December 2001
Most challenging period ahead for Commerce Commission: major work underway
28 December 2001
"Preparatory work by the Commission over the last 12 months has laid the foundations for the new regulatory and enforcement responsibilities the Commission has within several of New Zealand's most significant markets - electricity, telecommunications and dairy."Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases its decision on TelstraSaturn: www.comcom.govt.nz
24 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has released the public copy of its decision to clear TelstraSaturn Limited to acquire CLEAR Communications Limited.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission receives authorisation application from Pharmacy Guild
21 December 2001
The Pharmacy Guild, on behalf of its 700+ members, has applied to the Commerce Commission for authorisation for it to enter into arrangements with the Ministry of Health, on behalf of the District Health Boards, or the DHBs themselves.Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from Mainland Products to acquire Southern Fresh
21 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Mainland Products Limited, and any of its interconnected corporate bodies to acquire up to 100% of shares or assets of the Southern Fresh Milk Company Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases draft discussion paper on its role within the Telecommunications Act 2001
21 December 2001
The Commerce Commission today released for external comment a draft discussion paper on its role within the Telecommunications Act 2001.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission releases its decision on Dunedin Electricity
21 December 2001
The Commerce Commission today released the public copy of its decision to clear Dunedin Electricity Limited to acquire Otago Power Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission releases its Progressive decision
21 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has released the public copy of its decision to decline Progressive Enterprises Limited from acquiring Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission offices reopen January 3
21 December 2001
Commerce Commission offices will close to the public at mid-day on Monday, 24 December.Relates to:
Trader agrees to recall bicycles that do not comply with safety regulations.
21 December 2001
King Cargo Limited, an itinerant trader currently trading in Masterton and possibly Levin, will be recalling Trans brand BMX and mountain bikes as a result of a Commerce Commission investigation.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission appoints consultants to assist with new telecommunications responsibilities
20 December 2001
The Commerce Commission's preparation for its new responsibilities within the Telecommunications Act 2001 moves forward with the appointment of consultants to assist with four major projects.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission declines Stagecoach application to acquire Tranz Metro (Wellington)
19 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has declined New Zealand Bus Limited, commonly known in the Wellington region as Stagecoach, to be a 50% shareholder in a joint venture with Wellington Regional Council to acquire 100% of the assets of Tranz Metro (Wellington).Relates to: Business Competition
Ascot Hospital cleared to acquire Mercy Hospital
14 December 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Ascot Hospital and Clinics Limited to acquire the assets or shares currently owned by Mercy Hospital Auckland Limited.Relates to:
Commission outlines its role in the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001
14 December 2001
The Commerce Commission today published on its website a document outlining its role within the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001.Relates to:
Defunct computer retailer Gateway pleads guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act: fined $21,000
14 December 2001
A second conviction for false and misleading advertising has cost defunct computer retailer Gateway New Zealand Limited $21,000 in the Auckland District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Johnson Wax applies to the Commerce Commission for clearance to acquire a subsidiary of Unilever New Zealand
14 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application S.C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire the shares and/or business of DiverseyLever New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission declines Progressive application
13 December 2001
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Progressive Enterprises Limited to acquire Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from Paloma Industries to acquire Southcorp
11 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Paloma Industries Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary NZ Water Heater Company Limited, to acquire 100% of the water heaters and heating elements business of Southcorp Water Heaters NZ Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission receives clearance application from Port of Tauranga to acquire Owens
11 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Port of Tauranga Limited (PTL) for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire 100% of the assets or shares of Owens Services BOP Limited (Owens).Relates to:
Electricity Governance Board Limited applies to Commerce Commission for authorisation
11 December 2001
