New Zealand government scraps ‘offensive trades’ registration list

The New Zealand government has announced the removal of the ‘offensive trades’ registration requirement under the 1956 Health Act. This decision ends the need for annual registrations and fees for hundreds of businesses involved in activities such as fish curing, leather tanning, flax pulping, and nightsoil collection.

Regulation Minister David Seymour stated that the move aims to reduce red tape, which he described as a ‘tax on productivity and growth.’ The change follows a submission made to the Ministry of Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline. The government estimates the removal of these requirements will result in savings of up to NZD 2.26 million over the next ten years.

Health Minister Simeon Brown noted that the existing environmental and industry-specific systems, as well as local council powers, are sufficient to manage these activities. He emphasized that businesses will no longer be required to complete registration paperwork or pay fees, and local councils will no longer need to administer the regime.