ACT Welcomes Move to Stop Councils Enforcing “Zombie Laws”

1 October 2025 | Webfit News

The ACT Party says the Government has sent a clear message to councils: stop enforcing rules that are about to be scrapped.

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What Happened

ACT Leader David Seymour welcomed new Government guidance telling councils to ease off on rules that will soon be removed under the new resource management system.

He called these outdated rules “zombie laws” – regulations still alive on paper but on their way out.

Farmers Under Pressure

Seymour said farmers across New Zealand are facing unnecessary stress:

• Getting or renewing consents has become a bureaucratic nightmare.
• Councils are adding conditions that will soon be pointless under the new law.
• Farmers feel they are being punished by rules that don’t make sense anymore.

He gave the example of David Clark, a farmer in Canterbury, who was struggling under what Seymour described as heavy-handed enforcement by Environment Canterbury (ECan).

“Councils should step back and let farmers farm,” Seymour said.

Local Council Examples

ACT also pointed to Hamilton City Council, which recently tried to fine a ratepayer for having a garden shed. ACT says this was unreasonable, as the Government had already signalled such sheds will soon be legal. After ACT pushed back, the council reversed its decision.

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ACT’s Message

According to Seymour:

• Councils must follow the law, but they should also show common sense.
• Enforcing soon-to-be-removed rules is a waste of time and money.
• Councils should work with the community, not against it.

Cutting Red Tape

The ACT Party says it is focused on reducing red tape and standing up for ratepayers.

“Some councils are slow to get the message,” Seymour said. “But ACT will keep fighting for ratepayers and for common sense.”