Government pushes back date of health and safety shake-up

The government is pushing back the start date for its health and safety shake-up until April next year in what appears to be a concession to New Zealand First.

But ACT leader David Seymour says the delay "makes almost no difference whatsoever" as it won't allow the new law to be repealed as long as it's still part of the coalition.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters last week warned the overhaul would result in workplace deaths. He said his party had no choice but to support it due to the coalition agreement but would be seeking last minute changes.

Asked for a progress update on Tuesday, Peters teased that "wonderful" news was on its way but said reporters would need to get it from the proper source.

"You never give up hope," Peters said.

In a subsequent statement to RNZ, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden revealed the legislation's "commencement date" would be shifted from November 1, 2026 to April 1, 2027.

"I acknowledge this reform is a significant shift in the law, and the change will provide more time for businesses, workers and sector groups to understand the law and develop advice and guidance," she said.

"All three parties in this government are in agreement that the bill will progress."

In theory, that delay would allow a five-month window after the November 7 election during which a new government could repeal the legislation before it came into effect.

But Seymour told reporters that made little difference as his party would block any attempts at repeal.

"Of course, if bad things happen in the election, and you get a Labour-New Zealand First government, I guess they can repeal it."

Asked directly whether he would refuse to sign up to a coalition which would repeal the changes, Seymour replied: "of course".

"Brooke van Velden travelled the country... went to workshops and farms and tourism operators, listened to what people were saying... came up with a set of changes that will focus safety on critical risks, get rid of the unnecessary paperwork, put in place codes of practice, so that it's easier to comply rather than just be scared of WorkSafe.

"This is a tremendous effort."

Seymour said, in contrast, New Zealand First did not seem to know why it even opposed the law change.

"They sent 10 different suggested changes through finally a couple of nights ago. Brooke went through them and discovered that at least four of them were completely out of scope of the bill, a couple of them made no sense at all, and the rest were contrary to previous Cabinet decisions."

The legislation - introduced in February - would reverse many of the changes brought in by the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act, which was passed in response to the Pike River tragedy.