NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Health and safety regulations for laboratory work are not fit for purpose, and regulatory relief is coming, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden confirmed today. 

“Nonsensical health and safety compliance was identified as a major pain point for research laboratories during my roadshows and in feedback through submissions. I’m pleased to back scientists to use their expertise to assess risks and put in place effective controls targeted to these highly specialised environments,” says Ms van Velden.  

Currently, those working in research, teaching and testing laboratories are subject to the same regulatory requirements as industrial operations that use hazardous substances, such as petrol refineries.  

“Research laboratory work is typically smaller-scale and often use a larger range of hazardous substances than industrial operations, whereas the current regulations are more easily applied to situations using a few substances in large quantities. 

“Not only are the current rules impractical, in some cases they could end up making laboratory work more dangerous. Some of the examples I heard included: 

• Laboratories with self-reactive substances are required to be on the ground floor of buildings. But locating laboratories on upper levels makes more sense from a safety perspective because it allows people to get out if there is a fire. 
• Cabinets used to store certain amounts of flammable substances must be separated by three metres. To meet this requirement, laboratories would need to be made significantly larger, or the hazardous substances would need to be moved frequently from outside the laboratory, which increases handling risks.
• Some flammable substances must be managed in workrooms that meet specified fire-resistance ratings. Many research laboratories were not constructed to those standards. Fire risk can be effectively managed in other ways, including storage in industry-standard cabinets and the use of ventilation or sprinkler systems.  

Universities New Zealand and the Independent Research Association of New Zealand estimate that the costs of compliance, unless changes are made, is likely to be between $1.5 billion to $3 billion. 

“Research laboratories used to be treated differently, with their own compliance pathway under a code of practice. Today’s issues have arisen because that pathway was removed by regulatory amendments in 2017. The Government at the time intended to replace the pathway with a better mechanism for laboratories, however, that did not happen, so research laboratories have been bound by overly restrictive rules for nearly a decade. 

“This Government will deliver what laboratories have been waiting for since 2017. There will be new tailored regulations for the sector and an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) that will set out clear guidance on how to manage these risks. 

“This is part of my wider health and safety system reform focused on making regulations workable so Kiwis can get on with their work safely without over-zealous rules holding them back,” says Ms van Velden.  

The amendments to the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 are expected to come into force in 2026. 

Editor notes: 

• The Cabinet paper is attached. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Sergeant Lee-Ann Grant

Police are investigating a robbery in Napier overnight where cash from the tills were taken.

Four males have entered the Z Service Station on Tennyson and Station Streets at about 1.15am today.

The males have threatened staff and taken cash tills and fled in a vehicle.

Police are seeking the public’s help to locate the vehicle, a blue Mazda Familia Station wagon.

No one was harmed during the incident; however those involved will be referred to Victim Support services.

If you have witnessed the incident, have knowledge of the vehicle’s whereabouts, or have dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage please get in touch.

Contact Police through 105 either online or over the phone using reference number: P065268828.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced that Hon Judith Collins KC will be appointed as President of the New Zealand Law Commission and will not stand as an MP at the 2026 election. 

“It is with great regret and enormous gratitude that I thank Judith for her service; however, I am delighted she will take up this prestigious appointment to the Law Commission,” Mr Luxon says.

“The role requires astute legal knowledge – something Judith is eminently qualified for. She will follow in the footsteps of other highly regarded New Zealanders such as Sir Geoffrey Palmer.

“Judith has given more than two decades of her life to Parliament and public service as a Member of Parliament, Minister, and Leader of the Opposition.

“Throughout that time, she has served this country with commitment and conviction. She has carried a wide range of portfolios in Government and fronted some of the most difficult challenges without flinching.

“Working alongside Judith over the past six years, I have seen firsthand her deep commitment to New Zealand, her loyalty to our team, and her unshakeable belief in standing up for what she thinks is right. 
“On a personal level, I’ve seen Judith’s compassion for the people she represents, her love for her family, her sharp mind and sense of humour, and her quiet acts of kindness that most people will never know about. 

“On behalf of the Government and the National Party I want to thank Judith for all she has given this country,” Mr Luxon says.

Hon Collins KC will remain as an MP until her new role commences in mid-2026.

Source: New Zealand Government

A new inter-agency hub and the first phase of mandatory training for core children’s workers are now underway, as the Government takes further steps to safeguard children from harm.

Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says the initiatives are vitally important for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable children.

“These changes will provide an improved safety net for more than 2,000 children whose sole parents (or sole carers) are expected to be remanded in custody and/or sentenced to a term of imprisonment this year.

“The new in-person hub will co-locate key children’s agency staff at the Oranga Tamariki National Contact Centre, so they can quickly access and share information to identify and address risks to at risk children in this group.

“From now on, when agencies identify these children, a report to Oranga Tamariki will ensure there’s an immediate focus on understanding their needs including safety, wellbeing and the adequacy of their care arrangements.

“This will determine the appropriate response for each child so their needs are met, including referrals to community when statutory intervention is not required.”

The hub will also ensure information is shared safely and appropriately between key agencies to inform an initial assessment within 48 hours.

The testing of mandatory training for core children’s workers is also being rolled out.

“While developing a full package of mandatory training will take time, swift action is needed to fill known gaps. Immediate gains will be made by rapidly rolling out a short, electronic module covering foundational child protection information.”

The foundational module is initially being tested with a subset of core children’s workers from Health NZ, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Social Development (MSD), Ministry of Education, Department of Corrections and Oranga Tamariki.

“We know this type of training will not be new for many children’s workers but by standardising and enhancing existing training, we can ensure more consistent, quality training.”

In October last year the Government accepted all recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review. The Royal Commission into Abuse in Care also made a range of recommendations regarding child protection. The actions being announced today are part of an ongoing integrated Government response.

“I want to recognise and thank the late Dame Karen for her commitment to New Zealand’s children, and for her outstanding dedication to numerous other public service roles.

“In producing her report, Dame Karen had recommended regular campaigns to support public awareness of the signs of abuse and how to report concerns. I also want to acknowledge the “Dear Children” campaign, which Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commission launched in December.

“It’s been heartening to see that campaign helping to significantly raise awareness of issues and responsibilities related to child maltreatment,” Louise Upston says.