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When he said "we don't want to be nanny state government" in relation to the Health Star Rating vote, what does he define as a "nanny state" measure, and on what criteria, if any, does he distinguish such measures?

Answered Question 24957 (2026)
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Asked by

Rachel Brooking

Member for Dunedin · Labour Party

Question

  • When he said "we don't want to be nanny state government" in relation to the Health Star Rating vote, what does he define as a "nanny state" measure, and on what criteria, if any, does he distinguish such measures?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Food Safety

Answer

New Zealanders have an expectation that the regulatory system delivers food that is safe to consume. Beyond that, one example of nanny state, would be to try and control what people choose to eat through mandatory regulatory requirements that do not impact safety.