Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987

Here you will find information, contact details, and documentation relating to the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

Administration of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act became a part of the Department of Building and Housing on 20 October 2006 as part of the Government’s suite of reforms designed to provide improved and integrated services to the building sector and the public. Previously administered by the Department of Internal Affairs, the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act is intended to promote the safety of young children by requiring the fencing of certain swimming pools.

Guidelines are available in PDF, please download Guidelines for Territorial Authorities on the Fencing of Swimming Pools [PDF 459 KB, 40 pages]. In 2005, the Department of Internal Affairs produced an addendum to the Guidelines, please download the Addendum to Guidelines for Territorial Authorities on the Fencing of Swimming Pools [PDF 139 KB, 11 pages].

For further information on the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act please phone 0800 242 243

Questions and Answers

What does the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act do?

The Act is intended to promote the safety of young children by requiring the fencing of certain swimming pools. It places an obligation on Territorial Authorities to ensure that pool owners comply with the Act, both at the time when the pool is built, and subsequently by occasional inspections of pools to ensure ongoing compliance.

Who administers the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act?

The Department of Building and Housing administers the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. Responsibility for this transferred from the Department of Internal Affairs on 20 October 2006.

Why was the Act transferred to the Department of Building and Housing?

The Act is being transferred because it aligns better with the responsibilities of Department of Building and Housing, in particular the administration of the Building Act 2004.

What will the transfer mean for Territorial Authorities?

Territorial Authorities should now address queries on fencing of swimming pools to the Department of Building and Housing rather than the Department of Internal Affairs.

How do I get more information?

More information can be found in the the Guidelines for Territorial Authorities on the Fencing of Swimming Pools [PDF 459 KB, 40 pages] and the the Addendum to Guidelines for Territorial Authorities on the Fencing of Swimming Pools [PDF 139 KB, 11 pages]. If you have an enquiry, please call our contact centre on 0800 242 243 or email info@dbh.govt.nz