WorkSafe is considering replacing the existing approved asbestos code of practice with more flexible good practice guidelines. Experts warn that although guidelines offer adaptability, they lack the certainty and enforceability that codes provide.
NZCTU president Sandra Grey says stronger protections are needed for workers. “Around 220 workers are killed from asbestos-related deaths every year,” the NZCTU leader says. “Workers need to be afforded the strongest protection under the law against asbestos, which remains one of the biggest workplace killers in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
The proposal comes just as the Ministry of Education tightens asbestos rules in schools. From January 1, 2026, only accredited contractors and laboratories will be permitted to carry out asbestos work on school properties nationwide. The move follows concerns about patchy remediation and inconsistent safety practices in classrooms and older buildings.
Critics worry that the two directions send mixed messages: school regulations are becoming stricter, while national workplace standards may become more flexible.
While sectors such as forestry, construction and farming have just received new codes, workplace safety minister Brooke van Velden said asbestos was different and that industry feedback indicated a preference for guidelines over rigid codes.
“Feedback that industry professionals believe this will help improve health and safety outcomes in a high-risk sector shows we have listened to people on the ground to make meaningful changes,” the minister said. “The industry is asking for clarity and practicality, and that is what I’m delivering.”
President of the Demolition and Asbestos Association, Helina Stil, said the industry didn’t want a “watered-down system” and that she was against dropping the code, as it gave the community assurance.
Sandra Grey agrees. “Given the severe impacts of asbestos, the guidance material on its management and removal needs to be clear-cut.” She said that New Zealand has a concerning track record on workplace health and safety, and that it must not deteriorate any further.
“While it is important that materials on working with asbestos are updated and improved, this should not come at the expense of legal protections for workers.”
Asbestos remains a serious concern in many older school buildings. Every school must have an asbestos management plan that identifies potential risks and outlines how asbestos-containing materials will be safely removed or maintained.
“It is crucial that the school property portfolio is managed effectively so students can continue to benefit from safe, warm, and dry learning environments,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
The Ministry of Education’s portfolio includes over 16,000 buildings and around 36,500 teaching spaces. One third of the Ministry’s building portfolio is older than 50 years, 45% is between 20 and 50 years old, and the remaining 22% was built in last 20 years.