The Electricity Governance Board Limited has applied to the Commerce Commission for authorisation of proposed arrangements that will combine three existing market arrangements into a single rulebook, which will restructure the basis under which electricity is traded between participants in the electricity industry.Relates to: Business Competition
TelstraSaturn receives Commerce Commission clearance
7 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Telstra Corporation Limited or TelstraSaturn Limited to acquire the share capital of CLEAR Communications Limited or the business conducted by CLEAR.Relates to: Telecommunications
Mico Wakefield receives Commerce Commission clearance
6 December 2001
Mico Wakefield has today received Commerce Commission clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire up to 100% of the assets or shares of MasterTrade Limited.Relates to:
Commission releases issues paper on asset recalibration
6 December 2001
Twenty-nine large electricity line owners will today receive a paper from the Commerce Commission outlining a number of significant issues identified by the Commission during recent audits of line companies' ODV valuation reports.Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission clears Dunedin Electricity
6 December 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Dunedin Electricity Limited to acquire the business and assets of Otago Power Limited. The Commerce Commission today cleared Dunedin Electricity Limited to acquire the business and assets of Otago Power Limited.Relates to:
Wilson and Horton receives Commerce Commission
6 December 2001
The Commerce Commission has given clearance under the Commerce Act to Wilson & Horton Limited to acquire all of the assets of Powerplant Productions Limited relating to "The Havelock North Village Press" newspaper business.Relates to:
November 2001
Non disclosure in advertising costs Repco $5,500
29 November 2001
Non disclosure of a daily fee and failing to mention that the advertised cell-phones were second hand has cost Pacific Dunlop Holdings Limited, trading as Repco, $5,500 in the Auckland District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Stagecoach applies to acquire Tranz Metro (Wellington)
29 November 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from New Zealand Bus Limited, commonly known in the Wellington region as Stagecoach, for clearance under the Commerce Act to be a 50% shareholder in a joint venture with Wellington Regional Council to acquire 100% of the assets of Tranz Metro (Wellington).Relates to: Business Competition
New Zealanders advised to review all direct debits with travel club Crownstar International (NZ) Limited
24 November 2001
The Commerce Commission strongly advises New Zealanders who have direct debit contracts with Auckland based travel club company Crownstar International (NZ) Limited to review their contractual arrangements as the company's activities may be in breach of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Dunedin Electricity Limited applies for clearance to acquire Otago Power Limited
22 November 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Dunedin Electricity Limited for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire the business and assets of Otago Power Limited, including the assets of its wholly owned subsidiary Otago Power Services Limited.Relates to:
Mico Wakefield applies to the Commerce Commission
20 November 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Mico Wakefield Limited for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire up to 100% of the assets or shares of MasterTrade Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Wilson & Horton applies to the Commerce Commission
20 November 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Wilson & Horton Limited for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire all of the assets of Powerplant Productions Limited relating to "The Havelock North Village Press" newspaper business.Relates to: Business Competition
New Zealand Breweries admits breach of Fair Trading Act over Speight's beer labels
18 November 2001
New Zealand Breweries Limited today acknowledged that wording on its 330ml bottles, cans, and packaging of Speight's Gold Medal Ale beer was in breach of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Orewa real estate agent pleads guilty to the misleading use of photographs to sell a property
16 November 2001
The use of misleading photographs in its promotion of a property for sale has cost Orewa real estate agent Olsen and Everson Ltd, trading as Olsen-Everson, $2,750 in the North Shore District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission receives clearance application from Ascot Hospital
15 November 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Ascot Hospital and Clinics Limited for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire assets or shares currently owned by Mercy Hospital Auckland Limited, excluding the St Joseph's Mercy Hospice.Relates to:
Telstra Saturn applies to the Commerce Commission to acquire Clear Communications
15 November 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from TelstraSaturn Limited for clearance under the Commerce Act to acquire all of the assets of Clear Communications Limited.Relates to:
Not so "free" internet service costs Clear Communications $15,000
9 November 2001
