Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand First has signalled it wants changes to the Regulatory Standards Bill.
The bill is the flagship policy of ACT leader David Seymour, despite a coalition deal committing the party to support it.
Winston Peters told Newsroom the bill was still “a work in progress,” and confirmed NZ First was negotiating amendments, though he declined to say what those were.
Shane Jones also hinted at unease, calling the proposal “a significant departure from how things are at the moment.”
The bill would require regulators to explain any failure to meet principles like individual liberty and property rights. Seymour says it’s “a massive transparency exercise,” but critics argue it could entrench libertarian ideals and undermine Treaty obligations.
Despite coalition pressure, Peters said he was confident the law could be revised to meet NZ First’s standards. “We’ll pay particular attention to what the feedback is from the select committee,” said Jones.
Seymour remains upbeat, saying Cabinet has approved the bill and public consultation will refine it. “It doesn’t stop politicians making bad laws, but it makes it transparent that they’re doing it.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon backs the process, calling it a way to improve regulatory quality while adding “checks and balances.”
