New government appointments for two controversial former National MPs.

Tau Henare and John Carter have been named as members of a new "taskforce to cut red tape".

The group will take public submissions on what the government calls "loopy" council property rules and regulations, that are hindering construction and development.

It's not strictly related to the government's Resource Management Act reforms, but the group's work could feed into the law changes.

Other members of the group include current National MP Jacqui Dean, Auckland Chamber of Commerce boss Michael Barnett and Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese.