NZ set to recognise key lifting industry roles in New Zealand Occupation List
LEEA is proud to announce that three vital lifting industry roles have been formally accepted for inclusion in the New Zealand Occupation List (NOL), in recognition of their technical complexity, safety-critical function, and importance across multiple sectors. The roles accepted are:
- Lifting Equipment Technician
- Lifting Equipment Engineer
- Load Lifting Rigger (Rope Fabrication)
The inclusion, developed through LEEA’s proposal to Stats NZ, represents a major milestone for the lifting and rigging industry in Aotearoa. While the aim is to incorporate these roles in a midyear NOL update (June/July 2025), the final publication date is still to be confirmed. If the midyear release does not proceed, these roles will be formally included in the 1 January 2026 release.
“This is a landmark moment for the lifting industry in New Zealand,” said Justin Boehm, Regional Manager – Australia & New Zealand, LEEA. “It validates the professionalism and critical safety work our members undertake daily, often behind the scenes but at the heart of infrastructure, construction, and industrial activity.”
This development has long-term benefits for employers, educators, and industry stakeholders:
- Attract and retain talent: Recognised roles boost visibility and credibility of vocational career paths in lifting and rigging.
- Clarify qualification standards: Alignment with the NZ Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) sets clear pathways for training and professional development.
- Enable workforce planning: Accurate occupation codes support industry growth, immigration, and workforce strategy.
- Strengthen professional identity: Recognition reinforces the critical role these professionals play in ensuring safety and compliance.
- Elevate industry standing: Supports positioning of lifting and rigging work alongside other nationally recognised trades.
“Formal recognition of these roles will help address workforce challenges, improve access to skills-based immigration pathways, and rightly position lifting professionals as the qualified, safety-critical specialists they are. This progress is about visibility, credibility, and respect—for the work, and for the people doing it.”
LEEA continues to work closely with the NZ Government and relevant agencies to support implementation of this program of work and will provide updates to members as these roles are registered. Members will be notified as soon as the official publication date is confirmed.
