TEU opposes the Regulatory Standards Bill.
June 24, 2025
Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union has made a submission opposing the Regulatory Standards Bill. The submission argues that the proposed law will “pose significant risks to democratic governance, public accountability, and the integrity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s constitutional arrangements.”
“The so-called “principles of responsible regulation” reflect a narrow ideological agenda rooted in libertarian values. These elevate private property rights and individualism above collective wellbeing, equity, and public interest – values that underpin our public tertiary education system and are shared by most New Zealanders.”
“For tertiary staff and institutions, this Bill represents a threat to the principles of democratic accountability, public value, and Te Tiriti partnership that must guide the development and operation of our laws and institutions.”
“Most disturbingly, the Bill makes no reference to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Aotearoa’s foundational constitutional document. This omission represents a serious constitutional regression. Any framework for assessing or reviewing legislation must include an explicit requirement to consider consistency with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Its exclusion undermines Crown obligations and Māori rights and responsibilities in public policy and law-making.”