Peters Pledges to Scrap Regulatory Standards Bill if Re-elected, Sparks Tensions with Seymour

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has announced that if re-elected in 2026, his party will work to repeal the controversial Regulatory Standards Bill (RSB), a key piece of legislation championed by ACT Party leader David Seymour.

Speaking on Radio Waatea, Peters expressed his opposition to the bill, which passed its third reading last week. He claimed that while the bill was part of a coalition agreement with the National Party, New Zealand First had always been opposed to it. He vowed to campaign for its repeal in the next election, arguing that such legislative intervention is not suited to a modern democracy.

The RSB, proposed by Seymour, aims to reduce red tape by setting up a Regulatory Standards Board that would ensure future legislation aligns with specific principles, especially prioritizing private property rights. Seymour has defended the bill, calling it crucial for reducing unnecessary government regulation and stimulating New Zealand's economy. However, it has been met with significant public backlash, with over 98% of public submissions opposing it. Critics argue that it could favor big corporations and lead to more delays and costs in lawmaking.

Seymour responded to Peters' comments, expressing concern that Peters' stance might indicate he is aligning with Labour, a position on the RSB that mirrors Labour’s opposition. He stressed that the RSB was a landmark piece of legislation vital for reducing red tape, which he argued was damaging to the country’s economy.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon played down the dispute, emphasizing that the bill had already been passed and the focus should now be on making it work effectively. National Party campaign chair Chris Bishop also downplayed the situation, stating that National’s stance on the RSB would be clarified in their 2026 election campaign.

Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni acknowledged the opposition to the RSB, expressing relief that another party had joined Labour’s stance on the issue, though she refrained from speculating on future coalition possibilities.