Source: Worksafe New Zealand
Read our November 2025 energy safety business update.
In this issue:
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
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).
Approximately 550 standards have been updated, for a complete list of the changes please see the amendment regulations(external link)
Regulation 3 has been clarified to explicitly include e-bikes and personal-e-transporters.
There is no change to the gazetted declared article schemes.
Also, there is no change to the recognition of products recognised by the EESS or NSW regulatory schemes.
Further information on the conditions of use for the EESS or NSW schemes
Details of what products declared as medium risk, high risk, or both
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
The Government has 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).
Approximately 100 standards citations have been updated, for a complete list of the changes please see the amendment regulations(external link)
Suppliers using the NZS/AS 3645.2 pathway must comply with the 2012 version, by 12 November 2026 for new products.
The amendment allows suppliers to comply with the old standards cited in the GSMR until 13 November 2026 after which they will need to comply with the standards listed in the amendment.
Any appliance that is already for sale in New Zealand on 13 November 2026 can continue to comply with the GSMR through the old requirements.
Appliances that are in transit to New Zealand or the subject of an irrevocable purchasing order by a person in New Zealand on 12 November 2025 can be imported and sold in compliance with the old requirements.
Appliances that comply with the new requirements can be sold in New Zealand from 12 November 2025.
If an appliance is certified after 12 November 2026, it must be certified in accordance with the new requirements.
Appliances that are for sale in New Zealand, or in transit to New Zealand, or the subject of an irrevocable purchasing order by a person in New Zealand on or before 12 November 2026 (do this now):
For product imported post 13 November 2026:
Source: Worksafe New Zealand
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.
What is changed by the amendment for gas distribution and gas supply:
The cited standard for Natural gas quality remains unchanged as NZS 5442:2008.
Approximately 100 standards citations have been updated, for a complete list of the changes please see the amendment regulations(external link)
What has the amendment changed for works:
Approximately 550 standards have been updated in the ESR, for a complete list of the changes please see the amendment regulations(external link)
The amendment allows owners and operators of works and distribution systems to comply with the old standards cited in the GSMR and ESR until 13 November 2026, after which they will need to comply with the standards listed in the amendment regulations.
There is no requirement to upgrade existing infrastructure to meet the changes introduced by the amendments provided they have not become unsafe.
Owners of distributions systems and works need to ensure that they are operating a SMS that complies with NZS 7901:2014 before 13 November 2026.
Source: New Zealand Police
District:
Emergency services are responding to an incident on Willis Street.
Police were notified at around 3.30pm.
Willis Street is closed between Manners Street and Dixon Street.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
ENDS
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Paying for bus and ferry services in Greater Christchurch has been made easier with the introduction of contactless payments.
Through the National Ticketing Solution (NTS), known as Motu Move, passengers can now pay for standard non-concession adult fares using their credit or debit card, phone or smartwatch on all Metro bus and ferry services in Christchurch City, Selwyn and Waimakariri.
“We’re thrilled to launch the first stage of Motu Move in Greater Christchurch,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Chief Customer & Services Officer Sarina Pratley.
“We’d like to thank Canterbury Regional Council for working with us to be the first region in the country to roll out Motu Move. This is an exciting milestone and will allow people within Greater Christchurch to choose their preferred contactless payment option when using public transport,” Mrs Pratley says.
Canterbury Regional Council Chair Dr Deon Swiggs says it’s exciting for the region to lead the way in rolling out Motu Move.
“For people that don’t have a Metrocard, knowing that you can now hop on a bus or ferry by simply tagging on with a debit or credit card makes public transport much more accessible for both residents and visitors,” Chair Swiggs says.
“We will continue to work closely with NZTA, partners and community groups to ensure that the transition to the new system is as smooth as possible when other features such as concessions are implemented.”
Additional functionality will be added to the system in 2026, including the ability to manage concession fares on a range of payment options and a new prepaid Motu Move card.
“As Motu Move is gradually introduced to the rest of New Zealand throughout 2026 and 2027, it will allow people to seamlessly travel within regions on buses, trains and ferries, using the payment option that works best for them,” Mrs Pratley says.
“No matter where they are in the country or how they choose to travel, public transport passengers will be able to use the same contactless payment option.
