Delivering value for Kiwis

$223–$337 million in benefits. That’s the impact of smarter regulation.

 

Since March 2024, we’ve assessed the value of proposed regulatory changes – from quick fixes by our Regulatory Response Team to major regulatory reviews.

Across 12 issues, the estimated net public benefit is between $223 million and $337 million over 10 years.

We’ve cost taxpayers about $20 million so far. Every dollar invested is projected to deliver $11 to $17 in public benefit over 10 years.

Six issues have already led to regulatory changes. These changes alone are worth $19 million to $61 million over 10 years, or $1 to $3 for every dollar spent.

The overall framework was subject to an external conceptual peer review by Motuopen_in_new.

  • The analysis uses cost-benefit methodology, which monetises costs and benefits where possible.
  • Simplifying assumptions were applied to keep the analysis manageable, without compromising rigour or transparency.
  • Where assumptions were required, we erred on the side of conservatism to avoid overstating net benefits.
  • Not all impacts could be monetised. Qualitative impacts were identified and analysed but excluded from the net benefit figures.
  • These results do not indicate whether each regulatory change is welfare-enhancing overall; further analysis would be required to make that determination.
  • The exercise was undertaken on a best endeavours basis and was subject to data constraints, particularly for older proposals.

Table of figures

Regulatory change already put into effect

 

Lower bound ($m)

Upper bound ($m)

Flour dust standards

6.13

18.93

Buy now pay later

0.22

0.42

Medical conferences

6.18

35.15

Making it easier to care – Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act

0.01

0.13

Reducing AML compliance burden for gift cards

0.02

0.05

Hairdressing and barbering industry regulatory review

6.51

6.51

Total:

19.07

61.19

 

Regulatory change ongoing

Trout farming

7.31

7.31

Nurse practitioners

8.26

8.26

Ongoing review

Figure redacted

Figure redacted

Ongoing review

Figure redacted

Figure redacted

Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory sector review

48.83

120.05

Agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review

93.06

93.06

Total:

203.55

275.36

Overall total:

222.62

336.55