Labour's Deborah Russell fires up questioning former judge over Regulatory Standards Bill
The legislation would codify a set of principles that Seymour believes are a guide to 'responsible regulation' and require agencies
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Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
Business Gives Clear Backing To RSB
Minister for Regulation Regulation Minister David Seymour is welcoming BusinessNZ's strong support for the Regulatory Standards Bill as a means to deal with red tape and regulation. 'After all the misinformed opposition we've heard, the people who get up in the morning to make an honest buck and deliver goods and services to New Zealanders want red tape and regulation dealt to and believe this Bill will help them do that. 'Submitting on the Bill at select committee today, BusinessNZ said it was an important step towards improving the quality of regulation and reducing the compliance burden on businesses by putting more scrutiny on politicians when law is made. 'The academics who have been so loud about this Bill are so far removed from reality partly because many of Parliament's damaging laws don't frustrate their ability to make a living. If they were held back by red tape and regulation on a daily basis, like many businesses are, they would support this Bill. 'Too often, politicians find regulating politically rewarding, and we need to make it less rewarding by putting more sunlight on their activities. 'The Bill doesn't stop politicians or their officials making bad laws, but it makes it transparent that they're doing it. It makes it easier for voters to identify those responsible for making bad rules. Over time, it will improve the quality of rules we all have to live under by changing how politicians behave. 'In a high-cost economy, regulation isn't neutral – it's a tax on growth. This Government is committed to clearing the path of needless regulations by improving how laws are made.'
Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Invercargill losing long-serving councillors
Their decisions come at a time when the majority of current councillors are putting their hands up for another stint. Kett made up his mind three years ago that this would be his last and said that would not change. 'I'd always go out in person and talk to the people that called me, so I'll miss all that. 'I'll miss most of the councillors,' he added with a laugh. It had been a difficult 2024 for the councillor, who faced both the death of his wife and numerous health difficulties. Multiple knee operations late last year and two heart attacks under anaesthetic forced him to step aside from council duties while he recovered. Despite the setbacks, he was now feeling 'bloody good' and was sad to be leaving. 'With all my health issues since October, it's a wise decision." Soper's nine years at council ends a long political career. She spent time on the district health board and had two stints in Parliament as a Labour MP - first in 2005 and again from 2007 to 2008. Soper said she made the decision to finish up at council 'some time ago' and wanted to leave with dignity. 'Very early in my career I discovered you can help individuals - but if you want to make really lasting changes for large groups of the population, then get involved where the power actually is." Her highlights on council included fighting to keep the children's library in its current location, the council's credit rating, and supporting the appointment of mana whenua representatives. Mayor Nobby Clark's recent use of his casting vote to not update council's procurement policy in support of Palestine was a lowlight for the councillor. 'It was a definite low point. It was a very straightforward, principled decision for council to make.' Soper said she would likely do more travel with husband David once she had finished up. Who is standing again? Invercargill will be in for a new mayor with Nobby Clark repeatedly ruling out the possibility of a second term. The mayoral race includes four current councillors: Tom Campbell, Alex Crackett, Ria Bond and Ian Pottinger. Deputy mayor Campbell is all-in with his bid having ruled out running for council, while Crackett is also leaning in that direction while keeping her options open. She recently quit her job to focus on her campaign. Town crier Lynley McKerrow and TikTok enthusiast Tom Morton are also throwing their hats in the ring for mayoralty. Other councillors standing again include Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Steve Broad, Barry Stewart and Darren Ludlow. Allan Arnold could not be reached for comment. Nominations officially opened on Friday and candidates have until August 1 to put their name forward. Voting documents will be sent out in September ahead of election day on October 11. • LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
NZ Herald
3 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Hipkins criticises COVID response inquiry and US pushes for Gaza ceasefire
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said the inquiry into NZ's Covid 19 response provides a platform for conspiracy theorists; the US government pushes for ceasefire in Gaza.
