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Will WorkSafe maintain or increase the rate of prosecutions in sectors with high rates of serious harm and fatalities (such as construction, forestry, and agriculture); if so, how, and if not, why not?

Answered Question 3212 (2026)
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Asked by

Jan Tinetti

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Will WorkSafe maintain or increase the rate of prosecutions in sectors with high rates of serious harm and fatalities (such as construction, forestry, and agriculture); if so, how, and if not, why not?

Answered by

Hon Brooke van Velden

Member for Tāmaki · ACT Party · Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety

Answer

I am advised that WorkSafe New Zealand's prosecution rates are driven by a range of factors, including the numbers of work-related fatalities or serious illnesses or injuries; and whether prosecution is the appropriate enforcement response in any particular circumstances according to WorkSafe’s policies. For this reason, I will not predetermine or speculate on the number of prosecutions WorkSafe may take in the future.