December 2007
Standard terms determination processes initiated for the sub-loop related services
21 December 2007
The Commission has initiated standard terms determination (STD) processes for the following sub-loop related services:Relates to: Telecommunications
Standard terms process for co-location on cellular transmission sites
21 December 2007
The Commission has today launched a standard terms development process to determine the non-price elements of co-location of a mobile operators equipment on another operator's transmission site.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission closes investigation into Telecom
21 December 2007
The Commerce Commission has today closed its investigation into allegations that Telecom had squeezed the margins of its competitors, through bundling and a price discount, and affected their ability to compete, in breach of the Commerce Act 1986.Relates to: Telecommunications
Some "all day protection" sunscreens fail to live up to claims
20 December 2007
Commerce Commission test results obtained during an investigation into "all day protection" claims made for some sunscreen products have found that some live up to their claims, while others clearly do not.Relates to: Fair Trading
Oaks Hotels fined for 'grossly misleading' advertising campaign
20 December 2007
A hotel chain has pleaded guilty to eight charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act in a case that reinforces to businesses that advertising "conditions apply" is not sufficient to avoid misleading consumers where the main message of the advertising is misleading.Relates to: Fair Trading
Reasons for A & R Whitcoulls Cleared to Acquire Borders New Zealand
20 December 2007
The Commerce Commission has released its reasons for granting clearance to A & R Whitcoulls (ARW) to acquire 100 % of the shares in Borders New Zealand.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission clarifies Number Portability Determination
20 December 2007
Relates to: Telecommunications
Pacific Radiology cleared to acquire Wellington Radiology
20 December 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Pacific Radiology Limited to acquire all the assets of Wellington Radiology Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Voluntary admission saves Kiwibank and New Zealand Post from prosecution
19 December 2007
Kiwibank and New Zealand Post have reached a settlement with the Commerce Commission in relation to a breach of the Fair Trading Act 1986 over a failure to adequately disclose overseas currency conversion fees in on-line customer statements for Prezzy Card.Relates to: Fair Trading
Court grants interim stay on Warehouse judgment
19 December 2007
The High Court in Wellington has granted the Commerce Commission an interim stay of the High Court's judgment, which cleared the way for the three Foodstuffs co-operatives or Woolworths Ltd to acquire up to 100% shares in, or assets of, The Warehouse Group Ltd.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission publishes discussion document on resetting thresholds for electricity distribution businesses from 2009
19 December 2007
*What:* The Commerce Commission has today released a discussion document concerning the reset of thresholds for electricity distribution businesses ("EDB"). It has been published as part of a consultative package including supporting research.Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission seeks to appeal Warehouse decision
18 December 2007
The Commerce Commission is seeking leave to appeal the High Court's decision which cleared the way for the three Foodstuffs co-operatives or Woolworths Ltd to acquire up to 100% shares in, or assets of, The Warehouse Group Ltd.Relates to: Business Competition
Final report issued on the regulation of co-location services
14 December 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued its final recommendation to the Minister of Communications on the regulation of mobile co-location services on cellular transmission sites.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission consults on Vector's proposed settlement offer to rebalance prices
14 December 2007
The Commerce Commission is seeking the views of interested parties on the voluntary offer put forward by Vector as an alternative to regulatory control being imposed.Relates to: Electricity
Air Liquide New Zealand Limited applies for clearance to acquire ASCOGAS Limited
14 December 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Air Liquide New Zealand Limited (Air Liquide) seeking clearance to acquire 100 % of the shares in ASCOGAS Limited (ASCOGAS).Relates to: Business Competition
Final determinations for unbundled bitstream access
13 December 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued its final determination on the price and non-price terms on which Telecom must make the unbundled bitstream access (UBA) service available to other telecommunications providers.Relates to: Telecommunications
'Buyer enquiry' over should not mislead
12 December 2007
The Commerce Commission says real estate agents need to heed the warning contained in a recent court case relating to pricing practices to avoid breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
West Auckland pawn broker ordered to repay loan customers
10 December 2007
Loan customers described by a Judge as some of the "more vulnerable and desperate members of society" are to get a partial refund from a pawn broker after a successful prosecution by the Commerce Commission.Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Second convictions for false and misleading claims about Probitas fertiliser
7 December 2007
A Waihi-based company that makes a fertiliser product has been convicted and fined for a second time for making misleading claims under the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases September quarterly report on telecommunications markets
5 December 2007
Relates to: Telecommunications
November 2007
Hill & Stewart guilty of 14 charges under Fair Trading Act
30 November 2007
An appliance retailer has been found guilty of charges under the Fair Trading Act 1986 for making claims that prices were interest free when in fact the prices were more expensive than the cash prices.Relates to: Fair Trading
The Warehouse High Court decision
29 November 2007
The Commerce Commission is disappointed by the High Court's decision allowing the appeals of the three Foodstuffs co-operatives and Woolworths Ltd against the Commission's decision declining clearance for either party to acquire up to 100% shares in, or assets of, The Warehouse Group Ltd.Relates to: Business Competition
Sumitomo Forestry applies for clearance to acquire Carter Holt Harvey MDF assets in Rangiora