Claims that were liable to mislead consumers over its "free" internet service have cost Clear Communications $15,000 in the North Shore District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Court of Appeal upholds Commerce Act breach by Carter Holt Harvey
9 November 2001
The Court of Appeal upheld a High Court judgment that Carter Holt Harvey Building Products Group Limited breached the Commerce Act by trying to deter competition from a small Nelson company, New Wool Products Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Misleading claims over its success at auctions costs Harveys Estate Agents $3,000
7 November 2001
Misleading the public over its success with auctions recently cost John Coxhead Realty Limited, trading as Harveys Estate Agents-Auctioneers, $3,000 in the Morrinsville District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Airport price control report to be finalised in 2002
2 November 2001
The Commerce Commission will finalise its report on airport price control in the second quarter of 2002.Relates to: Airports
October 2001
Commission clears Shell Overseas Holdings to purchase rights to the TAWN Deep
26 October 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Shell Overseas Holdings Limited to purchase up to 100% of the assets and interests associated with the formations below the existing TAWN oil and gas production fields in Taranaki, known as the TAWN Deep.Relates to:
Appointment of Deputy Chairperson
24 October 2001
Commerce Minister Paul Swain today announced the appointment of Paula Rebstock as Deputy Chair of the Commerce Commission for a four-year term commencing 1 October 2001.Relates to:
Commission receives clearance application from Progressive
24 October 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Progressive Enterprises Limited to acquire all the shares in Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears United Environmental Limited to acquire Solvent Services Limited
12 October 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared United Environmental Limited to acquire those assets of Solvent Services Limited which relate to the disposal and recycling of solvents and the supply of recycled solvents.Relates to:
Acknowledgement of a breach ends in Commerce Commission settlement for DB Breweries
12 October 2001
DB Breweries' unequivocal acknowledgement that it breached the Fair Trading Act over mislabelling on its beer products and its immediate response to correct the breach were significant factors in the Commerce Commission's decision to settle with the Auckland-based brewing company.Relates to: Fair Trading
Rental car companies pay the price formisleading advertising in the Yellow Pages
4 October 2001
Misleading advertising in the yellow pages has cost two Christchurch based rental car companies a total of $9,000 in the Christchurch District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Responsibility lies with all businesses
2 October 2001
A message to all businesses: You are responsible for the actions of your staff, which includes employees, agents and contractors, says Commerce Commission's Fair Trading Director Deb Battell.Relates to: Fair Trading
September 2001
Substantial untruths told in advertising:Quantum Prestige Limited fined $17,500
14 September 2001
A "substantial untruth was contained in all the advertising" offered as evidence against Quantum Prestige Limited said Judge Doogue in the Auckland District Court today.Relates to: Fair Trading
Submissions sought on valuations of large electricity line companies
12 September 2001
The Commerce Commission has today advertised nationwide seeking submissions on the valuations of large electricity line companies.Relates to: Electricity
Commission issues RFPs on new telecommunications regime
11 September 2001
The Commerce Commission has issued four requests for proposals (RFP) seeking responses from industry experts to assist with its new functions under the proposed telecommunications regime.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission concerned about industry reputation: Sails Realty Limited prosecuted
11 September 2001
Misleading information has the potential to bring any industry into disrepute and the Commerce Commission is concerned the actions of a few could cost the entire Real Estate industry over time.Relates to: Fair Trading
When is a scallop not a scallop?
7 September 2001
Consumers must be able to rely on food labels and packaging says the Commerce Commission after today's prosecution of Browns of Barrington Ltd in the Christchurch District Court.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission holds Airports Conference in Wellington on 3 - 14 September 2001
3 September 2001
The Commerce Commission conference to hear submissions on its draft report (released 3 July 2001) regarding the price control study of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports will be held at the Overseas Terminal in Wellington on 3rd to 14th September 2001.Relates to: Airports
August 2001
Commission clears Canterbury Meat Packers to acquire the Phoenix Meat Company
31 August 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared the meat processing company Canterbury Meat Packers Limited to acquire Phoenix Meat Company Limited.Relates to:
Commission receives clearance application from United Environmental Limited
30 August 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application under the recently amended Commerce Act from United Environmental Limited (United) for clearance to acquire all of the assets of Solvent Services Limited (Solvent).Relates to:
Airport price control submissions posted on Commerce Commission website
