Have your say on the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill

Overview

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 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
• provisions to support the Ministry for Regulation in its work to improve the quality of regulation.

How to make a submission

We have produced a discussion document that sets out a range of questions, which are intended as a guide for providing feedback. The questions are not compulsory – you can answer as many as you want, or share your own thoughts about the proposed Bill.

You can fill out our online submission form by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.

Alternatively, you can write a submission and:

• email it to RSBconsultation@regulation.govt.nz
• post it to Ministry for Regulation, PO Box 577, Wellington 6140.

If you have any questions, please email RSBconsultation@regulation.govt.nz.

What happens next

The information provided in submissions will be used to help determine the final shape of the Bill that will be introduced into the House next year.

There will be a further opportunity for you to provide feedback on a Bill if it progresses to select committee.

The proposed timeline for introduction of a Bill is in the first half of 2025.

Supporting information

For more information, you can read:

• Discussion document
• Questions and answers about the Bill
• Interim Regulatory Impact Statement
• Preliminary Treaty Impact Analysis
• Cabinet paper