Asbestos removal in New Zealand is tightly regulated to protect workers and homeowners from the serious health risks of asbestos exposure. Any business carrying out asbestos removal work above certain thresholds must hold a WorkSafe New Zealand asbestos removal licence — either a Class A or Class B licence, depending on the type of asbestos involved. Understanding the difference is important before you hire anyone to work on your home.
Why Asbestos Licensing Matters
Asbestos fibres cause serious and often fatal diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. Because of this, the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 set strict rules about who can legally remove asbestos in New Zealand. These regulations are enforced by WorkSafe NZ, the national workplace health and safety regulator. Hiring an unlicensed operator puts you, your family, and the workers themselves at serious risk — and may also expose you to legal liability.
Class A vs Class B: What's the Difference?
There are two classes of asbestos removal licence in New Zealand:
| Licence Class | Type of Asbestos | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Friable asbestos (loose, crumbly, easily airborne) | Sprayed insulation, pipe lagging, ceiling insulation |
| Class B | Non-friable asbestos (bonded, in solid material) | Fibro cement sheets, vinyl floor tiles, roofing materials |
Class A Licence
A Class A licence is required for the removal of friable asbestos — material that can be crumbled by hand pressure and releases fibres easily into the air. This is the higher-risk category and requires more stringent controls, including full enclosures, negative air pressure units, and full-face respirators. Class A licence holders can also remove non-friable asbestos.
Class B Licence
A Class B licence covers the removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos-containing materials (ACM). These are solid materials where the asbestos fibres are bound within a matrix, such as the fibrous cement cladding found on many New Zealand older homes. Class B licence holders cannot remove friable asbestos.
When Is a Licence Required?
Under the regulations, a licence is required when:
- Friable asbestos removal involves any amount (there is no minimum threshold for Class A work)
- Non-friable asbestos removal involves an area of more than 10 square metres in total
For non-friable removal of 10 m² or less, a licence is not legally required — however, strict safety procedures still apply, and WorkSafe NZ strongly recommends using a licensed removalist regardless of the area involved. If you are unsure whether your material is friable or non-friable, always treat it as friable until a qualified assessor confirms otherwise.
The Role of a Licensed Asbestos Assessor
Separate from the removalist licence, a licensed asbestos assessor may be required to:
- Identify and assess asbestos-containing materials before work begins
- Develop or review an asbestos removal control plan
- Carry out air monitoring during removal
- Issue a clearance certificate confirming the area is safe after removal
For Class A removal work, an independent licensed assessor is legally required to provide clearance. This is an important safeguard — the assessor must be independent of the removal company.
How to Verify a Removalist's Licence
Before hiring anyone, always ask to see their current WorkSafe asbestos removal licence and check that it covers the class of work you need. You can verify licences through WorkSafe NZ. A reputable removalist will also provide you with:
- A written asbestos removal control plan
- Evidence of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Details of how waste will be disposed of legally (asbestos waste must go to an approved facility)
- A clearance certificate on completion (for Class A work)
Building Consent and the NZ Building Code
Removing asbestos-containing cladding or roofing may trigger a building consent requirement under the NZ Building Code, depending on the scope of work. Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists some exemptions, but these can be complex. Always check with your local council before starting any significant removal or replacement work. MBIE Building Performance has useful guidance on when consent is needed.
When to Call a Professional
You should always engage a licensed asbestos removalist if:
- You suspect any material in your home may contain asbestos (common in older NZ homes)
- The removal area exceeds 10 m² of non-friable material
- Any friable asbestos is present or suspected
- You are renovating, demolishing, or re-roofing an older property
Safety note: Never sand, drill, cut, or disturb material you suspect contains asbestos without professional assessment first. Even small amounts of airborne asbestos fibre can cause irreversible lung damage.
You can find qualified, licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- WorkSafe NZ – Asbestos — licensing, regulations, and guidance for asbestos work
- MBIE Building Performance — building consent requirements and the NZ Building Code
- BRANZ — research and guidance on building materials including asbestos in NZ homes
- Standards NZ — relevant NZ standards for asbestos identification and removal
- Tenancy Services — Healthy Homes obligations for rental properties, including hazardous materials
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