17 August 2001
The 16 submissions received by the Commerce Commission on its draft report of the price control study of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports have been posted onto the Commission's website.Relates to: Airports
Commerce Commission makes progress on regulation of electricity lines
14 August 2001
Speaking to the Electricity Industry Reform Conference in Wellington today, Commission Chair John Belgrave outlined progress made by the Commission on the electricity lines regulations.Relates to: Electricity
Commission receives clearance application from Canterbury Meat Packers Limited
13 August 2001
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Commission releases Progressive/Woolworths decision
1 August 2001
The Commerce Commission has released the public copy of its decision to clear Progressive Enterprises Limited to acquire Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited, subject to divestment of supermarkets in Birkenhead and Te Awamutu.Relates to:
July 2001
Important precedent for retailers and distributors: High Court finds that novelty containers can be toys —toy safety standard can apply to them
30 July 2001
A recent Dunedin High Court decision has set an important precedent for retailers and distributors: novelty containers can be toys and the product safety standard for toys can apply to them.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission's first business acquisition decision under substantial lessening test: PMI cleared to acquire CGU
30 July 2001
The Commerce Commission today made its first business acquisition decision using the substantial lessening of competition (SLC) test under the amended Commerce Act.Relates to:
Last business acquisition decision under dominance test: Commission clears Lowe Corp to acquire Colyer Mair
27 July 2001
The Commerce Commission today made its last business acquisition decision using the dominance test that had been in force until the Commerce Act was amended.Relates to:
John Monk Trading fined $12,000 for importing more than 1,500 dangerous toys
24 July 2001
The Christchurch District Court today fined John Monk Trading Co Limited $12,000 for importing 1,512 babies' rattles that were a choking hazard to young children.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Progessive Enterprises to acquire Woolworths
13 July 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Progessive Enterprises to acquire all the shares in Wooloworths (New Zealand) Limited. The clearance was subject to divestments of supermarkets in the Birkenhead (North Shore, Auckland) and Te Awamutu areas.Relates to:
Commission to decide on Progressive's proposed acquisition of Woolworths on July 13
6 July 2001
The Commerce Commission is now due to make its decision on Progressive Enterprises Limited's application for clearance to acquire Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited on July 13.Relates to:
Commission clears CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership, subject to divestment
5 July 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership, subject to CHH divesting specified forestry assets.Relates to:
Commission preliminary view that it would recommend price controls on airfield activities at Auckland Airport
3 July 2001
In a draft report released today, the Commerce Commission indicated that it would recommend that price controls be imposed on airfield activities at Auckland International Airport.Relates to: Airports
Commission investigates first business acquisition application under amended Commerce Act: PMI / CGU
3 July 2001
The Commerce Commission is investigating the first application for clearance of a business acquisition under the amended Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
June 2001
Commission to decide on CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership on July 5
29 June 2001
The Commerce Commission is now due to make its decision on Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership on July 5.Relates to:
Commission clears Howard Smith to acquire business group from OPSM Protector Limited
28 June 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Howard Smith Limited to acquire OPSM Protector Limited's Protector Supply Group.Relates to:
Commission clears Computershare Registry Services to acquire BT Portfolio Services
28 June 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Computershare Registry Services Limited to acquire all the shares or assets of BT Portfolio Services (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears Caltex to acquire Challenge, subject to divestment of some petrol stations
28 June 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Caltex New Zealand Limited to acquire up to 100 percent of the shares in Challenge Petroleum Limited, subject to Caltex divesting some petrol stations.Relates to:
High Court upholds Commission's approach to amended Commerce Act
27 June 2001
The Auckland High Court today released a decision that the Commerce Commission should apply the dominance test to applications for clearance of business acquisitions received before May 26.Relates to:
Commission delays business acquisition decisions until after High Court decision next week
22 June 2001
The Commerce Commission will not issue any pending business acquisition clearance decisions until after it has had the opportunity to consider the judgment of the Auckland High Court, to be released next week.Relates to:
