We’re consulting on the key components of a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill.

The Bill aims to improve the quality of regulation in New Zealand so regulatory decisions are based on principles of good law-making and economic efficiency.

Good regulation can help governments to achieve their desired economic, environmental and social outcomes, support the effective operation of markets, and protect communities from harm. 

The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill aims to improve the quality of regulation in New Zealand by making responsible Ministers and agencies more transparently accountable for good quality regulation.

 

This Bill aims to reduce the amount of unnecessary and poor regulation, through making it transparent where regulation does, or does not, meet principles of responsible regulation.

The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill would include:

 

  • a benchmark for good regulation through a set of principles of responsible regulation 
  • mechanisms to transparently assess the consistency of new legislative proposals and existing regulation with the principles
  • a mechanism for independent consideration of the consistency of existing regulation, primarily in response to stakeholder concerns.

 

It would also include provisions to support the Ministry for Regulation in its work to improve the quality of regulation.

 

The Ministry for Regulation is seeking feedback on the proposed contents of the Bill.

You can have your say here: engagement hub.

For more information, see:

Questions and Answers

  • Why is the Ministry consulting on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill?

    The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill aims to improve the quality of regulation in New Zealand by making responsible Ministers and agencies more transparently accountable for good quality regulation.

     

    Good regulation can help governments to achieve their desired economic, environmental and social outcomes, support the effective operation of markets, and protect communities from harm. 

  • What are the key components of the proposed Bill?

    The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill would include:

     

    ·         a benchmark for good regulation through a set of principles of responsible regulation

    ·         mechanisms to transparently assess the consistency of new legislative proposals and existing regulation with the principles

    ·         a mechanism for independent consideration of the consistency of existing regulation, primarily in response to stakeholder concerns.

     

    It would also include provisions to support the Ministry for Regulation in its work to improve the quality of regulation.

  • How will this Bill reduce red tape and benefit New Zealanders?

    Good regulation can help governments to achieve their desired economic, environmental and social outcomes, support the effective operation of markets, and protect communities from harm. 

    This Bill aims to reduce the amount of unnecessary and poor regulation, through making it transparent where regulation does, or does not, meet principles of responsible regulation.

  • What will the consultation do?

    The consultation will ensure those people and groups who are interested get to share their views on the proposal. Feedback will be used to inform development of a draft Bill to be introduced to Parliament in 2025.

  • How long will the consultation take?

    The consultation is open for six weeks - from 19 November to 13 January 2025. Feedback will be used to inform development of a draft Bill to be introduced to Parliament in 2025.

  • How can people have their say?

    For more information about the Bill and how to make a submission go to the Ministry’s engagement hub. Questions and submissions can also be emailed to the team at RSBconsultation@regulation.govt.nz.

  • What do you mean by regulation?

    The Government uses regulation to protect the community from harm and to improve standards of living.  The rules, organisations and their practices – that together make up regulation - work together to shape people’s behaviour and interactions and improve the lives, work and businesses of all New Zealanders.