December 2000
Commission offices reopen January 3; and holiday contact
22 December 2000
Commerce Commission offices will close to the public at mid-day today. However, some staff will be available this afternoon. If you need to contact them, please telephone, fax or e-mail as the buildings' doors will be locked.Relates to:
International ATTM Card was a pyramid selling scheme, court orders Aus$4 million to be returned
22 December 2000
The Australian Federal Court has found that the International ATTM Card Scheme, which was promoted widely in the North Island by World Netsafe Pty Limited, is an illegal pyramid and referral selling scheme and has ordered that Aus$4 million be returned to people who had bought into the scheme by December 1999.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears PaperlinX to acquire Spicers Paper
21 December 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared PaperlinX Limited to acquire Spicers Paper Limited.Relates to:
Watch out - Christmas candles may release lead fumes
21 December 2000
In settlements with the Commerce Commission over the last two months, five businesses have recalled banned candles that have wicks containing lead.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears James Hardie to acquire Long International
18 December 2000
On Friday the Commerce Commission cleared James Hardie NZ Ltd to acquire all the assets of Long International Ltd.Relates to:
Zuellig Pharma applies for clearance to acquire Sigma assets
15 December 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Zuellig Pharma Limited for clearance to acquire assets currently owned by Sigma NZ Limited. Both companies operate in pharmaceutical markets in New Zealand.Relates to:
Ticketek prices were in Australian dollars: warning that ticketing companies must state what currency they are using
13 December 2000
After Ticketek New Zealand Limited did not disclose that its prices for a Barbra Streisand concert in Sydney were in Australian dollars, the Commerce Commission is warning all ticketing companies to clearly state what currency they are using when selling tickets.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission crack down on claims about real estate:"The Professionals" Orewa Property Shop pleads guilty
12 December 2000
The Commerce Commission stepped up its action against false or misleading claims about real estate, with the conviction today of Orewa Property Shop Limited, trading as The Professionals.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Vodafone to acquire radio frequency spectrum rights should it be successful in auction
8 December 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited to acquire certain management rights and licences in the current auction of radio frequency spectrum.Relates to:
Commission clears Lion Nathan to acquire Montana
8 December 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Lion Nathan Limited to acquire all the shares in Montana Group (NZ) Limited that it does not currently own.Relates to:
BOC NZ applies for clearance to acquire ASCO assets
7 December 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from BOC Gases New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire the assets of ASCO Carbon Dioxide Limited's retail carbon dioxide business.Relates to:
PaperlinX applies for clearance to extend ownership of Spicers Paper to 100 percent
6 December 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from PaperlinX Limited for clearance to acquire the remaining 58 percent of the shares in Spicers Paper Limited that it does not already own.Relates to:
James Hardie applies for clearance to acquire Long International
1 December 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from James Hardie New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire all the assets of Long International Limited's building panel manufacturing and distribution business in New Zealand.Relates to:
Milburn applies for clearance to acquire Isaac Concrete
1 December 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Milburn New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire Isaac Concrete Limited.Relates to:
November 2000
BNZ acknowledges that its credit card brochures breached Fair Trading Act
29 November 2000
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) has acknowledged that a claim in its credit card brochures made a misleading representation to non-business consumers about their rights and breached the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission to release Lion/Montana decision on December 8
24 November 2000
The Commerce Commission will release its decision on Lion Nathan Limited's application for clearance to acquire all the shares in Montana Group (NZ) Limited on Friday, December 8.Relates to:
Commerce Commission will be open in its approach to electricity price control
24 November 2000
"The Commission will be as open as possible in its approach to electricity price control. It is important, both for the industry and for the benefit of consumers, that there is an open and transparent regime, with a high degree of regulatory certainty", said Commission Chair, John Belgrave, in speaking today at an electricity industry reform conference in Wellington.Relates to: Electricity
Commission releases Shell/FCE decision, visit www.comcom.govt.nz
22 November 2000
The Commerce Commission has released the public copy of its decision clearing Shell Overseas Holdings Limited to acquire Fletcher Challenge Energy (FCE), subject to Shell divesting a range of assets currently owned by Shell and FCE.Relates to:
