Commerce and Consumer Affairs

The Government has tightened up protections for New Zealanders across the banking and insurance sectors to ensure they get a fair deal.

Legislation that bans major supermarkets from blocking their competitors’ access to land to set up new stores paves the way for greater competition in the sector.

New powers will be given to the Commerce Commission allowing it to require supermarkets to hand over information regarding contracts, arrangements and land covenants which make it difficult for competing retailers to set up shop.

“Food price data shows New Zealanders pay too much for the basics and today’s figures provide more evidence of why we need to change the supermarket industry, and fast," Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark says.

The Government has put supermarkets on notice, and the message is clear: change at pace to increase competition and be prepared for regulation.

Urgent Budget night legislation to stop major supermarkets blocking competitors from accessing land for new stores has been introduced today.

A Bill to help lower the fees charged when credit and debit transactions are made, will save New Zealand businesses around $74 million a year.

Latest annual food price figures released today confirm the need to rein in the super profits of the supermarket duopoly, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark said.

The rules which govern New Zealand’s incorporated societies will be refreshed for the first time in 114 years.

A law to better protect competition has passed its third and final reading, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, David Clark announced today.

A Bill to crackdown on global and domestic criminals who use businesses to hide money laundering, tax evasion and the financing of terrorism will be introduced this year.

The Government is making practical amendments to responsible lending rules to curb any unintended consequences being caused by the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA).

New Zealanders will soon benefit from a much more competitive grocery sector as a result of market study findings unveiled by the Commerce Commission today.

Kiwis can expect better protection from high-cost loans and unaffordable debt as a result of changes to lending laws coming into effect today, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr David Clark sa

Ensuring Kiwis have access to fairly priced building materials is a driving factor in Government’s decision to review the residential building supply market.

New Zealanders are being asked to share their experiences with Buy-Now, Pay-Later products as the Government explores if more needs to be done to mitigate the risk of consumer harm.

Public feedback is being sought on the regulatory safeguards required to ensure consumers and communities receive three waters services that meet their needs.

New Zealand has become the first country in the world to pass a law that will ensure financial organisations disclose and ultimately act on climate-related risks and opportunities.

The Bill to help lower the cost of the fees retailers get charged for offering contactless and debit payment options is another step closer to becoming law, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Dr David Clark said today.

The latest KiwiSaver Annual Report from the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), highlights how Government’s recent policy tweaks have positively benefitted New Zealanders, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Dr David Clark said today.

Legislation to protect New Zealand consumers and business against unfair commercial practices has passed its third reading in Parliament today.

The Commerce Commission’s draft report into the retail grocery sector is being welcomed by Government as a major milestone.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, Dr David Clark, has today announced the appointment of Deborah Hart as the inaugural Chair of the Consumer Advocacy Council.

The Government has agreed to establish a consumer data right framework for New Zealand, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark announced today.