01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
305 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden launched two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) to guide the agriculture sector in meeting health and safety responsibilities ahead of amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, effective 1 April 2027. The ACOPs, focusing on roles and responsibilities in agriculture and safe farm vehicle operation, provide practical, sector-specific guidance to clarify duties, manage risks, and support better safety outcomes without creating new legal obligations. Following their introduction, these ACOPs may gain safe-harbour status, offering businesses a recognized standard for compliance, with WorkSafe supporting their implementation across New Zealand farms.
01 Jul 2026
3 months ago
859 views
The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, passed in New Zealand, focuses on preventing serious workplace harm by prioritizing critical risks and reducing regulatory burdens, especially for small businesses. It strengthens Approved Codes of Practice and clarifies duties for directors, aiming to simplify compliance and improve safety outcomes. The reforms, effective from April 2027, balance strong worker protections with practical guidance to support businesses and enhance economic growth.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1308 views
The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, welcomed by Minister Brooke van Velden, aims to reform New Zealand’s workplace health and safety laws by providing clearer guidance through strengthened Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and clarifying WorkSafe’s regulatory functions. The Bill introduces practical changes, such as creating safe harbours for compliance, easing obligations for small low-risk businesses, and defining directors' due diligence duties to reduce duplication and focus on governance. These reforms seek to reduce business uncertainty and compliance costs while improving safety outcomes by making WorkSafe a more consistent and supportive agency.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1206 views
The construction industry overwhelmingly supports key Health and Safety reforms, with a focus on guidance and critical risks, according to a Site Safe survey welcomed by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. The survey results indicate strong backing for clearer guidance, increased use of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs), and a stronger emphasis on critical risks. Van Velden aims to improve guidance provision, clarify compliance with ACOPs, and involve industry stakeholders in developing ACOPs to enhance practicality and effectiveness in managing health and safety risks in the construction sector.