About Us
The Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand (MSL) is New Zealand's national metrology institute, ensuring that New Zealand's units of measurement are consistent with the International System of Units, the SI.
We employ 40 scientists, technicians and engineers based at Callaghan Innovation in Gracefield, Lower Hutt.
About us
Meet our People
Our people at Measurement Standards Laboratory
Careers
Explore exciting Career Opportunities
NZ Measurement System
Information about the New Zealand Measurement System.
Official New Zealand Time
The Measurement Standards Laboratory maintains Official New Zealand Time
What we do
What we do
As New Zealand’s national metrology institute (NMI), our goal is to support New Zealand’s economy, wellbeing, and innovation by providing measurement standards and expertise that are globally relevant and trusted.
Measurement underpins scientific and technological innovation, enhances competitiveness in business, and strengthens regulation of health, safety, and the environment.
Consumer confidence and trust is supported by the measurement traceability provided by MSL, enabling the regulation of legislation to protect consumers, and reducing exposure to lower quality goods and services.
Services we provide
Consultancy: we can help you solve your measurement R&D problems.
Calibration: we provide the most accurate calibration service in the country for a wide range of instruments and artefacts.
Training: we offer measurement training courses in Auckland and Wellington, or arrange an on-site tailored course to suit your business needs.
Our Vision
New Zealand’s measurement infrastructure is nationally and internationally relevant, recognised, and respected.
MSL ensures measurement, testing, and decision making (based on that measurement infrastructure) meet the needs of government, industry, trading partners, Māori, and the New Zealand public.
New Zealand’s measurement system is founded on science-led systems and standards.
Find out more from our Strategic Plan 2022-2027.
Who we serve I
Nationwide and beyond
In the past 20 years alone, we’ve worked with customers in every region and every urban centre in New Zealand, delivering technical services, consultancy, and training.
And we have an impact further afield – at last count, we’ve delivered work for organisations in 22 other countries.
Manufacturers
Our customers are makers!
They produce everything from steel to starch, and paint to plastics, right here in New Zealand.
They make scientific instruments and appliances, as well as engineering components and sensors.
Keeping NZ healthy
We work with hospitals, clinics, and district health boards around the country.
Our customers include pharmaceutical companies, biomedical and biochemistry labs, and healthcare device manufacturers.
Who we serve II
From farm to table
MSL’s measurement expertise underpins NZ’s agriculture and food sectors.
Our customers work in dairy and meat production. They grow fruits and vegetables, and make products like wine, honey, wool and pet food.
Government and safety
As a national metrology institute, we represent New Zealand at international measurement forums.
We work closely with government bodies, departments and agencies, and with city and regional councils. We are the home of NZ Time, we support defence companies, and help NZ Police to keep our roads safe.
Trust and confidence
MSL scientists act as technical experts for IANZ and provide traceability for NZ’s legal metrology body, Trading Standards.
Achieving IANZ-accreditation means a testing or calibration lab has met strict international benchmarks for quality and accuracy.
MSL enables NZ consumers to have confidence in their purchases of products and services.
Who we serve III
Innovators
To date, we have delivered services to all of NZ’s Crown Research Institutes, seven of our eight universities, and a wide range of science-led organisations around the motu.
We also support the creative industries, and the GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) sector.
Infrastructure
We work across NZ’s energy sector, and support the electricity grid and water supply. Our work underpins the internet and satellite navigation systems.
NZ’s transport network – road, rail, sea, and air – all rely on MSL’s measurement knowledge. And we service major construction companies and infrastructure service providers.
Home of the SI
The International System of Units, known as the SI, is the globally-agreed basis for expressing measurements at all levels of precision, and in all areas of science, technology, and human endeavour.
Thanks to MSL’s work, measurements made in NZ can ultimately be traced back to the SI.
Brief history
MSL was formed in 1992 as part of Industrial Research Limited, a government-owned research company, which is now part of Callaghan Innovation.
The scientific capability of MSL dates back further to the formation of the Physical Testing Laboratory in 1939 with a first legislated authority for primary standards in 1945.
Strategic plan
Our Five Year Strategic Plan explains MSL’s role in the New Zealand economy and how we intend to achieve our vision for a high-quality measurement system that meets the needs of government, industry, trading partners, Māori, and the New Zealand public.
Read our Strategic Plan
Addresses
Courier Address
Postal Address
Phone and Email
Phone: +64 4 931 3000
Email: info@measurement.govt.nz