How to Choose a Company to Check for Asbestos: An Independence Checklist

• Always choose an independent consultancy for asbestos testing to ensure you receive unbiased advice, free from any conflict of interest with removal companies.
• Verify that the company's surveyors hold the BOHS P402 qualification, which is the industry standard for asbestos surveying and sampling.
• Ensure the company uses an IANZ accredited laboratory for sample analysis to guarantee accurate and reliable results.
• A comprehensive asbestos survey report should include clear identification of materials, a risk assessment, and recommendations for a management plan.
• The most critical step is to separate the company that tests for asbestos from the one that performs asbestos removal.

Discovering you might have asbestos in your property can be a stressful experience. It’s a hazardous material that demands serious attention. In fact, asbestos is New Zealand's number one workplace killer. Statistics show that around 220 people die each year in New Zealand from asbestos-related diseases.

That figure isn't meant to scare you. It’s meant to empower you to take the right first step. And in our experience, the most critical step in managing asbestos risk is choosing the right company to test for it.

But how do you choose? With so many companies offering services, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this practical checklist. It’s designed to cut through the noise and give you the confidence to select a truly professional and trustworthy asbestos consultancy.

Before we even get to the checklist, let's talk about the biggest mistake we see property owners make: hiring a company that offers both asbestos testing and asbestos removal.

It seems convenient, but it creates a huge conflict of interest. If a company’s main business is removal, they have a financial incentive to find asbestos, and often to overstate the risk. This can lead to recommendations for expensive, and sometimes unnecessary, removal work.

True peace of mind comes from impartiality. Choosing an asbestos surveyor from an independent consultancy like ours means you're getting unbiased advice. We have no ties to removal companies, so our only focus is your safety and compliance. Our job is to give you the facts, so you can make an informed decision.

When you’re vetting a potential company, use these questions as your guide. A reputable, professional consultancy will have no problem providing clear answers.

We’ve covered this, but it’s worth repeating. Ask them directly: "Do you also perform asbestos removal services?" If the answer is yes, we strongly recommend you walk away and find a specialist consultancy that focuses solely on surveying, testing, and management advice. Your report should be a tool for your safety, not a sales pitch for another service.

This is a non-negotiable technical requirement. IANZ, or International Accreditation New Zealand, is the national authority that ensures inspection bodies and laboratories meet incredibly high standards. An IANZ accredited report means the asbestos sampling was done correctly and the laboratory analysis is accurate and reliable.

Without IANZ accreditation, you have no guarantee that the sample analysis is correct. It’s a critical quality check that separates the professionals from the cowboys.

You wouldn't hire an unqualified electrician, and the same logic applies here. The key qualification to look for is BOHS P402 . This is the industry-standard certification, issued by the British Occupational Hygiene Society, for surveyors conducting asbestos surveys in buildings. It proves the individual has the technical skill to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), take samples safely, and understand the risks involved.

Our team's qualifications and experience are central to the trust our clients place in us. You can learn more about our qualified and experienced team here.

A lab result showing a positive or negative for asbestos fibre is not enough. A professional asbestos survey report should be a detailed document that includes:

• The location, type, and condition of any ACMs found.
• Photographs for clear identification.
• A material assessment that scores the risk of exposure.
• Clear recommendations for managing the identified asbestos.

This report forms the foundation of your asbestos management plan, which is a legal requirement for many properties. It’s your roadmap for managing the asbestos safely over the long term.

Understanding the building materials and practices common in a specific region is a huge advantage. A consultant with experience in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, or Tararua will have a better idea of what to look for in local residential and commercial properties from different eras. This local knowledge can make the inspection process more efficient and thorough.

The cost of asbestos testing in New Zealand varies depending on the size and age of your property, the type of survey required (e.g., a pre-renovation demolition survey versus a standard management survey), and the number of samples that need to be taken for laboratory analysis.

Be wary of anyone who gives you a fixed price without understanding your specific situation. A professional company will always discuss your needs first. We believe in transparent and fair pricing. While every project is different, we provide affordable rates for Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and Manawatū and always offer a free, no-obligation quote so you know exactly what to expect.

As a property owner or a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking), you have legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. These regulations are in place to protect everyone from the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.

Navigating these rules can seem complex, but a good consultant will guide you through your obligations. For the full details on your legal requirements, we always recommend consulting the official guidance from WorkSafe New Zealand , the country's primary regulator for workplace health and safety.

Choosing an asbestos testing company isn't just about ticking a box. It’s about protecting the health of your family, tenants, or workers. It's about getting accurate, unbiased information so you can manage a serious risk responsibly.

By following this checklist, you can confidently choose a partner who will prioritise your safety and give you the clear, expert guidance you need.

If you're a property owner in Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, or the surrounding regions and need clear, expert guidance on asbestos, we're here to help. Get in touch to discuss your needs or learn more about our professional asbestos surveying services.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. You should consult with a qualified asbestos professional to address your specific circumstances and comply with all relevant New Zealand regulations.