WorkSafe leads the national effort to improve health and safety at work in New Zealand, aiming to lower the high number of work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses. One of its main focus areas is the forestry industry.

The Code of Practice for Safety Practice in Forestry and Harvesting Operations outlines what WorkSafe expects when it comes to identifying and managing health and safety risks related to forestry operations.

This code is designed to help businesses and workers meet their legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its associated regulations.

WorkSafe worked closely with people such as forestry sector leaders, industry organisations, worker groups, and key partners like the Council of Trade Unions and Business New Zealand to develop this code.

As such, I, Brooke van Velden, confirm that the required consultation process under section 222(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 has been met and:

• I approve the Code of Practice for Safe Practice in Forestry and Harvesting Operations under section 222 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• I approve the revocation of the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations under section 222 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• I approve the revocation of the Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations – Roles and responsibilities of principals and contractors under section 222 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Dated at Wellington this 28th day of July 2025.

Hon BROOKE van VELDEN, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.