NZGAP selects new audit and certification providers
Media Release 21 August 2025
New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP), the programme that certifies fruit and vegetable growers in New Zealand, has selected AsureQuality and QCONZ as its assurance partners following the first review of audit and certification providers in over 15 years.
“The decision followed a rigorous tender process to ensure the programme’s certification continues to meet the highest standards for food safety, environmental sustainability and social practice,” says NZGAP committee Chair Bernadine Guilleux.
“We want to improve the service for certified operators, digitise the audit process, and minimise costs for growers.
“QCONZ and AsureQuality demonstrated strong strategic alignment with NZGAP’s vision to enable the production and supply of safe and sustainable food resulting in the selection of both organisations to audit all NZGAP programmes and add-ons.
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AsureQuality is an existing audit provider and will be entering into a new contract for NZGAP. QCONZ are new providers to the horticulture sector, although have experience in other New Zealand primary sector settings. QCONZ are in the process of obtaining the relevant recognitions to start auditing NZGAP programmes.
SGS will no longer be contracted for NZGAP from 1 January 2026.
“The transition from SGS will be carefully managed to ensure a smooth process for certified operators. The change in audit partner will not change the recognition of NZGAP certification in domestic or international markets,” says Guilleux.
“This change does not have an impact on those with GLOBALG.A.P. certification via SGS.
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More detailed information about transition timeframes and next steps will be sent directly to impacted growers and operators.
“I would like to thank SGS for their services which have underpinned the trust in NZGAP certification, and for their support in development and implementation of NZGAP over the past 15 years.
“Our priority is to maintain confidence in NZGAP certification while continuing to deliver a consistent, efficient, and high-integrity audit process.
“We look forward to working closely with QCONZ and AsureQuality to introduce future improvements and efficiencies into the auditing process."
About NZGAP
The NZGAP programme provides certification for growers of fresh fruit and vegetables and the associated supply chain, including postharvest handlers, wholesalers, brokers, transporters, and contractors. Certification covers food safety, environmental sustainability and social practice.
Established in 1999, NZGAP is owned by Horticulture New Zealand and recognised under the Food Act. NZGAP has a GLOBALG.A.P. recognised programme and has developed additional modules for environmental sustainability and social practice, with further development and digital innovations in the pipeline.
For further information, in relation to the media release, please contact:
Sharon Williamson
Communications Manager
Horticulture New Zealand
P: 027 285 0220
E: sharon.williamson@hortnz.co.nz
ENDS
FAQ's on selection of new audit and certification providers
What’s changing?
NZGAP has recently reviewed the certification bodies (auditors) who can carry out audits for NZGAP and NZGAP add-on’s (Social Practice and Environment Management System) through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process. As a result:
- AsureQuality will continue to provide NZGAP and add-on audits.
- QCONZ will become a new approved certification body who can audit NZGAP and add-on modules.
- You can find out more about QCONZ here.
- SGS will no longer provide NZGAP or add-on module audits from 1 January 2026.
What do I need to do?
NZGAP certified growers and operators do not need to do anything yet. We are finalising the transition timeframes and next steps for operators who will need to, or who choose to, change certification bodies (auditors). You will shortly receive further information on when and how this will take place, as well as guidance specific to your situation.
Why did NZGAP run an RFP process?
It has been 15 years since NZGAP last appointed certification bodies (auditors), and a lot has changed in that time. We want to ensure that certification bodies are aligned with our strategic goals:
- Improve service for certified operators
- Move towards a digital audit process
- Provide good value for money.
Does this mean my certification body (auditor) will change?
Possibly, it depends on who your current auditor is and if you want to change.
What happens if SGS is my certification body (auditor) currently?
- If your audit is due before 31 December 2025, you can choose to have this audit completed by SGS OR transfer to AsureQuality or QCONZ.
- For future audits you must transfer to either AsureQuality or QCONZ.
- If your audit is due after 31 December 2025, you will need to transfer to either AsureQuality or QCONZ.
Who will be able to audit NZGAP-Global?
AsureQuality and QCONZ will be able to audit NZGAP-Global. There is also the opportunity for other certification bodies (auditors) to apply under the CB Rules to audit NZGAP-Global, although to date no other certification bodies have applied or have been approved to audit NZGAP-Global.
Does this affect other work SGS does for me?
No. This change only impacts NZGAP and NZGAP add-on audits. Any other services you receive from SGS e.g. IVA, field surveys etc. are unaffected.
I have GLOBALG.A.P. certification with SGS and I’m registered for Food Act via NZGAP. Does this affect my Food Act registration?
No. If you choose to continue to register for the Food Act via NZGAP then nothing will change.
What if AsureQuality is my current certification body (auditor)?
You can continue with AsureQuality or transfer to QCONZ if you wish.
When will QCONZ start auditing?
QCONZ is finalising training, recognitions, and systems needed to audit NZGAP. Once complete, certified operators will be contacted directly with timeframes and options.
How will I know if I need to change certification bodies (auditors)?
NZGAP will contact you directly with clear information about your options, including which certification bodies (auditors) you can choose from and the timeframes for changing.
When do I change certification bodies (auditors)?
The timing of when you must or can choose to change auditors will be dependent on your specific situation. You will receive further information outlining when and how this will take place based on your specific situation.
How do I change certification bodies (auditors)?
You will shortly receive information from NZGAP with regards to how you change auditors.
How do I find out about certification bodies (auditors) to decide who to use?
Information about auditors will be published on the NZGAP website. You’ll also receive information directly when we contact you about auditor selection.
Will changing certification bodies (auditors) affect my certification status?
No. Your certification status will remain the same if you continue to meet the NZGAP standard.
Will the cost of audits change?
There are no immediate changes to the audit fees as these are set by NZGAP and will be the same regardless of which certification body (auditor) you use. As in the past NZGAP-Global fees will be set by certification bodies (auditors) and charged directly to growers.
What if my audit is already booked?
If your audit is already booked, there will be no change.
What happens to my records if I change certification bodies (auditors)?
Your records will be securely transferred from your current certification body (auditor) to your new one. This is required under NZGAP programme rules and will be managed by NZGAP.
Will the audit process be different with a new certification body (auditor)?
The NZGAP standard, audit requirements, and compliance rules remain the same. Certification bodies (auditors) may have slightly different ways of working, but all must meet NZGAP’s technical and service requirements.
Will this affect my Food Act registration via NZGAP?
No. If you continue to meet the NZGAP standard, your Food Act registration will remain unchanged. If you change auditors, NZGAP will notify MPI of your new verifier (certification body/auditor).
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact NZGAP on info@nzgap.co.nz or phone 04 470 5867.