Asbestos was widely used in New Zealand homes built before the mid-1980s, and traces of it can still be found in everything from roof cladding to floor tiles. If you're planning a renovation, it's natural to wonder whether you can tackle asbestos removal yourself — but the rules in NZ are strict, and getting it wrong can have serious health consequences for you and your family.
Why Asbestos Is So Dangerous
When asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres into the air. Breathing these fibres can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis — diseases that may not appear for decades after exposure. There is no safe level of asbestos inhalation, which is why WorkSafe NZ regulates its removal so carefully.
Where Asbestos Hides in Older NZ Homes
If your home was built or renovated before 1990, asbestos may be present in:
- Fibrous cement (fibrolite) cladding and roofing — very common in NZ homes
- Textured ceiling coatings ("popcorn" or stippled ceilings)
- Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive beneath them
- Pipe lagging and hot water cylinder insulation
- Eaves linings, soffits, and internal wall linings
- Brake pads and gaskets in older vehicles and machinery
If you're unsure whether a material contains asbestos, do not disturb it. Have it tested by an accredited laboratory first. BRANZ has useful guidance on identifying common ACMs in NZ residential construction.
What Does NZ Law Actually Say?
Asbestos removal in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These regulations draw a clear line between what a homeowner may do and what must be handled by a licensed professional.
Class A Licensed Removalist (Required for Most Work)
A Class A licence is required to remove any amount of:
- Friable asbestos — material that can be crumbled by hand pressure (e.g., pipe lagging, sprayed coatings)
- Asbestos-contaminated dust or debris
Friable asbestos is the most dangerous type because fibres are released very easily.
Class B Licensed Removalist
A Class B licence covers the removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos — such as fibrolite sheeting or vinyl tiles — where the total area exceeds 10 square metres. Non-friable ACMs are more stable, but cutting, drilling, or breaking them still releases fibres.
What a Homeowner May Do
Under the regulations, a homeowner working on their own domestic premises may remove non-friable bonded asbestos up to 10 m² without a licence, provided they:
- Follow WorkSafe's approved safe work practices
- Use appropriate PPE (P2/P3 respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves)
- Wet the material to suppress dust before removal
- Double-bag waste in heavy-duty polythene bags, clearly labelled
- Dispose of waste at an approved facility — contact your local council for the nearest site
- Do not use power tools that generate dust (no angle grinders, sanders, or high-pressure water)
Even when DIY is technically permitted, many professionals and WorkSafe NZ strongly recommend hiring a licensed removalist regardless of the size of the job.
Comparing Your Options
| Scenario | DIY Permitted? | Licence Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Non-friable ACM, under 10 m² (e.g., a few fibrolite sheets) | Yes, with strict precautions | No |
| Non-friable ACM, over 10 m² | No | Class B |
| Any friable asbestos (e.g., pipe lagging) | No | Class A |
| Asbestos-contaminated soil or debris | No | Class A |
| Asbestos roof or cladding on a rental property | No — Healthy Homes obligations apply | Class B or A |
Safe Work Practices If You Proceed with DIY
If your job falls within the legal DIY limit, follow these steps carefully:
- Confirm the material contains asbestos via laboratory testing before you start.
- Plan your work — notify your local council if required, and check disposal options in advance.
- Wear the right PPE: a correctly fitted P2 disposable respirator (not a dust mask), disposable coveralls, safety glasses, and gloves.
- Wet the material thoroughly with a fine mist of water mixed with a small amount of detergent before and during removal.
- Remove sheets whole where possible — never break, sand, or drill ACMs.
- Double-bag all waste in 200-micron polythene bags, seal with tape, and label clearly as asbestos waste.
- Decontaminate yourself before leaving the work area — remove coveralls carefully, bag them, and shower.
- Dispose of waste legally at a council-approved facility. Never put asbestos in your kerbside bin.
When to Call a Professional
For anything beyond a very small area of intact, non-friable material, hire a licensed asbestos removalist. You should always call a professional if:
- The total area exceeds 10 m²
- The material is friable, damaged, or deteriorating
- You're unsure what type of asbestos you're dealing with
- The work is part of a larger renovation requiring a building consent
- The property is a rental (landlord obligations under the Healthy Homes standards may apply)
- You have any doubt at all about your ability to work safely
Licensed asbestos removalists are trained, equipped, and insured for this work. They will also provide a clearance certificate once the job is complete, which is important if you're selling or renting the property. You can find qualified, vetted asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
A Note on Building Consent
If your asbestos removal is part of a renovation that requires a building consent under the NZ Building Code, the removal and subsequent work must comply with all relevant code clauses. Check with your local council or visit MBIE Building Performance for guidance on when consent is needed.