An Auckland couple were granted consent to build an above-ground swimming pool without a fence but were stunned to find that the pool failed an inspection because detachable steps were not fenced.  The couple took the dispute to the MBIE who agreed that the steps should be fenced.  

This is a change to practice, at the present, especially in regards to spa pools, where detachable steps are very common.  This latest decision is in rearguards to a swim spa type pool where the pool wall is the safety feature.  There is no reference to spa pools.

You can read the article here 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360781985/small-set-steps-and-couples-ludicrous-pool-standoff-council