28 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Sumitomo Forestry Co Limited seeking clearance to acquire all of the medium density fibre board (MDF) assets and business operations of Carter Holt Harvey Limited (Building Supplies Division) situated in Rangiora.Relates to: Business Competition
Court injunction granted against Discount Premium Holidays
28 November 2007
A group of companies that has been telemarketing discount travel memberships and vouchers has been ordered to stop breaching the Fair Trading Act, as a result of an injunction sought by the Commerce Commission.Relates to: Fair Trading
ALT TV settles with Commerce Commission over text and competitions
26 November 2007
ALT TV, an independently owned television station based in Auckland, has settled with the Commerce Commission and agreed that not disclosing the cost of text messages, and misleading viewers over the nature of a prize offered in a competition, may have contravened sections 11 and 17 of the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
DFS Group Limited applies for clearance to acquire The Nuance Group
23 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from DFS Group Limited (DFS) seeking clearance to acquire 100 % of the shares in The Nuance Group (Nuance).Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission initiates legal action against alleged cartel
22 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has filed civil proceedings in the Auckland High Court against a New Zealand company, its Australian parent company and four executives for alleged cartel behaviour in the New Zealand corrugated fibre packaging industry.Relates to: Business Competition
Credit card users get over $24m back
22 November 2007
A sentencing in the Auckland District Court today has brought to a close three years of action by the Commerce Commission to expose and seek redress for undisclosed and inadequately disclosed overseas transaction fees.Relates to: Fair Trading
Whitcoulls Cleared to Acquire Borders
21 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared A&R Whitcoulls Group Holdings Pty Limited (Whitcoulls) to acquire 100 % of the shares in Borders New Zealand Limited (Borders).Relates to: Business Competition
Discharge without conviction overturned
21 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has been successful in overturning the discharge without conviction of Naresh Shukla, Director of 230 Marua Limited, a leather furniture company.Relates to: Fair Trading
Cadmus and Provenco apply for clearance to merge
21 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Cadmus Technology Limited and Provenco Group Limited seeking clearance for a merger transaction through which Cadmus and Provenco will amalgamate pursuant to Part XIII of the Companies Act 1993.Relates to: Business Competition
Reasons for Transpacific Industries being cleared (with divestments) to acquire parts of EnviroWaste Services
21 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has released its reasons for granting clearance to Transpacific Industries to acquire certain South Island solid waste collection businesses of EnviroWaste Services. The clearance was given providing Transpacific Industries divests back to EnviroWaste:Relates to: Business Competition
Commission selects Epitiro to monitor broadband quality
20 November 2007
The Commerce Commission announced today it had selected Epitiro Technologies Ltd to provide data to measure the quality of the broadband services being provided in New Zealand.Relates to: Telecommunications
Electricity Industry Reform Act: Commission grants exemption to Lloyd Morrison
19 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has granted Lloyd Morrison an exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (the EIR Act) in relation to his potential appointment to the board of Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL), an electricity lines business.Relates to: Electricity
Cavalier and Norman Ellison cleared to form joint venture
15 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Cavalier Corporation Limited and Norman Ellison Holdings Limited to form a joint venture company that will acquire the carpet businesses of Norman Ellison Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries.Relates to: Business Competition
Court of Appeal confirms that NZ Bus acquisition of Mana Coach shares breached Commerce Act
15 November 2007
The Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that New Zealand Bus Limited (NZBL) breached section 47 of the Commerce Act, which prohibits business acquisitions that are likely to substantially lessen competition.Relates to: Business Competition
Final determinations for unbundled local loop
7 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued its final determinations on the price and non-price terms on which Telecom must make unbundled copper local loop and co-location regulated services available to other telecommunications providers.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission receives application for EIR Act exemption from Lloyd Morrison
2 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Lloyd Morrison, seeking exemption from section 17 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 in relation to his nomination for a position of director of Auckland International Airport by Infratil.Relates to: Electricity
Commission receives application for EIR Act exemption from Babcock & Brown International Limited
2 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Babcock & Brown International Pty Limited, seeking exemption from section 17 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 in relation to Powerco, Glenbrook Power Station and Te Rere Hau wind farm.Relates to: Electricity
Transpacific Industries cleared to acquire parts of EnviroWaste Services provided assets are divested
1 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Transpacific Industries to acquire the following business and assets of EnviroWaste Services:Relates to: Business Competition
Electricity Industry Reform Act: Commission grants exemption to The Lines Company
1 November 2007
The Commerce Commission has granted The Lines Company Limited (TLC) a limited exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (the EIR Act) in relation to its proposed involvement in the development of a hydro-generation plant, located on the Waikohu Stream near Gisborne.Relates to: Electricity
October 2007
Geneva Finance refunds customers after Commerce Commission investigation
29 October 2007
Geneva Finance Limited has refunded $588,114 to over 900 customers, following an out-of-court settlement with the Commerce Commission.Relates to: Fair Trading
Pacific Radiology applies for clearance to acquire Wellington Radiology
