{"id":646201,"date":"2026-10-30T20:02:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T20:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/646201\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T20:02:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T20:02:22","slug":"asbestos-still-kills-hundreds-of-kiwis-a-year-what-every-diyer-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/646201\/","title":{"rendered":"Asbestos still kills hundreds of Kiwis a year \u2013 what every DIYer should know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now dealing with a rare, aggressive cancer, former electrical apprentice Andrew Winder wants tradies and DIYers to be better informed about the deadly dust that, a decade after its ban, continues to linger in our homes. Mava Moayyed reports. <\/p>\n

Andrew Winder has sarcomatoid mesothelioma, the least common but most aggressive form of a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is preventable,\u201d says the 49-year-old. \u201cI don\u2019t want anyone else to be struck down by this horrible disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Andrew Winder with his wife of 24 years, Cherie. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

In his early twenties, Winder began an electrical apprenticeship in Invercargill, where he still lives. One of his early jobs was upgrading old switchboards, which meant drilling into the dark mounting panels behind them.<\/p>\n

Those panels contained asbestos. He had no idea.<\/p>\n

\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Andrew Winder drilled into hundreds of these in the homes of Invercargill, unaware the dust he was inhaling contained a deadly substance. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

\u201cI drilled hundreds of them,\u201d he says. \u201cI know there\u2019s a lot of people out there that will say it\u2019s common sense, but it\u2019s only common sense if you know what materials have asbestos in them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hazards were never discussed, he says. \u201cWe never had any health and safety meeting about hazards. We were taught to get in there, get the job done as quickly and as efficiently as possible, and get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hundreds continue to die<\/p>\n

WorkSafe estimates asbestos kills around 220 New Zealanders a year, making it the country\u2019s leading cause of work-related death. <\/p>\n

Since 2005, ACC has accepted more than 3,200 asbestos-related claims and paid out more than $320 million.<\/p>\n

Data supplied to 1News shows last year ACC paid out $25 million on asbestos-related claims, the most in two decades \u2013 and at least another decade of hefty payouts is expected.<\/p>\n

A \u2018miracle material\u2019 with a deadly catch<\/p>\n

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral extracted and used by humans for thousands of years. Archaeologists have even found traces of it in Stone Age pottery.<\/p>\n

\"Once<\/p>\n

Once hailed as a wonder product, the asbestos chrysotile fibers are extracted from rock. (Source: istock.com)<\/p>\n

It was in the late 19th century, when large-scale mining took off, that manufacturers began promoting it as a miracle material. It ended up in everything from ironing boards and curtains to the walls and ceilings of homes.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The rest pads on ironing boards were frequently made of asbestos. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n

Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry, an asbestos expert, says it\u2019s easy to see why.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s incredibly strong, it\u2019s heat proof, it\u2019s great for soundproofing, it\u2019s relatively cheap to mine, and it\u2019s pretty plentiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Professor<\/p>\n

Professor Terri-Ann Berry uses a doll house to show Mava Moayyed where asbestos can lurk within our homes. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

The warning signs that asbestos was dangerous came as early as 1930 when a British government report linked asbestos dust to serious lung disease in factory workers. By the early 1960s, studies had tied it to lung cancer and mesothelioma.<\/p>\n

Yet asbestos stayed in widespread use for further decades. <\/p>\n

New Zealand banned imports of all asbestos and asbestos products in 2016. By then, Berry says, it was already through much of the country\u2019s building stock. \u201cWe imported such a lot in the sort of 70s, 80s,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

\"1991<\/p>\n

1991 footage shows asbestos a package of asbestos imported into NZ, and being torn apart by a worker. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

The danger is in the dust<\/p>\n

WorkSafe says buildings in New Zealand built or renovated before 2000 are likely to contain asbestos. Buildings after that are less likely, but there is still a chance. <\/p>\n

Berry says asbestos that\u2019s left intact and well looked after is lower risk. Her own house has asbestos cladding, which she keeps painted and sealed, and she warns any tradespeople not to drill into it or water-blast it.<\/p>\n

The danger comes when it\u2019s disturbed. The fibres are microscopic, invisible to the naked eye.<\/p>\n

\"Asbestos<\/p>\n

Asbestos is removed from a ceiling, a common place to find it. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not just releasing one fibre. You\u2019re releasing hundreds of thousands of fibres. If you inhale them, they go down into your lungs, and because they\u2019re so tiny, they can get down really deep into the lungs. Once they\u2019re there, it\u2019s very difficult for your body to get rid of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fibres can also migrate and damage the lining of the body\u2019s organs. Cancer in that lining is known as malignant mesothelioma, which Berry says has a very poor prognosis.<\/p>\n

The health conditions linked to asbestos exposure develop over a long period, typically 15 to 40 years.<\/p>\n

The more you\u2019re exposed, the greater the risk, but no level of exposure is known to be safe. WorkSafe says even one heavy exposure can cause health problems years later.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A warning sign, as Asbestos is removed from school buildings. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

\u2018I never even knew this cancer existed\u2019<\/p>\n

In 2020, Winder developed severe chest pain and difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n

After dozens of tests and biopsies he was diagnosed with sarcomatoid mesothelioma in June last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never even knew this cancer existed,” he says. “Never knew the name. Never heard of it before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Andrew Winder is frustrated by how preventable his illness could have been. <\/p>\n

