Outdoor health & safety changes

Legislative changes to workplace health and safety are expected to be introduced before the end of 2025 and passed in early 2026.

The reform aims to scrap over compliance, ensuring there’s less paperwork, giving businesses, employers and workers clarity on health and safety responsibilities, says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister
Brooke van Velden.

“For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt,” says Ms van Velden.

“Many landowners, managers, councils, farmers and iwi allow access to their land for recreational use out of sheer goodwill. I do not think it is reasonable or proportionate for landowners, managers and iwi to be prosecuted by WorkSafe if someone was to be hurt or injured during a recreational activity just because they are responsible for the land.”

Announcing the first of ongoing changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act, she says that moving forward landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities. “Health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities.

For example, a farmer might worry they’re responsible for the risks of a horse trekking business on their land. I’m making it clear in the law that in this case the health and safety duties sit with the horse trekking business.

“I want Kiwis to be able to hunt, fish, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak and so much more without being caught up in health and safety red tape.”

The change will apply to both public and private land, from farms and forestry to school grounds, local council land and regional and national parks. It won’t impact private property rights, and it will still be up to the landowner to grant access to their land if they wish.