19 October 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Pacific Radiology Limited seeking clearance to acquire all the assets of Wellington Radiology Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Diners Club eighth to plead guilty over currency conversion fees
12 October 2007
Diners Club has become the eighth financial institution to plead guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by failing to properly disclose its currency conversion fees.Relates to: Fair Trading
Cavalier and Norman Ellison apply for clearance to form a joint venture
12 October 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Cavalier Corporation Limited and Norman Ellison Holdings Limited seeking clearance for a proposal under which a new joint venture company (owned by the parties) will acquire the carpet business of Norman Ellison Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries, and Norman Ellison Shareholders will acquire shares in Cavalier.Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission consults on its draft decision to accept an administrative settlement offer from Transpower
5 October 2007
The Commerce Commission is proposing to accept an administrative settlement offer from Transpower, instead of placing Transpower's transmission services under regulatory control.Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission proposes further price reductions for controlled gas distribution businesses
4 October 2007
In its Draft Authorisation released today, the Commerce Commission is proposing to authorise prices for the supply of Powerco Limited and Vector Limited's gas distribution services which would represent reductions of 42% and 15%, respectively, if implemented.Relates to: Gas Pipelines
Schering-Plough cleared to acquire Organon BioSciences
4 October 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Schering-Plough Corporation to acquire 100 percent of the shares in, or assets of, Organon Biosciences N.V. The clearance is subject to the divestment undertaking dated 1 October 2007 provided by Schering-Plough Corporation to the Commission pursuant to section 69A of the Commerce Act 1986.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission reports to Minister on Sprint's compliance with Service Quality Measures for Relay Service
2 October 2007
The Commerce Commission has reported to the Minister of Communications on Sprint International New Zealand Limited's performance in complying with the Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO) Deed for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). This Deed sets out the service quality requirements for meeting the telephone communication needs of deaf, hearing impaired and speech impaired people. The Commission's report is for the period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007.Relates to: Telecommunications
Electricity Industry Reform Act: Commission grants exemption to Vector
1 October 2007
The Commerce Commission has granted Vector Limited a limited exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (the EIR Act) in relation to its proposed involvement in the development of the Te Rere Hau wind farm situated on the Tararua Ranges near Palmerston North.Relates to: Electricity
Review of 2006/07 electricity asset management plans
1 October 2007
The Commerce Commission has today released a summary report of its review of the 2006/07 asset management plans of electricity lines businesses.
Relates to: Electricity
September 2007
Whitcoulls' parent company applies for clearance to acquire Borders
28 September 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from A&R Whitcoulls Group Holdings Pty Limited (ARW) seeking clearance to acquire 100% of the shares in Borders New Zealand Limited (Borders).Relates to: Business Competition
Southern Cross and QE Health cleared to form a joint venture
28 September 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Southern Cross Health Trust and QE Hospital Limited to merge their respective private hospital operations in Rotorua.Relates to: Business Competition
Conferences next step in telecommunication regulatory process
18 September 2007
Relates to: Telecommunications
Companies warned over bacon and ham labelling
17 September 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued formal warnings to two companies as a result of its investigations into country of origin labelling for Kiwi Bacon and Premier Bacon and ham products.Relates to: Fair Trading
NZ Post and Salmat Cleared to Form Joint Venture
13 September 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared New Zealand Post Limited (NZ Post) and Salmat International Pty Limited (Salmat) to merge their respective unaddressed mail delivery operations.Relates to: Business Competition
Jewellery trader convicted and fined over misleading advertising
12 September 2007
In the Auckland District Court yesterday Carrerabenz Diamond Industries Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act after it misled customers over the valuation prices of its jewellery.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission reports to Minister on Telecom's service obligations
10 September 2007
Relates to: Telecommunications
Supreme Court affirms Commission's electricity threshold decisions
10 September 2007
The Supreme Court has dismissed a challenge by Unison Networks Limited to the Commerce Commission's thresholds for large electricity lines businesses. The Court found that the Commission acted lawfully in setting both initial and revised thresholds.Relates to: Electricity
Commission releases June quarterly report on telecommunications markets
7 September 2007
What: The Commission has released its June quarterly monitoring report containing key statistics about telecommunications markets in New Zealand and overseas. It is available on the Commission's website: www.comcom.govt.nz, under Telecommunications Market Reports.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Seventh Bank to Plead Guilty - TSB to pay $471,000 over credit card fees
3 September 2007
TSB is the seventh major bank to plead guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by failing to properly disclose currency conversion fees paid by its credit card customers between 1 September 2002 and 19 December 2004. TSB customers paid fees of up to 1.75% of their total transactions that were not disclosed on their credit card statements.Relates to: Fair Trading
August 2007
Dell New Zealand admits breaches of Fair Trading Act
30 August 2007
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, Dell New Zealand Limited has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to a number of different representations made about its computers and computer monitors.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited cleared to acquire the solvents business of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited
