Yes, in many situations WorkSafe NZ must be notified at least five working days before asbestos removal work begins. Whether notification is required depends on the type and amount of asbestos-containing material (ACM) being removed, and who is doing the work. Getting this wrong can result in serious legal consequences — and more importantly, serious health risks.
Why Asbestos Removal Is Tightly Regulated in New Zealand
Asbestos fibres cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis — diseases that can take decades to appear but are life-limiting. Because of this, asbestos removal in New Zealand is governed by the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, administered by WorkSafe NZ. These regulations set out who can remove asbestos, how it must be done, and when authorities must be told.
If your home was built before the mid-1980s — or even into the early 1990s in some cases — there is a real chance it contains asbestos in materials like textured ceilings ("popcorn" or stipple), vinyl floor tiles, wall cladding, roofing, pipe lagging, or eave linings.
The Two Classes of Licensed Asbestos Removalists
Under the regulations, anyone removing more than minor amounts of ACM must hold a WorkSafe-issued licence. There are two classes:
| Licence Class | What They Can Remove |
|---|---|
| Class A | All types of asbestos, including friable (crumbly) asbestos |
| Class B | Non-friable (bonded) asbestos only, e.g. fibro cement sheet, vinyl tiles |
Friable asbestos is the most dangerous — it can be crumbled by hand and releases fibres easily. Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is mixed into a solid matrix and is lower risk when intact, but can become friable if cut, drilled, or damaged.
Always confirm a removalist's licence is current before engaging them. You can check this through WorkSafe NZ.
When Does WorkSafe NZ Need to Be Notified?
Notification to WorkSafe NZ is legally required in the following situations:
- Any removal of friable asbestos — regardless of the amount
- Removal of 10 square metres or more of non-friable asbestos in any one job
- Removal of asbestos-contaminated dust or debris associated with the above
Notification must be submitted at least five working days before work starts, using the prescribed form available on the WorkSafe website. The licensed removalist is responsible for submitting this notification — not the homeowner — but as the property owner it's worth confirming it has been done.
For smaller amounts of non-friable ACM (under 10 m²), a licensed Class B removalist is still required, but formal notification to WorkSafe may not be mandatory. However, regulations and interpretations can be nuanced, so always ask your removalist to confirm what applies to your specific job.
What About Homeowners — Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself?
This is a common question. Under the regulations, homeowners working on their own domestic residence are not classified as a "person conducting a business or undertaking" (PCBU) in the same way a contractor is. This means the licensing requirement technically applies to commercial operators rather than a homeowner doing DIY on their own home.
However, this does not mean DIY asbestos removal is safe or advisable. WorkSafe NZ strongly discourages homeowners from attempting to remove asbestos themselves. The health risks are severe, disposal must comply with local council requirements, and if you engage anyone else to help — even unpaid — the rules change. In practice, hiring a licensed professional is always the safest and most sensible choice.
The Asbestos Removal Process: What to Expect
A reputable licensed removalist will typically:
- Identify and assess the ACM (sometimes using a separate licensed asbestos assessor)
- Prepare a removal control plan outlining how work will be done safely
- Submit notification to WorkSafe NZ where required
- Establish containment — sealing off the work area, using PPE and negative pressure enclosures for friable work
- Remove and bag all ACM using approved methods
- Dispose of waste at a council-approved facility (double-bagged, labelled)
- Issue a clearance certificate (required for Class A removals, completed by a licensed asbestos assessor)
Disposal and Your Local Council
Asbestos waste cannot go in your general rubbish. It must be taken to a landfill approved to accept asbestos waste — your local council can advise on the nearest facility. Packaging and labelling requirements are strict. Your licensed removalist should handle all of this, but it pays to ask upfront.
When to Call a Professional
You should engage a licensed asbestos removalist any time you suspect ACM is present and work is planned that could disturb it — including renovations, demolitions, or repairs. If you're unsure whether a material contains asbestos, have it tested by an accredited laboratory before any work begins. Do not drill, sand, cut, or break suspected ACM.
For Class A (friable) removals, you will also need a separately licensed asbestos assessor to issue the clearance certificate before the area can be reoccupied.
You can find qualified, licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos — regulations, notification forms, and licensed removalist information
- MBIE Building Performance — guidance on asbestos in buildings and the NZ Building Code
- BRANZ — technical research on asbestos in NZ building materials
- Tenancy Services – Healthy Homes — landlord obligations regarding hazardous materials
- Standards NZ — relevant NZ standards for asbestos management and removal
Site Safe
Registered Master Builder
SiteWise
Tōtika Prequalified
ISO 45001
