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This guide is for homeowners. It covers what to do if you think you have asbestos, who should remove it, when you need a survey, and how it's disposed of safely. Could my home have asbestos? WorkSafe's guidance is that a home built before 1 January 2000 may contain asbestos materials. For homes built after that date the risk is lower, but not zero, because asbestos products could still be imported into New Zealand until 1 October 2016. Age isn't only about when the house was

When asbestos is removed from a building, the job isn't finished when the removalist packs up. Before anyone moves back into the area, or the next trade starts work, New Zealand law requires an independent check that the area is safe. That check is the clearance inspection, and the document that confirms it is the clearance certificate. If you're a builder, property manager, building owner or homeowner planning removal work, here's what you need to know. What the law says The

Not all asbestos surveys are the same. Here’s how a management survey differs from a refurbishment/demolition survey, and how to work out which one your Auckland property or project needs.

Twenty-five years on, New York City has finally released more than 170,000 pages of records documenting air quality around the World Trade Center site after the September 11 attacks. The files sat forgotten in 68 boxes for two decades before officials rediscovered them last year, and the release only happened because an advocacy group, 9/11 Health Watch, sued the city after a records request was refused. A court found the previous administration had broken New York's public r

Asbestos might feel like a relic of the mid-century, but in 2026, it is making headlines for all the right reasons: progress. From landmark legal bans to breakthroughs in the lab, the world is finally closing the book on this "miracle mineral" turned health crisis. 1. The Legal Hammer: Major Bans Take Effect The regulatory landscape has shifted dramatically over the last 18 months. The US Finalises its Ban: Following a historic move by the EPA, the United States has officiall

It’s easy to think of asbestos as a problem that was sealed away in the 1980s. We tend to imagine it as a hazard locked behind demolition site fences or safely removed by professionals in white suits. But the reality in New Zealand is far more complex and the "asbestos world" is currently buzzing with activity that ranges from groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs to unsettling discoveries in our own backyards and beaches. If you own a property built before the year 2000, o

New Zealand, a land renowned for its stunning landscapes and pristine natural environments, is facing a silent battle beneath the surface of its beautiful waters. This unseen enemy? Water contamination. The Invisible Threats In the urban, farming, and forestry areas of New Zealand, our freshwater - in rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and aquifers - is under attack from a variety of pollutants. These pollutants, which include pathogens, sediment, and nutrients, are

In New Zealand, as in many countries around the world, the legacy of lead-based paint in older buildings poses a significant health risk. This blog post explores the importance of lead testing, where lead paint is typically found in older buildings, and how regular testing can prevent contamination and protect public health. The Hidden Danger of Lead Paint Lead-based paint was commonly used in New Zealand homes built before the 1980s. It was favored for its durability and vib

Health impacts of asbestos exposure Introduction Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, has long been recognized as a silent killer. Exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to devastating health consequences, including various forms of cancer and respiratory diseases. In New Zealand, stringent regulations have been put in place to safeguard the community from asbestos-related health risks. In this blog post, we'll delve into

The resilient properties of asbestos has made it a useful tool for centuries. It was used during the time of the ancient Greeks who took advantage of the durability and strength of asbestos fibres by spinning the fibres into cloth in order to use it as blankets and tablecloth. Furthermore, due to the resistant fire properties of asbestos, it was recorded to also have been used by the ancient Romans within the wicks of ceremonial candles. Although the benefits of asbestos have

A PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) must have an asbestos management plan in place for a structure where asbestos is found or is likely to be present at a workplace from time to time. Having an asbestos management plan will ensure that a PCBU can manage risks in situations where people at the property – such as workers, tenants, clients or other visitors – could be exposed to respirable asbestos fibres (fibres able to be breathed in). What is an Asbestos Mana

Where is asbestos hidden within a commercial building?

Did you know that if the presence of asbestos is identified during preparations for a reno or demolition, there are extra steps required?

Potential asbestos material locations within a home

Homes built prior to the year 2000 require an asbestos renovation/demolition survey prior to commencement of works.