Government Begins Overhaul Of Safety Regulations

• Farmers and small businesses say health and safety rules have created unnecessary burdens.
• New changes aim to cut red tape and focus on preventing serious workplace injuries.
• Retailers and chambers of commerce back the move towards more practical safety laws.

Federated Farmers has welcomed the Government’s announcement of new health and safety reforms, saying it marks the beginning of long-overdue change.

“Federated Farmers have been very clear that New Zealand’s current health and safety rules aren’t working,” said David Birkett, the group’s health and safety spokesperson.

“They’re too strict, ambiguous and seem to have added more cost, complexity and compliance onto farmers, without any better outcomes.”

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the reforms, which Federated Farmers say will bring a more practical and balanced system.

“We welcome this move to focus the legislation on critical risks, rather than managing every single risk possible,” Birkett said. “We know many farmers, and other business owners, want to do the right thing but just don't know where to start when it comes to health and safety – it’s currently too unclear.”

He said the proposed changes would give businesses more clarity, reduce unnecessary costs, and help people adopt a realistic approach to safety.

“The first set of changes out today show things are finally moving in the right direction and we look forward to seeing the detail of the changes announced.”

Birkett said farmers need a system based on fairness and common sense, not one that piles on extra tasks without improving outcomes.

“We need to reduce workplace incidents, but that hasn’t happened under the current rules – and all we’ve seen is a rise in clipboards, road cones, and fluorescent vests.”

Federated Farmers say they’ve been involved throughout the reform process, including meetings with the Minister and hosting webinars and field visits to share farmers' concerns.

“We’ve been fully involved throughout this process – making sure the real-world farming perspective is heard loud and clear.”

The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce also support the changes, calling them a welcome step towards easing the compliance load on businesses while maintaining safety.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet many are weighed down by excessive red tape that adds cost without necessarily improving safety outcomes,” said Simon Bridges, Chief Executive of the Auckland Business Chamber.

“Health and safety should be about genuine protection, not just ticking boxes. These reforms strike a balance by allowing businesses to prioritise real risks rather than bureaucracy.”

Bridges said tackling the overuse of road cones was also a smart move, calling them a “symbol of regulatory excess.”

Retail NZ also backed the announcement, saying small and low-risk retailers would now be able to focus on serious risks, not paperwork.

“Retail NZ members regularly tell us that meeting current health and safety requirements places a huge burden on them in terms of both time and finances,” said Chief Executive Carolyn Young.

The changes will require these businesses to manage only critical risks and maintain basic workplace facilities such as emergency plans, first aid, lighting, and ventilation.

The Government plans to introduce the changes through legislation later this year.