File photo: New Zealand Electrical Inspectors AssociationA rule change that electrical inspectors say elevates the risk of people being electrocuted is being reviewed. The Electrical Inspectors Association wrote to the government a week ago, asking it to intervene with Worksafe. WorkSafe's Energy Safety team had commissioned an independent review by an international expert to provide assurance on their advice to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, which instituted the rule change. "The PEN conductor is the single most important wire in any electrical installation," they wrote. Now, a compliant New Zealand electrical installation with no faults present can now be lethal."

Source: Otago Daily Times February 11, 2026 01:59 UTC