For more than 50 years, New Zealand has safely managed low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
This waste is stored in a purpose-built national facility operated by the Ministry of Health under the Radiation Safety Act 2016. This ensures the material is kept secure to protect people and the environment.
The facility plays a vital role in preventing spent radioactive sources – still hazardous even after use – from being lost, uncontrolled, or misused. This is part of the Ministry’s wider work to protect the public from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
The Ministry also regulates organisations that use or produce radiation, and our Office of Radiation Safety provides expert advice on safe practices.
Most radioactive sources are returned to their country of manufacture when they reach the end of their life, as required by import conditions. If that’s not possible – such as when the original supplier no longer exists – the facility provides a secure alternative.
The Radiation Safety Act requires anyone dealing with radiation sources to ensure people and the environment are protected now and in the future. Strict controls and regular monitoring keep the facility safe.
In August 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carried out an inspection in New Zealand, which included a visit to the facility. Their inspection assessed that the stored radioactive material complied with international standards.
To maintain security, some details – such as the specific location of the facility – are not publicly disclosed.
Very low-level radioactive materials stored at the facility can sometimes be repurposed, for example, loaned temporarily to educational institutions for teaching purposes. For more information, see the Ministry's page on radioactive material in schools.
