Hundreds of Christians have taken action to oppose the upcoming Regulatory Standards Bill, which they say presents a dangerous risk of a new legal framework making companies' interests outrank people and the earth.

Common Grace Aotearoa reported that through its portals alone, more than 200 Christians made submissions on the bill through an online submissions form, while 1354 accessed the background documents Common Grace offered to support Christians making independent submissions. 

Hundreds more Māori and Pākehā Christians have made submissions supported by their hāhi or community organisations, including a large number through hapu and iwi-based submissions and local iwi-led submission-making workshops.

So why is this Bill causing so much concern across Aotearoa?

Common Grace Aotearoa says a significant number of Christians have been motivated to speak out against the Regulatory Standards Bill, because they don’t want to see lawmakers sidelining iwi Māori in policymaking, or see Government being forced to reward polluters.

"While our current system has many flaws, it at least allows people in Parliament, government departments or local councils to consider the values they were elected upon, the context in which the law or decision is being made, input from local communities and key constitutional obligations like honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi." said Alex Johnston from Common Grace Aotearoa in the lead up to submissions closing this Monday 23 June. 

Many Christians are concerned that ACT's rehashed Regulatory Standards Bill is the 'other half' of the strongly opposed Treaty Principles Bill, which aims to take control over how governments can respond to honouring Te Tiriti or making policies for the public good.

"If your local waterway or wahi tapu (sacred site) needs protecting from pollution, we certainly do not want the local council to be bound to compensate a private company that caused the pollution if they intervene." said Alex Johnston.

"If a government wants to lift health outcomes by prohibiting a dangerous product like tobacco, we don't want them to be restricted by a rule stating that a company’s ‘freedom’ overrides achieving good health outcomes."

Hāhi members opposing the Regulatory Standards Bill have also spoken out against the pressure it would place on governments to avoid reforms that honour Te Tiriti, prioritise public wellbeing, or protect God’s creation, given clear evidence Aotearoa needs urgent progress on all three.

Public submissions on the Bill to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee closed at 1pm on 23 June 2025 and will be used to inform the Select Committee’s report to Parliament on the Bill, which is expected later this year. 

Since 1992, the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia has formally recognised the importance and ongoing relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in shaping relationships and decision-making both in the Church and wider political life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Across the motu Anglican churches advocate for policies that prioritise Te Oranga Ake (human flourishing) and care for Creation.