The application could be the sticking point of a "common sense" test proposed by the National Party.

Simon Bridges wants the test run across all health and safety practices as part of National's plan to cut red tape.

Political commentator Ben Thomas told Kate Hawkesby the test faces the same problems that the current legislation has - that it starts to be very open to interpretation.

"I think this is where you actually have to show you've done the work in Opposition and they have a clear idea of how this will be put into legislation and how it would be give it effect."

Bridges says the fallout from the spread of Covid 19 has brought his speech outlining the first part of the party's election-year economic platform forward to today.

However, while Thomas says they'll be wanting to show support for small and medium sized businesses who might be struggling, it may not be the best timing.

"Perhaps not the best time to announce shaving off the regulations that are meant to keep society safer and more ordered."

• Simon Bridges wants a 'common sense' test applied to all red tape