Why Asbestos Is Still a Serious Issue in New Zealand Properties
Asbestos remediation was used extensively in New Zealand construction from the 1940s through to the mid-1980s. It was prized for its heat resistance, durability, and versatility — which meant it ended up in roofing, wall cladding, ceiling tiles, flooring adhesives, pipe insulation, and countless other building materials.
New Zealand banned the importation and use of asbestos-containing materials in 2016 — but the legacy materials in existing buildings did not disappear with that ban. According to WorkSafe NZ, thousands of NZ buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials today. Many homeowners have no idea their property contains asbestos until a renovation or sale triggers an Inspection.
The key fact every property owner in NZ needs to understand is this: undisturbed asbestos in good condition is generally not an immediate health risk. The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorated, or disturbed — releasing microscopic fibres into the air that, when inhaled, can cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These diseases can take 20–40 years to develop after exposure, which is why many New Zealanders are still being diagnosed today from exposure that occurred decades ago.
What Buildings and Materials Are Most Likely to Contain Asbestos in NZ?
If your property was built or significantly renovated before 1990, there is a meaningful possibility it contains asbestos-containing materials. Here are the most common locations:
Roofing
Asbestos cement was widely used for roofing — both as corrugated sheets (sometimes called “Super Six”) and as flat roofing tiles. Properties built or re-roofed before the mid-1980s are particularly likely to have asbestos roofing. Weather exposure, physical damage, and age all increase the risk that asbestos fibres from deteriorating roof materials can become airborne.
Ceiling Materials
The textured “stipple” or “popcorn” ceiling finish widely used in NZ homes from the 1960s through to the 1980s frequently contains asbestos. Asbestos was also used in ceiling tiles and in the adhesives used to fix them. AR Plus specialises in asbestos ceiling removal and can restore your ceiling to a finished, painted surface after removal.
Wall Cladding and Linings
Fibro (asbestos cement sheeting) was used as both external wall cladding and internal lining. It looks similar to modern fibre cement products but is chemically different and hazardous when cut or drilled.
Floor Coverings
The adhesives used to bond vinyl floor tiles to subfloors often contained asbestos. The tiles themselves can also be asbestos-containing. Removing old vinyl flooring incorrectly can release asbestos fibres into the property.
Pipe Insulation and Lagging
Older properties — particularly commercial and industrial buildings — used asbestos insulation on hot water pipes, boilers, and plant equipment.
Loose Fill Asbestos
Some properties — particularly those that were insulated using loose fill materials in the 1960s and 1970s — may contain loose asbestos insulation in wall cavities, roof spaces, and subfloor areas. This is one of the most hazardous forms of asbestos contamination and requires specialist Class A removal.
Asbestos Removal Regulations in NZ: What the Law Requires
NZ law is clear about asbestos removal requirements. The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 and WorkSafe’s Approved Code of Practice establish the framework every NZ property owner and contractor must follow.
Class A vs Class B Asbestos Removal
Class B asbestos removal covers non-friable asbestos (asbestos firmly bonded in a matrix, such as asbestos cement sheets) in quantities of 10m² or less. Larger areas of non-friable asbestos require a licensed contractor.
Class A asbestos removal covers all friable asbestos (material that can be crumbled by hand pressure, releasing fibres) and non-friable asbestos in quantities greater than 10m². Class A removal carries the most stringent requirements — full containment, negative pressure units, full personal protective equipment, and independent air monitoring and clearance.
AR Plus holds both Class A licence (RA16110211) and Class B licence (RB19080036) from WorkSafe NZ — meaning they can legally and safely handle any category of asbestos removal, from a small residential ceiling tile to a large-scale commercial demolition project.
What Happens If You Skip the Licensed Removal Step?
The consequences of handling asbestos removal without the correct licence are serious. Beyond the immediate health risk to yourself and anyone in the vicinity, unlicensed asbestos work in NZ can result in significant fines under the Health and Safety at Work Act, liability for any health consequences to workers or occupants, and enforcement action by WorkSafe NZ. No cost saving is worth these consequences.
