With the deadline for the Treaty Principles Bill submissions being extended, there is another bill created by Regulation Minister David Seymour that has flown under the radar and consultation closes on Monday night.
The proposed Regulation Standards Bill (RSB) was opened for public consultation as the hīkoi made its way to Parliament in November.
But many people have voiced their concerns over the bill, which has been put forward four times prior, for a multitude of reasons.
One of the main points of contention is the role Te Tiriti plays in the bill, which lawyer Roimata Smail argues is sidelined within the RSB. She stated that this approach will “ignore Māori tino rangatiratanga and perpetuate systemic inequities."
“This is a move to entrench principles in legislation that de-emphasise the Crown’s historic commitments to Māori sovereignty and justice.
“The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill represents more than just a change in how laws are made—it threatens to entrench a framework that marginalises Māori voices and undermines Aotearoa’s founding partnership.”
The RSB was part of the coalition agreement between the ACT and National parties, presented as a measure to improve productivity and enhance the quality of regulation.
Though critics argue it is instead acting to prioritise property rights, individual liberties and corporate interests, over safety, collective interests and environmental wellbeing.
“Its broad implications for all New Zealanders have been flying under the radar. This proposed Bill isn’t about regulatory tweaks,” said Cross-cultural and Bilingual consultant Melanie Nelson.
“It’s a fundamental rewrite of how New Zealand makes and interprets laws, privileging libertarian principles and neoliberal economic ideals of private property, individualism, and ‘small government’ over fairness, democracy, the environment and Tiriti-based responsibilities.”
In November, Seymour blamed poor regulation for low wages and low productivity.
The Regulations Minister said the bill aimed to ‘codify principles of good regulatory practice for existing and future regulations.
“It seeks to bring the same level of discipline to regulation that the Public Finance Act brings to public spending, with the Ministry for Regulation playing a role akin to that of Treasury.
“Some regulations operate differently in practice than they do in theory. To make regulators accountable to the New Zealanders they regulate, the Bill contains a recourse mechanism, by establishing a Regulatory Standards Board. The Board will assess complaints and challenges to regulations, issuing non-binding recommendations and public reports.
“The Bill is the culmination of nearly 25 years of work. I would like to acknowledge those who have paved the way for regulatory reform in 2024.”
Consultation on the proposed Bill is open until 11:59 pm Monday, January 13.
