Regulatory Standards Bill – 4 Days left to submit

Steve from Redwood Valley

With a critical 4 days left to submit on the Regulatory Standards Bill (the absolute deadline is June 23, 2025, at 1 PM NZST), the "thought of the day" needs to be a final, urgent call to prevent irreversible negative impacts:

"The Regulatory Standards Bill threatens to fundamentally alter the very essence of New Zealand's governance by prioritising private interests and economic efficiency over our collective well-being, environmental integrity, and the sacred principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. With only 4 days to act, this is your last direct opportunity to stand against a bill that could bind future generations to a narrow, ideological framework, and to ensure that the future of Aotearoa is shaped by the will of its people, not by a select few. Make your submission now."

The urgency cannot be overstated. Here's a summary of the grave concerns that make these final days so crucial:

Undermining Te Tiriti o Waitangi: This is a paramount concern. The bill's deliberate omission of Te Tiriti principles from its "good law-making" criteria, despite the Waitangi Tribunal's ruling that the Crown has already breached Treaty principles in the bill's development, is seen as a direct attack on the Treaty. This could lead to laws that actively disregard Māori rights and interests, and further erode the partnership envisioned by Te Tiriti.

The "Regulatory Takings" Trap - A Staggering Cost to Public Good: This is perhaps the most insidious aspect. The clause allowing for compensation if regulations "take or impair" property (including potential profits) could expose the government to massive lawsuits. Imagine the financial burden on taxpayers if environmental protections (e.g., preventing pollution, protecting native forests), public health measures (e.g., regulating harmful substances), or even vital infrastructure projects are challenged for compensation by those whose commercial interests are affected. This creates a severe "chilling effect," making it incredibly difficult for future governments to enact necessary regulations for the collective good.

Eroding Democratic Accountability and Flexibility: Critics argue the bill aims to create an unelected Regulatory Standards Board and a Minister for Regulation with unprecedented power to impose a narrow, ideologically driven framework on all future legislation. This effectively reduces the ability of democratically elected governments to respond to the evolving needs, values, and crises facing New Zealanders, creating a rigid "regulatory constitution" that could stifle progress.

Prioritising Profit Over Planet and People: The bill's strong emphasis on economic efficiency and individual liberties is feared to come at the expense of crucial societal values such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and human rights. It's a clear signal that, under this framework, economic gain could consistently outweigh collective well-being.

The overwhelming opposition from the public (88% of 23,000 submissions in an earlier consultation were against the Bill, 11.67 were undecided, 0.33% were in favour of the Bill) shows widespread alarm. This select committee process is the final, direct avenue for the public to make their voices heard.

Don't let the complexity deter you. Even a simple submission expressing your opposition and highlighting one or two key concerns is powerful.

A very easy submission builder can be found here:
hapai.co.nz...

If you want further reading resources Melanie Nelson and Dr Ryan Ward have provided a submission tool and website.
Explore the tool here: tinyurl.com...

A submission guide for those wanting to make simpler, personal submissions can be found here. tinyurl.com...

Check out this excellent resource from lawyer Tania Waikato. She lays out 50 things you could say in your submission:
ugc.production.linktr.ee...

Many thanks