Government consults small business on business compliance costs: A New Zealand experience

Abstract

This paper identifies key issues affecting small business (SBs) in responding to a government consultative initiative. Traditional ways of consulting with business – via submissions, questionnaires and public meetings – were not successful in gaining involvement with SBs. The reality for SBs is one of mounting paperwork, lacking time for core business activities, feeling unheard and unrepresented, and lacking expertise. Until issues of content and context, trust and busyness are understood and addressed, engagement by SBs is likely to be very low. However, the majority of the ideas provided by SBs were accepted and acted upon by government.

Keywords:

• small business
• consultation
• compliance costs
• engagement