30 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited (TTS), or a wholly-owned subsidiary of TTS, to acquire the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited (Medi-Chem) that relate to the treatment, recycling, and disposal of solvents.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission issues draft determination for Unbundled Bitstream Access service
29 August 2007
Relates to: Telecommunications
Test results confirm pyjamas met safety standards: Commission urges vigilance around fires and heaters
24 August 2007
The Commerce Commission today closed its investigation into The Warehouse 'Red Stamp' brand pyjamas after receiving test results confirming the nightwear complied with the product safety standards for children's nightwear.Relates to: Fair Trading
Transpacific Industries applies for clearance to acquire further parts of EnviroWaste Services
23 August 2007
On 20 August 2007 the Commerce Commission advised that Transpacific Industries had applied for clearance to acquire the Blenheim/Nelson solid waste collection businesses of EnviroWaste Services and the Timaru/Oamaru solid waste businesses of EnviroWaste Services. The Commission has received two further applications from Transpacific Industries. The latest applications seek clearance to acquire EnviroWaste Service's solid waste collection businesses in Christchurch and Dunedin.Relates to: Business Competition
ST Cigar Group cleared to acquire Schimmelpenninck & Tabacofina
22 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared ST Cigar Group Holding BV (ST Cigar Group) to acquire all of the shares in a Dutch company, Schimmelpenninck and through ST Cigar Group's Dutch subsidiary company Henri Wintermans Cigars BV, the cigar trademarks owned by the Belgian company Tabacofina - Vander Elst N.V. (TVE) that are registered in New Zealand, Australia and Portugal.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission settles with real estate company, agent and developer over misleading advertising
20 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with Auckland-based Country Life Real Estate Limited, agent and shareholder Miles Wallace, and Avanti Developments Limited, after they admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act by incorrectly marketing and selling a property as a four bedroom home when building consent had only been obtained for a three bedroom home.Relates to: Fair Trading
Transpacific Industries applies for clearance to acquire part of Enviro Waste Services
20 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has received two clearance applications from Transpacific Industries Group (NZ) Limited (TPI) seeking clearance to acquire part of the business and assets of Enviro Waste Services Limited (Enviro Waste): the first application concerns Enviro Waste's solid waste collection businesses in Blenheim and Nelson; and the second application concerns Enviro Waste's solid waste businesses in Oamaru and Timaru. TPI and Enviro Waste are involved in waste collection, recycling and disposal in New Zealand.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission settles with coffee machine distributors over anti-competitive conduct
17 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with Espresso Engineers Limited and Valente Coffee Machinery Limited after they breached the Commerce Act by preventing a reseller from advertising their coffee machines for sale below a specified minimum price.Relates to: Business Competition
Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited cleared to acquire the chemical smalls business of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited
16 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited (TTS), or a wholly-owned subsidiary of TTS, to acquire the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited (Medi-Chem) that relate to the collection, treatment and disposal of hydrocarbon, miscellaneous chemical and intractable wastes (the 'chemical smalls' business). The Application for Clearance did not include the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem that relate to medical and quarantine waste, or the collection and recycling lamps, amalgam and x-ray film and fluids. The Commission is continuing with its inquiries into TTS' remaining application relating to the acquisition of Medi-Chem's solvent treatment, recycling, and disposal business and is yet to make a decision on that application.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission investigates south Auckland credit providers
16 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has warned six south Auckland credit providers, and will prosecute a seventh, for allegedly failing to provide important information to customers taking out personal loans. Adequate disclosure is required under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act).Relates to: Consumer Credit
Transpacific Technical Services submits revised applications for clearance to acquire
15 August 2007
Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited (TTS) has withdrawn its section 66 clearance application to acquire the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited (Medi-Chem).Relates to: Business Competition
Commission warns truck 'shops' may be breaching credit law
10 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has warned four companies operating mobile shops in the North Island that they may be breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act) by not disclosing important information to customers.Relates to: Consumer Credit
New Zealand Post and Salmat Apply for Clearance to Form Joint Venture
9 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from New Zealand Post Limited (NZ Post) and from Salmat International Pty Limited (Salmat) to merge their respective unaddressed mail delivery operations.Relates to: Business Competition
Ezibuy's throws not pure mohair
8 August 2007
In a settlement reached with the Commerce Commission, Ezibuy has admitted that it has breached the Fair Trading Act by incorrectly advertising and selling an acrylic/mohair throw as a 'mohair throw' with 'pure mohair pile'.Relates to: Fair Trading
Draft report issued on regulation of mobile roaming
3 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued its draft recommendations on whether to amend the roaming and co-location services currently regulated under the Telecommunications Act, or accept an undertaking from Vodafone as a suitable alternative to amending the regulations.Relates to: Telecommunications
Southern Cross and QE Health apply for clearance to form a joint venture
