SafetyNews New Zealand - Aotearoa's industrial safety news for decision-makers
New Zealand

New Zealand law Stories

Kiwi Stories

New Zealand law stories

Which New Zealand companies are most likely to be targeted by Ransomware hackers?
Data Protection

Which New Zealand companies are most likely to be targeted by Ransomware hackers?

Mid-market firms in financial, insurance and consulting services face the highest ransomware risk, with attacks now striking faster and costing far more.

By Anthony Cooke • 4 min read • Last month
Key IRD audit triggers and how to stay off the list
MYOB

Key IRD audit triggers and how to stay off the list

Unexplained bank deposits, repeated losses and late filings can put small businesses and individuals on Inland Revenue’s audit radar.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Sat, 11th Apr 2026
How WorkSafe is changing the way it works with industry
Agricultural Technology

How WorkSafe is changing the way it works with industry

With more than one workplace death a week, the regulator is overhauling enforcement, guidance and industry engagement to cut serious harm.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Sat, 11th Apr 2026
Three key machinery safety failures cost worker’s fingers
Case Study

Three key machinery safety failures cost worker’s fingers

WorkSafe says the bakery case shows how poor lockout controls, risk checks and training can leave machine workers facing life-changing injuries.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sat, 28th Feb 2026
Qualified to comment - if it ain't broke
Auckland Council

Qualified to comment - if it ain't broke

Central government delays on planning reform have left councils wrestling with rules Leigh Auton says could have been avoided decades ago.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026
Yes minister, and selective hearing
Agricultural Technology

Yes minister, and selective hearing

Businesses are set for more guidance and lighter enforcement as WorkSafe pivots towards support, though some groups say consultation is still missing.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Wed, 21st Jan 2026
Cannabis, cocaine and the workplace drug landscape
Human Capital Management

Cannabis, cocaine and the workplace drug landscape

Changing drug patterns are forcing New Zealand employers to tighten testing and training as cannabis stays widespread and cocaine edges higher.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Wed, 21st Jan 2026
Height safety basics missed in preventable fall from pole
KiwiRail

Height safety basics missed in preventable fall from pole

A KiwiRail worker’s near-fatal 10-metre fall has prompted WorkSafe to warn businesses that new equipment needs fresh risk checks and safer methods.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 8th Dec 2025
Safeguards for subcontractor funds
Small Business

Safeguards for subcontractor funds

Subcontractors in New Zealand could recover more than NZD $2.1 million after a High Court ruling said retention funds must be ringfenced in trust.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Wed, 17th Sep 2025
Anyone speak government or council?
Local Government

Anyone speak government or council?

Councils warn the bill could saddle ratepayers with unfunded duties, as toilets, cemeteries and consenting are left off the core services list.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Mon, 1st Sep 2025
Survivors recount toxic gas ordeal
New Zealand law

Survivors recount toxic gas ordeal

Two workers have described flashbacks, burns and lasting trauma after being overcome by hydrogen sulphide at a Greymouth waste site.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Wed, 23rd Jul 2025
$800k in penalties over conveyor belt deaths
Ballance Agri-Nutrients

$800k in penalties over conveyor belt deaths

WorkSafe says manufacturing firms face sharper scrutiny after courts imposed more than NZD $800,000 in fines for preventable conveyor belt deaths.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Tue, 8th Jul 2025
Agriculture sector ‘needs to up its game’
Agricultural Technology

Agriculture sector ‘needs to up its game’

WorkSafe says a preventable quad bike rollover that killed a Tararua farmhand should spur stronger safety checks across agriculture.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Mon, 9th Jun 2025
Injury prompts $0.5m investment in safety and AI
Supply Chain

Injury prompts $0.5m investment in safety and AI

A worker's two-finger amputation has triggered a GBP £481,000 safety overhaul at Claymark, including AI hazard detection and retraining.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 11th May 2025
Worker’s fall off wet roof costs employer $100k
New Zealand law

Worker’s fall off wet roof costs employer $100k

A Wellington cleaning firm faces a six-figure bill after a worker’s six-metre fall left him with a traumatic brain injury and broken bones.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Tue, 6th May 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
On-the-ground observations could have prevented conveyor belt death
Ballance Agri-Nutrients

On-the-ground observations could have prevented conveyor belt death

WorkSafe says closer emergency stops and guarded rollers could have prevented the fatal crush, after a worker died cleaning a live conveyor.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Tue, 8th Apr 2025

Global Stories

New Zealand law stories

New Zealand tightens rules for therapeutic, health ads
Marketing Technologies

New Zealand tightens rules for therapeutic, health ads

New Zealand tightens health advertising rules, sharpening evidence demands and making brands liable for influencer and social media claims.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Wed, 25th Feb 2026