Better Regulation – Better Outcomes

The Ministry for Regulation has published its first Annual Report, covering the sixteen-month period from March 2024 to June 2025. As a newly established central agency, this report marks a significant milestone in our journey to improve the quality of regulation in New Zealand.

The report showcases the breadth and depth of work undertaken by a small but determined team. Over the reporting period, the Ministry completed three sector reviews, ran a public consultation on the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill, which attracted more than 20,000 submissions, launched new tools and resources for regulators, and engaged with hundreds of New Zealanders through our Red Tape tipline.

Secretary for Regulation and Chief Executive Gráinne Moss reflects on the journey:

“It is hard to believe it has been over a year and a half since the Ministry opened its doors. In that time, we have stood up a new central agency from scratch, delivered real change for New Zealanders, and laid strong foundations.”  

Among the highlights:

• Three sector reviews completed (Early Childhood Education, Agriculture & Horticulture, Hairdressing & Barbering), with two more underway.
• $272 million in economic opportunity unlocked for the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
• $90 million in future revenue potential identified for the medical conferences and events sector.
• 23,000 public submissions analysed on the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill.
• 794 red tape issues reported via the Ministry’s Red Tape tipline.
• 470 regulatory professionals signed up to RegRoom, the Ministry’s online training portal.

These achievements reflect the Ministry’s commitment to smarter, people-centred regulation. Whether it was halving product approval times, removing outdated licensing requirements, or raising thresholds to ease burdens on carers and grieving families, the Ministry’s work has focused on making regulation work better for people.

As Gráinne Moss notes:

“When government gets regulation right it enables trust, unlocks innovation, and supports our economic and social wellbeing. But when regulation is unclear, outdated or simply unnecessary, it creates barriers – for people trying to do the right thing, for businesses wanting to grow, and for regulators working to deliver on their purpose.” 

The Annual Report also outlines the Ministry’s strategic direction and objectives, including improving the quality of new regulatory proposals, enhancing system performance, and building capability across the regulatory workforce.

This is just the beginning. The Ministry has an ambitious programme ahead, and the appetite for fit-for-purpose, future-ready regulation is clear across government and the wider community.