Lead in residential properties

The WasteMINZ Residential Lead Working Group was formed in 2018 and included representative from the health and public health sectors, lead awareness advocates, environmental consultants, local government and the paint retail and trade industries. The group was active until November 2025, and is now in a hiatus. However, the information on this webpage is still publicly accessible and relevant. 

The WasteMINZ Residential lead working group identified three areas that require urgent action:

1. Leadership and coordination: Several entities and individuals have some role in lead exposure management. They are guided by a myriad of legislation and guidance, with no agency accountable for ensuring the whole system works, and no stated goal to protect New Zealanders against exposure to lead.
2. Research and monitoring: High level surveillance alongside prevalence testing (in high-risk areas with older housing or other risk factors) is needed to assess children’s current lead exposure. Blood lead level data is poor, almost solely occupational, and completely absent for children under 5.
3. Advocacy and proactive measures: Regulation and guidance is sporadic and often outdated. There are opportunities to raise awareness of lead to empower and protect tenants, homeowners, painters and most importantly children.

You can see the work they have undertaken to date below. 

The Residential Lead Working Group has submitted on the following consultations:

• Ministry for the Environment's Hazardous Activities and Industries List guidance
• The 2024 New Zealand Total Diet Study
  
• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA): Cutting lead levels in paints

Presentations and webinars

• Presentation EPA - Lead, the environment and health
• Presentation Resene - Lead in Paint/Then and Now 
• Presentation Master Painters New Zealand - DYI and lead-based paint