Haven Motors fined $5,000: "interest free …on all used vehicles" was available only on some cars
21 November 2000
In more Commerce Commission action against car dealers, the Nelson District Court today fined Haven Motors Limited $5,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act by making misleading claims about an "interest free" offer.Relates to: Fair Trading
Lion applies for clearance to extend ownership of Montana to 100 percent
21 November 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Lion Nathan Limited for clearance to acquire all the shares in Montana Group (NZ) Limited that it does not currently own.Relates to:
Commission clears Shell to acquire FCE subject to divestment of range of assets
17 November 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Shell Overseas Holdings Limited to acquire Fletcher Challenge Energy Limited (FCE), subject to Shell divesting a range of assets currently owned by Shell and FCE.Relates to:
Shell offers to divest more gas assets
15 November 2000
The Commerce Commission has agreed to a request from Shell Overseas Holdings Limited to amend its current application for clearance to acquire Fletcher Challenge Energy Limited (FCE).Relates to:
Freedom Communications fined $8,000: cellphone calls advertised at 5 cents a minute cost 99 cents a minute
15 November 2000
The Auckland District Court today fined Freedom Communications Limited $8,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act by advertising cellphone calls at 5 cents a minute but charging 99 cents a minute.Relates to: Fair Trading
Vodafone applies for clearance to acquire spectrum rights
15 November 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Vodafone Mobile NZ Limited for clearance to acquire management rights in the current auction of radio frequency spectrum.Relates to:
Commission authorises RAL to acquire Turoa
14 November 2000
The Commerce Commission today authorised Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited ("RAL") to acquire the assets and operations of Turoa Ski Resorts Limited (in receivership).Relates to:
Electricity price control inquiry:Commission initiates next stage of work
13 November 2000
The Commerce Commission has issued Requests for Proposals from consultants to assist it in preparing material on the substantive issues arising in its inquiry into price control for electricity line businesses. Early next year, the Commission is proposing to issue discussion papers on approaches to price control, and to the valuation of line business assets. The consultants' work will feed into the preparation of these papers.Relates to: Electricity
$8,000 fine for promoting "Focus International" and "World Net" pyramid selling schemes
9 November 2000
The Auckland District Court has fined an Auckland man, Terrence Samuel Wall, $8,000 for promoting in New Zealand two overseas-based pyramid selling schemes, "Focus International Credit Card Plan" and "World Net International Inc."Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission successful in all court actions
9 November 2000
The Commerce Commission's Annual Report, which has been tabled in Parliament, shows that the Commission has been successful in all 23 court actions decided in the last financial year.Relates to:
Commission wants business involvement in proposed changes to business acquisition thresholds
9 November 2000
The Commerce Commission wants the business community's ideas on how the Commission should consider business acquisitions under the proposed new threshold the Government has foreshadowed in its proposed amendments to the Commerce Act.Relates to:
ASB Bank fined $6,000: third small print case in 10 days
8 November 2000
Commerce Commission action against misleading use of small print continued today with the Auckland District Court fining ASB Bank Limited $6,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Computer retailer Gateway fined $21,500: second company convicted for small print in a week, warning to all advertisers
6 November 2000
The Commerce Commission says that the conviction of two companies in a week for small print issues should be seen as a warning to all advertisers: small print cannot save advertising from being misleading.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission to release RAL/Turoa decision on November 14
3 November 2000
The Commerce Commission will release its final decision on Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited's (RAL) application for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resorts Limited (in receivership) on Tuesday, November 14.Relates to:
Commission clears Portacom to acquire Portable Buildings
2 November 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Portacom New Zealand Limited to acquire all the assets of Portable Buildings Limited.Relates to:
October 2000
Air NZ subsidiary, Freedom Air International, admits ads breached Fair Trading Act
30 October 2000
The Dunedin District Court today fined South Pacific Air Charters Limited, which is part of the Air New Zealand group and trades as Freedom Air International, $4,000 for making false or misleading claims about the prices of its "Christmas airfare sale".Relates to: Fair Trading
More Commission action on furniture retailing: "leather" lounge suites were vinyl and leather
30 October 2000
