Those who work with pounamu or greenstone may be included in new rules regulating work involving asbestos.
The Government is reviewing work standards for asbestos as part of its proposal for a new Health and Safety at Work Act.
The discussion document sets out potential new provisions for those who work with asbestos, such as requiring a certificate for more risky work.
It says while naturally occurring asbestos is less common in New Zealand, it can be found in greenstone.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment says it's waiting for the results of consultation for the whole document before investigating whether pounamu dust poses a threat.
Submissions on the proposal close on 18 July.
