Menu

Home Kainga
Publications Ngā Putanga Kōrero
Help me find my council

Interim rulings

An interim ruling is a decision made by Hanga-Aro-Rau as the standard setting body to address an issue/error within a standard to allow for continuation of assessment until the standard can be revised.

These rulings are applied to all active versions of the standard which have the same issue/error and lasts until the Last Date of Assessment (LDoA) of the version/s of the standard it is applied to.

Interim rulings are generally applied to correct minor errors in terminology and to provide clarity:

  • where standard references supersede regulations and/or legislation
  • where standard references range statements include out-dated technology and / or industry practice
  • on the interpretation i.e., verb, phrases, words, range statements, and assessment requirements.

If you are developing assessment material or conducting moderation against a unit standard and believe an interim ruling should be applied, please send the details to [email protected].

Please see the table below for the list of current interim rulings.

Subfield/Domain Standard numberVersion/sStandard title Section of standardIssue in briefInterim ruling on how to interpret Date of interim rulingExpiry date of interim ruling
Mechanical Engineering > Engineering - Materials 295492Demonstrate basic knowledge of the mechanical properties and selection of engineering materialsOutcome 1 In order to meet the performance criteria leading to the outcome, learners must evidence both mechanical and physical properties. Read Outcome 1 as Demonstrate basic knowledge of the mechanical and physical properties and strength of materials.August 2023To be updated upon standard review
Outcome 1 RangeThe existing range statement combines physical properties alongside mechanical properties in a mandatory range statement. Read Outcome 1 Range as: mechanical properties - ductility, formability, brittleness, hardness; physical properties - machinability, conductivity, density, corrosion resistance; strength types - compression, tensile, shear, yield point.August 2023
Performance criterion 1.1 and 1.2In order to meet the outcome range statement learners must evidence both mechanical and physical properties. Read P.C 1.1 and 1.2 as 'mechanical and physical properties'August 2023
Performance criterion 2.2 Following on from the interim ruling on outcome one and associated performance criterion, learners must evidence both mechanical and physical properties. Read P.C 2.2 as An example of a product manufactured from common industry plastics is stated and the mechanical and physical properties that make it suitable for the product described. August 2023
Mechanical Engineering > Engineering - Materials29550 2Demonstrate basic knowledge of common engineering metalsGuidance Information 3 RangeThere are a lot more common metals that are used in engineering which are not reflected in the current mandatory range statement. Additional metals can be added to this range to ensure flexibility for the evidence produced to meet this range statement. Read the range statement as Range - austenitic stainless steel, aluminium, carbon steel. May include - copper, brass, titanium, bronze.August 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Outcome 1In order to meet the performance criteria leading to the outcome, learners must evidence both mechanical and physical properties. Read Outcome 1 as Demonstrate basic knowledge of the mechanical and physical properties and strength of materials.August 2023
Outcome 1 RangeThe existing range statement combines physical properties alongside mechanical properties in a mandatory range statement. Read Outcome 1 Range as: mechanical properties - ductility, formability, weldability, brittleness, hardness; physical properties - machinability, conductivity, density, corrosion resistance. August 2023
Performance criterion 1.1 and 1.3In order to meet the outcome range statement learners must evidence both mechanical and physical properties. Read P.C 1.1 and 1.3 as mechanical and physical propertiesAugust 2023
Mechanical Engineering > Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering 30286 1Demonstrate knowledge of, and replace and test static seals in machineryPerformance criterion 1.1 RangeTeflon is a brand name for PTFE which is already included in the range statement to be evidenced. Paper seals are also commonly known as 'sheet'. Treat range item 'teflon' as being removed. Read 'paper' as 'sheet/paper' to reflect different terminology used within industry. August 2023To be updated upon standard review
Motor Industry > Collision Repair23988 v2 and v3Demonstrate knowledge of the resistance spot welding process used for vehicle repairsPerformance Criterion 1.6 RangePerformance Criteria 1.6 range statement includes ‘splitter’. This term is not used in industry. Treat range item 'splitter' as being removed.August 2023To be updated upon standard review
