Podcasts about Commerce Commission

The Government says it will act on all 19 recommendations from Parliament's banking inquiry - and it's committed to increasing scrutiny around the banking sector. This comes as Westpac and ANZ report significant increases in profit, prompting concern from experts. Kent Duston from the Banking Reform Coalition says the proposed changes make good steps forward, but it's unclear how much of a difference they will make. "I think the big issue here is that the banks simply don't care. Whatever Parliament says - we're on the back of an inquiry from the Commerce Commission, another inquiry from Parliament from the select committee...whatever it is Parliament's saying, clearly the banks aren't listening." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it will act on all 19 recommendations from Parliament's banking inquiry - and it's committed to increasing scrutiny around the banking sector. This comes as Westpac and ANZ report significant increases in profit, prompting concern from experts. Kent Duston from the Banking Reform Coalition says the proposed changes make good steps forward, but it's unclear how much of a difference they will make. "I think the big issue here is that the banks simply don't care. Whatever Parliament says - we're on the back of an inquiry from the Commerce Commission, another inquiry from Parliament from the select committee...whatever it is Parliament's saying, clearly the banks aren't listening." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our largest electricity gentailer is welcoming two major announcements for the energy sector. The Government's announced it's widening the scope of its $200 million co-investment fund to support a broader range of projects. And the Commerce Commission has given final approval for the big electricity gentailers to build a coal stockpile at Genesis' Huntly Power Station. Genesis Chief Executive Malcolm Johns told Mike Hosking the generation units at Huntly will no longer be retired. He says they give New Zealand another 10 years to solve the long-term energy security issue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Publicly-funded infrastructure projects in Auckland have been the target of cartel conduct by two construction companies. The first company involved, Maxbuild Ltd, was sentenced last December and the second company learned its fate in the High Court today - although its identity remains secret. The Commerce Commission calls the prosecution historic and says it shows cartel type behaviour will be investigated and punished. Commerce Commission chairman John Small spoke to Lisa Owen.

Global ticket reseller Viagogo has told the Court of Appeal that it did not mislead consumers. Last year it lost its legal battle with the Commerce Commission after being found to have repeatedly misled customers over its status as an official outlet for tickets. It's appealing parts of that decision. Krystal Gibbens reports.

Technology journalist Bill Bennett joins Kathryn to discuss Commerce Commission research which shows how difficult it is to get good information to help buy a phone plan. 

Allegations of cartel behaviour and bid rigging - a group of South Island brick layers have fallen foul of the Commerce Commission after an investigation into pricing information being shared by competitors. Commerce Commission chairman John Small spoke to Lisa Owen.

