Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Services in New Zealand
Why should I use an independent asbestos consultant?
An independent asbestos consultant provides unbiased advice and legally compliant documentation.
Companies that also carry out asbestos removal cannot provide independent clearance certificates, which are required under WorkSafe guidelines.
At Asbestos Safe Consultancy, we do not carry out removal — ensuring complete independence, compliance, and peace of mind.
Below are the most common questions we get from clients across New Zealand.
What is asbestos?
- Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once commonly used in building materials for its strength and heat resistance.
- It's now banned in New Zealand due to serious health risks, including lung disease and cancer, caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.
How do I know if my property has asbestos?
- The only way to know for sure is through professional asbestos surveying and testing.
- At Asbestos Safe Consultancy, we inspect the building, we find the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), we collect samples and have them analysed by a certified laboratory to confirm the presence of asbestos.
Can I sell or renovate without an asbestos survey?
In most cases, no.
If your property was built before 2000, asbestos must be identified before renovation or demolition work. Failure to do so can result in health risks and non-compliance with regulations.
What is involved in an asbestos survey?
- An asbestos survey involves a trained assessor inspecting your property to locate any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
We offer:
- Management Plans (for ongoing occupation)
- Refurbishment & demolition surveys (before renovations or demolition)
- Every survey or plan includes a detailed report with recommendations.
What is an asbestos management plan?
- An asbestos management plan outlines where asbestos is located in your building, how it should be managed, and what to do in case of disturbance.
- An asbestos management plan is required for workplaces where asbestos or asbestos-containing material has been identified, or is likely to be present. Residential landlords may also have asbestos management duties when work is being carried out that could expose workers or others to asbestos fibres.
- We create site-specific asbestos management plans that are compliant and easy to follow.
Do I need a re-inspection?
- Asbestos-containing materials should be regularly inspected to monitor their condition and ensure existing control measures remain effective. Asbestos management plans must be reviewed at least every five years, or sooner if asbestos is removed, disturbed, sealed or enclosed, control measures are reviewed, or the plan is no longer adequate.
- We provide periodic asbestos re-inspections to keep your plan up-to-date.
What is an asbestos removal clearance certificate?
- An asbestos removal clearance certificate is issued following a successful clearance inspection after asbestos removal work. The inspection confirms that the removal area has been properly cleaned and is safe for normal use before it is reoccupied.
- We check for:
- Visible asbestos dust or debris
- Proper cleanup of the work area
- Safe air quality (using air monitoring if required)
How much does an asbestos survey cost?
Asbestos survey costs depend on the size and complexity of the property.
Typical pricing starts from:
Management Plans: from $299 + GST
Surveys: from $349 + GST
Sampling: from $85 + GST
Contact us for a fixed quote based on your property.
How quickly can you complete a job?
We aim to carry out inspections within a few days where possible, with reports typically completed within 5–7 working days.
Why choose Asbestos Safe Consultancy?
- Fully qualified, independent assessor
- Unbiased advice - we don't do removals
- Fast turnaround and detailed reports
- Servicing Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, Gisborne and Taupō.
Still have questions?
Not sure what you need? We’re happy to help.
👉 Contact us today for clear, independent asbestos advice.
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