The Department of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet has issued a Cabinet circular, Legislation Guidelines - Cabinet requirement and expectations.

The Legislation Guidelines (2018 edition) are the government's key point of reference for assessing whether draft legislation conforms to accepted legal and constitutional principles. The 2018 guidelines have replaced the Guidelines on Process and Content of Legislation (2014 edition).

The Guidelines set out guidance on matters of legislative design and quality, and on matters fundamental to the rule of law in New Zealand.

The Cabinet circular says the guidelines are a key part of government efforts to promote quality legislation and transparency about the exercise of law-making power. They are designed to be used from early in the policy development process.