Commission to decide on CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership on June 29
21 June 2001
The Commerce Commission is now due to make its decision on Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership on June 29.Relates to:
Commission to decide on CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership on June 21
15 June 2001
The Commerce Commission is due to make its decision on Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership on June 21.Relates to:
Commerce Commission outlines challenges in new telecommunications regulatory regime
12 June 2001
Speaking to a Telecommunications Industry Reform conference in Wellington today, the Chair of the Commerce Commission, John Belgrave highlighted the potential challenges the Commission and the Telecommunications Commissioner will face once functions under the Telecommunications Bill are enacted. The Bill is presently before the Commerce Select committee. Once enacted, the functions of the regime may include:Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission clears NGC to acquire AGL's Hutt Valley and Mana gas network
8 June 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Natural Gas Corporation Holdings Ltd (NGC) to acquire the Hutt/Mana gas distribution network from its parent, AGL NZ Energy Ltd.Relates to:
Commission clears joint venture to acquire wool assets from Merino NZ and Wrightson
7 June 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared a yet to be formed joint venture company, currently known as "NewCo", to acquire specified merino wool assets from Merino New Zealand Limited and Wrightson Limited.Relates to:
Commission to decide on CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership on June 15
7 June 2001
The Commerce Commission is due to make its decision on Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership on June 15.Relates to:
Commission's draft report on airport price controls now due on June 29
7 June 2001
The Commerce Commission is now due to issue its draft report recommending whether price controls should be introduced on airfield activities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports on June 29.Relates to: Airports
May 2001
Commission clears Fletcher Building to acquire CHH Doors
31 May 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Fletcher Building Products Limited to acquire the assets, relating to the manufacture of wooden doors, of Carter Holt Harvey Limited's division Carter Holt Harvey Doors (CHH Doors).Relates to:
Commission clears NPIL to acquire Rayonier MDF
31 May 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Nelson Pine Industries Limited (NPIL) to acquire Rayonier MDF New Zealand, which is Rayonier's medium density fibreboard plant at Mataura.Relates to:
Signature Security Systems fined $10,500 for misleading advertising in Yellow Pages
30 May 2001
The Christchurch District Court today fined one of the country's biggest security firms, Signature Security Systems Limited, $10,500 for making misleading claims about the cost of its monitored alarms.Relates to: Fair Trading
Highest number of business acquisition clearance applications in 10 years; dates for decisions
30 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has 11 applications for clearance of business acquisitions on hand. This is the highest number in the last 10 years.Relates to:
Third car dealer fined under Fair Trading Act in nine days: ABC Motor Group fined $13,500
30 May 2001
When the Auckland District Court fined ABC Motor Group Limited $13,500 today, it was the third car dealer fined in nine days for breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases guidance on business acquisitions
28 May 2001
The Commerce Commission is circulating a Practice Note to explain its approach to the changed threshold for business acquisitions under the amendments to section 47 of the Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
Progressive applies for clearance to acquire Woolworths
25 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Progressive Enterprises Limited to acquire all the shares in Woolworths (New Zealand) Limited.Relates to:
Computershare applies for clearance to acquire BT Portfolio Services
24 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Computershare Registry Services Limited to acquire all the shares or assets of BT Portfolio Services (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Caltex seeks clearance to acquire Challenge
23 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Caltex New Zealand Limited to acquire up to 100 percent of the shares in Challenge Petroleum Limited (CPL).Relates to:
Howard Smith applies for clearance to acquire business group from OPSM Protector
21 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Howard Smith Limited to acquire OPSM Protector Limited's Protector Supply Group.Relates to:
$14,000 in fines for Ford dealers set Fair Trading precedents for newspaper, magazine and other print advertising
21 May 2001
"The Commerce Commission's view, that newspaper, magazine and other print advertising cannot use small print to correct a misleading claim, had not previously been tested in court," said Commission Chair John Belgrave. "All previous convictions had involved either guilty pleas or television advertising.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission declines to clear Mainland to acquire Southern Fresh
18 May 2001
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Mainland Products Limited to acquire Southern Fresh Milk Company Limited.Relates to:
