About this handbook
This handbook provides an overview of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) and guidance on the main elements of Cabinet's RIA requirements. It incorporates Cabinet's decisions on changes to the RIA requirements taken during 2009, which came into effect on 2 November 2009.
The handbook supports and supplements the information provided in the CabGuide and in Cabinet Office Circular CO 09/8. It replaces the Guidelines on theRegulatory Impact Analysis Requirements published by the Treasury in November 2008.
There is a separate section for each of the main elements of the RIA requirements. These sections provide links to any templates and to further reference material.
The limits of a handbook
It is not possible to provide practical and succinct guidance that fully addresses the issues raised by the huge variety of regulatory proposals that get developed or policy situations that may be encountered. We also acknowledge that developing effective legislation is a complex undertaking and that the realities of the policy development process can be far from ideal. Consequently, there will be times when agencies will need to exercise their own intelligent judgement about how best to give effect to the intent of the RIA requirements in the particular circumstances they find themselves in. The Regulatory Impact Analysis Team (RIAT) in the Treasury is also available to help answer questions that agencies may have.
Keeping the handbook updated online
This handbook will be updated periodically online, in order to keep it accurate and as helpful as possible. This version of the handbook was last updated on 2 November 2009.
To ensure you have the latest version please access or download the online handbook at: http://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/guidance/regulatory/impactanalysis.
Your feedback welcome
We welcome your feedback on this handbook, including suggestions for possible additions or improvements. We would also like examples of good practice that can be shared with other agencies. Any comments or suggestions can be sent to ria@treasury.govt.nz.
