We don’t have strict business controls in New Zealand, but all businesses do have some regulations that they have to follow. For example, you might plan to run a business that uses or affects a natural resource. If you do, you may need to apply for a special resource consent to do that. These are some major regulations that you need to know about:
- Employment Relations Act 2000 - helps employees and employers maintain good, fair, productive employment relationships
- Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 - to prevent injury or harm to people at work and make work activities safe and healthy for everyone
- Resource Management Act 1991 – aims to make sure we protect and manage our resources in a sustainable way
- Building Act 1991 – controls the construction and use of buildings to make sure they are safe in all situations.
The Commerce Commission is an independent organisation whose role is to foster healthy competition and sound regulation in business. It also makes sure that consumers are informed about their choices.
There are three main acts that the Commerce Commission is responsible for:
- Commerce Act 1986
- Fair Trading Act 1986
- Consumers Guarantees Act 1993
You can find out more in the Business section of our Living in New Zealand guide and from the Commerce Commission.