About Us
Who We Are
At Lakes Safety Services, we specialise in providing top-notch health and safety management solutions. With over 30 years of industry experience, our HASANZ-registered professionals are dedicated to enhancing workplace safety across Taupo, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, Whanganui, and Hawkes Bay. Our mission is to simplify health and safety for our clients, offering practical, customised solutions tailored to your specific needs. We are committed to integrity, professionalism, and excellence in health and safety, fostering a culture of safety that not only protects your workforce but also contributes to your organisation’s success.
Our Values
Core Values Driving Our Passion for Health and Safety
Integrity
In an industry where our advice and services directly impact the health, safety and well-being of people, maintaining the highest level of honesty and ethical conduct is paramount. At Lakes Safety Services, we uphold a commitment to transparency and trust in all our interactions.
Expertise
With our cross-sector experience and registered professionals, we bring the highest level of knowledge and skills to every project. Continuous learning and development is a cornerstone of our company, ensuring we stay abreast of the latest health and safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
Client-Centered Approach
We believe that each client and workplace is unique, requiring a tailored approach to health and safety. We listen attentively to our clients’ needs and concerns, delivering bespoke, practical solutions that fit their specific circumstances. We view our clients as partners in the journey towards safer workplaces, and their satisfaction is our highest priority.
Derek Bensemann
Director / Principal Consultant
CertProfNZISM | DipHSM | DipMgmt | Registered Health and Safety Professional
Derek Bensemann is the Director and Principal Consultant at Lakes Safety Services, delivering practical, tailored health and safety solutions for organisations of all sizes. With over 30 years of experience across high-risk sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, and government, Derek is known for developing strategies that improve safety performance, while making sense on the ground.
At Lakes Safety Services, Derek leads projects spanning health and safety governance, technical system delivery, critical risk management, and Safe Plus assessments. His client base includes both small businesses and national agencies. He has provided critical risk expertise to NZ Police and contributed to safety-related reviews for NZ Police, NZTA, and English Language Partners, delivered as a subcontracted resource through a respected consultancy partner. These engagements reflect his ability to operate at the highest levels of complexity while maintaining a practical, results-driven approach.
A notable part of Derek’s career was his role as National Health and Safety Manager at the Ministry of Education during New Zealand’s transition to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. He was part of a broader team that supported both internal and sector-wide changes, helping align systems and improve readiness across the education sector.
Before founding Lakes Safety Services, Derek held senior safety leadership roles in the primary industries. As part of the senior management team at Winstone Pulp International, he drove key safety initiatives, including the pandemic response, Maruiti program, and the development of an enterprise-level risk framework. At Visy Industries, he held national responsibilities for strengthening safety systems and coaching leadership teams across multiple large-scale manufacturing sites.
Derek combines lived experience—from production floors to senior leadership—with formal qualifications in Health and Safety Management and Business. He is a Registered Health and Safety Professional (HASANZ) and a Certified Professional Member of NZISM.
Approachable, pragmatic, and risk-focused, Derek helps organisations build smarter, safer workplaces—from the boots to the boardroom.
Based in Taupō, Derek is a passionate outdoorsman and member of the Taupō branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA).
Connect with Lakes Safety Services – Your Expert Partner in Health & Safety
Tailored Solutions for Optimal Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Harness 25 years of cross-sector expertise with Lakes Safety Services to enhance your health, safety, and wellbeing practices. Our team of HASANZ-registered professionals offers customised consultancy and training across Taupo and the North Island. We simplify health and safety management with practical advice, in-house support, strategy development, audits, and SafePlus Assessments. Our specialised services include Technical Health and Safety, Governance & Leadership, Contractor Safety, and Software Solutions. Reach out to Lakes Safety Services today to create a safer, more compliant workplace.