3 August 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Southern Cross Health Trust and from QE Health Hospital Limited seeking clearance to merge their respective private hospital operations in Rotorua.Relates to: Business Competition
Loan company to refund over 2,000 customers
1 August 2007
In a settlement reached with the Commerce Commission, Gilrose Finance Limited will return over $50,000 to 2,303 customers affected by breaches of the Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act.Relates to: Consumer Credit
Blenheim car dealer to refund customers over loans
1 August 2007
The Motor Centre admits it breached the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act when it failed to tell customers about their rights and obligations, and charged fees for services it did not perform.Relates to: Consumer Credit
July 2007
Draft determinations for unbundled local loop
31 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued its draft determinations on the price and non-price terms on which Telecom must make unbundled copper local loop and co-location regulated services available to other telecommunications providers. These are the services required to unbundle the local loop.Relates to: Telecommunications
New Zealand and Australian Commissions sign agreement
31 July 2007
New Zealand's Commerce Commission has signed a cooperation agreement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that will make it easier for the two commissions to coordinate activities.Relates to:
The Warehouse Financial Services latest to refund hidden credit card fees
26 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with The Warehouse Financial Services Limited which will see the company refund $120,000 to customers who paid hidden foreign exchange fees on the company's Value or Merit MasterCard cards.Relates to: Fair Trading
Reasons for The Warehouse acquisition declines
20 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has released its reasons for declining to grant clearance to the three Foodstuffs co-operatives or to Woolworths Limited to acquire up to 100% of the shares in, or assets of, The Warehouse Group Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
ST Cigar Group applies for clearance to acquire Schimmelpenninck & Tabacofina
17 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from ST Cigar Group Holding BV (STCGH) seeking clearance to acquire all of the shares in a Dutch company, Schimmelpenninck and through STCGH's Dutch subsidiary company Henri Wintermans Cigars BV, the cigar trademarks owned by the Belgian company Tabacofina - Vander Elst N.V. (TVE) that are registered in New Zealand, Australia and Portugal.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission receives proposal from Telecom for Unbundled Bitstream Access Standard Terms Determination
13 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has received the proposal from Telecom covering the non-price terms for Unbundled Bitstream Access (UBA) Standard Terms Determination (STD).Relates to: Telecommunications
New Telecommunications Commissioner begins five-year term
12 July 2007
Dr Ross Patterson today begins his five-year term as Telecommunications Commissioner.Relates to: Telecommunications
New bitstream access price for CallPlus and ihug
11 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has amended its Decision 582, which set the terms on which Telecom is required to provide a wholesale bitstream service to internet service providers CallPlus and ihug.Relates to: Telecommunications
Schering-Plough applies for clearance to acquire Organon BioSciences
11 July 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Schering-Plough Corporation (Schering-Plough) seeking clearance to acquire 100% of the shares in, or assets of, Organon BioSciences N.V.(Organon BS). In New Zealand, Organon BS operates as Intervet Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Telecommunications Act: Commerce Commission releases Draft Telecom TSO cost calculation for 2004/05 and 2005/06
9 July 2007
The Commerce Commission today released draft telecommunication service obligations (TSO) determinations for the 2004/05 and 2005/06 years.Relates to: Telecommunications
Used car dealers fined for not displaying information cards
8 July 2007
Six car dealers in the lower North Island have paid a total of $10,940 in fines and court costs after failing to display Supplier Information Notices or SIN cards on used cars for sale.Relates to: Fair Trading
June 2007
Reasons published for decline of Transpacific's acquisition
29 June 2007
The Commerce Commission has published its reasons for declining to grant clearance for Transpacific Industries to acquire the South Island assets and businesses of EnviroWaste Services and up to 50% of the shares in Manawatu Waste.Relates to: Business Competition
Christchurch retailer fined over unsafe wooden toys
21 June 2007
A retailer has been fined $12,000 over unsafe wooden toys sold by Notty Horse Wooden Toys in Christchurch's South City Mall. He was also required to pay $1,150 in costs to the Commission.Relates to: Fair Trading
Promoter fined over 'free' flights to Gold Coast
20 June 2007
A man who promoted 'free' flights deals to businesses has been fined $6,000 on a representative charge of breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Next step underway for local loop backhaul and bitstream backhaul services
19 June 2007
The Commerce Commission today issued notices requiring Telecom to submit standard terms proposals for the two backhaul services necessary to support local loop (LLU) and bitstream access.Relates to: Telecommunications
Leather furniture trader fined over 'sale' that wasn't
19 June 2007
An Auckland leather furniture company has been fined a total of $36,000 over misleading claims about the 'sale' price of furniture.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission receives proposals from Telecom for Unbundled Local Loop and Co-location services
15 June 2007
The Commerce Commission has received proposals from Telecom covering the non-price terms for the unbundled local loop and co-location regulated services.Relates to: Telecommunications
ASB to pay $4.1 million over credit card fees
15 June 2007
ASB is the sixth major bank to plead guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by failing to properly disclose currency conversion fees paid by its credit card and debit card customers from March 2002 to March 2005. Customers paid fees of up to 2.35% of the total transaction.Relates to: Fair Trading
'Tender' car sales were not exempt from consumer law
11 June 2007
New Lynn company Park 2 Sell has been fined $15,000 for telling customers they weren't protected by the law because they had bought their car on a "tender" basis.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission Sticks to Timeframe for Unbundled Local Loop
