New Zealand launches farm health and safety codes

New Zealand Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has launched two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) designed to clarify health and safety responsibilities within the agricultural sector.

The two codes, titled ‘Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture’ and ‘Safe Farm Vehicle Operation’, are intended to help farmers, growers, contractors, and workers prepare for upcoming amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The ‘Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture’ code addresses overlapping duties among various stakeholders, while ‘Safe Farm Vehicle Operation’ provides guidance on managing risks related to vehicle use and movement.

Both ACOPs are scheduled to come into effect on 1 April 2027, coinciding with legislative changes that include clearer duties for directors, clarified responsibilities for recreational activities, and a reduced compliance burden for small businesses.