SPASA and Vertical Horizonz are seeking experienced swimming pool industry professionals from across New Zealand to join a National Industry Advisory Group supporting the implementation of the newly approved New Zealand Certificate in Swimming Pool Building (Level 4).
The qualification has been developed specifically for people working in or entering the swimming pool building industry and recognises the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and carry out swimming pool building to a commercially competent standard. Graduates are expected to be able to work unsupervised to the technical, safety, quality and productivity standards expected of a competent swimming pool builder.
As the qualification moves into implementation and delivery, it is important that industry continues to have a strong voice in ensuring the programme reflects current New Zealand pool building practices and the needs of industry.
SPASA and Vertical Horizonz are therefore establishing a National Industry Advisory Group of experienced industry representatives from across New Zealand.
The group will provide practical industry advice and feedback on areas including:
Current pool building practices and workforce needs across New Zealand
Regional considerations that may affect programme delivery
Practical workplace requirements and access to appropriate projects, equipment and environments
Industry expectations of commercially competent pool builders
How training and assessment can best reflect real-world pool building practices
Emerging industry practices, technology, materials, standards and regulatory requirements
Feedback during the initial implementation and pilot of the programme.
This industry input is particularly important given the programme's strong practical focus. The programme guidance provides that training and assessment should primarily occur in real workplace environments and reflect the tools, materials, methods, quality, safety and timeframes expected in industry.
We are seeking experienced swimming pool building professionals with strong practical industry knowledge who are willing to contribute constructively to the successful implementation of the qualification.
We want the group to represent the industry nationally, with participants from across both the North and South Islands and a mix of geographic locations, business types, pool construction methods and industry experience.
We are also looking for a combination of people who have previously contributed to the development of the qualification and new industry representatives who can bring fresh perspectives and challenge existing thinking.
Following establishment of the National Industry Advisory Group, a smaller number of suitable participants will be invited to take part in the initial pilot programme.
In addition to testing the programme in practice, the pilot will support Vertical Horizonz in establishing an initial group of suitably experienced and qualified industry personnel who may go on to support future training and assessment of the programme.
Those interested in becoming trainers and/or assessors will need to meet the relevant requirements for the role. This may include completing Unit Standard 4098 – Use standards to assess candidate performance, together with any other training, experience or competency requirements determined by Vertical Horizonz.
Participation in the Advisory Group or pilot does not automatically result in appointment as a trainer or assessor.
If you have extensive experience in the New Zealand swimming pool building industry and would like to contribute to the successful implementation of this qualification, we would welcome your expression of interest.
Expressions of Interest close: 29 October 2026
Details of the first National Industry Advisory Group meeting will be provided once the group has been finalised.