Asbestos: The Hidden Risk in New Zealand Homes and Workplaces
Asbestos is a word no property owner wants to hear, and with good reason. Once widely used in building materials across New Zealand, asbestos can now pose serious health risks if disturbed. The tiny fibres released into the air when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) break down or are damaged can cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
At Verum Group, we help property owners, landlords, businesses, and developers identify and manage asbestos risk, before it becomes a costly, dangerous problem. Whether you’re starting a renovation, managing a commercial site, or planning a demolition, our certified team is here to provide science-backed support every step of the way.
Why Asbestos Management Matters
Asbestos was used in everything from roofing and wall linings to flooring, lagging, and textured ceilings, and it’s still present in many New Zealand buildings built before the 2000s. But not all asbestos is immediately hazardous. The real danger comes from disturbance, degradation, and exposure.
That’s why asbestos management isn’t about fear, it’s about facts. Knowing whether asbestos is present, what condition it’s in, and how it might affect your workers, tenants, or contractors is the first step in keeping everyone safe.
Verum Group’s Asbestos Services
We provide a comprehensive suite of asbestos services, tailored to suit the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial clients across Aotearoa.
1. Asbestos Sampling
Not sure what you're looking at? Our team can test any suspected material, whether it’s a bit of suspicious vinyl flooring, old insulation, or a textured wall panel. Quick, affordable sampling can give you peace of mind before you start your next DIY or development job.
2. Asbestos Management Surveys
If you're managing a workplace, especially in a commercial or industrial setting, you have a duty to know what your workers are being exposed to. Our management surveys are non-intrusive inspections that identify surface-level asbestos in buildings, providing a clear record of risk and helping you stay compliant with health and safety obligations.
3. Asbestos Management Plans
Found asbestos? Don’t panic. Not all ACMs pose an immediate hazard. We can develop tailored asbestos management plans that take into account the type of material, its condition, its location, and how people interact with it. These plans provide practical steps to control exposure, avoid disturbance, and meet your legal obligations.
4. Refurbishment Asbestos Surveys
Before you open walls, lift ceilings, or demo a bathroom, it’s essential to know what’s hiding behind the surfaces. Our refurbishment surveys are intrusive inspections designed to uncover hidden asbestos materials before you renovate, helping you avoid costly project delays or accidental exposure.
5. Asbestos Sample Analysis
Have a sample you’ve already collected? We offer fast and reliable laboratory analysis to determine the presence of asbestos fibres. Our in-house labs use scientific testing methods to deliver accurate results, giving you the information you need to make safe, informed decisions.
Certified Expertise You Can Trust
All asbestos services at Verum Group are carried out by certified professionals with years of experience across a wide range of buildings and industries.
We’re partners in protecting your people, your property, and your peace of mind.
Make Safety Simple. Contact Verum Group
If you’re working on a building that might contain asbestos, don’t leave it to chance. Early testing and planning can save time, money, and, most importantly, lives. Whether you need one material tested or a full site survey and management plan, we’ll make the process straightforward and stress-free.