REGULATORY STANDARDS BILL
With 18 days left to submit on the Regulatory Standards Bill (the deadline is June 23, 2025, at 1 PM NZST), a "thought of the day":
"The Regulatory Standards Bill has far-reaching implications, not only for how laws are made but also for the balance of power between government, corporations, and the public interest, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Now is the time to consider these potential shifts and make your voice heard in the democratic process."
It's clear that the bill is highly controversial, with significant concerns raised about its potential impact on:
1) Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Many critics argue the bill sidelines or undermines the Treaty, as it explicitly excludes it from the principles that future laws must align with.
2) Corporate Power and Property Rights: A major concern is the "regulatory takings clause," which could allow corporations to sue the government for compensation if new regulations (even those designed to protect the environment or public health) diminish their "property" or profit expectations. There's even a concern that beneficiaries of new regulations (like iwi or environmental groups) could be liable for these compensation claims.
3) Democratic Process: Critics worry that the bill centralises too much power in the Minister for Regulation and an un-elected Regulatory Standards Board, potentially limiting the discretion of future elected governments to act in the public interest.
4) Environmental Protection and Public Safety: The emphasis on property rights and individual freedoms is seen by some as potentially hindering future efforts to enact regulations that protect the environment, public health, and workers' rights.
While the bill's proponents argue it promotes transparency and good law-making principles, the level of opposition and the strong criticisms highlight the urgent need for individuals and groups to understand its potential consequences and make submissions before the deadline.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.9% Human-centred experience and communication
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15% Critical thinking
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29.6% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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