 |
*only required for outcome category C or D
Additional information, including Qualification Developer contact details.
|
The qualification developer may be contacted at: Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board PO Box 445 Wellington 6140
|