Over 300 Reports of Red Tape Tipline Received in First Week of Launch

“Red tape wastes valuable time, money, and sanity. The outpouring of reports confirms that Kiwis are tired of the excessive regulations preventing them from getting things done,” Mr. Seymour said.

In the first week since its launch, the new Red Tape tipline has received over 300 submissions from frustrated New Zealanders across various industries, highlighting widespread discontent with bureaucratic inefficiencies, Regulation Minister David Seymour announced.

“Red tape wastes valuable time, money, and sanity. The outpouring of reports confirms that Kiwis are tired of the excessive regulations preventing them from getting things done,” Mr. Seymour said.

The online portal has attracted submissions from sectors including building and construction, traffic management, education, and training. The majority of complaints have come from the building and construction industry, where consenting processes were criticized as cumbersome and, in some cases, obstructive.

Other frequently reported issues include:

Traffic management problems, often referred to as the “sea of road cones,” with complaints of unnecessary slowdowns and detours creating widespread frustration.

Education and training sector concerns, with feedback indicating overly restrictive rules that delay program approvals and stifle innovation.

Small business challenges, where excessive compliance requirements are reportedly discouraging entrepreneurship and growth.

Feedback Process and Outcomes

The Ministry for Regulation’s review team is actively triaging and analyzing submissions to determine appropriate responses. Solutions could range from discussions with regulatory agencies, recommendations for ministerial action, targeted reviews of specific regulations, or even legislative changes to address systemic issues.

Some issues, Mr. Seymour noted, will require in-depth examination and could inform larger-scale regulatory reforms. The tipline is also expected to provide a clearer picture of which regulations are most in need of immediate review.

The Bigger Picture

“This initiative is about cutting through the bureaucratic clutter that has made it harder for Kiwis to work, save, and invest,” Mr. Seymour said. “We are committed to restoring New Zealand’s ‘can-do’ spirit by reducing unnecessary barriers to productivity and growth.”

In addition to addressing individual cases, the tipline feedback will contribute to long-term strategies for creating a more efficient regulatory framework. Mr. Seymour urged New Zealanders to continue submitting their concerns, emphasizing that every report helps identify areas where meaningful improvements can be made.

Looking Ahead

The Government has pledged to use the insights gathered through the tipline to drive broader reforms, including comprehensive reviews of outdated regulations that hinder economic development and innovation.

“The feedback so far illustrates the immense potential for improving how New Zealand operates,” Mr. Seymour said. “We’re just getting started, and we welcome more reports to help shape a more productive and efficient future.”

The Red Tape tipline remains open to submissions as the Government continues its effort to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulatory hurdles.