Commerce Commission action against misleading claims by furniture retailers continued today with the sixth successful prosecution since March the Tauranga District Court fined Homeworld (Tga) Limited $6,500 for breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission in tripartite arrangement with Australian and Canadian agencies
27 October 2000
The Commerce Commission has entered into a tripartite co-operation arrangement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau.Relates to:
Shell reapplies for clearance to acquire FCE: offers to divest additional assets
20 October 2000
The Commerce Commission has received a second application from Shell Exploration Company BV for clearance to acquire Fletcher Challenge Limited's energy division, Fletcher Challenge Energy (FCE).Relates to:
Portacom applies for clearance to acquire Portable Buildings
17 October 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Portacom New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire all the assets of Portable Buildings Limited, which trades as Quickspace.Relates to:
Commission holds RAL/Turoa conference, October 18-19
16 October 2000
The Commerce Commission conference to gather further information about Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited's (RAL) application for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resort Limited (in receivership) will be held in Wellington on October 18-19.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission releases Shell/FCE decision, visit www.comcom.govt.nz
16 October 2000
The Commerce Commission has released the public copy of its decision declining to clear Shell Exploration Company BV to acquire Fletcher Challenge Energy (FCE).Relates to:
Commission clears Southern Cross' third application for clearance to acquire Aetna Health, subject to divestment
13 October 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared The Southern Cross Medical Care Society's third application for clearance to acquire Aetna Health (NZ) Limited, subject to Southern Cross divesting all of the medical insurance policies of insured members of Aetna.Relates to:
Commission declines to clear Shell to acquire Fletcher Challenge Energy
12 October 2000
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Shell Exploration Company BV to acquire Fletcher Challenge Energy (FCE).Relates to:
Price Control: Electricity Line Businesses Preliminary Issues and Process
10 October 2000
INTRODUCTIONRelates to: Electricity
Commission Announces Inquiry into Electricity Line Business Pricing
10 October 2000
'The Commerce Commission is initiating an inquiry into pricing by electricity line businesses', announced Commission Chair, John Belgrave.Relates to: Electricity
September 2000
Enterprise cars fined $33,000: warning to all consumers, dealers not disclosing key information and trade-in claims
29 September 2000
The Auckland High Court today fined Enterprise Motor Group Limited and one of its subsidiaries, Enterprise Motor Group (Panmure) Limited trading as Enterprise Nissan, a total of $33,000 highlighting two nation-wide problems: car dealers not disclosing key information and making misleading claims about the availability of trade-ins.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission receives submissions on RAL/Turoa
27 September 2000
Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave said that significant interest has been shown in the Commission's draft determination on Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited's (RAL) application for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resort Limited (in receivership).Relates to:
Southern Cross makes third application for clearance to acquire Aetna Health, offers to divest assets
19 September 2000
The Commerce Commission has received a third application from Southern Cross Medical Care Society for clearance to acquire all the shares in Aetna Health (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
More Commission action on website claims:Cogent Communications fined $7,000
14 September 2000
In the Commerce Commission's third website case in the last five weeks, Cogent Communications Limited, trading as Hart Candy, was fined $7,000 in the Auckland District Court for breaching the Fair Trading Act by making misleading claims about cellphones.Relates to: Fair Trading
Toy importer Deco Fashions to pay fines and costs $9,260 for 45,000 unsafe toys: Shell and Barnardo's had choking hazard teddy bears
14 September 2000
The Auckland District Court today ordered toy importer, Deco Fashions Limited, to pay $9,260 in fines and costs after it supplied 45,000 unsafe teddy bears to Shell New Zealand Limited and Shell donated some of the teddy bears to the Barnardo's Children's Trust.Relates to: Fair Trading
Highest ever Fair Trading Act order: Maximus pyramid selling scheme liable for more than $3.1 million
13 September 2000
The Auckland High Court today imposed the highest order yet under the Fair Trading Act when it ordered that Maximus Intermediaries Limited was a pyramid selling scheme and entered judgment against the defendants who are liable to pay more than $3.1 million to people who had bought into the scheme.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission declines Southern Cross' second application for clearance to acquire Aetna Health
13 September 2000
The Commerce Commission today declined The Southern Cross Medical Care Society's second application for clearance to acquire Aetna Health (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears proposal to combine ownership of plastic pipe manufacturers Marley and Keyplas
