It’s that time of year again! temperatures are rising, and pools are coming out of storage. 

That’s why MBIE is launching its annual summer awareness campaign: Fence first, fun follows. 

This campaign reminds pool owners to prioritise safety by making sure their pools are properly fenced before the fun begins. Pool barriers are an essential safety measure, helping prevent unsupervised access by children under five and reducing the risk of drowning. 

Why pool barriers matter 

Every year, young children are put at risk around pools especially portable and temporary ones. Whether it’s a spa pool, a portable pool, or a larger above-ground pool, any pool that can hold 40cm or more of water must have a compliant physical barrier this means the barrier has to have a building consent before you put the fence and pool up. 

We want all New Zealanders to understand their responsibilities when it comes to pool ownership. To help support your communities, we’ve created a range of resources. 

If you’re thinking about buying a portable pool, make sure you’re aware of the safety requirements.

Download the fact sheet here: https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/695500-10717-bp-residential-pool-safety-factsheet-oct25-web.pdf

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

26/11/25