The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill have overshadowed the Regulatory Standards Bill, which is quietly advancing with little public or media attention. Both bills propose significant constitutional changes, prioritising individual and property rights while limiting regulatory powers and the government’s ability to implement environmental and social protections.
The Regulatory Standards Bill, driven by the Business Roundtable and the Act Party, has faced multiple rejections since 2006 but is now progressing with minimal scrutiny. It aims to enforce libertarian principles in all legislation, excluding Treaty-related principles, and establish a Regulatory Standards Board to review public complaints about regulations.
Together, these bills could embed Act’s ideological views into New Zealand’s constitutional framework, potentially limiting legislative flexibility and executive decision-making. New Zealanders are encouraged to submit feedback on these changes, with submissions for the Treaty Principles Bill is closing on January 7 and consultation on the Regulatory Standards Bill ending on January 13. No special expertise is required to participate.
