Tōtika prequalification FAQs

Tōtika is a health and safety prequalification approach for New Zealand contractors. It helps buyers and contractors use a more consistent assessment pathway.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.