“Motu Move will also make it easier for Public Transport Authorities to gain insights into how public transport is used in their region and where services could be improved,” Mrs Pratley says.
Motu Move is targeted to be operational throughout New Zealand by the end of 2027.
More information on Motu Move(external link)
Details on how Motu Move will work on Greater Christchurch services(external link)
Source: New Zealand Police
A person has died after an incident involving an ATV at a property in Waitahora.
Emergency services were called to the Weber Road property shortly after 8.30am yesterday.
Sadly, the person died at the scene.
WorkSafe has been advised, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Note for media:
The family of the victim ask for privacy at this time.
Source: New Zealand Government
Drivers under the influence of drugs will soon face tougher enforcement on New Zealand roads, with the Government confirming which drugs will be screened under the new oral-fluid roadside testing regime, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
“Drug-impaired drivers are a menace on New Zealand roads,” Mr Bishop says.
“Around 30 per cent of all road deaths now involve an impairing drug. If you take drugs and drive, you’re putting innocent lives at risk – and we will not tolerate it.
“Our Government is committed to improving road safety, and that includes holding dangerous, drugged-up drivers to account. Rolling out roadside drug testing is a practical step towards safer roads and fewer tragedies.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the new regime will strengthen Police’s ability to keep roads safe.
“This is another positive step in delivering our road-safety strategy and targeting the key factors behind fatal crashes. The ability for Police to screen for impairing drugs is a welcome addition to their enforcement toolbox,” Mr Mitchell says.
“Police will begin roadside screening for four key drugs – THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine – using new oral-fluid testing devices.
“The rollout will begin in December in the Wellington District and scale up from April 2026, with nationwide coverage expected by mid-2026.”
How roadside drug testing will work:
Police will be able to stop any motor vehicle at any time to screen the driver for the presence of drugs. The first roadside screening test will be a quick tongue swipe taking just a few minutes. If the test is positive, officers will take a saliva sample for laboratory analysis. While the roadside device detects the four key drugs, the laboratory can test for up to 25 substances listed in the Act.
A second roadside screening test will then be conducted. If that test is positive, the driver will be prohibited from driving for 12 hours to address any immediate road-safety risk. An infringement notice will follow a positive laboratory result. Drivers who refuse or fail to comply with a roadside drug test will also be issued with an infringement notice. Most drivers will be free to go within about five minutes once they have a negative test result.
Source: New Zealand Government
More than 10,000 additional MRI and CT scans will be delivered each year for Hawke’s Bay patients, enabling faster diagnoses, following the completion of Stage 1 of the radiology upgrade at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“These significant upgrades, announced in January this year, will help Hawke’s Bay patients get the answers and treatment they need sooner,” Mr Brown says.
“Previous radiology facilities were outdated and unable to meet current or future demand. This refurbishment doubles the MRI and CT imaging capacity, ensuring faster, more reliable diagnostic services for patients.”
The first stage of the $35.8 million upgrade has delivered:
An additional 808m² of floor space to accommodate new equipment and patient areas
A second MRI, providing 4000 – 6000 extra scans per year
A second CT scanner, doubling CT capacity with 6000 – 10,000 extra scans annually
The new MRI has a more spacious opening, making scans more comfortable and accessible for all patients, while the second CT scanner allows emergency imaging to continue without delay for patients needing planned scans, enhancing the hospital’s resilience.
The facility has also been designed to maximise efficiency.
“Radiology staff can now prepare patients and provide post-scan care in dedicated spaces. This streamlined workflow allows more scans to be completed each day, meaning shorter wait times for diagnosis, urgent care, and elective treatment.”
These upgrades directly support the Government’s health targets:
Cancer treatment: CT wait times, currently 2-3 weeks, will now consistently meet the two-week target. MRI services are already performing within target and will continue to support timely diagnosis.
Shorter emergency department stays: Increased CT capacity means faster access to urgent imaging and quicker clinical decision-making.
Specialist assessments: Expanded imaging will streamline diagnostic pathways and reduce reliance on outsourced services.
Elective treatment: Enhanced imaging supports faster assessments and treatment planning.
The $1.3 million third endoscopy room is also set to open later this month, further strengthening the hospital’s diagnostic capacity. With two rooms currently delivering around 4,200 procedures a year, the addition of a third will increase capacity to nearly 6,800 procedures – an additional 2600 – including colonoscopies, gastroscopies, and other essential diagnostic tests.
