WorkSafe New Zealand appoints new boss

WorkSafe New Zealand Appoints New Boss

Steve Haszard has been appointed as the Chief Executive of WorkSafe New Zealand, replacing Phil Parkes who resigned last month. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the regulator, which oversees workplace health and safety outcomes across sectors including construction, manufacturing and healthcare.

Announcement Details

Mr Haszard's appointment was announced by WorkSafe New Zealand Board Chair, Jennifer Kerr on Wednesday. Her statement outlined the reasoning behind the swift succession process following Parkes' departure.

"Following the decision of current Chief Executive Phil Parkes to move on by the end of 2023, the WorkSafe Board moved quickly on a succession plan to enable an effective transition and to bring certainty of leadership," Ms Kerr said in her statement.

"Steve's immediate priorities will be to lead WorkSafe through its organisational change process, drive the articulation of our strategy and implement the response to the Strategic Baseline Review."

What This Means for Industry Stakeholders

Mr. Haszard will assume his new role on Monday, October 9. For businesses operating in construction, health services and other high-risk sectors, this leadership response signals continuity in regulatory priorities rather than disruption.

Organisations managing hospitality workplace health and safety obligations, or those relying on HSW management systems in New Zealand, should monitor how the incoming chief executive shapes strategic direction following the Strategic Baseline Review.

Construction firms in particular have a vested interest in how WorkSafe's leadership response evolves, given the sector's consistently high representation in workplace injury statistics. Safety professionals across construction, manufacturing and health-related industries will want to track upcoming policy signals from the new chief executive.

Background on the Transition

This change follows a pattern of leadership updates at WorkSafe New Zealand, part of broader workplace safety news affecting the sector nationally. Readers can find related news coverage in our earlier report on WorkSafe NZ's previous chief executive appointment.

Organisations seeking guidance on compliance obligations, particularly those in office and administration settings, can review our resource on Office/Administration HSWA requirements for New Zealand.

Stay Informed on Regulatory News

For construction businesses and safety teams wanting further news on regulatory changes, our Frequently Asked Questions page for New Zealand covers common compliance queries. Additional coverage on WorkSafe's recruitment activity is available in our news piece on WorkSafe New Zealand's search for WHS inspectors, alongside news of the regulator's Rainbow Tick accreditation achievement.

Read the full story on the WorkSafe NZ website for further official news and statement releases regarding this leadership change.