Waihanga Ara Rau (responsible for setting standards, qualifications, and training guidance for New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure industries) has released new training and assessment requirements for several crane and telehandler unit standards. As a result, we need to make some changes to how these courses are delivered. 

Crane Training

What’s changing and why
 These changes have been introduced to make crane training more consistent across New Zealand and to ensure assessments reflect real workplace conditions. Because of this, the way we deliver the following unit standards must now change: 

• US 30072 – Slinging regular loads 

• US 16617 – Truck loader crane 
• US 3800 – Gantry crane 

What this means for your training

1. 30072 must now be completed on its own

We can no longer combine 30072 with any other crane unit standard in a one-day course (e.g., 30072 + 16617 or 30072 + 3800). 
Learners will now complete 30072 separately.

2. 16617 and 3800 now require workplace experience before final assessment 

Waihanga Ara Rau now requires verified workplace evidence before learners can be assessed. 

• 16617 (Truck Loader Crane): 80 hours or 40 lifts using a truck loader crane 
• 3800 (Gantry Crane): 50 hours or 25 lifts using a gantry crane 

If a learner has not yet met these requirements, they may still attend training, but assessment must occur later once the required workplace evidence is completed. 

3. Assessment will shift to the workplace 

Where possible, assessments for 16617 and 3800 will now take place in the workplace rather than on a short course. This ensures the assessment reflects real equipment, real loads, and real operating conditions. 

What You Need to Do 

• If booking 16617 or 3800, please ensure your learners are able to log and verify the required workplace hours/lifts. 
• These hours must be completed before unit can be awarded can be awarded. 
• If your team needs support to understand the new requirements, we’re happy to talk through options. 
  

Telehandler Training

What’s Changing

1. Workplace hours are now required before assessment

Learners must now complete verified workplace experience before they can be assessed against US 23637: 

• 50 hours OR 25 lifts operating a telehandler with attachments 

Learners may still attend training without the required hours, but assessment will occur later, once their workplace evidence is complete. 

2. Short courses remain available (training only)

We will continue offering the 23637 short course, however, assessment will now be: 

• completed in the workplace where possible, or 
• scheduled separately once verified workplace hours have been achieved.

3. What the practical assessment must include

When assessment occurs, learners must demonstrate: 

• Operating a telehandler under 7 metres with attachments 
• Placing the same load at two different heights or distances 
• Competency shown under realistic site conditions

4. Upcoming standard update

Waihanga Ara Rau has advised that the title of US 23637 will change to: 

Operate a non-rotating telescopic handler with attachments 

What You Need to Do 

• Ensure learners have the opportunity to complete and log the required 50 hours/25 lifts.
• Begin collecting verified workplace evidence before booking assessment.
• Contact us if you’d like support with evidence templates or planning assessment timing.

Need Help?

If you have upcoming bookings or need help understanding these new requirements, please get in touch. We’re here to support a smooth transition and ensure your operators remain compliant under the updated national framework.