Asbestos Removal in West Coast, New Zealand

Asbestos removal in the West Coast is regulated nationally by WorkSafe New Zealand under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

Any building in the West Coast built or renovated before 2000 could contain asbestos. Importing asbestos-containing products into New Zealand has been illegal since 2016.

A Class A licence covers any type or quantity of asbestos, including friable material. A Class B licence covers any amount of non-friable asbestos. No licence is needed for up to 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, counted across the whole project for the site, but the work must still be done safely.

The licensed removalist must give WorkSafe written notice at least five days before work starts. Only a sudden, unexpected event or an essential-service breakdown allows work to start straight away, with phone notice immediately and written notice within 24 hours.

Class A jobs need a licensed asbestos assessor for air monitoring and clearance. Class B jobs can be cleared by an independent competent person.

In Greymouth, Grey District Council's McLeans Landfill accepts low-grade asbestos only. The council's 2026/27 fees charge $318 a load for asbestos on top of the $557 a tonne refuse rate. Reefton Landfill, run by Rosco Contractors, takes asbestos from licensed contractors only.

Ask for the removalist's licence class and get the clearance certificate in writing once the job is done.