NZOAD June 2026 Updates

We have received an update from the Minister regarding the council permitting process. As many of you will be aware, Minister Brooke van Velden will be standing down at this year’s election. As a result, this responsibility will pass to the incoming Minister. NZOAD will make contact with the new Minister as soon as they are appointed to encourage continued progress, however initially this may not be high on their priority list. For now, it is another period of “wait and see”.

Paul Mahon, Cameron Jones, and I are currently part of the Work Safe working group reviewing the process of Amusement Device registration and re‑registration. The core goal of this review is to provide device owners, operators and WorkSafe, a more streamlined efficient application process. For the owner operator, core information required for an application is expected to be similar. Key discussions are also in play on how submitting documentation and payment processing can be less burdensome for the applicant. This can range from a modern online user interface/ portal, better Work Safe points of contact and clearer submissions/ processing timeframes. Behind the scenes WorkSafe is keen on streamlining its own internal systems and record‑keeping.

If you have any thoughts on the registration process or suggestions for WorkSafe, we welcome your feedback. This would be valuable information to be put forward for the working group. Additionally, any other matters you would like NZOAD to address or review we would be open to hearing from you.

Russell Jones

NZOAD President