New Zealand’s Asbestos Regulations: What You Need to Know
Asbestos was a common building material across New Zealand until the late 1990s. While it’s now banned, it still exists in thousands of older homes, commercial buildings and even found within soils.
To protect Kiwis from long-term health risks, New Zealand introduced the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. At C2K Projects Ltd, we work with homeowners, landlords, and businesses to ensure asbestos is removed safely and in full compliance with these laws.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who Do the Asbestos Regulations Apply To?
The regulations apply to:
- All workplaces (including shops, rental properties, community halls, and schools)
- Anyone planning renovations or demolition
- Tradies and contractors who may disturb asbestos during their work
- Homeowners employing people to work on a property built before 2000
Key Asbestos Rules You Should Know
Asbestos Identification Is Mandatory
Under Regulation 10, any workplace built before 2000 must be checked for asbestos before work begins. This means the presence of asbestos must be assumed or confirmed before demolition, refurbishment, or significant maintenance work is carried out.
Only Licensed Contractors Can Remove Asbestos
According to Regulations 60–66, most asbestos removal work must be done by a WorkSafe-licensed removalist — especially for higher-risk materials.
There are two license types in New Zealand:
- Class A – Required for friable asbestos (easily crumbled, high-risk)
- Class B – For non-friable (bonded) asbestos, like in roofing or cladding
At C2K Projects Ltd, we are fully licensed to carry out asbestos removal safely and legally.
Why These Regulations Matter
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These conditions often develop years after the exposure occurs.
The 2016 regulations exist to:
- Reduce the risk of asbestos-related illnesses
- Make asbestos handling safer and more consistent
- Ensure only trained and licensed professionals manage removal
Professional Asbestos Removal by C2K Projects Ltd
When it comes to asbestos, safety is non-negotiable. At C2K Projects Ltd, we’re proud to provide licensed asbestos removal services to residential and commercial clients.
We ensure:
- Full compliance with NZ asbestos regulations
- Safe containment and removal procedures
- Environmentally responsible disposal
Whether you’re tackling a renovation, demolition, or discovered asbestos unexpectedly — we’re here to get the job done right.
Get in Touch With C2K Projects Ltd
Don’t take risks with asbestos. Let our expert team remove it safely and legally.