WorkSafe New Zealand has now officially begun an investigation into work health and safety at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park in the lead up to the landslide on January 22.

A gas explosion that burned a forklift driver offers a stark lesson for businesses across all industries, WorkSafe New Zealand says, following a court decision in the case.

WorkSafe extends its sincere condolences to the whānau and friends of the six people missing in the landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on 22 January 2026.

With clean up and rescue efforts underway in storm-damaged parts of the country, WorkSafe is urging workers to be aware of the risks associated with the aftermath of extreme weather events.

WorkSafe is urging businesses and organisations operating in weather affected areas to ensure robust procedures are in place to protect workers, as red rain warnings remain in effect across parts of the North Island.

WorkSafe New Zealand was invited by Sven Thelning, Health and Safety Advisor at Thelning Systems and Phil Wilson, Director of Glenure Farms Limited, to lead a presentation to farmers at Phil’s dairy farm in North Otago late last year.

As the glorious days of summer settle in, workloads increase for many around the country.

Read about important changes to Gas Safety Regulations for endorsing gas products  and gas installations, changes to Electricity Safety Regulations for electrical installations, modifications to AS/NZS 3000:2018, and Energy Safety availability over the holiday period.

The amended Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 came into effect on 13 November 2025.

The amended Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (ESR) came into effect on 13 November 2025.

The amended Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 came into effect on 13 November 2025.

The road cone digital hotline will wrap up on Friday 19 December, after the pilot project achieved its objectives six months early.

Read our reminder about summer risks, Annual Report and Statement of Intent, psychosocial survey of first responders, and get new industry guidance on managing violence and aggression for retailers.

WorkSafe has published a consolidated version of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances — Modified Application of Controlled Substance Licence Requirements for Specified Class 1 Substances) Safe Work Instrument 2023 on our website.

WorkSafe has published a consolidated version of the Health and Safety at Work (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations – Prescribed Competency Requirements for Certificates of Competence) Safe Work Instrument 2023 on our website.

In the New Year, WorkSafe New Zealand is kicking off a nationwide initiative to strengthen health and safety practices in the manufacturing sector.

WorkSafe New Zealand is appealing to Southland farmers to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees.

WorkSafe New Zealand has issued a four-year plan resetting how it operates, to improve health and safety outcomes nationwide.

WorkSafe is cautioning all businesses that work at height to review their safety systems, following sentencing for a fall that nearly killed a KiwiRail employee.

WorkSafe’s Annual Report has been published, which highlights key achievements for 2024/25.

Businesses and workers must steer clear of power lines and plan work carefully, WorkSafe New Zealand says, following sentencing for a timber delivery that went tragically wrong.

Batches of coloured sand imported and sold in New Zealand have been found to contain asbestos. WorkSafe is focused on supporting businesses to manage their risks and do the right thing.

The Government has recently introduced the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Amendment Regulations 2025 which update New Zealand’s gas safety framework for fittings and appliances under the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 (GSMR).

The Government has introduced the Electricity (Safety) Amendment Regulations 2025, which update New Zealand’s electrical safety framework for products under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 (ESR).

The Government has recently amended the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 which update New Zealand’s electrical and gas safety framework for works and gas distribution systems.

Read about electric vehicle charging installations, generation systems using battery energy storage, and changes to the Gas Safety Regulations and Electricity Safety Regulations.

Forestry roads nationwide are set to become safer, thanks to a new agreement between WorkSafe New Zealand and one of the country’s largest forest management companies.

The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety has made three appointments to the Board of WorkSafe New Zealand.

A WorkSafe inspector’s recent visit to Car Compliance Workshop (CCW) in New Lynn, Auckland has sparked positive change – and praise for WorkSafe’s approach to engagement and enforcement.

The Government has recently made amendments to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and the Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010.

Two new reports reveal WorkSafe’s frontline activity is making a tangible difference to the factories, farms, forests and construction sites of New Zealand.

After the call for nominations in July, three existing board members have been reappointed to the New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners.

Read about new Site Safe asbestos awareness training, our new Forestry Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), a review for some workplace exposure standards (WES), SafePlus self-assessment resources, and ACC's injuries report.

An Auckland kura is leading a push to improve outdoor education risk management in Māori immersion schools, in response to a river rescue involving tamariki.

As the days grow longer, spring is the perfect time for farmers to take stock—not just of their livestock and crops, but of their health and safety practices too.

Read our latest high hazards newsletter, including a new major hazard facility Notifiable Incident form, incident insights into coupling failures, safety case statistics, and a final reminder that the PFAS firefighting foam transitional period is ending.

On 30 June 2025, WorkSafe was notified of a potential health risk involving imported materials, which may contain asbestos, used in the production of fire safety doors.

Details of a dramatic scaffolding collapse onto a busy Auckland road have been revealed for the first time by WorkSafe New Zealand, as its court case against the company responsible draws to a close.

New guidance to simplify safety for forestry businesses and workers has been published by WorkSafe New Zealand.

WorkSafe and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) are encouraging councils to get on board with the shift to a risk-based approach to temporary traffic management across the country.