Airlines are backing the Commerce Commission's decision to stop short of a formal inquiry into airport regulation. It's instead looking at changing how much information airports should provide airlines about major upgrades. This follows Air New Zealand writing to the regulator, raising that the costs it was facing from airports were growing out of control. Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien says a formal inquiry wasn't worth it. She told Mike Hosking the process is complicated, expensive, and not fit for purpose, as if they ran it, they'd have to apply the findings to all airports, not just one. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission has ruled out an inquiry into airport regulation, for now. Air New Zealand had written to the regulator, saying there was enough 'accumulated evidence and concern' to justify a probe. The Commission has done a 'short, targeted review'. Air New Zealand Head of Regulatory Affairs Kristy McKay revealed why she's pleased with this outcome. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission has ruled out an inquiry into airport regulation, for now. Air New Zealand had written to the regulator, saying there was enough 'accumulated evidence and concern' to justify a probe. The Commission has done a 'short, targeted review'. Air New Zealand Head of Regulatory Affairs Kristy McKay revealed why she's pleased with this outcome. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 7th of October 2025 David Seymour's hitting the gas on school attendance targets, lead Principal of the Manurewa attendance service, Cathy Chalmers shares her thoughts on the new plan. Health NZ is ordering thousands more vapes to help smokers quit, General Practitioners Aotearoa Chair Dr Buzz Burrell tells Ryan what GPs think of it. The Commerce Commission says it won't investigate sky-high airport costs despite pressure from airlines, NZ Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore shares her thoughts. Plus Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio has the latest on the defence treaty between Papa New Guinea and Australia. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Satisfaction on both sides over the Commerce Commission's decision regarding Air New Zealand's airport cost concerns. The Commission's announced it won't investigate airport regulation but will look into how much information airports should give airlines on major upgrades. Air New Zealand says it's pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Airports Association Chief Executive Billie Moore told Ryan Bridge it's constructive. But she says it's also about balance, as while Air New Zealand say they might pay half a billion in fees, Auckland is their biggest hub. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us your feedback In this episode, Financial Services Partner Jeremy Muir speaks with Litigation Senior Associate Oliver Sutton about the legal complexities of cryptocurrency enforcement, offering their insights on how legal institutions are responding to the unique challenges posed by decentralised digital assets.[01:18] Jeremy and Oliver begin by addressing the jurisdictional “million-dollar question” of which laws govern cryptocurrency disputes. They note that traditional principles, such as lex situs, are difficult to apply to de-centralised digital assets, and discuss recent decisions from New Zealand and the United Kingdom that illustrate how case law is beginning to navigate this challenge.[04:10] Jeremy queries the available remedies and enforceability of freezing orders across borders. Oliver explains that their practical application depends on whether the orders target account holders or exchanges, highlighting the jurisdictional challenges involved in enforcement.[05:20] They discuss how New Zealand's existing legal framework safeguards cryptocurrency consumers, noting that crypto assets generally do not fall within the definition of “financial products” under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.[06:00] Oliver explains that general consumer protection laws, such as the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, will apply, particularly in cases of misrepresentation, highlighting a high-profile Commerce Commission prosecution last year involving a crypto-based pyramid scheme. He cautions, however, that as crypto remains largely unregulated in New Zealand, investors should exercise caution or seek expert advice, as funds lost in scams can be difficult to recover.[07:24] Jeremy discusses recent developments in crypto tax regulation, noting New Zealand's commitment to the OECD's new Crypto Asset Reporting Framework, which will impose reporting requirements for certain crypto transactions from April 2026, marking a step toward greater international alignment.[08:20] Building on an earlier Tech Suite episode with Nicolas Turnbull, they explore the challenges of enforcing remedies in crypto scams and exchange failures from a legal standpoint. Oliver highlights three key scenarios; scams and pyramid schemes, poorly structured exchanges and hard-to-trace funds, explaining how courts are adapting and using traditional tools like freezing and debt orders in this unique digital context.[09:38] Oliver lastly highlights an innovative enforcement development, explaining how courts in the United Kingdom, New York, and Ontario have approved service of legal documents directly to crypto wallets via Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), offering a transparent and trackable way to notify an unknown defendant. Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 23 September 2025. Please contact Jeremy Muir, Oliver Sutton or our Financial Services team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode.Please get in touch to receive an episode transcript and don't forget to rate, review or follow MinterEllisonRuddWatts wherever you get your podcasts. You can also email us directly at For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

Jetstar has been fined over $2 million for misleading over compensation entitlements. Jetstar earlier pleaded guilty to more than twenty charges of breaching the FairTrading Act and was sentenced at the Auckland Dstrict Court today. The Commerce Commission, took the airline to court, saying it had wrongly denied customer compensation among other breaches. Commerce Commission General Manager of Competition, Vanessa Horne spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Commerce Commission has spelt out its priorities for enforcing compeittion and fair trading laws.

The Commerce Commission has spelt out its priorities for enforcing compeittion and fair trading laws.

Stewart Hamilton is 12 months into his role as CEO of Mercury NZ—and despite a record-dry year and a dip in earnings, he's forecasting a billion-dollar 2026. In this episode, he lays out what’s next for Mercury and its investors. How are Mercury and other big players teaming up to secure NZ’s troubled power supply—and are they forming an energy "cartel" in the eyes of the Commerce Commission? Would breaking up the big energy gentailers help make electricity affordable, or is the current model more efficient? Does the Government’s stake in Mercury create a conflict of interest? Hear about the "renaissance" of geothermal energy, Mercury’s focus on new generation projects, and the role New Zealand could play in training AI. For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunch Shared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget airline Jetstar has apologised for letting down its New Zealand customers as it faces a potentially hefty fine after pleading guilty to misleding flyers about their rights. The Commerce Commission took the airline to court claining it discouraged people from seeking compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Jetstar representatives have been in the Auckland district court for a sentencing hearing. In a statement it said it takes full responsiblity for the mistakes and has been contacting customers to ensure they get what they are entitled to. Felix Walton was in court and spoke to Lisa Owen.

A new wave of power demand is here. Is the grid ready? And can States keep up?Doug Scott, now in his second term as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, joins Nico to share how Illinois is navigating the accelerating pace of the energy transition. From integrating energy storage to regulating gigawatt-scale data centers, the ICC isn't moving at glacial speed anymore—it's sprinting.Does Illinois provide a glimpse into the agency that individual States have in managing their way through this energy transition? Doug reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges of regulating clean energy deployment while keeping costs in check and reliability rock-solid. In this conversation, we unpack how Illinois plans to balance electrification, equity, and economic growth—all while trying to avoid ratepayer whiplash. Plus, we dig into the legislation that almost passed and what's still on the table for 2025. Expect to learn:

An organisation representing early childhood centre owners and managers has filed a complaint with the commerce commission about a sector advocacy group called the 'Office of Early Childhood Education'. Alexa Cook reports.

