Aucklanders asked to shape hygiene rules

Aucklanders are being asked to have their say on proposed changes to rules covering health, wellbeing and beauty services

Auckland Council is reviewing its Health & Hygiene Bylaw 2013 and associated Code of Practice, with feedback open until Sunday, June 7.

The bylaw covers a wide range of services used by Aucklanders, including manicures, massage, tattooing and botox.

Regulatory and Safety Committee chair Councillor Josephine Bartley says the review is about making sure the rules continue to protect public health while reflecting current practices and risks.

“The proposed changes will help the council focus on areas where it can effectively prevent harm,” she says.

“That will mean introducing some new rules and removing some regulations where risk is low.”

Under the proposed changes, services that intentionally pierce, break or burn the skin would still need to be licensed by the council.

Lower-risk services, including manicures, pedicures, hair removal and fat-freezing treatments, would no longer need licences, but would still have to meet general hygiene standards.

Council says it would still respond with education and enforcement action if someone is injured.

Other proposed changes include updated hygiene and safety standards for services that can cause infection, new rules for scarification, and a requirement for all providers to be suitably qualified.

The council is also proposing to rename the bylaw to “Services with Health and Safety Risks Bylaw 2026” .

Auckland Council is encouraging service providers and people who use the services to provide feedback. Submissions can be made online at akhaveyoursay.

Council will consider feedback before making a final decision later this year.