Regulation Minister Unveils Strategic Vision for New Ministry to Cut Red Tape and Improve Lawmaking

“I have tasked the Ministry with three key objectives: cutting existing red tape through sector reviews, improving the scrutiny of new laws, and enhancing the regulatory workforce’s capability,” Seymour said.

Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the release of the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which outlines how the Ministry will work to streamline regulations and improve their quality across New Zealand.

“I have tasked the Ministry with three key objectives: cutting existing red tape through sector reviews, improving the scrutiny of new laws, and enhancing the regulatory workforce’s capability,” Seymour said.

New Zealand’s regulatory quality has slipped from second to 20th place in the OECD, with difficult compliance and poor regulations costing the country billions of dollars annually. “Now is the time for a much-needed red tape reset,” Seymour emphasized. “The Ministry for Regulation has been established to deliver this.”

The Strategic Intentions document provides a roadmap for the Ministry's work over the next 12 to 18 months. It highlights key priorities, including reforming the regulatory policy process, partnering to improve existing regulations, investing in regulatory leadership, setting expectations for regulatory system performance, and establishing the Ministry’s role and operating model.

“The document offers a clear mandate and accountability for the Ministry as it works to enhance the quality of regulation and ensure it enables all New Zealanders to flourish,” Seymour added.

He likened the Ministry for Regulation to the Treasury, noting that just as the Treasury oversees government spending, the Ministry evaluates whether government activities align with principles of good lawmaking and provides regulatory oversight.

“We want New Zealand’s rules and regulations to empower individuals and businesses, leading to more productive use of time and better outcomes for those working to get things done,” Seymour said.

The Ministry will focus on raising the quality of all regulatory systems and supporting government agencies in adopting best regulatory practices. “Sound regulatory settings are essential for a modern, open market economy,” Seymour said.

Years of increasing regulatory burdens have made it more challenging for businesses to invest, with productivity suffering as Kiwis spend too much time on compliance. Seymour concluded, “Through the Ministry, we’re committed to turning New Zealand from a country of can’t into a country of can do.”