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Supportive WorkSafe does not mean carte blanche to ignore safety rules
Health and Safety

Supportive WorkSafe does not mean carte blanche to ignore safety rules

Ignoring a prohibition notice over asbestos work cost a property owner NZD $32,000 after inspectors found repeated defiance in Auckland.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sun, 14th Jun 2026
The danger we still do not see
Regulation

The danger we still do not see

Asbestos still claims about 220 lives a year in New Zealand, making proper identification on older worksites crucial to prevent exposure.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Wed, 10th Sep 2025
Good practice guide for asbestos surveys
Health and Safety

Good practice guide for asbestos surveys

Buildings erected before 2000 are most at risk, as WorkSafe's new guide aims to help surveyors spot asbestos and prevent unsafe exposure.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Tue, 12th Aug 2025
Fraudulent asbestos removals catch up with project manager
Project Management

Fraudulent asbestos removals catch up with project manager

Customers may have been exposed to unsafe asbestos handling after a project manager used a firm's name to pocket NZD $21,938.75.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 13th Apr 2025
Long way to go after more asbestos prosecutions
Health and Safety

Long way to go after more asbestos prosecutions

Preventable asbestos disease still kills about 220 people a year, prompting WorkSafe to warn tradies and businesses after fresh prosecutions.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Mon, 11th Dec 2023
Asbestos oversight a dangerous and expensive mishap
Risk & Compliance

Asbestos oversight a dangerous and expensive mishap

A Christchurch flooring job ended in court after asbestos-tainted vinyl was handled unsafely, triggering fines and fresh warnings.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 19th Feb 2023
Keeping safe during flooding emergency and recovery
Disaster Recovery

Keeping safe during flooding emergency and recovery

Flood-hit workplaces face electric shock, gas and asbestos risks, prompting WorkSafe to urge staff to speak up before resuming duties.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Wed, 1st Feb 2023
More must be done to manage asbestos risks
Regulation

More must be done to manage asbestos risks

Poor handling of asbestos remains a deadly threat in ageing buildings, with WorkSafe warning around 220 New Zealanders die each year.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Fri, 25th Nov 2022
Asbestos and water blasting not a good mix
Facilities management

Asbestos and water blasting not a good mix

Contractors risk prosecution and hefty fines if high-pressure water blasting disturbs asbestos on roofs or cladding in New Zealand.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Mon, 6th Jun 2022
$15k fine for unlicensed asbestos removal
New Zealand law

$15k fine for unlicensed asbestos removal

WorkSafe said workers were exposed to dangerous fibres after friable asbestos was stripped from a Queenstown property without a licence or safety plan.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Tue, 17th Nov 2020
Company fined $108,000 for demolishing building with asbestos
New Zealand law

Company fined $108,000 for demolishing building with asbestos

Asbestos risks were ignored during demolition, leaving workers and the public exposed and prompting a NZD $108,000 court penalty.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Thu, 6th Feb 2020
Asbestos went undetected in botched demolition
Emergency services

Asbestos went undetected in botched demolition

Neighbours were endangered and a wheelchair user trapped when a demolition error caused a gas leak and asbestos exposure risks.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Tue, 10th Sep 2019
Demolition & Asbestos Award winners announced
Management

Demolition & Asbestos Award winners announced

More than 100 industry attendees saw Nikau Contractors named contractor of the year at the second annual Demolition & Asbestos Awards in Auckland.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Sun, 20th Jan 2019
First conviction for unlicensed asbestos removal
Fraud

First conviction for unlicensed asbestos removal

A Christchurch builder has been fined after admitting the first prosecution under New Zealand's new asbestos rules, following unsafe demolition work.

By Michael Curreen • 2 min read • Tue, 20th Nov 2018
Asbestos removal not just a risk for the worker
Construction

Asbestos removal not just a risk for the worker

WorkSafe says poor asbestos controls can expose neighbours and visitors, after a New Plymouth remover was fined GBP £35,000 for unsafe work.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Wed, 23rd May 2018
Asbestos regulations now in full effect
Apprentices

Asbestos regulations now in full effect

Businesses handling asbestos now face stricter duties, with management plans, training and independent air checks compulsory under new rules.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Tue, 17th Apr 2018

Global Stories

Asbestos stories

SugarCRM partners with Zaparas Lawyers to provide client enquiry management
Customer Relationship Management

SugarCRM partners with Zaparas Lawyers to provide client enquiry management

Zaparas Lawyers chose SugarCRM for its ease of implementation and its ability to integrate with the company's existing systems.

By Kai Ping Lew • 2 min read • Wed, 16th Aug 2017

Stories from Other Regions

Asbestos stories