# New Zealand offensive trades regulatory reform > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-offensive-trades-regulatory-reform > Updated: 2026-08-17T02:11:19.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The New Zealand government has announced the removal of the ‘offensive trades’ registration requirement under the 1956 Health Act. This regulatory change aims to reduce red tape and compliance costs for businesses involved in activities such as fish curing, leather tanning, flax pulping, and nightsoil collection. Regulation Minister David Seymour described the existing requirements as a ‘tax on productivity and growth,’ noting that the move follows a submission to the Ministry of Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline. The government estimates the removal of these annual registrations and fees will save up to NZD 2.26 million over the next ten years. Health Minister Simeon Brown stated that existing environmental and industry-specific systems, alongside local council powers, are sufficient to manage these activities. Consequently, businesses will no longer need to complete registration paperwork or pay fees, and local councils will no longer be required to administer the regime. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: New Zealand government scraps ‘offensive trades’ registration list New Zealand is scrapping the 1956 Health Act ‘offensive trades’ registration list, saving businesses an estimated NZD 2.26 million over ten years by removing unnecessary paperwork and fees. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-government-scraps-offensive-trades-registration-list ### 2026-08-13: New Zealand scraps ‘offensive trades’ registration to reduce red tape New Zealand is scrapping ‘offensive trades’ registrations under the Health Act to reduce regulatory red tape, a move expected to save businesses $2.26 million over 10 years. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-zealand-scraps-offensive-trades-registration-to-reduce-red-tape --- Cite as: New Zealand offensive trades regulatory reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-zealand-offensive-trades-regulatory-reform