By CEDIA - Wed, Mar 26, 2025 - Blog
In a significant step forward, New Zealand released its National Occupation List in November 2024, incorporating the responsibilities of a Smart Home Technology Integrator within the broader category of Electronic Equipment Trades Worker. While this means the profession isn’t yet recognised as a standalone occupation, it does ensure that all key integration tasks are formally acknowledged. This decision makes it easier for CEDIA to work with government agencies, advocate for the industry, and improve both insurance outcomes and skilled migration pathways.
Meanwhile, in Australia, our initial push to have ‘Smart Home Technology Integrator’ recognised under ANZSCO fell short – not because the work isn’t valued, but because too few professionals identified themselves as integrators in the last census.
To change this, we need action. For the next Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) review in 2027, we must have at least 300 professionals list their occupation as Smart Home Technology Integrator in the next census (August 2026). The more, the better.
This is a critical opportunity to elevate the industry. Recognition under OSCA would open doors to better industry regulations, improved insurance classifications, and access to skilled migration pathways.
So, if you’re an integrator, call yourself an integrator on your website, in your business registrations, and, most importantly, in the next census.
If your insurance policy lists you as an electrician but you don’t hold an electrical licence, there’s a strong chance you’re not actually insured.
Over the past few months, CEDIA has been diving deep into the state of insurance in our industry, and the findings have been concerning. Many smart home integrators are either underinsured or completely uninsured, often because their policies were written under electrical contractor classifications that they don’t qualify for.
This puts businesses at enormous risk. If something goes wrong on-site, an incorrect policy means no payout, no coverage, and potential legal trouble.
To fix this, CEDIA is working with KBI Insurance, a specialist brokerage familiar, to undertake a exhaustive review of the smart home technology industry to assess whether their current coverage is fit for purpose.
If you’re unsure whether your insurance will actually protect you when it matters most, be sure to ask your broker today.
After a long-awaited return, CEDIA successfully hosted the Networking Specialist School in New Zealand from March 25-27.
This intensive, hands-on training program equips smart home integrators with the essential networking skills needed to design and install reliable, high-performance home networks. As technology continues to evolve, strong networking knowledge is more critical than ever for delivering seamless connected experiences.
A huge thank you to our expert instructor, Brendon Reid from Automation Associates, as well as David Meyer, Stef Costello from Snap One, and Richard Paul from SnapperNet for their invaluable contributions in making this course a success.
The demand for networking expertise continues to grow, and we’re excited to announce that the next Networking Specialist School will be held in Melbourne in August. Whether you're looking to upskill yourself or train your team, this course is a must for any integrator serious about delivering world-class smart home solutions.
Stay tuned for registration details!