Worksafe New Zealand says a school that's banned tree climbing in the wake of new health and safety laws is overreacting.

Under the new laws those managing schools and workplaces could face prosecution, fines or jail time if they fail to meet due diligence.

But spokesperson John Tulloch said the laws don't stop kids from climbing trees and playing football at lunch time.

"What's happened here is a school believe that's what they've got to do, and they've been advised that that is totally disproportionate and a big overreaction to the new law."