Asbestos Refurbishment, Demolition Surveys & Management Plans in New Zealand

©Oracle Asbestos

Why Asbestos Management Still Matters in New Zealand

Asbestos might seem like a problem from the past, but for many Kiwi property owners and businesses, it’s still a real concern. If your building was built or renovated before 2000, it could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as insulation, textured ceilings, or wall claddings. Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, anyone conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must identify, manage, and control asbestos risks on their property. That’s where an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) and Refurbishment or Demolition Survey come in.

What Is an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)?

An Asbestos Management Plan isn’t just another document, it’s your roadmap to keeping people safe. Prepared by a qualified asbestos surveyor, an AMP outlines:

• The location and condition of asbestos on site

• Safe management, isolation, or removal procedures

• Control measures and emergency responses

• Training and induction requirements for staff and contractors

• Ongoing monitoring and responsibilities for maintenance and safety

Your AMP must be reviewed every five years or sooner if asbestos is removed, damaged, or disturbed, ensuring it always reflects your site’s true condition.

Risk assessment of asbestos containing materials in a building. ©Science Direct

Management Surveys vs. Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys

There are two main asbestos survey types required under New Zealand regulations:

1. Asbestos Management Survey: Identifies asbestos materials that may be disturbed during daily use, cleaning, or maintenance activities.

2. Refurbishment & Demolition Survey: A more intrusive inspection required before any renovation or demolition. This survey locates asbestos hidden in walls, ceilings, floors, or service ducts, anywhere building work may disturb it. Both surveys are conducted by qualified asbestos surveyors and form the foundation of a safe, compliant AMP.

©Oracle Asbestos

Why Staying Compliant Is So Important

When asbestos is disturbed, microscopic fibres can become airborne and stay suspended for hours. Breathing them in can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer - illnesses that often appear decades later. WorkSafe NZ takes asbestos management seriously. Failing to comply with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 can result in significant fines and legal action. By keeping your AMP current and following survey recommendations, you’re protecting your people and your business reputation.

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How the Process Works

Here’s what happens when you engage MYKES to manage asbestos safely and effectively:

1. Site Survey & Assessment A qualified MYKES surveyor inspects your property, collects samples, and identifies any asbestos materials, classifying them as friable (Class A) or non-friable (Class B).

2. Tailored AMP Creation We create a clear, site-specific plan detailing your asbestos locations, risks, and management actions, all written in plain language.

3. Implementation & Review We’ll help you decide whether materials should be removed, sealed, or left safely in place. We can also assist with AMP reviews every five years or after any major site changes.

Partner with MYKES - Your Asbestos Safety Experts

At MYKES, we help New Zealand businesses and property owners stay safe and compliant through:

• Asbestos Management Surveys

• Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys

• Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs)

• Ongoing monitoring and compliance support

We make the process simple, transparent, and fully aligned with WorkSafe NZ standards. Whether you manage one property or an entire portfolio, we’ll give you the confidence that your site is safe, compliant, and asbestos-free.

Contact MYKES today to book your asbestos survey or management plan. We’ll provide clear guidance, availability, and pricing to help you protect your staff, contractors, and property. Stay safe. Stay compliant. Choose MYKES for professional asbestos management across New Zealand.