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November 14, 2025
The Regulatory Standards Bill heads for Royal Assent
Waatea Team
Posted On November 14, 2025
The controversial Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its third and final reading in the New Zealand Parliament on November 13, 2025, with the backing of the National, ACT, and New Zealand First coalition parties. The bill aims to establish principles for “good lawmaking” and reduce bureaucracy, but it has faced significant public and political opposition. Key features include:
A set of “principles of responsible regulation” (including the rule of law, liberties, property, good law-making) against which legislation will be assessed. Establishment of a Regulatory Standards Board, which will review future legislation (and over time existing laws) for consistency with those principles. Requirement for government agencies to include “consistency accountability statements” in explanatory notes when proposed legislation does not comply with the principles.
The Bill has been set to come into force on 1 January 2026 (with provisions that any remaining parts commence no later than 1 July 2026). Supporters argue this will heighten transparency, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, improve legislative quality and strengthen Parliament’s oversight of regulation. The Bill is a Government bill championed by David Seymour (Minister for Regulation) and the ACT Party, supported by the coalition partners New Zealand National Party and New Zealand First. The Bill’s passage was noted to have followed only limited amendments after its Committee stage, despite large numbers of public submissions.
Despite its passage, the Bill is highly controversial. Some of the core concerns raised are: More than 98 % of public submissions opposed the Bill. Critics argue that the Bill privileges property rights and libertarian regulatory philosophies, possibly at the expense of collective rights, environmental protections and the special status of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).
Some constitutional experts say that while the Bill sets out principles, they are not enforceable in courts, meaning their practical effect may be weak. Several Māori-led organisations and iwi have argued that the Bill undermines Te Tiriti o Waitangi. With the third reading passed, the Bill is now headed for Royal Assent and then becomes law.
The Act will commence on 1 January 2026 (or earlier/later parts by Order in Council) as per the Bill text. Government agencies and regulators will begin implementing the new administrative and review mechanisms required by the Act.
The Regulatory Standards Board will be established, and over time will start assessing legislation. Stakeholders-especially those who opposed the Bill-will be closely watching how the new framework functions in practice, and some parties have already pledged to repeal the law if they come into government.
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