Safety training that sticks: The expansion of Safety 'n Action into Wiri
For nearly 30 years, Safety ‘n Action has been helping New Zealanders build safer, more skilled workplaces. WiriLink spoke with Relationship Manager Kirsty Shaw to learn more about Safety ‘n Action, their recent merge with Axiom Training, and why they love having a centre in Wiri.
Safety ‘n Action is part of the Aspire2 Group, a collective of training providers across New Zealand. Locally, these include New Zealand Welding, Trades & Services, Solomon Group, and Treehouse, just to name a few. Each organisation focuses on upskilling individuals, with Solomon Group and Treehouse placing additional emphasis on supporting disadvantaged learners through training and employment placements.
“Safety ‘n Action started as a small family business in 1995, dedicated to improving New Zealand’s Health and Safety culture. In 2015, the Aspire2 Group purchased Safety ‘n Action, and since then, it has grown into a national brand,” explains Kirsty.
In 2024, Safety ‘n Action expanded further by acquiring Axiom Training, a provider known for its workplace safety courses, truck driver licensing, and crane training.
“It was well timed; Safety ‘n Action had been looking to expand and the opportunity to purchase Axiom Training arose. The merge has been exciting for us as we now are a one-stop shop for all training.”
With over 200,000 people trained in just the past three years, they’re now the country’s largest Category One providers of health and safety training.
With 19 training centres around the country and 60 full-time trainers, the team is well positioned to deliver courses nationwide.
Their Wiri location, based at 12A Earl Richardson Avenue, is especially handy for reaching industrial businesses in South Auckland.
“We offer public courses as well as company bookings, where a trainer goes to a client’s site and delivers the session at their workplace.”
Safety ‘n Action offers over 200 training courses, tailored to suit different industries and levels of experience. These include practical, hands-on sessions as well as theory-based training.
“We pride ourselves on keeping our training numbers lower than other providers; it means learners will have an interactive session with one-on-one time alongside our experienced trainers.”
“As a training organisation, all our trainers come from industry backgrounds, which means they’ve done the jobs themselves. Learners will be able to throw scenarios at the trainer and they’ll be able to give you some good examples of what works well and what doesn’t based on their experience.”
Some of the most popular courses include height safety, slinging regular loads, and truck licensing. Demand for online training is also increasing, giving workers and businesses more flexibility.
“We have over 20 courses available online. These include modules such as Accident and Site Investigations, Health & Safety Legislation, and refresher courses like Construction Site Access Refresher and Permit Issuer Refresher. Anything that does not require a practical component can be delivered online, however many of these courses are also offered face to face.”
Safety ‘n Action enjoys being part of the Wiri business community.
“The location is great, we are in the transport hub and on the main arterial routes. I especially have liked being part of the business community. Since I’ve started coming along to events held by Wiri Business Association, I’ve been able to reach out to other local businesses and start to build relationships,” says Kirsty.
“As we want to cement Safety ‘n Action as a key training provider and good neighbour in Wiri, we’re pleased to offer Wiri businesses discounts from company and individual bookings if they mention this story to us.”
To take up this offer or find out more, you can contact Kirsty directly at ki*********@**************co.nz or call 0800 222 388.
Let’s Grow Wiri Together
Whether you're a local business, manufacturer, or community partner, the Wiri Business Association is here to support your growth. Stay connected, collaborate, and make your voice heard.
Contact Us