13 February 2026

Yesterday’s passing of the first reading of the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill is the first step to helping to provide clarity around retailers’ health and safety obligations, Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says. 

The proposed Bill, introduced by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden, includes several changes that will provide a greater understanding to many retailers around what is required to meet their Health and Safety obligations. 

“Several Retail NZ members have expressed confusion in the past around Health and Safety guidance and its appropriateness in their specific settings,” Ms Young says.  

“This Bill, if passed, would give greater certainty to businesses by providing tailored, industry-specific guidance and support through the updating and strengthening of Approved Codes of Practices (ACOPs).” 

“The legislation would also mean small businesses would not be required to meet the same Health and Safety requirements as larger companies. We look forward to consulting on this further with our members, to help formulate our submission on this Bill,” Ms Young says. 

“We are encouraged that this Government has turned its focus to updating Workplace Health and Safety legislation, with staff and customer safety an issue retailers take seriously.” 

For further information or to set up an interview please contact Carolyn on 021 449 452

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