Tōtika / Totika prequalification NZ

Find your Tōtika prequalification category

Your Tōtika category is based on your business size, work activities and contract value. Review the category guide, then use the selector for a guided result.

Category S / Sole Trader

Sole trader pathway for an individual contractor working alone, without routinely engaging, managing or supervising other contractors.

Category 1

Smaller regular-risk supplier pathway: no more than 20 people, contracts up to $2.5m, and no primary work activity on the high or very high risk lists.

Category 2

Medium-sized or higher-risk supplier pathway: high risk primary work, up to 200 people, or contracts up to $20m, without a very high risk primary activity.

Category 3

Large-sized or very high risk supplier pathway: more than 200 people, contracts over $20m, or a primary work activity on the very high risk list.

How categories are worked out

Your likely category depends on your company size, contract tender values and whether your main work includes high or very high risk activities.

Principal or lead contractor note

Suppliers who operate as principal contractors or designers can be allocated to any supplier category, but must meet the supplementary requirements for that role as well as the core requirements for their category.

Category guide

Understand the category before using the selector

Use the category descriptions to understand the likely pathway before you register. If your business size, contract value or work type is unclear, contact SHE Pre-Qual before paying.

Category 1

Smaller regular-risk supplier pathway: no more than 20 people, contracts up to $2.5m, and no primary work activity on the high or very high risk lists.

  • Hold ISO 45001 certification from an auditor accredited for OH&S management systems by an IAF accreditation body member.
  • Undertake a SafePlus Onsite Assessment and upload the assessment report to the Tōtika Portal. This assessment is valid for 2 years.
  • Undertake a Q-Safe Audit and upload the Q-Safe certificate to the Tōtika Portal. This certification is valid for 1 year.
  • Undertake a Category 1 prequalification assessment with a recognised Tōtika member scheme.

Category 2

Medium-sized or higher-risk supplier pathway: high risk primary work, up to 200 people, or contracts up to $20m, without a very high risk primary activity.

  • Hold ISO 45001 certification from an auditor accredited for OH&S management systems by an IAF accreditation body member.
  • Undertake a Category 2 prequalification assessment with a recognised Tōtika member scheme.

Category 3

Large-sized or very high risk supplier pathway: more than 200 people, contracts over $20m, or a primary work activity on the very high risk list.

  • Hold ISO 45001 certification from an auditor accredited for OH&S management systems by an IAF accreditation body member.
  • Undertake a Category 3 prequalification assessment with a recognised Tōtika member scheme.

Category S / Sole Trader

Sole trader pathway for an individual contractor working alone, without routinely engaging, managing or supervising other contractors.

  • Hold ISO 45001 certification from an auditor accredited for OH&S management systems by an IAF accreditation body member.
  • Undertake a SafePlus Onsite Assessment and upload the assessment report to the Tōtika Portal. This assessment is valid for 2 years.
  • Undertake a Q-Safe Audit and upload the Q-Safe certificate to the Tōtika Portal. This certification is valid for 1 year.
  • Undertake a Sole Trader prequalification assessment with a recognised Tōtika member scheme.

Very high-risk activity list

If one of these is your main or primary work activity, Tōtika treats the organisation as a minimum Category 3 supplier.

  • Asbestos Removalist (Class A)
  • Building Relocation
  • Commercial Diving Services
  • Cooling Tower Services (construction, maintenance, and other professional services)
  • Demolition Services (Unrestricted)
  • Drilling Services (Hydrocarbon)
  • Explosive Blasting Services
  • Fixed Wing Flight Services
  • Forestry Harvesting/Extraction Services
  • Fuel Supply or Storage
  • Gas Services (High Pressure)
  • Hazardous Substances Storage and Transport
  • Helicopter Flight Services
  • High Voltage Electrical Services
  • High Wall Quarrying Services
  • High Wall Surface Mining Services
  • Oil and Gas Inspection & Engineering Services
  • Oil and Gas Insulation Services
  • Oil and Gas Surveying
  • Oil and Gas Chemical Services
  • Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling
  • Stevedoring/Marshalling Services
  • Mobile Crane Services
  • Tower Crane Services
  • Underground Mining Services

High-risk activity list

If one of these is your main or primary work activity, Tōtika treats the organisation as a minimum Category 2 supplier.

  • Abseiling/Rope Access
  • Arborist Services
  • Asbestos Removalist (Class B)
  • Asbestos Surveyors and Assessors
  • Biohazards or Infectious Materials Services
  • Chemical Cleaning Services
  • Commercial Cleaning Services
  • Construction Rigger
  • Cutting Services
  • Demolition Services (Restricted only)
  • Drain Laying Services
  • Drilling Services (Non-Hydrocarbon)
  • Electrical Services
  • Facilities Management Services
  • Forestry Silviculture
  • Glazing
  • Heavy Transport (operate mobile plant or vehicles over 3.5t)
  • Industrial Coating Services
  • Installation and Maintenance of Fire Systems
  • Installation and Servicing of Hydraulic Systems
  • Installation and Servicing of Lifts
  • Installation and Servicing of Plant and Equipment
  • Installation or Servicing of Pressure Vessels
  • Labour Hire Services
  • Mobile Plant and Equipment Servicing
  • Operated Mobile Plant & Equipment Hire Services
  • Passenger Transport
  • Quarrying Services
  • Recycling Services
  • Roofing Services
  • Sandblasting Services
  • Surface Mining Services
  • Traffic Management Services
  • Trenching Services
  • Waste Management Services

Interactive selector

Find your likely Tōtika category

Answer a few questions about your business, contract values and main work activities. If you are not sure, contact support before registering.