12 September 2000
The Commerce Commission has cleared Etex Holding BV to acquire all of the shares in Milnes Holdings Limited.Relates to:
Stock agent fined $4,000: deliberately falsified sale dockets, overcharged farmer $3,920 for cattle
12 September 2000
The Hamilton District Court today fined independent stock agent Hugh Roderick Chisholm $4,000 after he admitted that he had deliberately falsified saleyard dockets and overcharged a farmer $3,920 for cattle.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Cremation Society of Canterbury to acquire Harewood crematorium
8 September 2000
The Commerce Commission has cleared the Cremation Society of Canterbury Limited to acquire the remaining 55.14 percent in Harewood Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears Montana to acquire Corbans
6 September 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Montana Group (NZ) Limited to acquire up to 100 percent of the shares in Corban Wines Limited.Relates to:
Fair Trading Act does apply to websites: Michael Hill Jeweller Ltd fined $1,000
6 September 2000
The Commerce Commission's prosecution of Michael Hill Jeweller Limited has shown that the Fair Trading Act applies to claims made on websites.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission agrees to RAL's request for extension of time
4 September 2000
The Commerce Commission today agreed to a request from Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) for a two-week extension to the Commission's timetable.Relates to:
TrustPower to publish corrective advertising and write to consumers, Commission also warns Wrightson
4 September 2000
Power company TrustPower Limited has agreed that it risked breaching the Fair Trading Act when it made claims to consumers that is "the only electricity supply company which is predominantly New Zealand-owned". The Act prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Glaxo Wellcome/SmithKline Beecham merger subject to divestment of some assets
1 September 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared the New Zealand arm of the international merger of pharmaceutical companies Glaxo Wellcome Plc and SmithKline Beecham Plc, subject to the divestment of some assets to an independent third party.Relates to:
August 2000
Fifth furniture retailer convicted in five months: $7,260 fines and costs, "leather lounge suites" were vinyl and leather
31 August 2000
Commerce Commission action in the furniture industry continued today, when the Christchurch District Court ordered Garry Brian McCone and Stephen Jack Brian, who trade as Christchurch Auctions, to pay fines and costs totalling $7,260 for breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Southern Cross makes second application for clearance to acquire Aetna Health, offers to divest assets
30 August 2000
The Commerce Commission today received a second application from Southern Cross Medical Care Society for clearance to acquire all the shares in Aetna Health (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Clearance sought to combine ownership of plastic pipe manufacturers Marley and Keyplas
29 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Etex Holding BV for a clearance to acquire all of the shares in Milnes Holdings Limited.Relates to:
Commission continues action on food promotions: New World corrective ads, "beef sausages" were mutton
28 August 2000
Commerce Commission action against allegedly false claims about food continued today, with Thorndon Supermarket Limited, which trades as Thorndon New World, publishing corrective advertising what it had called "beef" sausages were made from mutton.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission's preliminary view: on current information, it would not authorise RAL to acquire Turoa
28 August 2000
The Commerce Commission today gave its preliminary view that, based on information currently available, it would not authorise Ruapheu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL) to acquire Turoa Ski Resort Limited (in receivership).Relates to: Business Competition
Commission declines to clear Southern Cross to acquire Aetna Health
25 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has today declined to give a clearance to The Southern Cross Medical Care Society to acquire all the issued share capital in Aetna Health (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Shell applies for clearance to acquire FCE: offers to divest some assets including Challenge petrol stations
21 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Shell Exploration Company BV for clearance of its proposal to acquire Fletcher Challenge Limited's energy division, Fletcher Challenge Energy (FCE).Relates to:
Commission clears Reindeer to acquire 51 percent of Harding
18 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has cleared Reindeer Investments Pty Limited to acquire 51 percent of Harding Licensing Systems Limited.Relates to:
More Commission action against car dealers: Mitsubishi dealer fined $3,000 for misleading claims about prices of new cars
15 August 2000
Commerce Commission action against misleading claims by car dealers continued today with Christchurch Mitsubishi dealer, Landseer Motor Investments Limited trading as Donnithorne Simms being fined $3,000 for making misleading claims about the prices of new cars.Relates to: Fair Trading
What impact on competition in New Zealand if Montana is cleared to acquire Corbans?