Lowe Corporation applies for clearance to acquire Colyer Mair
18 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Lowe Corporation Limited to acquire 100 percent of the shares in Colyer Mair Limited.Relates to:
Clearance sought to form Merino NZ and Wrightson joint venture company
17 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application for a yet to be formed joint venture company to acquire specified merino wool assets from Merino New Zealand Limited and Wrightson Limited.Relates to:
Commission to decide on CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership on May 30
16 May 2001
The Commerce Commission is now due to make its decision on Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership on May 30.Relates to:
Harvey Norman fined $7,500 for misleading claims about computer screens: advertisers must understand technical terms that they use
11 May 2001
The conviction and fining of Harvey Norman Stores (NZ) Pty Limited in the Manukau District Court today is a warning to all advertisers who use technical terms: they must understand what the terms mean.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears McCain to acquire Heinz Wattie's Feilding potato and vegetable processing factory
11 May 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared McCain Foods (NZ) Limited to acquire Heinz Wattie's Limited's potato and vegetable processing factory at Feilding.Relates to:
NGC applies for clearance to acquire Hutt/Mana gas network
10 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Natural Gas Corporation (NGC) for clearance to acquire the gas network in the Hutt Valley, Tawa and Porirua areas currently owned by AGL NZ Energy. NGC is 66 percent owned by AGL.Relates to:
Commerce Commission will visit stores to check cots
9 May 2001
Commerce Commission staff will be visiting shops today to check that cots are not dangerous to infants.Relates to: Fair Trading
A warning: Commerce Commission follows up all settlements; Redpath International fined $5,0
8 May 2001
Not honouring a settlement with the Commerce Commission has led to furniture retailer Redpath International Limited being fined $5,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Two wood industry clearance applications:
7 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has received two separate applications for clearance of business acquisitions in the wood products industry.Relates to:
Commission starts court action against British American Tobacco over merger
4 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has commenced court action against British American Tobacco Holdings (NZ) Limited (BAT) alleging that the acquisition by BAT of WD & HO Wills (New Zealand) Limited (Wills NZ) in 1999 contravened section 47 of the Commerce Act.Relates to:
Kupe gas field case discontinued
1 May 2001
The Commerce Commission has today discontinued its proceedings against Fletcher Challenge Limited, Fletcher Challenge Energy Limited, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand and Genesis Power Limited in relation to the Kupe gas field following the conclusion of a confidential settlement between the parties.Relates to: Business Competition
April 2001
Commission receives five submissions on airports price control critical issues paper
30 April 2001
The Commission's Commerce Act Manger, Geoff Thorn, said that copies of all the submissions will be available from the Commission's website, http://www.comcom.govt.nz/price[/price], within a few days.Relates to: Airports
Commission clears Steel and Tube to acquire Fletcher Steel
27 April 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Steel and Tube Holdings Limited to acquire Fletcher Steel Limited.Relates to:
Mainland applies for clearance to acquire Southern Fresh
19 April 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Mainland Products Limited for clearance to acquire Southern Fresh Milk Company Limited.Relates to:
McCain applies for clearance to acquire Heinz Wattie's Feilding factory
18 April 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from McCain Foods (NZ) Limited to acquire Heinz Wattie's Limited's potato and vegetable processing factory at Feilding.Relates to:
Vodafone refunds $35,000: message to all advertisers, inadvertently breaching Fair Trading Act is not a defence
18 April 2001
Responding to a Commerce Commission investigation, Vodafone New Zealand Limited has refunded a total of $35,000 to customers that it had overcharged for cellphone text messages.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission to decide on CHH's proposed acquisition of Central North Island Forest Partnership on May 16
12 April 2001
The Commerce Commission will make its decision on Carter Holt Harvey Limited's (CHH) application for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership on May 16.Relates to:
Kmart and Atlas Imports offer refunds for misleading claims about "genuine" leather belts: possible industry-wide problem
10 April 2001
As part of a settlement with the Commerce Commission, Coles Myer New Zealand Holdings Limited, which trades as Kmart New Zealand, and Atlas Imports Pty Limited today offered refunds and started corrective advertising for making misleading claims that six styles of men's belts were "leather" or "genuine leather".Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears merger of New Zealand's two major cinema advertising companies
