For years, forklift operators training in New Zealand has been inconsistent. Too often, courses were treated as a tick-box exercise, with  little assurance that operators were truly competent for the challenges they face on site. This not only left employers uncertain about  whether their people were prepared, but also contributed to avoidable risks, incidents, and lost productivity.

Recognising the need for change, the Hire Industry Association of New Zealand (HIANZ), through its trusted Silvercard brand, played an  active role as part of the national work group led by Hanga Aro Rau, which oversaw the transition from unit standards to skill standards.  This process has resulted in the launch of a new forklift training standard aimed at enhancing both safety and competency nationwide.

From Unit Standards to Skill Standards

For many years, forklift training in New Zealand has been delivered through the forklift certificate program, which operates outside of  NZQA’s standards framework. While this certificate program has been widely adopted, it has not always reflected the realities of modern  worksites or provided assurance of true competency. NZQA has since led a national shift from unit standards to skill standards across  multiple industries. For forklift training, this means a greater focus on practical skills and workplace-relevant competencies, rather than rigid  assessment criteria.

For employers and PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking), this shift provides far greater assurance. Operators trained  under the new system are not only qualified on paper, but also work ready, equipped with the skills to become competent, confident, and  productive in practice.

Building on the Silvercard Reputation

Silvercard is already a familiar name in many workplaces. For years, it has been the benchmark for Mobile Elevating Work Platform  (MEWP) training, with thousands of operators nationwide holding Silvercard credentials. Building on this trusted framework, the new  Silvercard Forklift program applies the same consistency, integrity, and quality assurance to forklift training. Courses are delivered by  independent training centres across New Zealand, each focused on providing operators with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed  to work safely and effectively. For businesses seeking more control over training, HIANZ also offers accreditation pathways for  internal trainers to become Silvercard Trainer/Assessors.

Why This Matters Now

Forklift-related incidents remain a costly risk, both in human safety and in operational downtime. Employers who adopt the Silvercard  Forklift program are not just meeting their duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act; they are also making a proactive  investment in safer worksites and more capable and productive teams.

Importantly, as a not-for-profit association, HIANZ reinvests all revenue from Silvercard training back into the industry. This ensures  ongoing improvements in training, advocacy, and safety standards, with benefits flowing directly to members, trainers and the wider  industry.

Looking Ahead

The Silvercard Forklift course is now available nationwide. Employers and training providers alike are encouraged to take advantage of this  new program to ensure their operators meet the latest competency standards. For employees who already hold a current forklift  certificate and would like to skill up, a clear pathway now exists to transition beyond the certificate and gain nationally recognised Skill  Standards.

To find a trainer near you, verify operator competency, or learn more about Silvercard training options, visit www.silvercard.co.nz.

Silvercard – Competency You Can Trust.