UNWRAPPING THE REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL

Gail Duncan, Ante Business Case Economics and Co-President of the Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ), delivered a presentation at Arvida Village in the Park on Thursday, 5 June 2025 that offers a detailed look at the Regulatory Standards Bill currently before Parliament.

It provides helpful background for anyone preparing a submission.

The Bill is being promoted as a way to improve the quality of regulation, but its potential impacts are far-reaching. As outlined in Gail’s presentation, there are serious concerns about the Bill’s implications for democratic processes, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, public interest lawmaking, and the influence it could give to private interests—especially when it comes to property rights.

With the Bill now before the Select Committee and open for public submissions, this material is particularly timely. It explains the Bill’s history, key provisions, and the significant risks it poses—including possible government liability for regulatory actions and the weakening of protections for public health, the environment, and social equity.

Submissions close at 1:00 PM on Monday, 23 June 2025.

If you made a submission on the proposed version of the Bill earlier this year, you’ll still need to submit again on the drafted version now being considered.

📢 Make your submission here:
👉 https://www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitteeSubmission/54SCFIN_SCF_E22299B3-B67B-4F74-023D-08DD9688D2C5/CreateSubmission

💻 Or use this easy submission builder by Hāpai Te Hauora:
👉 https://hapai.co.nz/regulatory-standards-bill/

📅 Deadlines

• Via Hāpai Te Hauora: 1:00 PM, Thursday 19 June 2025

• Direct to Parliament: 1:00 PM, Monday 23 June 2025

We encourage everyone who cares about transparent governance, public health, and Te Tiriti justice to make their voice heard.