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Business South says a new package of reform bills introduced to Parliament could mark a meaningful shift in the regulatory environment for New Zealand businesses.

The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, Planning and Natural Environment Bills, and Employment Leave Bill have recently been introduced, with the Government signalling a focus on simplifying regulation, improving clarity, and reducing compliance complexity across several areas that directly affect businesses.

Business South Chief Executive Mike Collins says the combined reforms represent one of the most significant updates to the operating environment for businesses in recent years.

“These are areas businesses deal with every day; employment law, health and safety, and planning rules,” Collins says.

“For many of our members across Otago and Southland, the common theme has been complexity and uncertainty. Any move that improves clarity and makes these systems easier to navigate is welcome.”

The Employment Leave Bill proposes replacing the Holidays Act 2003 with a new framework designed to simplify how leave entitlements are calculated and administered. Under the proposed model, leave would be accrued and recorded in hours rather than days or weeks, with sick leave accumulating progressively based on hours worked.

“Recording leave in hours has the potential to better reflect how many modern workplaces operate,” Collins says.

“For part-time employees or staff with variable hours, it could provide a clearer and more practical way to manage leave.”

The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill proposes a stronger focus on managing “critical risks”, serious hazards linked to death, significant injury, illness, or occupational disease.

“Businesses are committed to keeping their people safe,” Collins says. “Greater clarity around the risks that matter most could help businesses focus their efforts where it really counts.”

The Planning and Natural Environment Bills form part of the Government’s broader effort to reform New Zealand’s resource management system.

“Businesses need a planning framework that protects environmental values while also supporting investment and growth,” Collins says.

All three bills are now moving through the Select Committee process. Business South will be making submissions and encouraging businesses with practical experience across HR, payroll, health and safety, and planning to engage in the process.

“Getting the detail right will be important,” Collins says. “Our role is to ensure the voice of business in the South is heard.”