Any more loopy rules?

Local Government Minister Paula Bennett has extended the deadline for those who wish to nominate “loopy” rules and regulations to her Rules Reduction Taskforce, for possible eradication.

“Given the success of the process, I have decided to extend the closing date for submissions to June 15, to ensure as many people as possible can have their say,” she said.

The taskforce, co-chaired by Jacqui Dean MP and Michael Barnett, had held 46 well- attended community meetings around the country and heard from a mixture of property owners, businesses, tradespeople and councils. A further 657 submissions had been received online.

“People quite rightly feel that there are too many costly rules that are unnecessarily bureaucratic, and that there isn’t enough flexibility in their application,” Mrs Bennett said.

“One example came from a man who was told the gaps between his fence palings were too small and had to be 25mm, even though he had three large dogs and it would create a risk for small children putting their fingers through.

“Fundamentally, the taskforce is finding that there has been too much emphasis on enforcement and not enough on how rules affect people.

“I’m pleased more New Zealanders will have an opportunity to talk about the rules and regulations that are costing them time and money.”

Submissions can be made at www.govt.nz/rulesreduction