New rules aim to boost outdoor activities nationwide.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has announced a significant change to New Zealand's health and safety laws, aimed at reducing paperwork and clarifying responsibilities for landowners. The reform seeks to refocus the work health and safety system by removing over-compliance and giving businesses and workers greater clarity on their roles.
According to Ms van Velden, the changes will free up private and public land for recreational use by shifting health and safety responsibilities from landowners to the organisations running activities. This means farmers, councils, or iwi will not be held liable if someone is injured while engaging in outdoor pursuits on their land. The law change aims to create a culture that encourages Kiwis to enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking without fear of prosecution.
The new rules apply to both public and private land, including farms, schools, council grounds, regional parks, and national parks. This reform is part of the ACT-National Coalition's commitment to health and safety law reform. The change does not impact private property rights, with landowners retaining control over access to their land.
The Health and Safety at Work Act amendment clarifies that organisations running recreational activities will be responsible for ensuring the health and safety of participants. This shift in responsibility is expected to boost New Zealand's outdoor recreation culture, allowing Kiwis to enjoy a range of activities while reducing compliance burdens on landowners.