New Zealand adopts major workplace safety and mental health reforms

New Zealand’s Parliament has passed two landmark pieces of legislation aimed at modernising health and safety standards. The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill cleared its third reading and will come into force on 1 April 2027. It simplifies compliance by focusing on “critical risks” that could cause death or serious injury, reinforces Approved Codes of Practice, and introduces a proportionate approach for small businesses, while clarifying directors’ duties and reporting requirements.

In a separate but equally significant move, the Mental Health (Compulsory Care and Treatment) Bill, the biggest overhaul of the country’s mental health laws in over three decades, was also passed. The reform modernises compulsory care, raises the threshold for electroconvulsive therapy, expands independent advocacy, and strengthens family involvement. Notably, it ends the use of seclusion for young people, introduces stricter safeguards for adults, and adds protections to keep mothers and newborns together unless a practitioner deems separation essential. Both reforms are slated to be implemented over the next two years, with guidance to be issued to help businesses and health providers comply.