6 April 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared of a business acquisition that would merge New Zealand's two major cinema advertising services companies, Television and Media Services Limited (TMS) Media Entertainment Group Limited (MEG).Relates to:
Mitre 10 fined $13,500 for false claims about prices: warning to all chain stores about prices in branches
5 April 2001
Distributing more than a million copies of a booklet that included false claims about prices led to Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Limited being fined $13,500 in the Auckland District Court today.Relates to: Fair Trading
Steel & Tube applies for clearance to acquire Fletcher Steel
5 April 2001
The Commerce Commission today received an application from Steel & Tube Holdings Limited to acquire Fletcher Steel Limited.Relates to:
Ophthalmologists trial set down for February 2002
4 April 2001
The Commerce Commission's case against the Ophthalmological Society of New Zealand and five individual ophthalmologists will go to trial in February next year.Relates to: Business Competition
March 2001
CHH applies for clearance to acquire Central North Island Forest Partnership
30 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) for clearance to acquire the Central North Island Forest Partnership (CNIFP).Relates to:
Shanton factory store admits "no refund" sign breached Fair Trading Act: warning to all factory stores
27 March 2001
An admission by Shanton Apparel (NZ) Limited that the "no refund" sign at its "factory" store breached the Fair Trading Act is a timely warning to all factory stores that they must offer consumers refunds for faulty goods.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears CHH to acquire Tasman Mill from Norske
21 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) to acquire the kraft pulp processing assets of Norske Skogindustrier ASA at the Tasman Mill.Relates to:
Commission clears Fletcher Steel to acquire Steel and Tube
21 March 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Fletcher Steel Limited to acquire all the shares in Steel and Tube Holdings Limited.Relates to:
Commission publishes revised and updated critical issues paper for price control study of airports
16 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has released a paper detailing what it considers to be the critical issues for its price control study of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports. The paper is a revised and updated version of an earlier paper released 2 July 1999.Relates to: Airports
Commission clears Telecom to acquire radio frequency rights
15 March 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared Telecom to acquire the management rights and licences for which it was the successful bidder in the recent auction of radio frequency spectrum.Relates to: Telecommunications
Thousands of dozens of "free range" eggs were from battery hens: Weedons Poultry Farm fined $35,000
15 March 2001
Misleading claims that eggs were "free range", when they really came from battery hens kept in cages, cost Weedons Poultry Farm a $35,000 fine in the Christchurch District Court today.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission Clears Pacific Dunlop to Acquire Sara Lee Apparel Assets
14 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Pacific Dunlop Holdings (NZ) Limited to acquire certain assets from Sara Lee Apparel (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Commerce Commission committed to consultation on changes in responsibilities
12 March 2001
Proposed changes to the Commerce Commission's responsibilities will impact across the economy. The Commission is committed to wide ranging consultation about how it will implement these changes.Relates to: Telecommunications
Clearance sought to merge New Zealands two major cinema advertising companies
9 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application for clearance of a business acquisition that would merge the only two major cinema advertising services companies in the country.Relates to:
Telecom applies for clearance to acquire spectrum rights
5 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Telecom New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire the management rights and licences that it successfully bid for in the recent auction of radio frequency spectrum.Relates to:
Commission's first enforcement action under Electricity Industry Reform Act
2 March 2001
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, Mr John Sax and Mrs Alma Sax have acknowledged that as simultaneous owners and directors of companies that are electricity lines and electricity supply businesses they may have breached the Electricity Industry Reform Act.Relates to: Electricity
Pacific Dunlop applies for clearance to acquire Sara Lee Apparel
2 March 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Pacific Dunlop Holdings (NZ) Limited for clearance to acquire Sara Lee Apparel (NZ) Limited's New Zealand assets.Relates to:
Third promoter prosecuted over "World Net" pyramid selling scheme, more prosecutions pending
2 March 2001
Commerce Commission action against the World Net pyramid selling scheme has continued with the Auckland District Court fining Gregory Paul Williamson $4,000 for promoting the scheme.Relates to: Fair Trading
Distributor admits that Powermax magnetic water conditioner had no effect on bacteria and parasites
1 March 2001
The distributor of the Powermax magnetic water conditioner, Julian's Electrical & Energy Conservation Limited, has admitted in the New Plymouth High Court that Powermax does not and cannot eliminate bacteria and parasites from water.Relates to: Fair Trading