Winder was told sarcomatoid mesothelioma doesn\u2019t usually respond to chemotherapy or radiation, leaving immunotherapy as his only option. ACC funded about 15 months of it.<\/p>\n

But a scan earlier this month showed the cancer is progressing, and the immunotherapy has been stopped.<\/p>\n

He and his family are now weighing their options, including unfunded drugs that could give him a few more months.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Winder family: Andrew, Cherie and their two daughters prepare a weekend lunch. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

Winder’s great frustration is how preventable it all could have been. \u201cIf I knew, if there was awareness. That\u2019s the first thing. But I guess I just felt in myself, I felt I let myself down.\u201d<\/p>\n

His wife of 24 years, Cherie, struggles to put the toll into words.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was supporting us as a family. It makes me feel terrible because that\u2019s what your husband does, is to support. If I\u2019d known, I would have made him get out of the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The family have leaned on their faith. \u201cIt\u2019s not in our hands. It\u2019s in the Lord\u2019s hands,\u201d Winder said. \u201cI\u2019ve found peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

The training gap<\/p>\n

Employers have legal duties to identify and manage asbestos risks and protect workers from exposure and can face legal action if they don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

WorkSafe told 1News it took eight asbestos-related prosecutions between 2022 and 2024, five of which ended in convictions. It has filed one asbestos-related charge since then, and that case is still before the courts.<\/p>\n

But Winder says a crucial gap remains before tradies even enter the workforce. \u201cIf the awareness starts at that point, then people know what to look for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Andrew<\/p>\n

Andrew and Cherie Winder on their wedding day. As a young apprentice he was oblivious of the dangers his job presented. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

Asbestos training is part of some trade qualifications, but not all. That sits mainly with the eight new Industry Skills Boards, several of which told 1News they\u2019d add it if industry wanted it.<\/p>\n

Master Electricians, which represents the electrical industry, told 1News it’s qualifications process was under review. “Which makes this an ideal time to consider whether topics such as asbestos awareness should form part of the qualification and broader industry training requirements,\u201d a representative said. <\/p>\n

DIYers at risk too<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just tradies. Berry is especially concerned about DIY jobs involving power drills and power tools, which can release large amounts of fibres.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember that it moves around, so if you\u2019ve got children or you\u2019ve got other family members in the home, you\u2019re also exposing them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Professor<\/p>\n

Professor Terri-Ann Berry (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

Many people assume asbestos is only found in roofs and walls, but it can turn up in vinyl flooring, window panels, gutters, hot water cupboards and even toilet seats. Experts have identified 23 places in a typical home which may contain asbestos.<\/p>\n

Berry\u2019s advice is simple: \u201cCheck before you chop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A WorkSafe NZ diagram shows some of the sites you might find asbestos in your home. (Source: Supplied)<\/p>\n

She recommends calling in an expert, who can take samples safely, have them analysed and draw up a plan setting out what can and can\u2019t be disturbed.<\/p>\n

Recently, asbestos turned up somewhere few expected. In November 2025, coloured play sand sold in New Zealand tested positive for asbestos<\/a>, after it was first detected by an Australian laboratory. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The play sand was found to contain traces of asbestos. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

More than 40 schools and early learning centres temporarily closed as a precaution, and some racked up thousands of dollars in decontamination costs. <\/p>\n

The Government has recently issued an unsafe goods notice. From February 1, 2027, toys for children under 14 that contain sand must be tested and shown to be asbestos-free before they can be sold in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

The notice will be in place for 18 months while MBIE looks at longer-term options. A current list of recalled sand products is on the Product Safety New Zealand website. <\/p>\n

\u2018A ripple into a wave\u2019<\/p>\n

Winder said New Zealand has \u201ca really blas\u00e9 attitude\u201d towards asbestos, and he wants a nationwide campaign, including TV advertising, to warn people about the risks in their homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the reach. That\u2019s something that we can\u2019t do alone. It costs money.\u201d<\/p>\n

His daughters, Hannah and Alyssa, say his campaigning is no surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the type of person to think about other people before himself,\u201d says Hannah.<\/p>\n

\"Alyssa<\/p>\n

Alyssa and Hannah Winder are proud of their dad. (Source: TVNZ)<\/p>\n

Alyssa wants people to take the issue seriously. \u201cIt\u2019s breaking people mentally and emotionally. I would hate to have more people experience what we\u2019ve been experiencing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Asked how she\u2019d like her dad remembered, Hannah says: \u201cJust the man that stood up for what he believes in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Winder has been humbled by the support he’s received since sharing his story.<\/p>\n

\u201cAwareness will not change the past, but it absolutely will change the future. I\u2019m grateful that a little old guy from Invercargill can turn a ripple into a wave.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information about asbestos, or for support, visit the Mesothelioma Support Aotearoa Trust at msaatrust.org.nz or WorkSafe at worksafe.govt.nz.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Now dealing with a rare, aggressive cancer, former electrical apprentice Andrew Winder wants tradies and DIYers to be…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":646202,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[156,134,111,139,69,550],"class_list":["post-646201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entertainment","tag-entertainment","tag-health","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-social-issues"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/646201","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=646201"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/646201\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/646202"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=646201"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=646201"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=646201"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}