The government's planning a shake-up of swimming pool fencing laws - the first since legislation came into force 20 years ago.
Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones says since then, the number of children under six who drown in pools has been cut by nearly two-thirds.
But he says even one death is too many, and that some of the deaths can still be prevented by proper fencing.
He feels that if the legislation is practical people are more likely to comply with it.
Jones says the law needs to be flexible to reflect modern house designs, which often have easy indoor-outdoor access.
A comprehensive evaluation of the existing law will be undertaken, seeking to improve compliance and enforcement of the Swimming Pools Act.
Particular points of focus will include public awareness of pool owners' obligations, whether mere boundary fencing meets the Act's requirements, and whether council have adequate systems and powers to inspect private pools.
