As part of a broader package of health and safety reforms, the Government has announced a significant shift in the role and culture of WorkSafe New Zealand. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the changes are aimed at transforming WorkSafe from a heavily enforcement-focused regulator into one that engages early with businesses and workers to help manage critical risks and deliver clearer guidance.
The reforms come in response to widespread feedback gathered during the Minister’s public consultation roadshow, where businesses and workers across the country expressed frustration with WorkSafe’s perceived inconsistency, punitive culture, and lack of practical support.
“Time and again, I heard from employers and workers who felt let down by WorkSafe,” said van Velden. “The message was clear: they want a regulator that helps them understand and meet their obligations, not one that only turns up when something goes wrong. For too long, WorkSafe has told businesses that it’s not their job to provide guidance — that’s going to change.”
At the heart of the reform is a cultural reset. The Government is shifting WorkSafe’s focus from enforcement as a first resort to proactive engagement and education. “A regulator feared for its punitive actions instead of valued for clear, consistent advice is not delivering positive safety outcomes,” van Velden says.
This change in direction is being supported by several new initiatives, including the launch of WorkSafe’s “road cone tipline”, which will allow members of the public and industry to report instances of over-compliance in temporary traffic management. The tipline aims to address unnecessary or excessive safety measures that do not align with actual risk. It will be backed by a joint engagement programme involving NZTA and key stakeholders.
“This programme will educate those working in temporary traffic management to adopt a practical, risk-based approach instead of defaulting to blanket rules and over-engineered solutions,” van Velden explained.
Another key focus is the overhaul of WorkSafe’s guidance materials. Outdated or irrelevant documents are being removed from the WorkSafe website — with 50 already gone, and more to follow. These materials were found to no longer reflect current practices or technologies, and often duplicated information already available in better, more current sources.
“The goal is to make it easier for businesses to access consistent, practical, and up-to-date guidance,” van Velden said. “This is vital if we want WorkSafe to become a partner in health and safety, not just an enforcer.”
To further support this reset, the Government will restructure WorkSafe’s appropriation — how it receives and reports on its funding — into four clear categories:
1. Supporting work health and safety practice
2. Enforcing work health and safety compliance
3. Authorising and monitoring work health and safety activities
4. Energy safety.
This change, coming into effect later in 2025, is designed to improve fiscal transparency and help both the Government and the public better assess the cost-effectiveness of WorkSafe’s activities. “Until now, it’s been difficult to determine where WorkSafe’s funding is going and whether it’s delivering value,” said van Velden. “This new framework will sharpen focus and make performance more measurable.”
The public will also have more opportunities to provide feedback on WorkSafe’s performance, including the quality and timeliness of its inspections, guidance, and other engagements. This is expected to promote continuous improvement and responsiveness from the agency.
A formal Letter of Expectations has now been issued to WorkSafe, clearly outlining the Minister’s vision and priorities. Van Velden thanked WorkSafe’s board, executive team, and staff for acknowledging the scale of the change ahead and committing to making the agency more fit-for-purpose.
“These reforms represent a turning point,” she concluded. “We’re creating a health and safety system that is smarter, more supportive, and focused on managing real risks — not just ticking boxes. I’m confident this will lead to better safety outcomes for workers and better support for the businesses that employ them.”
Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out on valuable insights and exciting updates—sign up now to stay connected!
