Government Proposes Health and Safety Reforms to Support Low-Risk Activities

New Zealand’s recreation, entertainment, and volunteer sectors are set to benefit from a proposed overhaul of health and safety regulations, with the Government launching consultation on changes designed to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens while maintaining core safety protections.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the initiative, noting that many current rules are outdated, overly broad, or impose unnecessary restrictions on low-risk activities—creating administrative headaches for community groups, small businesses, and councils alike.

“We’re making it easier for recreation providers by making sure only those running genuinely high-risk adventure activities need to meet the stricter safety requirements,” Minister van Velden stated.

Rethinking the Definition of ‘Adventure Activities’

At the heart of the proposed reforms is a revision of the Adventure Activities Regulations, which currently contain a broad definition of what constitutes an "adventure activity." The existing language inadvertently sweeps in low-risk recreational experiences, such as scenic bike rides or guided walks, requiring them to meet the same standards applied to higher-risk activities like white-water rafting or bungy jumping.

The Government is proposing to narrow the definition, ensuring that only genuinely high-risk operations fall within the scope of stringent regulatory oversight.

“There’s a big difference in the level of risk associated with white water rafting and bungy jumping versus a bike ride on one of the New Zealand cycle trails,” Minister van Velden emphasized.

The new definition will be developed in consultation with stakeholders to ensure the boundary between high-risk and low-risk is clearly defined and practical. The intent is to remove burdensome compliance requirements for operators where the risk profile does not justify them.

Modernising the Amusement Device Regulations

A second major change under consultation is the modernisation of the Amusement Device Regulations, which currently require permits for a wide array of amusement rides, regardless of their risk level or mobility.

The revised approach proposes that only transportable high-risk amusement devices—such as large Ferris wheels that are dismantled and reassembled—would require permits from local councils. Static or low-risk devices like small merry-go-rounds or fixed rides used at schools and community fairs would be exempt.

“Councils currently permit a wide range of amusement devices regardless of risk. This change will streamline the process and make it easier for communities to put on local events like Guy Fawkes or Easter shows,” the Minister noted.

This update reflects feedback from local governments, who have expressed frustration with the outdated rules, and event organizers, who are often caught in unnecessary paperwork when planning community celebrations.

Easing Compliance for Volunteer Activities

Beyond business and events, the Government is also targeting health and safety concerns that affect volunteers and emergency response efforts. Currently, many social and environmental groups hesitate to organise outdoor activities—such as pest control, trail maintenance, or conservation work—out of fear of triggering complex health and safety obligations.

This has led to some volunteer-led initiatives becoming bogged down in documentation and compliance efforts, detracting from actual safety outcomes and discouraging community participation.

Local authorities have also voiced concerns about their liability for spontaneous volunteers—such as those who self-organise during emergencies like floods or wildfires—especially when there is no formal chain of command or supervision.

To address this, Minister van Velden announced that she will seek Cabinet approval to include a provision clarifying volunteer obligations as part of the Health and Safety Reform Bill, which is expected to be introduced later this year.

“It is important we get the balance right between encouraging voluntary activities that all New Zealanders benefit from, while keeping people safe,” said the Minister.

Consultations will include a wide range of groups, including the Federated Mountain Clubs, Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, Department of Conservation, Volunteering NZ, and Local Government NZ.

A Broader Strategy to Support Growth and Community Resilience

Minister van Velden emphasized that the overall goal of these reforms is to cut red tape, reduce compliance costs, and ensure that businesses, event organizers, and volunteers can focus on delivering safe and enjoyable experiences without being hindered by disproportionate regulation.

“By targeting regulation better, we’re helping recreation and entertainment businesses spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering safe, enjoyable experiences.”

She also linked the initiative to broader economic benefits, noting that streamlined compliance helps businesses thrive, supports job creation, and contributes to more affordable services and events for the public.

What Happens Next?

The consultation process is underway and will include direct engagement with sector representatives, local authorities, legal experts, and public feedback. Final proposals will be shaped in the coming months, with the intention of introducing legislative amendments later in the year.

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate actively to help define clear, practical boundaries between low-risk and high-risk operations, and to ensure that any new obligations for councils or groups are reasonable and proportionate.