Asbestos removal during demolition in New Zealand is tightly regulated — and for good reason. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without following the correct process can put workers, neighbours, and future occupants at serious risk. Before a single wall comes down, you need to understand your obligations around building consents, WorkSafe NZ notifications, and licensed asbestos removal.
Do You Need a Building Consent for Demolition?
In most cases, demolishing a building in New Zealand requires a building consent from your local council. Under the Building Act 2004, demolition is defined as building work, and councils need to be satisfied it will be carried out safely — including any asbestos management.
Some minor demolition work may qualify as Schedule 1 exempt work (work that doesn't require a consent), but this is limited and depends on the structure type, size, and location. Always confirm with your local council before assuming your project is exempt — the rules vary between territorial authorities and the consequences of getting it wrong are serious.
When you apply for a demolition consent, your council will typically ask whether the building contains asbestos and may require evidence of an asbestos survey before approving the consent. Check MBIE Building Performance for guidance on what demolition consent applications must include.
The Asbestos Survey: Your Starting Point
Before any demolition or refurbishment work begins on a building constructed or renovated before 2000, you are legally required under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 to have a management survey or, for demolition, a refurbishment and demolition survey carried out by a competent person.
This survey identifies:
- The location of all ACMs in the building
- The condition and friability of those materials
- The risk level they pose if disturbed
The results of this survey inform your Asbestos Management Plan and determine what class of licensed removal is required.
WorkSafe NZ Notification Requirements
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, notifiable asbestos removal work must be notified to WorkSafe NZ at least five working days before work begins. Notification is required when:
- Class A asbestos removal is being carried out (friable asbestos or asbestos-contaminated dust and debris)
- The removal of non-friable (Class B) asbestos exceeds 10 square metres in total
Notification is made through WorkSafe's online system. Failure to notify is a serious breach of health and safety law and can result in significant penalties.
Licensed Asbestos Removalists: Who Can Do the Work?
Not just anyone can remove asbestos in New Zealand. The regulations set out two classes of licensed asbestos removal work:
| Class | Type of Asbestos | Who Can Remove It |
|---|---|---|
| Class A licence | Friable asbestos (can be crumbled by hand) | Class A licensed removalist only |
| Class B licence | Non-friable asbestos (bonded, e.g. fibro cement) | Class A or Class B licensed removalist |
Common ACMs found in NZ homes include fibro cement cladding (such as older James Hardie products), vinyl floor tiles, roof shingles, pipe lagging, and textured ceiling coatings. If you're unsure whether a material contains asbestos, have it tested by an accredited laboratory — never assume.
You can find licensed asbestos removalists through WorkSafe NZ or by searching on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Disposal: Getting Rid of Asbestos Waste Legally
Asbestos waste cannot simply go in a skip bin or to a general landfill. It must be:
- Double-bagged in heavy-duty, clearly labelled asbestos waste bags
- Transported by an approved carrier
- Disposed of at a council-approved asbestos disposal site (not all landfills accept it)
Contact your local council or regional council to find out which facilities in your area are licensed to accept asbestos waste. Requirements vary by region.
What About Healthy Homes and Rental Properties?
If the property being demolished or refurbished is a rental, be aware that the Tenancy Services Healthy Homes standards may also be relevant if the property is to be retained and re-tenanted. Any asbestos disturbance must be fully remediated before tenants return.
When to Call a Professional
Asbestos removal is not a DIY job. Even small amounts of friable asbestos can release fibres that cause mesothelioma and other serious diseases decades later. You should engage a licensed asbestos assessor to conduct the survey and a licensed asbestos removalist to carry out any removal work. An independent licensed asbestos assessor (separate from the removalist) should also provide clearance certification once the work is complete.
For demolition projects, you'll also need to work with a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) for any restricted building work. Find qualified local professionals at tradedirectory.co.nz.
If you're unsure about your obligations, contact your local council's building department and WorkSafe NZ before any work begins.
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