Pricing

SHE Pre-Qual Tōtika pricing

Pricing is GST exclusive. Check your category before registering.

CategoryPriceValidity
Sole Trader$280.00Every 2 years
Category 1$450.00Every 2 years
Category 2$949.00Annually
Category 3$1,459.00Annually

FAQs

Common Tōtika questions

How much does Tōtika cost with SHE Pre-Qual?

SHE Pre-Qual Tōtika pricing starts at $280 GST exclusive for Sole Traders. Category 1 is $450 every 2 years, Category 2 is $949 annually and Category 3 is $1,459 annually.

Which Tōtika category am I?

Your category depends on business size, the type of work you do and the value of contracts you tender for. Use the category guide before registering, and contact support if you are not sure.

Do I need the Tōtika path or generic SHE Pre-Qual?

If your buyer, tender or council requirement asks for Tōtika, choose the Tōtika assessment path. A generic contractor prequalification assessment is not the same as a Tōtika assessment.

What evidence do I need for Tōtika?

Prepare current health and safety policies, worker training information, risk controls, incident or corrective-action records, insurance details and examples that show your systems are used in practice.

Can I register before I know my category?

Yes. You can register at app.rapidcert.co.nz/signup/totika, but you will need to know your category before beginning the evaluation process. Use the category guide first or contact SHE Pre-Qual if you are unsure.

Is Totika the same as Tōtika?

Yes. Tōtika is the correct spelling, but people often search for Totika without the macron.

How long does a Tōtika assessment take?

Timing depends on your category, the evidence supplied and whether further information is needed. Prepare current evidence before starting to reduce delays.

What evidence does Tōtika ask for?

Tōtika expects verifiable evidence that your business meets the relevant core criteria. Where evidence is not explicitly defined, practical examples such as records, photos, scans or references may be used.

What does Developing or Performing mean in Tōtika?

Tōtika member schemes use a 0-4 scoring system. A score of 3 means evidence meets the Tōtika Performing Standard. A supplier may be graded Developing if the applicable requirements have not all been met.

Can ISO 45001, SafePlus or Q-Safe be used for Tōtika?

Yes, Tōtika recognises some current external certifications and assessments, including ISO 45001, SafePlus and Q-Safe, depending on your supplier category and the evidence you can provide.

How long is Tōtika prequalification valid for?

Sole Trader and Category 1 Tōtika prequalification assessments are valid for 2 years. Category 2 and Category 3 assessments are valid for 1 year. External certifications or assessments may follow their own expiry dates.

Do buyers require Tōtika?

Tōtika is designed to help buyers and suppliers use a common health and safety prequalification approach. If your buyer, tender or council requirement specifically asks for Tōtika, use the Tōtika pathway rather than a generic assessment.

What happens after I have a Tōtika-recognised assessment?

Tōtika contractor guidance says suppliers can complete their dashboard and upload proof of a Tōtika-recognised assessment so buyers can see their prequalification status.

Is registering with Tōtika the same as starting my SHE Pre-Qual assessment?

No. Tōtika registration and the SHE Pre-Qual assessment are related steps, but they are not the same form. Register with Tōtika if required, then use RapidCert to start your SHE Pre-Qual Tōtika application.

Where do I log in or continue a Tōtika application?

If you are starting a new SHE Pre-Qual Tōtika assessment, use app.rapidcert.co.nz/signup/totika. If you already have an application in progress, continue using the login details or link you were given. Contact SHE Pre-Qual if you are unsure which system to use.

How do I get proof or a certificate after my assessment?

After a recognised assessment is completed, use the assessment proof or report required by your buyer or Tōtika process. If you need help locating current SHE Pre-Qual assessment documentation, contact SHE Pre-Qual.

Why does the Tōtika category matter?

The category controls the assessment pathway because Tōtika considers business size, contract tender values, and whether your main work activity is high risk or very high risk.

Do I need to upload proof to the Tōtika dashboard?

CHASNZ contractor guidance says suppliers should fill in their dashboard with company details and upload proof of a Tōtika-recognised assessment to their dashboard.

What if my recognised certificate or report expires?

For recognised external certificates and reports, the Tōtika Scheme Rules say suppliers are responsible for uploading a new certificate and report before or on expiry.

Should I remove personal information from evidence?

Yes. Tōtika Scheme Rules say personal identification information that is not required for the assessment, such as an injured party's name on an accident report, should be removed or made unreadable before evidence is provided.

Do NZTA physical works contractors need Tōtika?

NZTA physical works prequalification guidance says physical works contractors need current Tōtika registration before applying for NZTA prequalification. Check the current NZTA pack and your tender documents, then use the Tōtika category guide if you need an assessment path.

Do councils and infrastructure clients accept Tōtika?

Many councils and infrastructure buyers reference Tōtika or accepted health and safety prequalification schemes in their contractor requirements. Always check the exact requirement from your client, council or tender documents before registering.

What should I do if NZTA, Watercare, Wellington Water or a council has asked for Tōtika?

If your buyer or principal requires Tōtika, or accepts a SHE Pre-Qual Tōtika assessment, start by checking your category and pricing. If they asked for a different scheme or you are unsure, contact SHE Pre-Qual before paying.

Tōtika registration

Ready to start your Tōtika assessment?

Check your category first, then continue through RapidCert when you are ready to start your SHE Pre-Qual Tōtika application.

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