Regulatory institutions and practices June 2014 The Productivity Commission aims to provide insightful, well-informed and accessible advice that leads to the best possible improvement in the wellbeing of New Zealanders. Regulatory institutions and practices June 2014 ii Regulatory institutions and practices The New Zealand Productivity Commission Date: 30 June 2014 The Commission – an independent Crown entity – completes in-depth inquiry reports on topics that the Government selects, carries out productivity-related research and promotes understanding of productivity issues. The Commission’s work is guided by the New Zealand Productivity Commission Act 2010. You can find information on the Commission at www.productivity.govt.nz, or by calling +64 4 903 5150. Disclaimer The contents of this report must not be construed as legal advice. The Commission does not accept any responsibility or liability for an action taken as a result of reading, or reliance placed because of having read any part, or all, of the information in this report. The Commission does not accept any responsibility or liability for any error, inadequacy, deficiency, flaw in or omission from this report. ISBN: 978-0-478-44002-7 (print) ISBN: 978-0-478-44003-4 (online) Inquiry contacts Administration Robyn Sadlier Website www.productivity.govt.nz T: (04) 903 5167 E:
[email protected] Twitter @nzprocom LinkedIn NZ Productivity Commission Other matters Steven Bailey Inquiry Director T: (04) 903 5156 E:
[email protected] Foreword iii Foreword Regulation is a pervasive feature of modern life. Its coverage stretches from the workplace to the sports field, the home to the shopping mall, and from the city to the great outdoors.