Mechanical Engineering > Refrigeration and Air Conditioning32518 1Demonstrate and apply knowledge of variable refrigerant flow and charging refrigerant for VRF systemGuidance Information 6dGuidance Information 6d "Evidence for outcome one must be supported using evidence of VRF training provided from the Heat Pump Suppliers Association" cannot be achieved as the HSPA does not provide training directly.Treat Guidance Information 6 d. as being removed.August 2023To be updated upon standard review
Mechanical Engineering > Maintenance and Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering2401 9Shut down, isolate and start up machines and equipmentPre-requisiteThe pre-requisite requirement is not consistent with other versions of the standard which are still active. Treat pre-requisite of compliance with the critical health and safety pre-requisite statement (Unit 21912 , Apply safe working practices on an engineering worksite; Unit 29652 , Demonstrate knowledge of safety, health, risk assessment, and hazard ID and control on an engineering worksite; or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge) as being removed.August 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Furniture > Furniture Operations25569 4Demonstrate knowledge of timber types, timber seasoning and insect attack in furniture operationsGuidance Information 3 and 5Reference materials in Guidance Information are no longer available.Treat Guidance Information 3 and 5 as being removed. Adequate guidance information for assessors has been provided in the assessment information section of the unit standard and the associated workbook.August 2023To be updated upon standard review
Mechanical Engineering > Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning26327 3Demonstrate knowledge, and plan and install pipe-work and ducting for mechanical building services under supervisionPerformance Criterion 2.1 RangePerformance Criteria 1.6 range statement includes ‘nomenclature’. Treat range item 'nomenclature' as being removed.August 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Furniture > Furniture Finishing25529 2Use masking materials to protect surface areas from coatings in furniture finishingPerformance Criterion 1.2, 2.2 and 3.2 RangeThe range items require evidence for items that are no longer reflective of industries needs.Treat the range item ‘foam material’ as being removed from P.C 1.2 and P.C 3.2. Treat the range item ‘soft edge masking’ as being removed from P.C 2.2.August 2023To be updated upon standard review
Driving > Core Driving Knowledge and Skills3466 8Apply risk reduction techniques and strategies while drivingPerformance Criterion 1.2Performance Criteria 1.2 is difficult to evidence during the course of a practical driving examination. Treat Performance Criteria 1.2 as being deleted. Read the Performance Criteria 1.2 ‘Range – must include the seven driving manoeuvres’ as relevant to the assessment of Performance Criteria 1.1. June 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Motor Industry > Engines 11727 4Recondition engine cylinder headsGuidance Information 4
Performance Criterion 2.2 Range		Guidance Information 4 and Performance Criterion 2.2 are difficult to evidence requirements for machining the rocker components on an alloy diesel cylinder head. Read G.I 4 as Assessment against this standard may include cast iron and aluminum alloy cylinder heads from both petrol and diesel multi-cylinder engines.
Treat P.C 2.2 range statement as 'may include'		July 2023To be updated upon standard review
Motor Industry > Engines11728 4Recondition engine cylinder blocks Guidance Information 4
Performance Criterion 2.1
Performance Criterion 2.4 Range		Guidance Information 4, Performance Criterion 2.1 and 2.2 are difficult to evidence requirements for wet liner short block assemblies. Read G.I 4 as Assessment against this standard includes a minimum of two petrol fuelled short block assemblies from different multi-cylinder engine configurations, and two diesel fuelled short block assemblies from different multi-cylinder engine configurations.
Treat P.C 2.1 as being removed.
Treat P.C 2.4 range statement as 'may include'.		July 2023To be updated upon standard review
Motor Industry > Engines11729 4Inspect and machine engine piston and connecting rod assembliesGuidance Information 4
Performance Criterion 2.2		Guidance Information 4 and Performance Criterion 2.2 are difficult to evidence requirements for resizing conrod tunnels on 2 stroke engines and machining piston ring grooves. Read G.I 4 as Assessment against this standard includes piston and rod assemblies applicable to four stroke petrol and diesel fuelled engines. Evidence of three sets of piston and rod assemblies is required.