8 June 2007
The Commerce Commission has reaffirmed its current timetable to develop regulated unbundled local loop and co-location services. On Tuesday (5 June) Telecom requested a delay in the timeframe to provide its first standard terms proposals due on 12 June. After considering Telecom's request, the Commission has decided to stick to the timeframe that it notified to Telecom on 3 April.Relates to: Telecommunications
$272,500 penalty for deceptive claims about Probitas fertiliser
1 June 2007
A fertiliser sold under the brand name Probitas did not offer the benefits claimed. The company Probitas Ltd has been fined $200,000 and man who sold it $60,000, in the Tauranga District Court for misleading the public. They have also been ordered to pay $12,499 in costs.Relates to: Fair Trading
May 2007
Commission declines application by Transpacific Industries to acquire waste disposal businesses
31 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has declined to grant clearance for Transpacific Industries to acquire the South Island assets and businesses of EnviroWaste Services and up to 50% of the shares in Manawatu Waste.Relates to: Business Competition
Supreme Court decision promotes competition with Fonterra
31 May 2007
In a decision issued yesterday, the Supreme Court has affirmed the Commerce Commission's view on the way that Fonterra should calculate the default milk price.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission receives application for EIR Act exemption from Vector Limited
31 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Vector Limited, seeking exemption from section 17 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 in relation to its involvement in the proposed development of the Te Rere Hau wind farm situated on the Tararua Ranges near Palmerston North.Relates to: Electricity
$788,000 refunds over redundancy insurance for the unemployed
27 May 2007
In an out-of-Court settlement reached with the Commerce Commission, Auckland company Club Finance has agreed to refund $788,000 to borrowers who were required to insure their car loans against the risk of redundancy, despite being unemployed at the time they took out the loans.Relates to: Consumer Credit
Warehouse acquisition clearance applications: date extension
25 May 2007
A further extension has been agreed to the due date for two clearance decisions relating to The Warehouse.Relates to: Business Competition
$146,000 payout over Auckland car loans
25 May 2007
The partners of Auckland car finance business Dolbak Finance have been fined $100,000 over car loan contracts that did not properly disclose fees and charges.Relates to: Consumer Credit
SkyBiz pyramid scheme victims repaid today
22 May 2007
New Zealand victims of a global pyramid scheme are today being sent their compensation from a U.S. $20 million fund set up to compensate victims worldwide.Relates to: Fair Trading
Exemption granted for Top Energy Ngawha expansion
17 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has granted Top Energy Limited a limited exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act to expand its geothermal generation plant at Ngawha Springs, Northland.Relates to: Electricity
Kiwibank pleads guilty over credit card fees
16 May 2007
Kiwibank has become the fifth major bank to plead guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by failing to properly disclose currency conversion fees paid by its MasterCard cardholders. Customers paid fees of 2.6% of the total transaction.Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commission alleges global cartel affected NZ electricity industry
16 May 2007
The High Court has granted the Commerce Commission leave to serve proceedings against three European companies for an alleged global cartel that affected the New Zealand electricity industry.Relates to: Fair Trading, Electricity
Commission reaches settlement with Unison Networks
11 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has accepted an administrative settlement offer from Unison Networks Ltd. This means the company's distribution services will not be placed under regulatory control.Relates to: Electricity
Variation to NZRU salary cap agreed
11 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has authorised the New Zealand Rugby Union to vary the salary cap rules for provincial unions competing in the Air New Zealand Cup. The variation applies only to the 2007 year.Relates to: Business Competition
Carter Holt Harvey cleared to acquire Lakesawn Lumber
9 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Carter Holt Harvey Limited to acquire the sawn timber business of Lakesawn Lumber Limited, which is a member of the Pedersen group of companies.Relates to:
Commission declines applications from Foodstuffs and Woolworths to acquire The Warehouse
8 May 2007
The Commerce Commission has declined to grant clearance to Foodstuffs and declined to grant clearance to Woolworths Limited for either of them to acquire up to 100% of the shares in The Warehouse Group Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Nelson car dealer fined $15,000 for misleading car sales
7 May 2007
Nelson based The Car Company Limited has been fined $15,000 for five offences under the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
April 2007
Standard terms initiated for local loop and bitstream backhaul services
30 April 2007
The Commerce Commission has today initiated the processes for determining standard terms of access for the backhaul services supporting Telecom's unbundled copper local loop and bitstream services.Relates to: Telecommunications
Warehouse acquisition clearance applications: date extension
27 April 2007
A further extension has been agreed to the due date for two clearance decisions relating to The Warehouse.Relates to:
Company fined for Made in NZ Commonwealth Games uniforms that were made in China
23 April 2007
Sports Resources Ltd was fined $23,750 in the Auckland District Court today after pleading guilty to two charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act. Company Director Anthony Botica was also convicted and discharged.Relates to:
Settlement reached over dinner deal at the Hermitage
18 April 2007
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village Ltd, which owns the Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission publishes first quarterly report on telecommunications markets
16 April 2007
The Commission has published its first regular monitoring report on telecommunications markets in New Zealand. Recent amendments to the Telecommunications Act have explicitly empowered the Commerce Commission to monitor the performance of telecommunications markets and report on this work.Relates to: Telecommunications
