Regulatory Standards Bill proposal fails first test: Simon Upton

Regulatory Standards Bill proposal fails first test: Simon Upton
Simon Upton argues the bill pursues constitutional, not regulatory, ends. (Image: NZME)
Pattrick Smellie
The principles embedded in a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill fail to address “a need to improve productivity”, the stated intention of such a law, says Simon Upton, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.“If the proposed bill is indeed about improving productivity, then its principles need to be focused on securing benefits in excess of costs,” the independent officer of Parliament argues in his submission on proposals.Upton argues the proposed law’s principles are drawn from “notions of a cons...

More Law & Regulation

RBNZ reopens Wellington office after asbestos mayhem
Finance

RBNZ reopens Wellington office after asbestos mayhem

Bank tight-lipped on how many staff are home-working as asbestos-hit office reopens. 

Reform wave reshapes energy sector as investors circle NZ
Infrastructure

Reform wave reshapes energy sector as investors circle NZ

Nearly half of surveyed offshore investors planning an acquisition.

Air NZ backs mission-critical startup OneReg
Markets

Air NZ backs mission-critical startup OneReg

Airline's support boosts regulatory compliance startup's global ambitions.

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
Director confirms police raid on family company
Retail

Director confirms police raid on family company

'The police searched the property for a considerable time ... '

Gregor Thompson 20 Nov 2025