The necessity of giving government agencies and local bodies new search and surveillence powers is being strongly challenged.
Several submitters raised the issue before Parliament's law and order committee on Thursday.
MPs are considering legislation that would extend powers police currently have to other regulatory agencies.
These include the right to install recording devices and would allow the agencies to film people on their own property for up to three hours without a warrant.
The Human Rights Commission says the proposed changes are so extensive it is "chilling".
The commission told the select committee it is difficult to understand why bodies such as the Commerce Commission and councils should have these extensive new powers.
The Law Society questioned why agencies such as the Boxing and Wrestling Federation would be given the power to conduct patdowns, car searches and bug private property.
However, the Police Association welcomes the law, saying it needs to be updated to keep pace with new technology.
