Workplace health and safety is a critical focus for organisations across New Zealand. As the regulatory landscape evolves and mental health, leadership, and digital innovation take centre stage, staying informed and connected is more important than ever. Whether you’re a senior EHS leader, a safety advisor, or an HR executive, these events offer essential opportunities to gain insights, network, and stay ahead of the curve.

Here’s a rundown of the top 5 WHS events in New Zealand that safety professionals should have on their radar.

1. OHS Leaders Summit New Zealand

When: Annually in November
Where: Auckland
Website: www.ohsleadersnz.com

As New Zealand’s premier invite-only WHS event, the OHS Leaders Summit NZ brings together over 150 of the country’s most senior workplace health and safety executives for two days of high impact collaboration. With a strong focus on leadership, legislation, innovation, and strategic alignment, the summit enables attendees to customise their own agenda, participate in pre-scheduled 1:1 business meetings with solution providers, and gain actionable insights from national and international thought leaders.

Why Attend:

• Executive level networking only, with NZ’s leading WHS executives
• Insight into national and international trends, legislation, localised research and leadership strategies
• Tailored personalised agendas to ensure each attendee is maximising their time out of office
• Be part of the global OHS Leaders Series of summits running each year
• Pre arrange 1-1 business meetings with leading solution suppliers to assist with your upcoming purchasing initiatives

2. NZISM Health & Safety Conference

When: Annually (dates vary)
Where: Rotates between major cities
Website: www.nzism.org

Organised by the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management, this conference is a cornerstone event for safety professionals across sectors. It offers a mix of keynote presentations, case studies, technical workshops, and interactive forums designed to support professional development and thought leadership in health and safety.

Why Attend:

• Strong community engagement and professional development focus
• Great for mid level safety professionals and those working towards certification
• Access to practical tools and knowledge-sharing across industries
• Addresses challenges unique to NZ businesses and workforce environments

3. Safeguard National Health & Safety Conference

When: Annually in May
Where: Auckland
Website: www.safeguard.co.nz

The Safeguard National H&S Conference offers a powerful platform for policy, innovation, and leadership in workplace health and safety. With a broad program covering legal updates, industry case studies, mental health, and technology trends, it draws a diverse range of professionals from across the country.

Why Attend:

• Highly regarded industry reputation
• Includes the annual New Zealand Workplace Health & Safety Awards
• Broad-based agenda including leadership, law, and wellbeing
• Great for both public and private sector safety professionals

4. HASANZ Conference

When: Biennially (next expected in 2025)
Where: Wellington
Website: www.hasanz.org.nz

Hosted by the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand (HASANZ), this national event brings together leaders from across the professional associations that make up the HASANZ network. It’s ideal for those wanting to engage in evidence-based practice, strategic development, and workforce health innovation.

Why Attend:

• Cross-industry and multi-disciplinary focus
• Strong on professional standards and policy dialogue
• Ideal for consultants and H&S professionals in governance roles
• Connects technical expertise with business outcomes

5. Mental Health in the Workplace Conference NZ

When: Annually (dates vary)
Where: Auckland
Website: Varies by organiser

This growing event highlights the increasing importance of mental wellbeing in New Zealand’s workplaces. It brings together mental health experts, HR leaders, safety professionals, and psychologists to share strategies for creating psychologically safe environments.

Why Attend:

• Addresses emerging risks in psychosocial safety
• Offers insights into legal compliance, culture, and wellbeing frameworks
• Ideal for HR, WHS, and leadership professionals
• Increasingly vital in response to new WorkSafe guidelines and global trends

Why Attending WHS Events in New Zealand Is More Important Than Ever

In an era where safety, wellbeing, and compliance are more interlinked than ever before, New Zealand’s workplace health and safety event calendar has become a critical resource for professionals seeking to lead from the front. These events go far beyond simply offering networking opportunities, they shape how businesses respond to risk, drive cultural change, and implement cutting edge solutions to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplaces.

From C-suite WHS leaders and safety system architects to mental health advocates and legal experts, the five events featured in this list provide tailored content, actionable strategies, and meaningful partnerships that help organisations remain agile and compliant in the face of ever-changing demands.

Whether you’re looking to:

• Benchmark your WHS strategy against industry best practices
• Understand new regulatory or legislative shifts
• Explore innovations in safety technology
• Or address critical issues such as mental health and psychosocial hazards

…these events serve as your annual launchpad for insight, innovation, and impact.

As we move through 2025 and beyond, staying informed and connected through these forums isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential.