Asbestos & Decontamination

Asbestos remains one of the most tightly controlled risks in New Zealand’s construction sector, and for good reason. Once widely used for its durability and fire resistance, it is now known to cause serious long-term health conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.   For today’s building professionals, managing asbestos is not just a compliance […]

Asbestos cement siding was a popular choice in New Zealand homes and commercial buildings from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. Valued for its durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance, it was commonly used in weatherboards, eaves linings, and exterior cladding. Today, however, asbestos is recognised as a serious health hazard, and anyone working with […]

Our environmental services sector keeps growing as building rules tighten and awareness of old contaminants grows. Work involving asbestos removal and site remediation has become a key part of today’s building and property industries.  But disposing of hazardous materials safely and ensuring we protect the environment is a huge undertaking and legal responsibility. Across the […]

Six children’s coloured sand products prompted widespread school closures across Australia and New Zealand in November 2025 after laboratory testing detected traces of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos. By mid‑November, dozens of schools in New Zealand and over 70 in Australia’s ACT had temporarily shut, while hundreds more sought guidance from regulators. The products, rainbow sand from Educational […]

WorkSafe is considering replacing the existing approved asbestos code of practice with more flexible good practice guidelines. Experts warn that although guidelines offer adaptability, they lack the certainty and enforceability that codes provide. NZCTU president Sandra Grey says stronger protections are needed for workers. “Around 220 workers are killed from asbestos-related deaths every year,” the […]

Arson crime is on the rise. A fire was deliberately lit at a Hibiscus Coast café over Halloween weekend. It’s the latest in a series of attempted arson on Ōrewa businesses. “I want the community to know that these attacks on local businesses won’t be tolerated and we are working hard to hold those responsible […]