Next step underway for local loop co-location access
16 April 2007
The Commerce Commission today issued a notice requiring Telecom to submit a standard terms proposal for the unbundled copper local loop (LLU) co-location service. The notice requires Telecom to specify the non-price terms and conditions on which it proposes to provide a co-location service to other operators.Relates to: Telecommunications
Warning: Fair Guide update form may mislead
11 April 2007
New Zealanders are being warned about an Austrian company that is sending forms asking organisations to update their listing on the company's website "Fair Guide." The company targets organisations participating in trade fairs.Relates to: Fair Trading
Carter Holt Harvey executive fined over false timber labelling
10 April 2007
Retired Carter Holt Harvey executive Maurice Reid has been fined $20,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act in the Auckland District Court today.Relates to: Fair Trading
Next step underway for bitstream and local loop access
4 April 2007
The Commerce Commission today issued notices requiring Telecom to submit standard terms proposals for the unbundled local loop and bitstream access services. The notices require Telecom to specify the non-price terms and conditions on which it proposes to provide access to these services to other operators.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Act / Telecommunications Act interrelationship: discussion paper released for comment
3 April 2007
The Commerce Commission has released for comment a discussion paper giving its preliminary view on the interrelationship between Part 2 of the Commerce Act and the Telecommunications Act.Relates to: Telecommunications
Number portability makes it easy to change phone providers
3 April 2007
Number portability introduced on 1 April means telephone users switching companies are now able to keep the same phone number.Relates to: Telecommunications
March 2007
HSBC released from interchange fees case
28 March 2007
The Commerce Commission yesterday discontinued its case against the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd for alleged price-fixing in relation to interchange fees.Relates to: Business Competition
Standard terms for co-location in Telecom exchanges
28 March 2007
The Commission has begun the process of determining standard terms for access by other operators to Telecom's telephone exchanges. The aim is to set the terms by which other operators can co-locate equipment required to make use of Telecom's unbundled local loops. Co-locating equipment will assist other operators to provide services, such as broadband to their customers, over Telecom's local loop network.Relates to: Telecommunications
Warehouse acquisition clearance applications: date extension
28 March 2007
A further extension has been agreed to the due date for two clearance decisions relating to The Warehouse.Relates to: Business Competition
Ribena Vitamin C claims false and misleading: Court
27 March 2007
GlaxoSmithKline has pleaded guilty to 15 representative charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act by making misleading claims about the Vitamin C content of Ribena. The Commission investigated after a complaint from two college students who tested the drink for a science project.Relates to: Fair Trading
Ashley Guy Rhodes fined $20,000 for illegal invoicing
26 March 2007
Ashley Guy Rhodes has been fined $20,000 in the North Shore District Court for 47 charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act by sending false invoices.Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecommunications Act: Commerce Commission releases Telecom TSO cost calculation
26 March 2007
The Commerce Commission has released its determination on Telecom New Zealand Limited's net cost of complying with its telecommunication service obligations (TSO) for the period 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004. The TSO relates to the local residential telephone service provided by Telecom. The Commission decides on an annual basis the cost incurred by Telecom in delivering the service, and apportions the cost between Telecom and other operators whose networks are interconnected with the Telecom fixed network.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission can pursue overseas residents: High Court
21 March 2007
The High Court has ruled that the Commerce Commission can pursue penalty proceedings against three defendants in the wood chemicals cartel case who were living overseas when the cartel was operating.Relates to: Business Competition
Christchurch trader fined $10,000 over unsafe baby walkers
21 March 2007
Insight Infotech Limited, trading as Azaks, has been fined $10,000 for selling unsafe baby walkers from its Christchurch stores.Relates to: Fair Trading
Fraud Awareness Month - Protect Your Computer
20 March 2007
"Think before you click" is one way to keep scammers out of your computer system advises the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Commerce Commission, as part of this month's fraud awareness campaign.Relates to: Fair Trading
Goodman Fielder Limited cleared to acquire River Mill Bakeries
19 March 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Goodman Fielder Limited (Goodman Fielder) to acquire the flour and bread assets of River Mill Bakeries Limited (River Mill Bakeries).Relates to: Business Competition
Variation of NZRU authorisation: draft determination
19 March 2007
The Commerce Commission has released a draft determination on the New Zealand Rugby Union's application to vary the authorisation it granted last year for a salary cap. Without that authorisation, the cap risked breaching the restrictive trade practice provisions of the Commerce Act.Relates to: Business Competition
New Zealand SkyBiz scam victims - 30 March deadline for claiming refunds
15 March 2007
New Zealand victims of the internet pyramid scam, SkyBiz.com, are advised a final date has been set for claiming a refund from the US $20 million redress fund.Relates to: Fair Trading
Fraud Awareness Month Protect Your Phone
12 March 2007
Think that phone call or text message sounds like a scam? "Hang up or delete" is the advice today from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Commerce Commission, as part of Fraud Awareness Month.Relates to: Fair Trading
Determination on cost of relay service for the hearing impaired
8 March 2007
The Commerce Commission has released its determination on the cost of the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) for the hearing impaired.Relates to: Telecommunications
Fraud Awareness Month - Don't let a scammer walk off with your wallet!
