Regulatory Standards Bill and coalition dispute

The story so far

The Regulatory Standards Bill passed with support from National, NZ First and ACT, even though more than 98% of public submissions opposed it.^{13 Nov 2025} Labour said it would scrap the law if it wins the next election, and the bill was passed as part of coalition agreements.^{13 Nov 2025} NZ First leader Winston Peters then vowed to campaign for the law's repeal, and ACT leader David Seymour suggested Peters may be preparing to side with Labour.^{20 Nov 2025} Prime Minister Christopher Luxon dismissed concerns about coalition stability after the public disagreement between Peters and Seymour.^{24 Nov 2025} Labour then lodged a member's bill to repeal the Regulatory Standards Act and invited NZ First to support it, but Peters rejected the offer.^{25 Nov 2025}

Latest

Peters has rejected Labour's invitation to back its repeal bill, saying he has no interest in political games.^{25 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 13 Nov 2025Bill passes with National, NZ First and ACT support despite 98% opposition
2. 20 Nov 2025Peters vows to campaign for repeal of the law he backed
3. 24 Nov 2025Luxon dismisses coalition stability concerns after Peters-Seymour dispute
4. 25 Nov 2025Labour lodges repeal member's bill; Peters rejects its invitation to support it

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.