By Helina Stil, NZDAA President
2025 has been a transformational year for the New Zealand Demolition and Asbestos Association (NZDAA). It marks a renewed focus on lifting industry standards, strengthening training, and fostering a more connected, forward-looking demolition community.
A key milestone has been the completion and release of the updated Demolition Guidelines — cornerstone documents that bring together expert insight, practical experience, and a shared commitment to safe, efficient, and professional demolition practices across Aotearoa.
Demolition is a complex, high-risk operation that requires careful planning, skilled execution, and a strong focus on safety. When carried out with precision and responsibility, it enables urban renewal and progress.
These guidelines ensure that every project, regardless of scale, upholds the highest levels of safety, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
The new guidance reflects the full scope of demolition work undertaken in New Zealand and is structured into three core documents: Restricted, Unrestricted, and High-Reach Demolition.
• Restricted Demolition covers medium-to-high-risk work involving structures up to three storeys (or 15 metres) that do not require consent.
• Unrestricted Demolition applies to large or complex projects — including dismantling or decommissioning structures over 15 metres, or those presenting significant technical or environmental challenges.
• High-Reach Demolition focuses on the specialised use of high and ultra-high-reach machinery. As these machines become more common in New Zealand, the guidelines outline best practice for transport, assembly, operation, and maintenance to ensure both performance and safety.
Developed collaboratively by the NZDAA Executive Team, members, industry experts, and regulators, the new guidelines embody a collective commitment to continuous improvement and professional excellence. They stand as both a practical resource and a benchmark for the industry’s future direction.
As we look ahead to 2026, NZDAA remains dedicated to amplifying the voice of our sector, strengthening partnerships, and advancing global best practice.
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