Get ready for the - New Zealand Electrical Conference 2025
The Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) has announced a significant update to the registration framework for electrical workers, set to take effect on September 1, 2024. This new framework introduces endorsed classes of registration through a ‘grandparenting process’, providing current registered electrical workers (EWs) who currently work in areas that will be covered by the step licensing regime with a path to transition into the new system.
Grandparenting Process Overview
The grandparenting process consists of two phases:
Phase 1: Automatic Class Transfer
- Eligibility: Registered EWs with an active license will be automatically considered for new endorsed registration classes if they have made at least three entries in the WorkSafe Electricity and Gas High-risk Database between January 1, 2018, and the present. Entries must be in areas such as Hazardous Areas, Medical Cardiac Protected Areas, Mains Parallel Generation Systems, or Mining Operations.
- Notification: Eligible EWs will be contacted directly starting in July, informing them of the classes they qualify for. They will have 20 working days to respond if they disagree with the allocation.
- Finalization: If the EW agrees with the allocation or does not respond within the given time, the new classes will be assigned without any cost, and a new license will be issued.
Phase 2: Manual Class Transfer
- Application Window: From September 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025, EWs not automatically granted endorsed classes can apply manually.
- Requirements: Applicants must hold a current practicing license, provide a reference letter from their employer or complete a statutory declaration detailing their experience and work history. Self-employed EWs can submit evidence of their self-employment.
- Submission: Applications will be processed through the EWRB portal, with no cost for those received before August 1, 2025. Successful applicants will receive new licenses reflecting their endorsed classes.
We are seeking a further meeting with the EWRB to better understand what examples of evidence which would be required for meeting the requirements of Phase 2 a further update will be provided once guidance is received.
Ensuring Work is Recorded
EWs must ensure their work is recorded in the Electricity and Gas High-risk Database. Only Electrical Inspectors can input this work, and EWs can verify their entries by searching the database. If work is missing, EWs should follow up with the Inspector or provide a Record of Inspection as evidence.
Inspectors have until June 30, 2024, to input work for the automatic class transfer process.
Further Information
For additional details about the database and the new registration framework, EWs can visit the following links:
Master Electricians encourages all electrical workers to familiarize themselves with these changes and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition into the new registration framework.
We are currently exploring to bring to market some training options for members seeking endorsement outside of the grandparenting process and will provide more details soon. If you have further comments, questions or feedback about the process, please contact us at techsupport@masterelectricians.org.nz.