![A brief history of asbestos in New Zealand Asbestos history in NZ scaled - A brief history of asbestos in New Zealand](https://conqra-asbestos.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Asbestos-history-in-NZ-scaled.jpg)
Imported asbestos over the course of 40 years was predominantly Canadian chrysotile, with small amounts of Australian or South African crocidolite.
- James Hardie established an asbestos-cement factory in Penrose in 1938. Production continued until 1987, although from 1983 asbestos was only used in pipes.
- Chrysotile was mined in Takaka from 1952-1963.
- Fletchers established a factory in Riccarton in 1943 (Durock Industries) which closed in 1974.