Asbestos is found in a surprisingly large number of New Zealand homes, particularly those built or renovated before 2000. Before swinging a single hammer, it's essential to identify whether asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present — disturbing them without proper precautions is not only dangerous to your health but also illegal. Here's what every NZ homeowner needs to know.
Why Asbestos Is Such a Big Deal in NZ
New Zealand used asbestos extensively in building materials from the 1940s right through to the late 1990s. Asbestos fibres, when disturbed and inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — sometimes decades after exposure. WorkSafe NZ regulates asbestos management and removal, and the rules are strict for good reason.
Asbestos was only fully banned from import and manufacture in New Zealand in 2016, so any home built or significantly renovated before that date could potentially contain ACMs.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in NZ Homes
Asbestos was used in dozens of building products. The following are the most common locations to suspect in a typical NZ home:
- Fibrous cement (fibro) cladding and soffit sheets — often called "Super Six" or "Hardiflex" (older James Hardie products pre-2000 may contain asbestos; check with James Hardie for guidance on identifying older products)
- Roof cladding — corrugated fibrous cement roofing sheets
- Floor tiles and vinyl flooring — especially 9-inch or 12-inch square vinyl tiles and the adhesive (mastic) beneath them
- Textured ceiling coatings — "popcorn" or stippled ceilings
- Insulation — around pipes, hot water cylinders, and in older wall cavities
- Backing boards — behind tiles in bathrooms and kitchens
- Brake and gasket materials — in garages or workshops
- Roofing felt and bitumen products
- Plaster patching compounds and textured paints
If your home was built before 1990, treat all of the above as suspect until proven otherwise.
The Golden Rule: Don't Disturb It Until You Know
Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed is generally considered lower risk. The danger comes when materials are cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or demolished — releasing fine fibres into the air. Before any demolition work, follow these steps:
Step 1 — Visual Inspection
Walk through your home and note the age, location, and condition of materials that match the list above. Look for:
- Crumbling, damaged, or deteriorating materials
- Corrugated cement sheets on roofs or fences
- Old vinyl floor tiles (especially if they feel brittle)
- Textured ceilings in older homes
Do not touch, scrape, or sample materials yourself. Visual inspection alone cannot confirm asbestos — only laboratory testing can.
Step 2 — Hire a Competent Asbestos Assessor
For any demolition project, you should engage a competent asbestos assessor to carry out a formal asbestos survey (also called an asbestos management survey or refurbishment/demolition survey). Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, a refurbishment or demolition asbestos survey is required before any demolition or major renovation work on buildings that may contain asbestos.
A qualified assessor will:
- Inspect all accessible areas
- Take samples of suspect materials safely
- Send samples to an accredited laboratory for analysis
- Provide a written asbestos register and management plan
You can find licensed asbestos assessors and demolition contractors on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Step 3 — Laboratory Testing
Samples are analysed using polarised light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at an accredited NZ laboratory. Results will confirm whether asbestos is present and what type (e.g. chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite). This is the only reliable way to confirm ACMs.
Step 4 — Review the Results and Plan Removal
If asbestos is confirmed, you'll need an asbestos removal plan before demolition proceeds. WorkSafe NZ classifies asbestos removal into two categories:
| Class | Type of Work | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable (crumbly) asbestos — highest risk | Licensed Class A removalist only |
| Class B | Non-friable (bonded) asbestos, e.g. fibro sheets | Licensed Class B or Class A removalist |
Homeowners may remove small amounts of non-friable asbestos (up to 10 m²) themselves under certain conditions, but WorkSafe strongly recommends using a licensed removalist regardless. Always check the current regulations and your local council requirements before attempting any DIY removal.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Demolition work often requires a building consent from your local council. Even where Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 provides exemptions for minor work, full demolition of a dwelling almost always requires consent. Your council will also want to know how asbestos will be managed. Always confirm consent requirements with your local council before starting — rules vary by region.
For general guidance on the NZ Building Code and consents, visit MBIE Building Performance.
Disposing of Asbestos Waste
Asbestos waste must be double-bagged in heavy-duty polythene bags, clearly labelled, and taken to an approved disposal facility. Contact your local council or regional authority to find an approved site. Never put asbestos in your general rubbish or skip bin.
When to Call a Professional
Always engage a licensed professional if:
- Your home was built before 2000 and you're planning any demolition, renovation, or significant disturbance of building materials
- You suspect friable (crumbly or powdery) asbestos anywhere in the property
- The area of non-friable asbestos exceeds 10 m²
- You're unsure about any material's composition
A qualified demolition contractor with asbestos experience will manage the entire process safely and legally. Find licensed demolition contractors and asbestos removalists in your area at tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Never use a power tool, angle grinder, or high-pressure water on any material you suspect contains asbestos. If you accidentally disturb a suspect material, leave the area immediately, close doors and windows to contain dust, and seek professional advice before re-entering.
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