Common questions about the Act
Answers to common questions about the Regulatory Standards Act, including when requirements apply, what is excluded, and where to find guidance.
Where can I find a Consistency Accountability Statement (CAS) or Statement of Reasons?
For Bills, Government amendments, or secondary legislation made after 1 July 2026, Consistency Accountability Statements (CASs), Summaries of Underpinning Analysis and Minister/maker Statements of Reasons are contained in, or linked from, the legislation’s explanatory note.
Find explanatory notes to legislation on the New Zealand Legislation websiteopen_in_new.
Some secondary legislation is published by agencies or gazetted. Contact the responsible agency to find CASs in secondary legislation.
CASs prepared by agencies after the review of Acts or secondary legislation are published on the agency’s website. Contact the responsible agency for further information.
What legislation is excluded from the requirements of the Act?
Some primary and secondary legislation is excluded from the requirements of the Act.
See: Exclusions from the Regulatory Standards Act.
Can a new piece of legislation be granted a discretionary exclusion?
The Ministry for Regulation cannot grant exclusions on a case-by-case basis in addition to the exclusions set out in Schedule 2 of the Act. However, the Ministry will assess the need for further legislation to be excluded by notice on a periodic basis.
See: Exclusions from the Regulatory Standards Act.
How have administrative requirements changed?
To support the implementation of the Regulatory Standards Act, administrative requirements have been agreed by Cabinet and also apply from 1 July 2026.
Find the new administrative requirements in Cabinet circular CO (26) 2 Expectations for Good Law-makingopen_in_new.
CO (26) 2 Expectations for Good Law-making replaces:
- CO (24) 7 Impact Analysis Requirements
- CO (13) 3 Disclosure Requirements for Government Legislation.
When do new requirements apply?
Part 2 of the Regulatory Standards Act comes into force on 1 July 2026. The requirements in the Cabinet circular Expectations for Good Law-making will also apply from 1 July 2026.
See: Cabinet circular CO (26) 2 Expectations for Good Law-makingopen_in_new.
New legislation introduced, released or made on or after 1 July 2026 must include, or link from its explanatory note:
- A Consistency Accountability Statement (CAS).
- A Summary of Underpinning Analysis.
- A Minister or maker Statement of Reasons (if applicable).
More information: Developing legislation
Regulatory proposals approved by Cabinet on or after 1 July 2026 which require impact analysis will need a Regulatory Analysis Summary (RAS), or associated impact analysis document.
More information: Developing policy
How do I understand the requirements for different types of legislation?
Statutory guidance has been issued under section 26 of the Act by the Minister for Regulation and the Attorney‑General. The statutory guidance sets out recommended best practice or expectations for how to meet the requirements of the Act.
See the statutory guidance.
More information: Developing legislation
What agencies need to meet the requirements of the Regulatory Standards Act (the Act)?
The requirements of the Regulatory Standards Act apply to all agencies with responsibilities for creating or administering legislation.
This includes Crown Entities and other entities which create or administer secondary legislation and local authorities which create or administer secondary legislation, including (but not limited to) bylaws.
See more on the requirements of the Regulatory Standards Act.
What agencies need to follow administrative requirements?
Responsible agencies subject to Cabinet direction must follow the Cabinet circular CO (26) 2 Expectations for Good Law-makingopen_in_new.
Responsible agencies not subject to Cabinet direction are not required to follow these requirements, but should consider the circular as best practice guidance.
Where can agencies find guidance and support?
Find more information on:
Changes to requirements, including RASs and associated documents: