New Zealand agricultural and construction safety codes

New Zealand Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has introduced new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP) to clarify health and safety responsibilities across different sectors.

In late September 2026, the government launched two codes for the agricultural sector: ‘Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture’ and ‘Safe Farm Vehicle Operation’. These aim to address overlapping duties among stakeholders and manage risks related to vehicle movement in preparation for upcoming amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

In mid-October 2026, a third code was introduced specifically for residential construction sites. Titled ‘Identifying health and safety roles and responsibilities on a residential construction site’, this code provides guidance for clients, contractors, and workers to manage risks in environments where multiple trades operate simultaneously. WorkSafe New Zealand Chief Executive Sharon Thompson noted the code clarifies existing duties rather than creating new ones.

All new guidelines are scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2027, coinciding with legislative changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.