Applying for your role or similar to work overseas

WorkSafe NZ has issued clarification over the Extractives’ Certificates of Competence (CoC) gained under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTMRA), which provides for mutual recognition between New Zealand and Australia of equivalent occupations.

This means a person who is registered to practise an occupation in Australia is entitled to practise an equivalent occupation in New Zealand after notifying the local registration authority.

People who wish to apply for a safety-critical role in mining, tunnelling and quarrying operations and hold an equivalent CoC in Australia can apply to the New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners for a New Zealand CoC under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA).

Because mutual recognition focuses on the activities authorised to be carried out under each registration, and whether or not these are substantially the same or ‘equivalent’, those granted a CoC under the TTMRA will not have been required to demonstrate knowledge of New Zealand’s health and safety legislation as it applies to the extractives’ industry.

Employers must ensure applicants who are granted a CoC study either:

• Unit standard: 7142 Demonstrate knowledge of the application of regulatory requirements to manage an extractive site; or
• Unit standard: 28742 Explain the health and safety legislation, and supporting documents applicable to an extractive site.

Further information on CoC requirements can be obtained on the New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners’ website, by phoning (04) 901 0696 or by emailing BoE_Secretariat@worksafe.govt.nz.