Electric Kiwi says an application by Gentailers Contact, Meridian and Mercury to buy into Genesis' operation of the Huntly Power Station needs significant scrutiny from the Commerce Commission to prevent "cartel conduct". Electric Kiwi chief executive Huia Burt spoke to Corin Dann.

Grocery prices will continue to hit Kiwi consumers and our economy hard. A report by the Commerce Commission shows prices are increasing again this year after appearing to stabilise last year. It's revealed we now pay the fifth highest grocery prices in the developed world. Grocery Action Group Chair Sue Chetwin told Mike Hosking the competition in New Zealand isn't particularly healthy. She says that unless the two major supermarkets know that they're going to face proper regulation or something big will happen to them, they can continue to charge high prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Competition's lacking in the supermarket sector and Kiwis are struggling to put food on the table. The Commerce Commission's Annual Grocery Report's revealed our grocery prices are the fifth-highest in the developed world. It highlights the market isn't supportive of new players, and major supermarkets continue to wield power over smaller stores. Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden says extra competition is key to bringing prices down more. "That's why we're so focused on using all the tools we have available to ensure that we do get competition going in the market for the long term." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is calling for business customers to anonymously report unfair or anti-competitive electricity industry practices. Commerce Commission chair John Small spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tapping or swiping your bank cards is about to get cheaper for shoppers, as the government announced it is set to ban surchages for paywave by 2026. The Commerce Commission estimates Kiwis pay about $150 million in card surcharges each year, including up to $65 million in excessive charges. Commerce & Consumer Affairs Minister, Scott Simpson spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Government's recent ban on on payment card surcharges has been met with criticism from the retail and hospitality sectors. The Government's announced it will scrap extra in-store card fees by next May. The Commerce Commission has already reduced bank interchange visa and master card fees for businesses. Dairy and Business Owners Group chair Ankit Bansal says these proposed changes are 'unfair' as the banks can still charge whatever transaction fees they like. "These will likely have to be passed on to the consumers - the problem is, we would have to do it across the board. So even if someone was paying with cash, one way or another, we're paying for these charges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting food delivered to the door has become a huge business, and in one New Zealand town the competition between two operators has led to complaints to the Commerce Commission. Nelson's Yummi food delivery business launched a decade ago but in recent years it has struggled. Two years ago another Kiwi-owned nationwide company, DeliverEasy, Yummi began losing clients. Yummi founder George Evans spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Commerce Commission has raised concern about the glass sector takeover.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Tuesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Seriously. What Do They Do All Day?/What Does the Commerce Commission Do All Day?/Tribunal Shock Decision/My Darkest Secret/Why Is This Still RacistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says complaints against Noel Leeming go beyond its price-matching policy. The tech retailer is facing criminal charges brought by the Commerce Commission - accusing it of making misleading promises. Noel Leeming's strongly rejecting the claim, and says it will vigorously defend its stance. But Consumer NZ chief executive, Jon Duffy, says the company's also charged with misleading people about their consumer rights. "If people are taking things back to the store and getting mislead about their rights to a refund or a replacement, that's very concerning". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retail NZ is criticising the Commerce Commission's regulatory change to card payment fees. The Commission today announced new regulations on interchange fees, reducing charges to businesses for taking Visa and Mastercard payments. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it's a complex issue - and these changes won't address everything. "This is one part of the merchant service fee, there's about 5 or 6 fees depending on how you structure your payment portfolio that may cut the merchant service fee. The Commerce Commission has said they won't get that fee down to one percent maximum." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission has confirmed it will reduce how much banks can charge to process credit card payments, which it says will save Kiwi businesses $90 million a year.

Electricity companies could face further rules if the latest measures to drive down prices don't work. The Electricity Authority's moving to require power companies to charge less for power during off-peak periods and pay more for solar and battery power during peak periods. But it hasn't stated how much lower off-peak prices actually need to be. Commerce Commission Chair John Small —a member of the authority's Energy Competition Task Force— told Heather du Plessis-Allan they're hoping competition will drive down off-peak prices. He says they want to see how things go, but the regulator will need to consider further action if things don't go as planned. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Aimie Hines and Tim Batt. Last night Tasman resident Rose Renton told the story of her home being caught in two floods. Could dredging of the Wai-iti River have made a difference? And if so why does the Tasman District Council restrict it? Tonight the Tasman District Council answers Rose's concerns. The Panel also hears from Sue Chetwin, chair of the Grocery Action Group about the Commerce Commission's plans to take legal action against Foodstuffs North Island and its subsidiary Gilmours Wholesale for alleged "cartel behaviour".

The Commerce Commission is taking Foodstuffs North Island and its subsidiary Gilmours Wholesale to court, citing what it labels 'cartel conduct'. The regulator has alleged that the retailers pressured a supplier into an agreement to redirect supply through them. Competition lawyer Andy Matthews says it's all allegations at this stage, but New Zealand has very 'broad' cartel laws. "What it means is - pretty much any agreement with an actual or potential competitor probably has a cartel provision. And it's up to the party who's entered into the alleged cartel provision to demonstrate an exception that the Commerce Act applies." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is taking Foodstuffs North Island and Gilmours to court, alleging cartel behaviour. 

The Commerce Commission is filing civil proceedings against Foodstuffs North Island and the wholesaler Gilmours - alleging cartel conduct. Matthews Law competition and commercial lawyer Andy Matthews spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, Auckland risks being cast into obscurity as "a global city" according to a just released report; The Commerce Commission is filing civil proceedings against Foodstuffs North Island and the wholesaler Gilmours - alleging cartel conduct; The future of four polytechs is uncertain as the government moves to un-wind the merger of Polytechs into the super-institute Te Pūkenga; You might pay $30,000 or more to a real estate salesperson to sell your home. But is it worth the money?

The Commerce Commission has sent a warning to Foodstuffs North Island for 'uncooperative and unreasonable' behaviour towards a supplier.

The Commerce Commission draft finding has asked major supermarket players to loosen their grip on the market. Changes are proposed to the Grocery Supply Code. In response, the Grocery Action Group says the plans aren't enough and shoppers deserve much better. Grocery Action Group chairperson Sue Chetwin spoke to Corin Dann.

The Commerce Commission is proposing to give grocery suppliers a leg up in their dealings with the supermarket giants. The commission has proposed updates to the Grocery Supply Code, including stopping retailers charging suppliers for stocking shelves and requiring retailers to keep records on how they're complying with certain parts of the code. Night 'n Day general manager Matthew Lane says this crackdown comes with encouraging implications for the sector. "What's most encouraging for us is that the CommComm's cracking down on the fact that other retailers are being charged more for their wholesale than what the supermarkets are actually retailing the same products for." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th June 2025, The Māori Party's Privileges Committee decision finally comes to a vote. Political commentator Bryce Edwards speaks to Heather. Matthew Lane, the general manager of Night 'n Day reacts to the Commerce Commission's latest attempt to crack down on anti-competitive practices from the supermarkets. Former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi says the Government is making good strides in its effort to avoid further tariffs from Donald Trump. Plus, the Huddle talks about Westgold raising their prices in response to butter raffles being held at schools around the country. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is proposing changes to the Grocery Supply Code but Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy believes the changes don't go far enough. Duffy spoke to Corin Dann.

The Commerce Commission's making moves to level the playing field in the grocery sector. It's found the big supermarket players are shovelling in billions of dollars a year through supplier charges and promotional pricing, which largely isn't reaching consumers. It's proposed a simplified grocery code that limits the range of payments supermarkets can charge suppliers. Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden told Mike Hosking it's about taking away all the carve-outs. He says smaller suppliers currently have difficulty pushing back against large supermarkets because of the power imbalance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's competition watchdog is keeping a close eye on the cost of domestic air travel, but the chair of the Commerce Commission's all but ruled out a market study suggesting it would do nothing to improve prices. John Small said the Commission has been investigating whether to do a competition study into the domestic aviation market, similar to recent studies into building supplies, the grocery and fuel markets. Small spoke to Lisa Owen.

CEO of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy joins Kathryn to detail some wins the organisation has had with the Commerce Commission over some issues it's raised

A convenience store chain looking to bust up the big supermarket duopoly has a shopping list of what's needed to achieve that. The Woolworths and Foodstuffs chains dominate New Zealand's supermarket sector. A 2022 Commerce Commission report found they're making more than a million dollars in excess profits every day. Night ‘n Day chain general manager Matthew Lane spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Airport is cutting its fees after the competition watch dog found it's overcharging to the tune of almost two hundred million dollars. A final report by the Commerce Commission into Auckland Airport's fees through to 2027 found the airport is targetting excess profit, through aircraft landing and passengers terminal charges. Cath O'Brien from the Board of Airline Representatives spoke to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Airport is lowering its prices after the Commerce Commission said it was overcharging by $190 million. The Commission has today published its final report on Auckland Airport's 2022-2027 price setting event, concluding the Airport's forecast revenue is excessive and its targeted returns are unreasonably high. The Commission says businesses and consumers are the ones likely carrying much of this cost-burden. Last year Air New Zealand said the airport's charges were expected to add about $46 to the price of a domestic ticket by 2032. Last year the Commission issued a draft report suggesting prices were too high - and Auckland Airport said it would consider lowering them once the final report came through. Today, that report confirms the findings and as a result Auckland Airport said it would drop prices for the remaining two years of the price period. Commissioner Vhari McWha talks to Kathryn.

Auckland Airport is lowering its prices after the Commerce Commission said it was overcharging by $190 million