I was just going off the
FMA website. However, I note from the checklist that, although they are supposed to have an ABS, there is no requirement to actually upload it during the application process, only to acknowledge that there is one.
Other requirements include qualification (the Massey Business Studies Diploma in Financial Planning or equivalent, I think), the two ETITO standards (about knowing the Code, set by a committee), three testimonials from a mix of clients or industry peers that have known you for more than 3 years and having an advisor business statement. There are a few other minor requirements, including fees.
I have to say that the process is a bit circular for new people wanting to enter the industry - having personally completed the Massey Diploma, I thought I might try to get qualified and queried directly with the FMA the requirement to have testimonials from clients when I wasn't permitted to have clients and the difficulty of having an ABS without actually having a business. They advised me to enter the industry via a QFE.
(For the record, I was somewhat put off when I found the only likely jobs that could get me qualified to provide advice on shares and portfolios would involve selling insurance and funds for at least 3 years first - I think I may have failed the "sales aptitude" test!).