The Regulatory Standards Bill
The Government is progressing the Regulatory Standards Bill which aims to improve the quality of regulation in New Zealand.
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 Regulatory Standards Bill will establish a benchmark for good regulation through a set of regulatory principles based on good law-making and economic efficiency.
This Bill aims to reduce the amount of unnecessary and poor regulation, by making it transparent where regulation does, or does not, meet the principles of responsible regulation.
The Bill also establishes a Regulatory Standards Board and supports the Ministry for Regulation in our work to improve the quality of regulation.
Where is the Bill now?
The Regulatory Standards Bill is currently before Parliament. The Bill was introduced to Parliament on 19 May 2025 and passed its First Reading on 22 May 2025.
A copy of the Bill is available on the New Zealand Legislation website.open_in_new
Public submissions on the Bill to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee closed at 1pm on 23 June 2025. Public submissions will be used to inform the Select Committee’s report to Parliament on the Bill, which is expected later this year.
Past consultations
In November 2024, the Ministry for Regulation consulted on a proposal for the Regulatory Standards Bill. Find out more about the Submissions on the Regulatory Standards Bill discussion document.