The New Zealand Safety Council

14/12/2025

25/09/2025

NZSC spoke with Leah Panapa today on The Platform talkback about Foam Filled Furniture (FFF). You can listen to the segment on rewind here:

24/09/2025

It’s heartbreaking that tragedy had to bring this issue to light.
This RNZ article details how a 16-year-old, Lizzy Marvin, died after toxic fumes from a foam-filled sofa caught fire in her home — and a coroner has since ruled that past inaction on regulating foam furniture safety contributed to her death.
https://lnkd.in/g-R2PcDC

For years, the New Zealand Safety Council Trust has warned of exactly this risk. We have called on successive governments to act — to require safer materials, enforce clear labelling, and hold manufacturers and importers to account.

This isn’t just about furniture: it’s about preventable harm. It’s about turning good intent and guidance into enforceable standards. It’s about ensuring that families don’t unknowingly bring fire hazards into their homes.
We stand with NZSC Project lead Andy Loader and Lizzy’s family, and we recommit ourselves to pushing for reform. The time for protective regulation is now.

What needs to happen next:
• Mandatory product safety standards for foam-filled furniture
• Clear, mandatory labelling of flammability risk
• Accountability for importers, manufacturers, and retailers
• Better alignment between consumer safety policy and real risk

If you believe safe homes should be a right—not a hope alone—please share this post and join the conversation. Let’s work together to make this change real.


https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/573935/advocacy-group-says-it-repeatedly-warned-governments-of-fire-risk-caused-by-foam-furntiure-before-death-of-teen

Lizzy Marvin, 16, died from inhaling toxic fumes from a foam filled sofa bed when it caught fire in her Burnham home last year.

17/09/2025

We're excited to hear from our guest speaker tomorrow on Occupational Hygiene. Join the lunchtime session.

15/07/2025

Confirm attendance to the NZSC AGM details below.

31/03/2025

Supporting MATES in Construction in their April campaign to ignite hope is NZSC CEO Karyn Beattie.

We look forward to her updates!

I'm supporting the MATES Long Lap this year to ignite hope! Sponsor me or join in the effort to reach five laps up and down New Zealand.

25/03/2025

Members please send email to media@nzsc.nz for the invite if you'd like to attend.

11/10/2024

https://www.cognitoforms.com/HealthAndSafetyAssociationNewZealand1/_2024ApplicationForTheWISEStrategicLeadershipWorkshop

Female members: Interested in Strategic Leadership?

24/09/2024

NZSC at the HASANZ Conference 2024

(Images credited to Mark Tantrum Photography)

23/09/2024

AGM this Friday! Log into the website for the meeting link.

There are Board positions available, nominate yourself or others for consideration via DM or email here or via the website.

- Karyn Beattie
CEO

19/09/2024

Directors panel @ HASANZ Conference with The Business Leader's Health and Safety forum.

It's been an informative first day so far!

Can't wait to hear knowledgeable speakers up next.

03/09/2024

FLY THE FLAG | RESOURCES

Fly the Flag resources are now available for you to download on the MATES website!

🔴 Self-Care Guide
⚫ Remember to check in on your Mates
🔴 How to have conversations about Mental Health

DOWNLOAD POSTERS | https://mates.net.nz/ftf-2024/