Author John

Opinion: New Zealands Orange Cone Culture is Slowing us Down!

The endless layers of bureaucracy introduced by the last government are holding us back.

From unnecessary traffic cones clogging our roads to countless compliance costs for businesses, we’re drowning in red tape. The health and safety regulations, AML requirements, and over-the-top consent processes are making it harder and more expensive to get anything done. Take real estate, for example: compliance and consulting fees can make up a huge chunk of project costs before construction even begins.

It’s clear that instead of trusting us to make common-sense decisions, bureaucrats have created a world where progress is stifled by regulations, slowing down development and driving up costs.
We need to slash this red tape and return to a system where capable individuals are empowered to make informed decisions, rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all approach dictated by bureaucracy.

If we don’t change this, we risk being stuck in a cycle of mediocrity, following rules that do little more than waste time and money.

NZ Herald Article