This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Tourism Impact'.
All: S9(2)(a)
From:
Robyn Fitzgerald
To:
Cc:
Subject:

Self contained Symbol
Date:
Friday, 3 February 2012 1:15:43 p.m.
Good afternoon all
This may be a good time … long weekend to think about the following issue from many angles.  A
couple of questions raised by our editor gave rise to the following issues.  Need to enquire about the
new 'self contained' symbol in NZS 8603 and the self contained sticker in NZS 5465.  We need to
think about them separately and I will explain why.  Before I go to the full committee I thought I would
ask you 4 sponsors first about these issues.  If you could have a response and comments to me by
next Tuesday I would greatly appreciate it.
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NZS8603  Design and application of outdoor recreational symbols
1.
Text in enclosed symbol area
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In NZS 8603, page 15 paragraph 3.2.7 Graphical images and text it states:  'No graphical image
such as logos or branding shall be included within the enclosure area of any symbolic sign.  The use
of text within the enclosure area should be avoided and instead located on a supplementary sign.'
Whilst it doesn’t stop us placing the words 'Self contained' in the graphical image area I note that in
NZS 8603 that this would be the first time someone had gone beyond those boundaries.
Thinking about the 'big picture' - there are no 'self contained' signs internationally - this would be the
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first.  For other countries to follow (especially those with other first languages other than English,
then this sign would be redundant).  Currently all signs have a supplementary sign with the symbol
for example A37A - Dumping station; Sewerage station sign has a supplementary sign with the
accompanying text - 'Dumping station: Sewerage Station'.
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2.
Accompanying text to symbol
The other issue is that we have the following text ' Certified self contained to NZS 5465:2001'.  There
the 
are two issues with this.  One is the added value of having this text on a supplementary sign
(remember this is an outdoor sign).  The second is, if we decide we need it, do we need to have the
year e.g. 2001 as in the future it could be revised in 2006 and make the signs redundant.  To ensure
we capture any future amendments to this Standard I would recommend that we leave out the year
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on this symbol.  I have sought advice from my colleagues to find a solution for these issues.
Recommendations
For NZS8603
I would recommend
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· that we removed 'Self contained' from the enclosed symbol area and place it into the
'Accompanying text'.  Yes/No
· that there is no added value to an outdoor sign of having 'Certified self contained to
NZS5465:2001' and as such should have it removed.   Yes/No
NZS5465 Self containment of motor caravans and caravans
The issues here are slightly different as these are stickers and warrants.The only issue I can think of
is displaying the year of the Standard.  Again, it could be revised, amended or a new one developed
and this absorbed into that Standard.  Somehow I doubt whether it would happen in the next 3
years.  But at least it doesn't age the warrants/stickers if they are mass produced.

 
 
Recommendation
For NZS5465
 
I would recommend
·         that we remove the year from 'Certified self contained to NZS 5465:2001' so it reads
'Certified self contained to NZS 5465'  Yes/No
 
Sorry to bring this up but I think the break has allowed me to focus clearly on these issues.  I think
you will agree that they are quite startling!
 
Look forward to your response.
 
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Kind regards and happy Waitangi Day.
 
Act 
Robyn Fitzgerald
Senior Manager
Standards New Zealand
Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6140 
L10, 155 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
D: +64 4 495 0931 M: +64 21 564 933 P: 0800 782 632 F: +64 4 498 5994 W: www.standards.co.nz
New Zealand's leader in creating value through standardisation. Read our free monthly electronic magazine
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the 
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