14 August 2000
The Commerce Commission is investigating the likely impact on competition in New Zealand if major wine makers Montana Group (NZ) Limited and Corbans Wines Limited were combined into one company.Relates to:
Commission releases final version of leniency policy: when should
11 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has released its policy on when it will consider granting leniency in exchange for information.Relates to:
Commerce Commission's preliminary view on RAL/Turoa likely on August 28
7 August 2000
The Commerce Commission is likely to give its preliminary view on Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited's (RAL) application for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resort Limited (in receivership) on August 28.Relates to:
Commission clears Solid Energy to acquire Francis Mining's retail customers
7 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has cleared Solid Energy New Zealand Limited to acquire the retail customers of Francis Mining Limited.Relates to:
Biggest changes in Commerce Commission's history: Annual Plan 2000-2001
4 August 2000
In his foreword to the Annual Plan 2000-2001 Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave states: "This year is likely to see the biggest changes to the Commerce Commission's responsibilities since its inception as a stand-alone agency in 1986".Relates to:
Reindeer Investments applies for clearance to acquire 51 percent of Harding Licensing Systems
3 August 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Reindeer Investments Pty Limited to acquire 51 percent of Harding Licensing Systems Limited.Relates to:
Meet Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave and discuss the Annual Plan 2000-2001
2 August 2000
*Relates to:
Website scam: Auckland District Court imposes $4,120 fines and costs
2 August 2000
The Auckland District Court today fined Neil Jeffrey Crozier and Suzie Dianna Crowe a total of $3,600, plus $520 costs, for breaching the Fair Trading Act by making false claims that businesses needed the services of the website and e-mail addresses created by Mr Crozier and Ms Crowe.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission starts court action against Telecom over 0867
1 August 2000
Commission starts court action against Telecom over 0867Relates to: Telecommunications
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts applies for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski Resorts
1 August 2000
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts applies for authorisation to acquire Turoa Ski ResortsRelates to:
July 2000
High Court orders Carter Holt Harvey to pay $525,000 for anti-competitive action against New Wool Products
31 July 2000
High Court orders Carter Holt Harvey to pay $525,000 for anti-competitive action against New Wool ProductsRelates to: Business Competition
Court of Appeal decision: Commission's Kupe gas field case to continue against Fletcher Challenge companies, ECNZ and Genesis
31 July 2000
Court of Appeal decision:Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission takes court action against NZ distributor of cellulite product "Cellasene"
28 July 2000
Commerce Commission takes court action against NZ distributor of cellulite product "Cellasene"Relates to: Fair Trading
Southern Cross applies for clearance to acquire Aetna Health
20 July 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Southern Cross Medical Care Society for clearance to acquire all the shares in Aetna Health (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Commission Chief Investigator seconded to Commonwealth Secretariat to set up Zimbabwe competition law agency
19 July 2000
The Commerce Commission's Chief Investigator Business Acquisitions, John Preston, has been seconded to the Commonwealth Secretariat for a year to establish a competition law agency in Zimbabwe.Relates to:
Settlement ends Commission's honey price fixing investigation
5 July 2000
Settlement ends Commission's honey price fixing investigationRelates to: Business Competition
June 2000
High Court's permanent injunction prevents distribution of unsafe baby bottle toys
22 June 2000
The Dunedin High Court today ordered a permanent injunction preventing Myriad Marketing Limited and Sweetline Distributors Limited distributing "Big Baby" and "Chewy Baby" brand toy baby bottles with removable teats. The companies consented to the injunction being made.Relates to: Fair Trading
Fourth furniture retailer convicted in three months: Panmure Furniture City pays $10,000 Fair Trading fines and costs
20 June 2000
Commerce Commission action against misleading claims by furniture retailers has continued with the Auckland District Court ordering Panmure Furniture City 1983 Limited to pay an $8,000 fine plus $2,000 solicitor's costs.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears INL to acquire fishing publication
16 June 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Independent News Auckland Limited (INL) to acquire certain assets comprising the magazine New Zealand Fisherman.Relates to:
More Commission action against oil companies: Mobil and Caltex misleading advertising of petrol prices
