RECENT NEWS

Recent News Request a Consultation Changes to Light Vehicle Inspections Changes to light vehicle inspections in New Zealand will start from 1 November 2026, affecting cars, vans, rental vehicles, trailers, and some motorcycles. For lower‑risk vehicles, inspection frequency may reduce, but safety responsibilities remain the same. If your business operates vehicles, it’s worth understanding what’s changing and how to prepare. Free Seminar in June Our annual seminar is approachi

At Safewise, we know that a strong safety culture is about more than managing physical hazards, plant and PPE. It also includes how work affects people’s mental health, wellbeing and ability to perform at their best. Psychosocial hazards at work are now widely recognised as a key health and safety risk in New Zealand. When these hazards are not well managed, they can contribute to stress, fatigue, errors, incidents and long‑term harm. A healthy psychosocial working environmen

If you’ve worked in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, property, or trades in New Zealand, you’ll know asbestos is one of those risks that never really goes away. It’s still sitting quietly in older buildings and plants, and it can show up when you least expect it. That’s why WorkSafe’s updated asbestos guidance, published in stages (first in August 2024 , then the final stages released on 16 April 2026 ), is worth paying attention to. It’s not just a refresh. It’s a

The Government has announced changes to light vehicle inspections in New Zealand , with updates beginning to come into effect from 1 November 2026 . These changes are part of the wider Land Transport Rules Reform Programme and are intended to reduce unnecessary costs while maintaining safety on the road. The updates affect cars, vans, people‑movers, trailers, rental vehicles, and some motorcycles , and will be particularly relevant for businesses that operate or manage vehic

Running a small business in New Zealand means wearing many hats. Health and safety is one of those responsibilities that can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't have a dedicated safety manager or HR team. The good news is that practical health and safety systems for small businesses in NZ do not need to be complex, expensive, or time-consuming to be effective. With the right systems in place, you can protect your people, meet your legal obligations, and build a safer

Driving sunstrike is a road safety hazard caused by low‑angle sunlight blinding drivers, most commonly during sunrise and sunset. While the term is well understood among safety professionals, it is less familiar to the general public, which can lead to the risk being underestimated. In New Zealand, driving sunstrike is especially dangerous during winter months when the sun sits lower in the sky and commuters are more likely to be driving directly into it. What Is Driving Suns

Recent News Request a Consultation National Fuel Levels The government has announced their plans to mitigate the effects of the fuel situation and keep fuel flowing in NZ. Below is a brief outline of the 4 Phases: The government will monitor the situation and global developments, and work with fuel companies to keep fuel moving efficiently throughout NZ Active coordination between the government and the fuel industry to support increased efforts in demand reduction, a bigger

With global fuel supply uncertainty making headlines across New Zealand, safe fuel storage is in the spotlight, and for good reason. Recent updates to the national fuel response planning highlight the importance of keeping fuel available for critical services, but at the workplace level, the priority remains clear: store fuel safely or risk serious harm. For businesses in Hamilton and across the Waikato, getting fuel storage right isn’t just good practice, it’s a core part of

Workplace safety in New Zealand isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s a critical part of running a responsible, successful business. Whether you’re managing a construction site in Auckland, a manufacturing plant in Christchurch, or a small office anywhere in between, prioritising health and safety (H&S) protects your people, your reputation, and your bottom line. At Safewise NZ, we work closely with organisations to strengthen their approach to workplace safety in New Zealand.