Read P.C 2.2 as Piston ring grooves are machined, if required.		July 2023To be updated upon standard review
Mechanical Engineering > Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning26336 2Demonstrate knowledge of the components used in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems Guidance Information 1Guidance Information 1 references the incorrect standard title as recommended for entry into this unit. Read G.I 1 as Unit 26335 Demonstrate introductory knowledge of mechanical building services is recommended for entry into this unit standard.September 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Primary Products Food Processing > Primary Products Food Processing - Operational Skills29147 2Describe and apply stock control procedures in a primary products food processing operationPerformance criterion 2.2Outcome 2 requires learners to access, not assess, information. Read 2.2 as Access and maintain inventory records.September 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Meat Processing > Boning Operations28229 2Break and bone carcasses of large animals in a meat processing operationOutcome 1The range items require evidence for several large animals that can be difficult for many meat processors to evidence. Treat Outcome 1 range statement as 'may include'. Evidence of a minimum of three different boned cuts are required to be evidenced. September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Meat Processing > Boning Operations28230 2Break and bone carcasses of small animals in a meat processing operationOutcome 1The range items require evidence for several small animals that can be difficult for many meat processors to evidence. Treat Outcome 1 range statement as 'may include'. Evidence of a minimum of three different boned cuts are required to be evidenced. September 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Meat Processing > Pre and Post Slaughter and Dressing28187 2Remove hides mechanically in a meat processing operationGuidance Information 5The range items require evidence for several hides that can be difficult for many meat processors to evidence. Read G.I 5 as Hides may include cattle, deer, sheep, goats, pigs. Evidence of a minimum of two hides are required to be evidenced.September 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Furniture > Furniture and Cabinet Making18915 3Use fixing hardware in furniture makingOutcome 2
Performance Criterion 1.2
Performance Criterion 1.3		Confusion on the definition of a superscrew and the use of the term throughout the standard. Super screws refer to screws desgined for composite materials to reduce splitting which have coarse threads and either a sharp point or a self-drilling end. Read O2, P.C 1.2 and 1.3 "super screw" as super / surefix screw. September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Maritime > Sea Survival and Sea Safety 12310 6Demonstrate knowledge of fire prevention and limitation, and extinguish small fires on board a vesselPerformance Criterion 2.2 Range
Performance criterion 2.3 Range		AFFF (Foam) extinguishers have tighter restrictions on their use and storage. These fire extinguishers have begun a process of disuse in the industry as a whole. Please see this article from EPA. Treat P.C 2.2 and P.C 2.3 'Foam (AFFF)' as being removed. September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Cranes > Crane Operation 32093 1Operate, lift, and place loads with a platform crane on an offshore installationPerformance Criterion 3.2 RangeP.C range item "helicopter loading officer" may not always be applicable in all situations.Read P.C 3.2 range statement as riggers, slingers, dogmen, platform supervisor; may include - helicopter loading officer.September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Cranes> Crane Operation32094 1Lift and place loads between an offshore installation and a supply boat using a platform cranePerformance Criterion 1.2 RangeP.C range item "helicopter loading officer" may not always be applicable in all situations.Read P.C 1.2 range statement as riggers, slingers, dogmen, platform supervisor, ship personnel; may include - helicopter loading officer.September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Meat Processing > Meat Manufacturing3116 9Prepare raw meat products and operate a meat preserving machine in a meat processing operationPerformance Criterion 2.1 RangeThe range item requires evidence for which may be unachievable for learners, and should be widened to include other methods of cooking such as air frying, drying etc.Treat P.C 2.1 range statement as 'may include'.September 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Meat Processing > Meat Processing - Core Skills21160 4Locate and identify anatomical features of a carcassOutcome 2 RangeThe range item requires evidence for which may be unachievable for learners due to seasonality or species e.g a lamb vell is only found in milk lambs just weaned off mother, pigs and beef do not have sweetbreads.Treat Outcome 2 range statement components as 'may include'.September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Motor Industry > Tyres 24458 2Prepare to repair, and repair punctures in tubes and tubeless tyres on light vehiclesGuidance Information 6