15 June 2000
The Commerce Commission has warned Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited and Caltex New Zealand Limited to take urgent steps to ensure that they do not make misleading claims about petrol prices, or they will face prosecution under the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Clarification of media release 2000/50 More Commission action against oil companies
15 June 2000
The Commerce Commission has issued this clarification to explain in more detail why the Omarama Service Station was charging more for Mobil petrol at its pumps than was advertised on the roadside sign.Relates to: Fair Trading
New Plymouth Security Firm and Company Director Fined $11,000
7 June 2000
KRK Holdings Limited and its sole director and shareholder, Koshik Kanji, were fined a total of $11,000 in the New Plymouth District Court today. They admitted making false claims that security guards would attend rural Taranaki properties if home burglar alarms were activated. They also admitted offering gifts that they told prospective customers were worth $75 while promoting the sale of the FAI Alarm systems. The real value of the gifts was not more than $30.Relates to: Fair Trading
May 2000
Commission clears BP to acquire Castrol
26 May 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared BP Oil New Zealand Limited to acquire Burmah Castrol NZ Limited.Relates to:
More action on fine print: Cellphone Accessories fined $6,000
24 May 2000
Commerce Commission action against fine print continued today, with the North Shore District Court fining Cellphone Accessories Mail Order Service Limited $6,000 for making false or misleading claims about prices.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission authorises TeamTalk to acquire Telecom's mobile radio business
15 May 2000
The Commerce Commission today authorised TeamTalk Limited to acquire Telecom New Zealand Limited's trunked mobile radio (TMR) business, which trades under the name "Fleetlink".Relates to:
High Court finds Carter Holt breached Commerce Act by below cost pricing against New Wool Products Ltd insulation
14 May 2000
The High Court at Auckland has found that the manufacturer of "Pink Batts" fibreglass insulation, Carter Holt Harvey Building Products Group Limited (Carter Holt), contravened the Commerce Act when it used its market dominance for the purpose of preventing or deterring Nelson-based company, New Wool Products Limited from competing with it.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission clears CBA to merge with Colonial
11 May 2000
The Commerce Commission has cleared the merger of the New Zealand businesses of Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group (CBA) with those of Colonial Limited.Relates to:
Shell admits misleading advertising of petrol prices: fined 10,000
10 May 2000
The Wellington District Court today fined Shell New Zealand Limited $10,000 after it admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act by making misleading claims about the price of petrol at its Franz Josef petrol station.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears NZI and State Insurance to merge
9 May 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared two of New Zealand's largest general insurance companies, New Zealand Insurance Limited (NZI) and State Insurance Limited, to merge.Relates to:
BP seeks clearance to acquire Castrol
8 May 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from BP Oil New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire Burmah Castrol NZ Limited.Relates to:
Commission warning to Auckland lawyer is a message to all lawyers: know the law before giving advice
7 May 2000
A Commerce Commission warning to an Auckland lawyer should be seen as a message to all lawyers: know the law before giving advice to clients.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission holds TeamTalk/Telecom conference tomorrow
2 May 2000
The Commerce Commission will hold a conference to consider TeamTalk Limited's application for authorisation to acquire Telecom New Zealand Limited's trunked mobile radio business, Fleetlink, tomorrow (Wednesday, May 3).Relates to:
Third Fair Trading Act prosecution of furniture retailer in a month:
1 May 2000
The Commerce Commission's prosecution of Waitemata Backcare Beds and Waterbeds Limited highlights one of the main concerns the Commission has about furniture retailing: "interest free" offers must be the same as the cash price.Relates to: Fair Trading
April 2000
Second major finance industry application: CBA applies for clearance to acquire Colonial's NZ businesses
27 April 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group (CBA) for clearance to merge the New Zealand businesses of itself and Colonial Limited.Relates to:
Cordless telephone distributors were price fixing: all distribution agreements must comply with Commerce Act
23 April 2000
Acknowledgment by cordless phone distributor, Vtech Distributors Limited, and another distributor that they were price fixing is a warning to all business sectors: competitors must not use distribution agreements to set prices.Relates to: Business Competition
