New Zealand scraps ‘offensive trades’ registration to reduce red tape

The New Zealand Government is removing the ‘offensive trades’ registration requirement under the 1956 Health Act. This change aims to reduce unnecessary compliance costs for businesses involved in activities such as fish curing, leather tanning, flax pulping, and nightsoil collection.

Regulation Minister David Seymour stated that the removal of these requirements is expected to save up to $2.26 million over the next 10 years. Health Minister Simeon Brown noted that these trades can now be managed through existing environmental and industry-specific systems, local councils, and other powers under the Health Act, making the old registration regime obsolete.