Aucklanders are being invited to share their views on the rules that keep Auckland’s health, wellbeing and beauty services safe and hygienic.
From today until 7 June 2026, the council is asking for feedback on proposed updates to the Health & Hygiene Bylaw 2013 and its associated Code of Practice.
The bylaw covers a wide range of services used by Aucklanders, from treatments like manicures and massage to tattooing and botox.
Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Councillor Josephine Bartley, says the review aims to ensure 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. That will mean introducing some new rules and removing some regulations where risk is low.”
Under the proposed changes, services that involve intentionally piercing, breaking or burning the skin will still require providers to be licensed by the council, while providers of lower-risk services will need to be suitably qualified.
For services where licenses would no longer be required, the council will still respond with education and enforcement action if someone is injured.
Improving health and safety protections
Following a review and engagement with stakeholders, Auckland Council is proposing the following key updates:
- Removing licensing requirements for some lower-risk services, such as manicures, pedicures, hair removal and fat-freezing treatments, while still requiring them to meet general hygiene standards.
- Updating hygiene and safety standards for services that pierce, break or burn the skin or that can cause infections, including new rules requiring providers to supply services safely and verify that injected products are safe.
- Introducing new rules for scarification, including restrictions to reduce risks for people with certain health conditions.
- Requiring all providers to be suitably qualified, either through recognised qualifications or alternative training such as apprenticeships.
- Exempting practitioners registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand from the bylaw when practising within their registered scope.
- Giving the council the ability to approve alternative safe practices where they achieve the same or better health outcomes.
- Allowing the council to require water treatment plans for public swimming pools where chemical balancing repeatedly fails.
- Updating rules to reflect current industry practice and technical advice, including guidance for laser treatments, tattoo inks and sterilisation equipment.
- Making the rules easier to read and understand, including clearly listing services that must be licensed or comply with specific standards.
As part of the review, the council is also proposing to rename the bylaw as the “Services with Health and Safety Risks Bylaw 2026” to better reflect its scope.
Have your say
Auckland Council is encouraging service providers and anyone who uses these services to share their views on the proposed changes.
Feedback is open from now until Sunday 7 June 2026.
Visit akhaveyoursay to learn more and provide feedback online. Submissions can also be made in writing, in person, or by phone. Free internet access is available at Auckland Council libraries.
The council will consider all feedback, alongside input from mana whenua, stakeholders and technical experts before making a final decision on the bylaw later in 2026.