Chair Paul Ridley-Smith previously worked at Buddle Findlay and Linklaters
David Seymour, regulation minister, has announced the appointment of the Regulatory Standards Board, chaired by Paul Ridley-Smith, who has a background in business, governance, and law, including at Buddle Findlay and Linklaters and as general counsel at Contact Energy Ltd.
“The Board will be a strong watchdog,” Seymour said in the news release from the government.
He explained that the board, established by the Regulatory Standards Act 2025, will help oversee, review, and advise on new regulations and laws.
“The Board will review the quality of Consistency Accountability Statements (CAS), which show whether a Bill is consistent with the principles of good regulation,” Seymour said.
He added that the board will examine current regulations and laws in terms of the principles of good regulatory practice, including necessity, proportionality, transparency, and consistency with the rule of law.
“This can be to respond to complaints, or on its own initiative,” Seymour said.
He noted that the board will publish its assessments and seek to clarify the regulatory costs to voters.
“It ensures the public know who is putting costs onto them, how, and why, so they can judge,” Seymour said.
The board will commence operations when the Regulatory Standards Act’s second part takes effect on 1 July.
Seymour urged New Zealanders to send the board their complaints regarding inconsistent legislation to the Ministry for Regulation via its website.
Ridley-Smith, the board’s appointed chairperson, previously headed regulation and government relations at Contact Energy and worked in investment management at HRL Morrison & Co/Infratil.
“Mr Ridley-Smith has a strong understanding of regulation and will bring an impartial and balanced perspective as Chair of the Board,” Seymour said in the government’s news release.
Ridley-Smith chaired Manawa Energy Limited (formerly Trustpower Limited), Snapper Services Limited, and iSite Media Limited.
“His background includes customer and consumer relations, government relations, regulatory risk, commercial law, financing, investment banking, real estate development, and aged care provision,” Seymour said.
The board’s other members are:
