The Minister for Regulatory Reform says he is taking an axe to what he calls "over-the-top" and "ridiculous" regulations across several areas.
Rodney Hide says the review will look at rules, including those covering fences for swimming pools, shop trading hours and rural water drinking standards.
Mr Hide says some regulations are just inconvenient but others can affect jobs and load extra costs on business.
He says the rules regarding backyard swimming pools are too complex and impose "ridiculous" costs upon families.
Drinking water standards will also be targeted, with Mr Hide saying excessive regulations imposed by the previous Labour-led government have put great financial stress on rural families.
Mr Hide says he expects there will be "extensive" changes, with a number of regulations likely to disappear.
