The Government has scrapped the ‘offensive trades’ list under the 1956 Health Act (the Act), ending annual registrations for affected businesses and saving them time and money.
Regulation Minister David Seymour said that red tape isn’t neutral; it’s a tax on productivity and growth. When businesses spend time and money on needless compliance, it diverts resources from what matters.
Following a submission to the Ministry of Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline, Seymour said that the registration requirement for businesses conducting ‘offensive trades’ under the Act will be removed. He expects the change to deliver up to NZD 2.26 million in savings over ten years, saving time and money for hundreds of businesses.
Minister of Health Simeon Brown added that the change was overdue, as so-called ‘offensive trades’ include fish curing, leather tanning, flax pulping, and nightsoil collection, which can now be managed through environmental and industry‑specific systems, local councils, and other powers under the Health Act.
“One person’s ‘offensive trade’ is another person’s livelihood and where compliance costs are not necessary, they shouldn’t exist,” said Brown.
“These businesses will no longer have to complete registration paperwork or pay registration fees, and councils won’t have to administer the regime.”
The Ministry for Regulation is in a unique position to take on regulatory costs that make it harder for Kiwis to get on with business.
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