6 March 2007
As part of Fraud Awareness Month, the Commerce Commission and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs are sending a warning about the increasingly innovative techniques used by scammers to encourage consumers to hand over their money.Relates to: Fair Trading
Elite Truck Rentals Limited cleared to acquire ORIX Truck Rentals
5 March 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared Elite Truck Rentals Limited (Elite) to acquire 100% assets of ORIX Truck Rental (ORIX), a division of ORIX New Zealand Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
February 2007
Transpacific Technical Services applies for clearance to acquire Medi-Chem
28 February 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Transpacific Technical Services (NZ) Limited (TTS) seeking clearance to acquire the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem Waste Services Limited (Medi-Chem) that relate to the treatment, recycling, and disposal of solvents; and the assets and businesses of Medi-Chem that relate to the collection, treatment and disposal of other hazardous wastes (not including the business relating to medical, quarantine and infectious waste, or the business of collecting and recycling lamps, amalgam and x-ray film and fluids).Relates to: Business Competition
Standard terms for local loops and bitstream access
23 February 2007
The Commission has begun the process of deciding standard terms covering access by other operators to Telecom's copper local loops and bitstream services.Relates to: Telecommunications
BOC Limited cleared to acquire Shell's LPG portfolio
22 February 2007
The Commerce Commission has cleared BOC Limited to acquire Shell New Zealand Limited's LPG business and Shell New Zealand Holding Company Limited's shareholding in Liquigas Limited; collectively referred to as Shell's LPG Portfolio.Relates to: Business Competition, Gas Pipelines
Bitstream reconsideration: draft decision issued
21 February 2007
The Commerce Commission has issued a draft decision today after reconsidering the pricing aspects of Decision 582.Relates to: Telecommunications
Car buyers refunded $49,000 by Ford's finance company
14 February 2007
Primus Financial Services, trading as Ford Credit, has refunded $49,000 to 391 customers as a result of a warning from the Commerce Commission.Relates to: Consumer Credit
January 2007
Commission receives undertaking from Vodafone for roaming and co-location services
25 January 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application for an undertaking from Vodafone. The application is in the context of the Commission's investigation into whether or not to amend the roaming and co-location services currently regulated under the Telecommunications Act.Relates to: Telecommunications
Carter Holt Harvey applies for clearance to acquire Lakesawn Lumber
18 January 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Carter Holt Harvey Limited seeking clearance to acquire the structural and industrial sawmilling business and certain assets of Lakesawn Lumber Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Woolworths applies for clearance to acquire The Warehouse
17 January 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Woolworths Limited seeking clearance to acquire up to 100% of the shares in, or assets, of The Warehouse Group Limited.Relates to: Business Competition
Goodman Fielder applies for clearance to acquire River Mill Bakeries
17 January 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Goodman Fielder Limited (Goodman Fielder) seeking clearance to acquire the flour and bread assets of River Mill Bakeries Limited (River Mill Bakeries).Relates to: Business Competition
Commission investigates TMG Asia Pacific Pty Limited for 'text to enter' television promotion
15 January 2007
The Commerce Commission is investigating TMG Asia Pacific Pty Limited, an Australian based company, for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act from their promotions advertised on New Zealand television.Relates to: Fair Trading
Six car traders fined for lack of SINs
12 January 2007
Six motor vehicle traders have been fined more than $9,000, in total, for failing to display Supplier Information Notice (SIN) cards with used motor vehicles for sale. The traders, who were selling from car yards in Hamilton, Rotorua and Auckland, were fined up to $300 for each car that did not carry a card. Another Rotorua car trader - Growth Investments Ltd - has pleaded guilty and will appear in the Rotorua District Court in April 2007 for sentencing.Relates to: Fair Trading
Just $2 fined $12,000 for selling unsafe soft toys
11 January 2007
A Christchurch retailer was fined $12,000 in the Christchurch District Court today for selling unsafe soft toys. Southern Gold Limited, trading as Just $2, breached the product safety requirements of the Fair Trading Act by selling toys that did not comply with the Product Safety (Children's Toys) Regulations 2005.Relates to: Fair Trading
BOC Limited applies for clearance to acquire Shell's LPG portfolio
10 January 2007
The Commerce Commission has received an application from BOC Limited to acquire Shell New Zealand Limited's (SNZ) LPG business and Shell New Zealand Holding Company Limited's (SNZH) shareholding in Liquigas Limited; collectively referred to as Shell's LPG Portfolio.Relates to: Business Competition, Gas Pipelines