First exemption for individual: Commission exempts Joan Withers from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
17 April 2000
The Commerce Commission has granted its first Electricity Industry Reform Act exemption to an individual Ms Joan Withers has been exempted from the cross-ownership rules of the Act.Relates to: Electricity
Commission exempts Tranz Rail from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
14 April 2000
The Commerce Commission today exempted Tranz Rail Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries from the application of the cross-ownership rules of the Electricity Industry Reform Act.Relates to: Electricity
Ihug agrees that its advertising of Internet service and PC package was liable to mislead the public about prices
14 April 2000
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, The Internet Group Limited, which trades as Ihug, has agreed that some of its advertising was contrary to the Fair Trading Act and other advertisements were liable to mislead the public and risked breaching the Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Another retailer makes misleading furniture claims: Hazelwoods fined $15,000
11 April 2000
Fines against companies associated with the North South Furnishings Group Limited now total $23,000 after the Upper Hutt District Court today fined Hazelwoods Home Traders Limited $15,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act by making false or misleading claims about furniture.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission may develop new business acquisitions processes: could work closely with business to do so
10 April 2000
The Commerce Commission will work closely with business groups if, as it appears likely, it develops new processes for handling business acquisitions.Relates to:
NZI and State apply for clearance to merge
6 April 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application for clearance to merge two of New Zealand's biggest insurance companies, New Zealand Insurance Limited (NZI) and State Insurance Limited.Relates to:
Polarcup (NZ) Limited applies for clearance to acquire CHH's plastic packaging business
4 April 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Polarcup (NZ) Limited to acquire Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) New Zealand and Australian plastic packaging business.Relates to:
Commission clears EFG Services Limited to acquire cork supplier
4 April 2000
The Commerce Commission has cleared EFG Services Limited, to acquire brewing and winemaking supplies distributor, Carter & Associates (1995) Limited.Relates to:
March 2000
What you see is not what you get and
31 March 2000
The first court case resulting from the Commerce Commission's crack down on false or misleading claims by furniture retailers ended today with the Napier District Court fining retailer Furniture Now Limited $8,000.Relates to: Fair Trading
Unicorn Trading fined after not honouring settlement with Commerce Commission
30 March 2000
Failing to honour an earlier settlement with the Commerce Commission led to husband and wife Seung Ho Ahn and Choon Hee Ahn being prosecuted and fined $2,000 in the Auckland District Court yesterday afternoon.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission's preliminary view: it would authorise TeamTalk to acquire Telecom's mobile radio business
24 March 2000
The Commerce Commission gave its preliminary view today that, based on information currently available, it would authorise TeamTalk Limited to acquire Telecom New Zealand Limited's trunked mobile radio business, which trades under the name "Fleetlink".Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission clears NZSI to acquire BIL's 50 percent of Sealord
23 March 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared New Zealand Seafood Investments Limited (NZSI) to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Basuto Investments Limited, which is owned by Brierley Investments Limited (BIL). Basuto owns 50 percent of the shares in Sealord Group Limited.Relates to:
More work needed to give domestic gas consumers choice
22 March 2000
Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave said today that, since deregulation, competition has developed in the gas wholesale market and in retailing of gas to industrial and commercial users, but is developing more slowly in retailing to residential users.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission clears NGC to acquire TransAlta subject to divestment
17 March 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited (NGC) to acquire a 75.8% shareholding in TransAlta New Zealand Limited, subject to NGC's parent company, The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL), divesting its gas distribution system in the Hutt Valley and Porirua area (Hutt/Mana), by 1 October 2001.Relates to:
Commission again declines to clear Medical Waste Group to acquire San-I-Pak
16 March 2000
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Medical Waste Group Limited's second application to acquire the business of San-I-Pak (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Commission's role to be impartial, not popular
13 March 2000
Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave said that the Commission doing its job effectively can mean making unpopular decisions.Relates to:
Commission publishes draft leniency policy; seeks public comment
7 March 2000
When should the Commerce Commission show leniency to a "whistleblower"?Relates to:
New Zealand Seafood Investments seeks clearance to acquire BIL's 50 percent of Sealord
7 March 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from New Zealand Seafood Investments Limited (NZSIL) to acquire the 50 percent of Sealord Group Limited currently owned by Brierley Investments Limited (BIL).Relates to:
February 2000
Commission clears Pacific Dunlop to acquire underwear and hosiery businesses and assets
29 February 2000
The Commerce Commission today cleared Pacific Dunlop Holdings (NZ) Limited to acquire certain assets and businesses of LWR Hosiery and Underwear Limited (LWR) and R&WH Symington Limited.Relates to:
Commission exempts AmTrust's property activities from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
25 February 2000
The Commerce Commission has given an exemption under section 81 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act (the EIR Act) to AmTrust Pacific Limited (AmTrust) and certain other New Zealand subsidiaries of AmTrust which are involved with property investment activities in New Zealand. The exemption is from the application of certain sections of the EIR Act for specified property investment and management activities which relate to AmTrust.Relates to: Electricity
TeamTalk makes second application to acquire Telecom's mobile radio business
21 February 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from TeamTalk Limited for authorisation to acquire Telecom New Zealand Limited's mobile radio business, Fleetlink.Relates to: Telecommunications
Caltex, Mobil and Shell were price fixing: High Court imposes $1.175 million penalties
15 February 2000
The Auckland High Court today ordered Caltex New Zealand Limited, Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited and Shell New Zealand Limited to pay penalties totalling $1.175 million for breaching the Commerce Act by price fixing.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission receives clearance application from underwear manufacturer
10 February 2000
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Pacific Dunlop Holdings (NZ) Limited for clearance to acquire certain business assets from LWR Hosiery and Underwear Limited and R&WH Symington Limited.Relates to:
Spotlight fined $7,500 for misleading sale promotion
9 February 2000
The Auckland District Court today fined Spotlight Stores New Zealand Limited $7,500 for misleading customers about savings available during promotions in its Christchurch store in October, November and December 1998.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission believes many car dealers increase prices for "sales" and trade-in promotions
3 February 2000
As part of the Commerce Commission's action against false or misleading claims about cars, the Commission is highlighting what it believes is a common practice among car dealers increasing prices for "sale" and trade-in promotions, and making false or misleading claims about reductions.Relates to: Fair Trading
January 2000
Commerce Commission briefing papernew challenges and major cases
31 January 2000
The Commerce Commission's briefing paper to the new Government was one of a number of briefing papers publicly released on Friday by the Acting Minister of Commerce, Trevor Mallard.Relates to:
NGC applies for clearance to acquire TransAlta
26 January 2000
The Commerce Commission today registered an application from Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Limited (NGC) to acquire TransAlta New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
Commission declines to clear Medical Waste Group to acquire San-I-Pak
24 January 2000
The Commerce Commission has declined to clear Medical Waste Group Limited to acquire the business of San-I-Pak (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Important Fair Trading Act precedents: partners can be criminally liable for each other's actions; silence can mislead
19 January 2000
Criminal convictions of Dianne Stephanie Burton and Brian Charles Carson as the partners who ran Folio Model and Talent Management have set important precedents for all partnerships a partner can be criminally liable under the Fair Trading Act for the actions of other partners.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission supports liquor accord, gives warning to help those involved comply with the Commerce Act
18 January 2000
The Auckland City Downtown Liquor Accord has been amended after a Commerce Commission warning that the original proposal could have put the hotels, cafes, and restaurants that had joined the Accord, at risk of breaching the Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission has big concerns about car dealers' false or misleading claims, more prosecutions to come
4 January 2000
The Commerce Commission is very concerned that car dealers continue to make false or misleading claims, and will take more prosecutions for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
