New Zealand to Cut Red Tape for Home Bakers and Boost Food Sector Innovation

Minister Hoggard emphasized that small-scale, low-risk food producers should not be subject to the same complex regulations as large commercial operations.

In a major step toward simplifying business operations in the food industry, the New Zealand Government has announced significant regulatory reforms aimed at reducing compliance costs for home-based cake makers and other small food operators. The initiative, jointly unveiled by Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard and Regulation Minister David Seymour, is part of a broader programme to make it easier for New Zealanders to operate, innovate, and expand within the food sector.

By November this year, home-based cake makers will see a major reduction in costs and bureaucracy through revised registration requirements and the removal of ongoing verification obligations under the Food Act 2014.

Easing Compliance for Low-Risk Food Businesses

Minister Hoggard emphasized that small-scale, low-risk food producers should not be subject to the same complex regulations as large commercial operations. “There is no reason low-risk cake makers should have to navigate the same level of red tape and compliance costs as a large commercial bakery — but currently, they do,” he said.

“These changes fix what matters for bakers. They will find it easier and cheaper to operate, opening the door for more people to turn their hobby into a business or an extra income stream,” he added. “For consumers, it means more choice and competition — especially in smaller towns where options can be limited.”

The initiative reflects the Government’s belief that regulation should be proportionate to actual risk, ensuring safety while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens. “Businesses take food safety seriously because they want their customers to come back and spread the word,” Hoggard noted. “Where we have rules, they should be practical, effective, and fair.”

Red Tape Tipline: A Direct Channel for Change

Regulation Minister David Seymour credited the Red Tape Tipline — an online platform allowing New Zealanders to report unnecessary regulations — for bringing the issue to light. “People shouldn’t be bogged down in compliance for the sake of it,” Seymour said. “Dozens of cake makers got in touch to say the current requirements didn’t make sense. The Ministry investigated, agreed, and now we’re fixing it. That’s how regulation should work — responsive to those who are affected and focused on what really matters.”

He encouraged more citizens and businesses to use the tipline to share their experiences: “We’re acting on the tips we get by removing regulation and making it easier for Kiwis to get things done. Anyone with a red tape issue should report it through the Ministry for Regulation website.”

More Reforms on the Horizon

Minister Hoggard confirmed that this move is just the first step in a broader review of food sector regulations, aimed at enhancing flexibility, supporting innovation, and aligning safety practices nationwide. “In recent months I’ve met with nearly 20 food businesses across the country and attended roundtables with members of Hospitality New Zealand, the Restaurant Association, and the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council,” he said.

Feedback from those engagements, along with input from the Red Tape Tipline, is helping shape a long-term reform agenda led by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

Planned Additional Measures Include:

• Reducing regulatory costs for other low-risk food businesses.

• Supporting innovation and the testing of new food products.

• Introducing more flexible testing requirements without compromising safety.

• Simplifying record-keeping and reporting obligations.

• Making it easier to export food products by reducing documentation barriers.

• Ensuring consistent verification standards across regions.

• Offering free food safety training for small operators.

• Managing and formalizing currently unregistered businesses to level the playing field.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Producers

The reforms are expected to have widespread benefits for small entrepreneurs, hobby bakers, and regional food producers. “Whether you operate a food truck, export to the world, or anything in between, I want to make your life easier,” Hoggard said. “Less time on paperwork means more time creating jobs, innovating, and serving Kiwis.”

Both ministers emphasized that these changes align with the Government’s wider goal of cutting unnecessary bureaucracy and enabling a more dynamic, innovation-driven economy. With the first phase targeting home bakers, the reforms signal a strong commitment to supporting grassroots enterprise and ensuring that regulatory systems work for New Zealanders — not against them.