Rodney Hide's new job as Minister of Regulatory Reform is a new departure for the Government.
Depending on who you believe, the role will see him become the axe-swinging enemy of red tape or a Yes Minister figure with a fancy name but no real power.
However, Hide is in no doubt that his new job is a powerful one.
“National and ACT are committed to combating the red tape that’s tying New Zealanders in knots," he says. "With John Key appointing meMiinister of Regulatory Reform, we will establish a taskforce to carry forward work on the regulatory responsibility bill and we will explore the concept of a New Zealand productivity commission.”
As the slasher in chief of red tape Hide will get treasury to look at slashing bureaucracy in Government departments; set up a taskforce to push through the regulatory responsibility bill (a law he hopes will take the hassle out of doing business); and scrap the Resource Management Act.
He is still nutting out budget and staffing with the Prime Minister-elect’s office.
The job may not be as derided as Wayne Mapp's under Don Brash. Remember he was 'spokesman for the eradication of political correctness'.
Even in opposition there would be scope for getting rid of egregious examples of political correctness.
And it may not be as far fetched as 'Minister for Silly Walks', but one commentator sees similarities with Yes Minister.
Left-wing commentator Matt McCarten said: “Well wouldn't that be ironic, yes minister of course we want to cut some red tape, we must set up some committees to look at this, oooh good idea.”
As a former member of the Alliance, McCarten says he has been in Hide's position.
“Ironically yes, I remember when the Alliance was in with Labour that the portfolios that we got were the harmless ones, like local governments and consumer affairs and lots of sub-committees which didn't have anything, that had no budgets attached to them and that's what Rodney and ACT have actually got."
As an outsider, Hide did well as self-appointed perk-buster in chief, now he is a minister though the acid will be on him to achieve tangible results.
3 News