Minister Van Velden's Announcement Signals Major Shift in Lab Regulations

New Zealand's universities have expressed strong support for Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden's recent decision to amend the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, specifically targeting Part 18 which governs laboratories. Announced on January 28, 2026, these reforms address long-standing issues where research, teaching, and testing labs—environments characterized by small-scale, bespoke experiments under expert supervision—were burdened by industrial-scale compliance requirements. The changes promise to restore practicality to lab operations while maintaining robust safety standards, potentially unlocking significant resources for innovation.

The core issue stems from 2017 updates that eliminated a dedicated regulatory pathway for labs, forcing them into the same framework as factories handling bulk hazardous materials. This mismatch led to widespread non-compliance across more than 2,000 public research laboratories nationwide, including those in universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington. Retrofitting or rebuilding to meet these standards was estimated to cost between NZ$1.5 billion and NZ$3 billion, plus ongoing operational expenses, ultimately funded by taxpayers through Crown entities and grants.

The Problems with Pre-Reform Regulations

Prior to the reforms, the regulations imposed prescriptive rules ill-suited to academic settings. For instance, labs were required to store flammable cabinets three meters apart, often necessitating larger facilities or increased manual handling of substances outside controlled environments—ironically heightening spill and accident risks. Ground-floor-only mandates for certain setups could trap occupants on upper floors during emergencies, as staircases might be blocked by chemical plumes.

Another example comes from Victoria University of Wellington's School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, where senior lecturer Mathew Anker highlighted the relocation of a solvent purification device. This process took over three years and cost more than NZ$1 million, diverting resources from actual research. University of Otago, home to over 600 laboratories vital for medical and scientific training, faced similar dilemmas, with legacy buildings unable to comply without prohibitive alterations.

These rules demanded constant on-site presence of a manager knowledgeable about every substance, impractical in dynamic research where hundreds of unique compounds are used in tiny quantities by trained PhD students and postdocs. Non-compliance risked shutdowns, stifling New Zealand's research output in fields like biotechnology, chemistry, and environmental science.

Key Elements of the Proposed Reforms

The amendments introduce a risk-based approach tailored to labs not producing goods for sale. Laboratories can now develop customized risk management plans (RMPs) for handling, packaging, and storage of flammable liquids/solids and oxidizing substances (Globally Harmonized System classes 3-5). These plans must cover hazard assessments, procedures, ignition controls, worker training, protective gear, emergencies, and regular reviews.

Simplifications include treating connected storage areas under lab standards, eliminating handling certificates for certain toxins (classes 6.1A/B), and redefining manager duties to 'available oversight' rather than perpetual presence. An industry-wide Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), co-developed by WorkSafe and stakeholders, will provide a compliance safe harbor, drawing from international best practices.

Implementation is swift: Cabinet amendments by late June 2026, with regulations effective mid-year or sooner. This follows targeted consultations in 2025, where universities, Crown Research Institutes, and private labs voiced unanimous support.

Economic Impacts and Cost Savings Breakdown

The financial relief is staggering. Universities New Zealand (UNZ) estimates NZ$1.5-3 billion in avoided capital expenditures for retrofits across 2,000+ labs, plus millions annually in operations. For context, Otago's 600 labs alone could require tens of millions; scaling nationally paints the full picture.

• Capital Savings: NZ$1.5-3B (retrofitting buildings, expanding storage).
• Operational Reductions: Lower admin, no excess handling/transport.
• Redirected Funds: To equipment, staff, R&D—boosting GDP via innovation.

These savings align with broader government deregulation, freeing taxpayer dollars for high-impact science amid funding pressures.

University Leaders and Stakeholder Responses

UNZ Chair and University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley praised the move: "New Zealand universities welcome Minister Van Velden's decision... consistent with a continued focus on safety in our universities’ mostly bespoke and small-scale laboratories." The New Zealand Association of Scientists, via co-president Troy Baisden, endorsed the risk-based model, noting it mirrors global norms where experts tailor protocols.

NZ Institute of Safety Management also welcomed the changes, emphasizing practical safety over bureaucracy. While general union concerns exist around health and safety rollbacks, no specific opposition to lab reforms emerged, with focus on preserving worker protections through ACOP.

Individual universities echoed relief. Auckland's labs, central to biomedical research, stand to regain flexibility; Waikato's environmental science teams avoid rebuilds.

Enhancing Safety Through Flexibility

Critically, reforms prioritize outcomes over checkboxes. RMPs mandate assessments matching risks—e.g., enhanced ventilation or sprinklers instead of rigid separations. This leverages scientists' expertise: PhD-supervised undergrads handle micro-doses safer than rigid rules might allow.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand backs the ACOP, ensuring fire risks are addressed proportionately. Compared to pre-2017, when labs thrived under tailored rules, safety records were strong; reforms restore that while modernizing.

Broader Context in New Zealand Higher Education

New Zealand's eight universities host thousands of labs driving exports in agritech, health, and climate solutions. Compliance diverted funds from priorities like Māori/Pasifika equity or post-COVID recovery. Reforms support the National Science Challenges, aligning with ACT-National coalition goals for efficient regulation.

Private and Crown labs (e.g., AgResearch) benefit too, extending impacts economy-wide. For students, safer, efficient labs mean better training; for faculty, more time researching.

Read the full Universities NZ statement for sector insights.

International Comparisons and Best Practices

The model emulates the UK's framework, where research labs craft protocols under codes, yielding high safety without excess costs. Australia and EU nations similarly risk-calibrate, informing NZ's ACOP. This positions Kiwi unis competitively, attracting talent amid global shortages.

Implementation Roadmap and Next Steps

• Q2 2026: Amendments to legislation.
• Mid-2026: Regulations live; ACOP drafting with input.
• Ongoing: WorkSafe audits RMPs, training.

Stakeholder workshops will refine ACOP, incorporating biosecurity and health lab needs.

Implications for Research Innovation and Careers

Freed resources fuel breakthroughs: think Auckland's vaccine work or Otago's neurology. Early-career researchers gain stability; postdocs focus on papers, not paperwork. For higher ed careers, labs become attractive workplaces.

Explore MBIE's regulatory relief document (PDF) for technical details.

Future Outlook: A Safer, More Productive Sector

These reforms mark a turning point, balancing safety with innovation. As NZ eyes 2040 science goals, efficient labs are pivotal. Universities commit to vigilant RMPs, promising enhanced outcomes. Minister van Velden's proactive fix exemplifies targeted deregulation, benefiting students, staff, and society.

View Minister's announcement and THE analysis for more.

Photo by CLINTON MWEBAZE on Unsplash