More red tape cut thanks to you
5 August 2025
More unnecessary and outdated rules for homeowners have been cut thanks to Kiwis reporting issues through the Red Tape Tipline.
We heard from multiple people reporting the same outdated rules that stopped homeowners from building small sheds or garages close to their boundary – unless they got a building consent or positioned the structure awkwardly in the middle of their section.
We’ve taken action to cut this red tape - Cabinet has agreed to amend the building consent exemptions to make it easier to build small, detached structures like garden sheds, garages and sleepouts near boundaries.
This garden shed fix is just one example of the types of ideas New Zealanders are sharing through the red tape tipline. We’re working hard to remove rules brought to our attention that are getting in the way of lives and businesses.
Hundreds more tipoffs helping shape change
Since launching in November 2024, the tipline has received almost 800 tips from across the country – including 130 in the last quarter alone. These range from specific frustrations to ideas for reform across industries, sectors and government agencies.
The Ministry has now published its third quarterly tipline report, which shares data on the sectors and types of issues New Zealanders are flagging most often.
If you’re feeling tied up in red tape, let us know about it – hundreds of other people already have.