Cutting Through the Red Tape: NZ’s Health & Safety Reforms Take Shape

New Zealand is rolling out major reforms to its health and safety laws, aiming to cut compliance red tape while keeping workplaces safe. The focus is on practical, risk-based requirements—especially benefiting small, low-risk businesses—and reducing unnecessary complexity in governance and reporting.

Key Changes at a Glance

• Simplified Compliance for Small Businesses

  
  

  Small, low-risk businesses will now be exempt from many general requirements. They’ll only need to manage critical risks—those that could cause death, serious injury, or serious illness—and maintain basic facilities like first aid kits, emergency plans, lighting, and ventilation.

  
  

• Clearer Responsibilities

  
  

  The reforms clarify the line between governance and operations. Boards and directors will focus on strategic oversight, while day-to-day safety duties will be handled by operational staff and managers.

  
  

• Reduced Notification Requirements

  
  

  Businesses are now only required to notify regulators of serious incidents—such as fatalities or serious injuries—helping reduce unnecessary administrative work.

  
  

• Landowner Liability Changes

  
  

  Landowners who allow public access to their land for recreation will no longer be held responsible for accidents that occur during such activities. Responsibility shifts to the organisers of the events or activities.

  
  

• Hotline for Over-Compliance

  
  

  A new hotline has been launched for the public to report excessive or over-the-top health and safety measures—such as overuse of road cones—so regulators can help cut back on unnecessary practices.

What It Means for Business

These changes offer real relief for smaller operations and align safety efforts with real-world risks. By narrowing obligations to what’s genuinely critical, businesses can spend less time on paperwork and more time on prevention.

Now’s the time for business leaders to revisit their internal processes, ensure their teams understand the changes, and update their health and safety practices accordingly. Less red tape, more clarity—and a renewed focus on what truly keeps people safe.