February 2001
Commission clears Armourguard to acquire Group 4
23 February 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Armourguard Security Limited to acquire all of the shares in Inacro Limited, which owns Group 4 Security (NZ) Limited.Relates to:
Fletcher Steel applies again for clearance to acquire Steel and Tube
16 February 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Fletcher Steel Limited for clearance to acquire all the shares in Steel and Tube Holdings Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears P&O Cold Logistics to acquire some of Eskimo Logistics assets
16 February 2001
The Commerce Commission today cleared P&O Cold Logistics (NZ) Limited to acquire the refrigerated warehousing assets of Eskimo Logistics Group Limited.Relates to:
Second promoter prosecuted over "World Net" pyramid selling scheme, more prosecutions pending
15 February 2001
Commerce Commission action against the World Net pyramid selling scheme has continued with the Auckland District Court fining Kevin Leslie Bryson $2,500 for promoting the scheme.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission declines to clear merger of two of South Island's major carbon dioxide distribution businesses
14 February 2001
The Commerce Commission has declined to clear the merger of the wholesale supply and distribution businesses of two of the major carbon dioxide distributors in New Zealand.Relates to:
Armourguard seeks clearance to acquire Group 4
2 February 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Armourguard Security Limited to acquire all the shares in Inacro Limited, which owns security firm Group 4 Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears Zuellig Pharma Limited to acquire Sigma NZ assets
2 February 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Zuellig Pharma Limited to acquire all the assets currently owned by Sigma NZ Limited.Relates to:
Electricity Price Control Inquiry: Next Stage of Work
1 February 2001
The Commerce Commission Chair, John Belgrave, has provided a further update on the Commission's inquiry into price control for electricity line businesses. As foreshadowed, the Commission will be using external contractors to provide specialist input. After a rigorous selection process, in which 12 proposals were received and three short-listed, the Commission has engaged ACIL Consulting in conjunction with Farrier Swier Consulting.Relates to: Electricity
Carter Holt Harvey applies for clearance to acquire Norske's Tasman pulp mill
1 February 2001
A proposed business acquisition involving two of the world's biggest forestry companies has come to the Commerce Commission for clearance.Relates to:
January 2001
P&O Cold Logistics applies for clearance to acquire some of Eskimo Logistics assets
30 January 2001
The Commerce Commission has received an application from P&O Cold Logistics (NZ) Limited for clearance for a possible acquisition of some of the assets of Eskimo Logistics Group Limited and ELG Properties Limited. The possible acquisition does not include the freight forwarding and cold storage businesses of Eskimo's subsidiary Eskimo International Ltd.Relates to:
Commission clears Milburn New Zealand Limited to acquire ready-mix concrete supplier
26 January 2001
The Commerce Commission has cleared Milburn New Zealand Limited, to acquire ready-mixed concrete supplier, Isaac Concrete Limited, which is a subsidiary of the Isaac Construction Company Limited.Relates to:
Commission says BASF, Roche and Rhone were price fixing, but NZ limitation period and international jurisdiction issues prevent New Zealand court action
25 January 2001
The Commerce Commission has warned the New Zealand subsidiaries of three multi-national vitamin companies for entering into market sharing and price fixing agreements. The Commission has told the companies that they would have faced charges of price fixing in New Zealand if it were not for the three-year limitation period in the Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
2001: the year to come for the Commerce Commission
23 January 2001
Commerce Commission Chair John Belgrave said today that this year the Commission has six issues on which it will focus special attention, in addition to continuing its general enforcement of the Commerce, Fair Trading and Electricity Industry Reform Acts.Relates to:
Commission exempts Tower Limited from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
19 January 2001
The Commerce Commission has exempted Tower Ltd and one of its subsidiaries from the application of the cross-ownership rules of the Electricity Industry Reform Act.Relates to: Electricity
$7,000 fine for car dealer: message to all advertisers, "free" must mean no extra cost
16 January 2001
Charging up to $2,000 for what it described as "free" warranties cost car dealer Greymouth Car Centre Limited a $7,000 fine in the Greymouth District Court today. Court costs of $130.00 and Solicitors fees of $500 were also imposed.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission reschedules timetable for price control study of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Airports
12 January 2001
The Commerce Commission has rescheduled the timetable for its price control study of airfield activities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports. This will not change the end date by which the Commission is required to report to the Minister of Commerce.Relates to: Airports
