The NZSDA (Incorporated) is an Association of employer craftspeople, bound together by a Code of Practice to uphold high standards of craftsmanship and business ethics. The Association liaises with local bodies on by-laws affecting signage, maintains apprenticeship training standards and encourages the sharing and expanding of knowledge within the Signmaking industry. Companies using the services of any of the members of the New Zealand Sign and Display Association may be assured that they are dealing with 'Sign Craftspeople' who are subject to redress through the Association in the event of any complaint.

The Association must point out however, that it has no control over signmakers who are not members of the NZSDA (Inc.)

For over forty three years, the New Zealand Sign and Display Association has been the representative body for the sign and display industry in New Zealand, and as such, plays an active role as a forum for the exchange of ideas, the development of training in the craft, and the dissemination of information and guidance to its many members. It covers the whole spectrum of sign-makers: neon, illuminated, handcrafted, technology, construction and design... in fact, signage in all its varieties. The Association has built an enviable reputation and trust with many government offices as well as Standards New Zealand, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, and other statutory organisations and local authorities, and acts as the official channel of communication between the industry and these bodies on matters of commercial, technical or economic policies affecting the sign and display industry.

In encouraging the highest standards from its members, the New Zealand Sign and Display Association believes its policy of quality and commitment to the customer is not only in the best interests of its members, but also provides a safeguard for their clients.

For many years the Association has represented the industry, assisting with apprenticeship administration, approval of training establishments, training prescriptions and standards, the supply of training record books, the establishment of a Signmaking Industry Training Organisation to enable apprenticeship training to continue under the Industry Training Act.

In more recent years the Association has been responsible for creating NZQA - approved unit standards for a National Certificate in Signmaking, including computer graphics, hand lettering, and electric signmaking elective strands.

The Association provides members with continued support and technical information by way of:

• Monthly newsletters
• The Visual Impact Magazine
• The Image Magazine
• The Digital Reproduction Magazine
• ProDesign Magazine
• Regular branch meetings, annual conferences and seminars and trade exhibitions and workshops
• A members-only version of the Sign Board e-newsletter
• A legal advisory service
• Fostering and promoting the Letterheads movement in New Zealand.

New Zealand Sign and Display Association members and their clients are offered a nationwide professional sign service that is guaranteed, so that corporate clients can be assured of a high standard of craftsmanship throughout the country. This fact is actively promoted to all sign users.

Through a code of practice and rules defined by the membership, The New Zealand Sign and Display Association offers recourse to sign-buying customers in the event of a complaint relating to the quality of work performed by a member. This guarantee of quality is what sets an NZSDA members apart from non-members… a high standard of quality service is available from members nationwide.