Quality

QEST: Quality, Environment, Safety – Total Integrated Management

QEST is based on the Australian Civil Contractors Federation integrated management system that has been amended for its members by the New Zealand Contractors Federation.

QEST is a generic integrated management system that contractors mould to suit their businesses. The Australian system is designed to assist organisations in the development of their systems to meet AS/NZS 4801 along with the Quality and Environmental Management standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 respectively. In its Australian form, QEST has the collective experience and integrity of eight years use in Australia and is approved by state and federal governments.

 

QEST Audit

No system can fulfil the legal requirements unless it is fully implemented and audited. QEST has a comprehensive audit tool, which requires contractors to be audited each year by VNZ.

 

Transit Approved – Quality Management System

In November 2006 Transit New Zealand approved QEST as a Quality Management System for High QA level roading contracts. Transit has resolved to:

  • Endorse the NZCF QEST as an acceptable quality management system for High QA level physical works contracts
  • Allow contractors holding NZCF certification to QEST by a VNZ auditor to tender for High QA level physical works contracts
  • Require that successful tenderers provide and operate a contract quality plan that meets Transit Standard TQS1: 2005 Element 2 Clause 5
  • Perform contract management reviews of contractors that are operating under QEST

 

Transit Approved – Health and Safety System

In October 2005 Transit New Zealand approved QEST as a health and safety system that meets Transit’s requirements to demonstrate industry and individual operative best practice.

 

Certification Process

  • You must be a member of the New Zealand Contractors’ Federation
  • Apply for the QEST system from the NZCF
  • Use the generic QEST system to produce your individual management system and implement it throughout your organisation
  • Once implemented complete your own internal audit against the QEST tool using the audit checklist
  • Apply to VNZ for an external audit
  • Address any issues raised in the VNZ report and submit evidence to VNZ
  • VNZ will approve your QEST certification to the NZCF who will issue you with a certificate
  • VNZ will complete annual review audits to maintain certification

 

Further Information

To make an enquiry or request a quote please email info@verification.co.nz.

To make an application, please download and complete this form (vnz-application-form.pdf).