The Plain Language Act is dead! Long live plain language?

The Plain Language Act is dead! Long live plain language?
Public Service Minister Judith Collins is crushing a much-ridiculed law. (Image: NZME)
Ian Llewellyn
The Government is repealing the Plain Language Act 2022 after National and Act MPs mocked its passage into law in the last Parliament.Public Services Minister Judith Collins introduced the repeal bill last week without fanfare.The Plain Language Act Repeal Bill’s explanatory note said it would “remove the compliance-based administrative requirements the act places on public service agencies”.The law currently requires government agencies to use plain language in documents and appoint plain language officers.The Public Service...

More Law & Regulation

New structure, powers for ComCom
Markets

New structure, powers for ComCom

Groceries, aviation, building supplies, digital services carparking all get a mention.

Auckland housing project withdrawn from fast-track
Policy

Auckland housing project withdrawn from fast-track

The developer plans to lodge a fresh application after draft decline.

Agribusiness NCEA removal will 'impact economy'
Law & Regulation

Agribusiness NCEA removal will 'impact economy'

Meanwhile, accountants are pleased at the reinstatement of the subject at Level 1.

ANZ agrees to record A$240m fine for widespread misconduct
Markets

ANZ agrees to record A$240m fine for widespread misconduct

ANZ has agreed to pay the largest penalty its Australian regulator has ever issued an entity in one go, due to failings in the bank’s dealings with both the Government and its retail customers.ANZ and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will ask the Federa...

Staff reporters 15 Sep 2025