Consultation on proposed legislation, January 2025
Tirohanga Whānui | Overview
The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Regulatory Standards Bill. We strongly challenge the kaupapa to utilise neo-liberal ideology to undermine the rights of communities in favour of individual property rights. Since its first iteration in the 2006, and the three subsequent attempts to redefine the priorities of our nation, this Bill has consistently failed scrutiny. Nothing meaningful has changed in this latest iteration. This legislation is not fit for purpose, does not meet the needs of the country or our environment, and prioritises corporations and their profits over people and their wellbeing.
Our main points are:
Item One
We agree that good rule making from governments is key. We do not agree with this definition of ‘good’. People are the core of a country, not companies and their profits. Good rule making should be aligned to the capacity for an increase in wellbeing and welfare, not protections for profit-making.
Item Two
We disagree with this level of constitutional overreach. We oppose the principles contained in this legislation being used as a testing process for other legislation, especially legislation that has already been passed through due process and is in effect. There is an existing process for assessment of legislation which can be utilised where it is found wanting.
Item Three
We strongly oppose any legislation, especially one with such impact, that does not give voice and consideration to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As a core document of our nation’s foundation, not including it and the values it represents in a system of evaluation is neglectful and harmful. The exclusion will be due to the fact that the principles of this Bill cannot coexist with the values inherent to Te Ao Māori, and as a result it has been purposefully excluded. This, more than anything, illustrates that this legislation is not fit for purpose and should not progress.
Item Four
We strongly oppose any legislation, especially one with such impact, that does not recognise the New Zealand Bill of Rights. Our collective rights as citizens of this country must continue to outweigh the individual and corporate rights that this legislation seeks to prioritise.
Taunakitanga | Recommendations
We strongly challenge this legislation and oppose any continuation of its progress without drastic redefinition of what ‘good regulation’ looks like, with a focus on people and wellbeing.
Ingoa whakapā | Contact Name
Rachel Mackay