“These investments are about future-proofing our health services for a growing population and ensuring Hawke’s Bay has the capacity and capability it needs for years to come.
“This upgraded radiology facility will help patients get the care they need faster, while giving clinicians the modern tools and technology to provide world-class care in Hawke’s Bay.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Cabinet has agreed to repeal and replace the Arms Act 1983 with a new law that’s fairer, fit for purpose, and improves the safety of New Zealanders, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today.
“The new Arms Act will improve public safety by keeping firearms out of criminals’ hands, while making compliance easier for licenced firearm owners (LFOs) through sensible changes that reduce regulatory burdens,” says Mrs McKee.
“The current law has been modified dozens of times since it came into force over 40 years ago with many of those changes being rushed through with little to no scrutiny. The result is a complex, confusing and bureaucratic patchwork that makes it difficult for LFOs to comply while not adequately keeping the public safe.
“The new law will be written in plain English, structured logically and with public safety at its core. It makes it much more difficult for firearms to get into the hands of criminals while allowing LFOs to continue to use their firearms safely and responsibly.
“We’ve already cracked down on gangs and organised criminals by widening the qualifying criteria for courts to make Firearms Prohibition Orders. The new law will go further by making gang membership an automatic disqualifying factor for holding a firearms licence.
“A statutory ‘red flag’ system is being established, with clarified information sharing so Police and other agencies can continue to signal to the firearms regulator when they have relevant intel that might trigger a review of whether a LFO remains a fit and proper person.
“Penalties for over 60 Arms Act offences will be increased, and eight new offences will be created – including new offences to reduce firearms entering the black market such as for straw buying and possessing a firearm with identification markings intentionally removed.
“The new Act will also plug gaps in the law to address new and emerging technologies such as the illegal manufacture of 3D printed firearms and parts, and possession of digital files without a licence.
“Criminals are on notice that if they break the law, they can expect harsher penalties with increased fines and longer prison sentences.”
LFOs will also benefit with simpler rules that make it easier for them to use and store their firearms safely.
“One particular issue that has been raised with me is the ambiguity around secure storage requirements. In practice, the current rules are interpreted as requiring firearms and ammunition to be stored at an LFO’s primary residence, but sometimes that is not the most appropriate or secure place,” says Mrs McKee.
“The changes will clarify that secure storage can be at any premises approved by the regulator. This will mean that people in university halls, renters, or those living with someone with a mental health concern can more safely and securely store their firearms at another more suitable location.
“The new Act will also include practical changes to ensure LFOs can continue to safely enjoy, and benefit from, the responsible use of firearms.
“To rebuild the trust of law-abiding LFOs the firearms regulator, currently the Firearms Safety Authority, must be reformed to ensure it operates openly and transparently.
“A new regulator will be established, headed by an independent Chief Executive appointed by the Governor-General. The Chief Executive will report solely to the responsible Minister, with the Ministry of Justice providing oversight and monitoring.
“Rebuilding trust also requires there to be a clearer separation of information held by the firearms regulator and information held by the Police. To that end, sworn officers will not be able to serve as either the Chief Executive or be directly employed by the regulator.
“However, police officers will still have access to the essential information they need to enforce the law. They will still be able to check whether a person they’re dealing with holds a firearms licence or if firearms are stored at a specific address.
“The changes will also replace the current internal review process with a new Firearms Licencing Review Committee. This will address perceptions among some members of the community that the current internal review process is not sufficiently independent.
“This is essential for ensuring there is trust in the licencing system, improving compliance, and ensuring applicants or LFOs renewing their licence are treated fairly, without needing to go to court.”
This new Arms Act will deliver on the ACT-National coalition commitment to ‘rewrite the Arms Act 1983 to provide for greater protection of public safety and simplify regulatory requirements to improve compliance and pass it through all stages during this term of Parliament.’
“LFOs have been unfairly scapegoated for the actions of criminals for too long. This law focuses instead on fixing what matters, actually making people safer with a fair system that works for all New Zealanders,” says Mrs McKee.
The Bill will go through a full six-month select committee process where all New Zealanders will have the opportunity to have their say.
Note to editors: