New Zealand passes Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill amid Labour repeal pledge

New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill cleared its third reading, with Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden saying it will restore "clarity, common sense, and focus" by prioritising critical risks that can cause serious injury or death. The legislation reverses many changes made under the 2015 Act and shifts emphasis away from extensive paperwork toward managing high‑risk hazards.

Labour MP Jan Tinetti called the bill an "absolute horror," arguing it would weaken worker protections and pledged to repeal it if her party forms government. New Zealand First and ACT voiced reservations, while Business Canterbury welcomed the reforms, noting they will reduce tick‑boxing and give businesses clearer expectations from April 2027.

The bill’s implementation date was moved from November 2023 to April 2027, and the government expects the changes to improve compliance and safety outcomes across workplaces.