The AR Plus Asbestos Removal Process: What to Expect
AR Plus approaches every asbestos removal job with a structured, documented process designed to protect everyone on site and in the surrounding area.
Step 1 — Site inspection and Testing. AR Plus visits the site, assesses materials visually, and arranges sampling through an accredited laboratory. If an existing asbestos survey is available, they work from that documentation.
Step 2 — Scope and planning. Once testing confirms the presence and type of asbestos, AR Plus prepares a detailed removal plan covering containment methods, work procedures, waste management, and timeline.
Step 3 — Containment and removal. The work area is contained using appropriate enclosures, negative pressure where required, and full PPE for all operatives. Asbestos-containing materials are carefully removed and double-bagged in labelled asbestos waste bags.
Step 4 — Clearance inspection. An independent clearance inspection is conducted — not by AR Plus themselves, but by an accredited independent assessor. This ensures an unbiased confirmation that the area is safe before reoccupation.
Step 5 — Disposal. All asbestos waste is transported to an approved landfill in compliance with NZ environmental and waste regulations.
Step 6 — Reinstatement. AR Plus can plaster, paint, and fully restore affected areas — making them a true one-stop shop that eliminates the coordination headache of managing multiple contractors.
Common Asbestos Removal Mistakes NZ Property Owners Make
Mistake 1 — Assuming undisturbed asbestos is safe to leave indefinitely. In some cases, encapsulation or management is appropriate. In others — particularly where the material is deteriorating or near an area due for renovation — removal is the safer long-term choice. An assessment from a licensed specialist will give you the right answer for your specific situation.
Mistake 2 — DIY asbestos disturbance. Drilling into a wall, cutting roofing sheets, or sanding a textured ceiling in an older NZ home without testing first is a serious health risk. If your property predates 1990, always test before you disturb.
Mistake 3 — Choosing an unlicensed contractor to save money. The cheapest quote for asbestos removal is rarely the cheapest outcome. Unlicensed removal that leaves residual contamination creates a far larger problem — and far larger cost — than getting it done properly the first time.
Mistake 4 — Not getting independent clearance. The same contractor who removes asbestos cannot legally clear their own work for reoccupation in Class A situations. Ensure independent clearance is part of your removal contract.
Conclusion
Asbestos removal in New Zealand is not something to approach without proper knowledge, the right contractor, and a clear understanding of the legal requirements. The risk of getting it wrong — to your health, your property, and your legal standing — is simply too high.
AR Plus has been removing asbestos safely and professionally across the central North Island since 1995. Their Class A and Class B licences, SiteWise Gold certification, and ISO 45001 accreditation give every client the confidence that the job will be done properly, documented fully, and cleared independently.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from the AR Plus team at arplus.nz.
❓ FAQ — Asbestos Removal NZ
Q1: Do I need a licensed contractor for asbestos removal in NZ? Yes, in most cases. Any friable asbestos and any non-friable asbestos exceeding 10m² must be removed by a licensed contractor under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. AR Plus holds both Class A and Class B WorkSafe NZ licences.
Q2: How do I know if my NZ property contains asbestos? The only reliable way to confirm asbestos is laboratory testing of a sample taken from the material in question. If your property was built or renovated before 1990, assume any suspicious materials may contain asbestos and arrange testing before any disturbance.
Q3: Can I stay in my home during asbestos removal? This depends on the scope and type of removal. For Class A (friable) asbestos removal, occupants are typically required to vacate during the work and until independent clearance is confirmed. AR Plus will advise you on specific arrangements during the quoting process.
Q4: What happens to asbestos waste after removal in NZ? All asbestos waste must be disposed of at an approved landfill. It is double-bagged and clearly labelled for asbestos. AR Plus manages all asbestos waste disposal in full compliance with NZ environmental regulations.
Q5: How long does asbestos removal take? Timeline depends entirely on the scope and type of work. A small residential ceiling removal may take a day. A large commercial roof removal with full site decontamination may take several days. AR Plus provides clear timelines as part of every quote.
Published on arplus.nz — Licensed Asbestos Removal & Remediation | Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Central North Island NZ.