Performance Criterion 2.2		G.I requirement for Spot Vulcanizer is not achievable as it is a sidewall repair, which is illegal in New Zealand.
Clarification of P.C 2.2 evidence requirements.		Treat G.I 6 as being removed.
P.C 2.2 is in reference to unrepairable tyres and tubes.		September 2023 To be updated upon standard review
Primary Products Food Processing > Primary Products Food Processing - Operational Skills29142 2Describe and supervise storage of products and goods in a primary products food processing operationGuidance Information 2 - Stock definition
Performance Criterion 1.2 Range		G.I 2 Stock definition reads as a range statement, which is not the intent. The stock definition is to provide clarity of what is meant when the word is used, however it is not expected that learners evidence all items listed as these may not be applicable in all situations.
Clarification of P.C 1.2 range evidence requirements.		Stock refers to the goods or merchandise kept on the premises of a priamry products food processing operation available for sale or distribution. This may include items such as dried, chilled, fresh, frozen, liquids, 'pre-packaged' and smoked products.
Treat P.C 1.2 range statement as 'may include'. Evidence of three are required to be evidenced. 		September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Dairy Processing > Milk Products4306 9Describe processed cheese manufacturingPerformance Criterion 1.3There are no legislative requirements which define minimum components and processes for processed cheese.Read P.C 1.3 as Describe customer product specifications and/or workplace specifications relating to processed cheese in terms of minimum component levels, minimum heat treatment, and the use of additives.September 2023To be updated upon standard review
Dairy Processing > Milk Products4307 8Describe the manufacture of frozen milk products in a dairy processing operationPerformance Criterion 3.1Clarity is sought on the interpretation of range statement for PC3.1. Performance criteria 3.1 range statement requires evidence of one frozen milk product, however the hard range statement means every item listed must be produced as evidence. This ruling allows the range statement to read: packaging materials and forms may include but are not limited to – plastics, coated cartons, coated paper; evidence of one packaging material and form is required. November 2023To be updated upon standard review
Boating Industries > Boatbuilding 9934 5Construct interior support structures for boats1. Guidance information 3
2. Guidance Information 3
3. Performance Criteria 2.1
4. Performance Criteria 2.2
5. Performance Criteria 3.2		 Issue 1: Range statement refers to “support structures may include – partitions, soles …..” then requests evidence for a “cabin sole”, which is a specific sole and removes flexibility as there are many types of soles available in the boating industry.
Issue 2: Guidance information 3 includes a hard range for “substrates”.
Issue 3: PC 2.1 refers to “sketches and templates” however only one is required by the businesses in the sector.
Issue 4: PC 2.2 range does not include substrates which is an important material in boat building.
Issue 5: PC 3.2 requires completed support structures to be checked and remedial action taken if required to ensure job specifications for size, shape, weight, surface equilibrium, and fairness are met. Some terminology used have changed.		1. This ruling allows for “cabin sole” to be replaced with “sole” ie removal of the word “cabin”. All other information remains the same.
2. This ruling changes the range to read “substrate may include…..”. All other information remains the same.
3. This ruling changes PC 2.1 to read “sketches or templates are developed in accordance with job specification". All other information remains the same.
4. This ruling changes PC 2.2 range to read “materials include – adhesives, fastenings and substrates”. All other information remains the same.
5. This ruling changes PC 3.2 to read “Completed support structures are checked and remedial action is taken if required to ensure job specifications for placement, equilibrium, correct material and correct fastening are met”.		 November 2023 To be updated upon standard review