December 2010
Commerce Commission releases draft determination for calls and texts to mobile networks
23 December 2010
The Commerce Commission issued its preliminary views today on the regulation of calls and texts to mobile networks, known as the mobile termination access services.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Final step in setting regulatory rules
23 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has set input methodologies that will apply to electricity distribution businesses, Transpower, gas pipeline businesses and specified airport services under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity, Gas Pipelines, Airports
Airports information disclosure requirements announced
23 December 2010
The Commerce Commission today announced that the information disclosure requirements for specified airport services supplied at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports have been determined.
Relates to: Airports
Fletcher Building applies for clearance to acquire Crane Group Limited
23 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Fletcher Building Limited (through its wholly owned subsidiary Fletcher Building (Australia) Pty Limited) seeking clearance to acquire up to 100 per cent of the ordinary shares in Crane Group Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Final individual price quality path for Transpower determined
23 December 2010
The Commerce Commission today released the final individual price-quality path determination for electricity lines services supplied by Transpower.
Relates to: Electricity
$3.65m in total penalties to date following second freight forwarding cartel case
22 December 2010
A second multi-national freight forwarding company has been handed a penalty of $2.5 million following a Commerce Commission investigation into anti-competitive conduct in the freight forwarding market, taking the total penalties imposed so far to $3.65 million.
Relates to: Business Competition
New Telecom wholesale VDSL2 service not to be regulated
21 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has decided that a new wholesale VDSL2 service offered by Telecom New Zealand Limited does not need to be regulated, as it incorporates a number of features not included in the regulated unbundled bitstream access (UBA) service, and it is appropriate that the market determines the price for this enhanced service.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission latest broadband report shows continuing quality improvement
20 December 2010
The quality of New Zealand's broadband services are continuing to improve according to a report released by the Commerce Commission today. The report, covering from 1 January - 30 June 2010, aims to provide a comparison of the relative performance of internet service providers (ISPs) in delivering broadband services in the major New Zealand cities.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission warns all that glitters isn't gold
20 December 2010
The Commerce Commission is reminding the jewellery industry that it must ensure that consumers are aware that some jewellery made from white gold or silver has been plated with rhodium and may require regular maintenance.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission report recommends significant resale deregulation
17 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has today recommended to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology that a number of services that Telecom New Zealand Limited provides to other telecommunications companies to be resold should no longer be subject to the Telecommunications Act 2001.
Relates to: Telecommunications
$1.15m penalty in first freight forwarding cartel case
17 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement of proceedings against an international freight forwarding company accused of anti-competitive conduct in the freight forwarding market.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission grants clearance to PMP Print to acquire heat set printing assets of APN
16 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has today given clearance to PMP Print Limited to acquire certain heat set printing assets of APN Print NZ Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Number portability determination extended
15 December 2010
In a final determination issued today the Commerce Commission has extended the current arrangement for number portability for both local and mobile telephone numbers for another six years. Number portability enables a customer to change their telecommunications provider but retain the same telephone number.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Price of national mobile roaming to remain unregulated
15 December 2010
The Commerce Commission today announced that it will not investigate whether the national mobile roaming service should be extended to include price because there are adequate commercial arrangements in place.
Relates to: Telecommunications
TSO determinations for 2009/10 released by Commerce Commission
15 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has released its final determinations for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 on:
- the cost of the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) for the hearing impaired; and
- the proportion of the cost to be met by each party liable to contribute to the cost of the TRS and Telecom New Zealand's local residential telephone service obligation.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Extremely high lead levels in toys prompt investigation and consumer alert
15 December 2010
The Commerce Commission is investigating a number of toys sold in bargain variety stores following testing by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs which detected excessively high levels of lead.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Statement of preliminary issues available for Christchurch International Airport Limited's clearance application to acquire Craddocks Car Storage
13 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from Christchurch International Airport Limited on 7 December 2010 seeking clearance to acquire Craddocks Car Storage.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission consulting on business competition guidelines
10 December 2010
The Commerce Commission is consulting about updating its Mergers and Acquisitions Guidelines and its Benefits and Detriments Guidelines.
Relates to: Business Competition
Christchurch International Airport Limited applies for clearance to acquire Craddocks Car Storage
8 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Christchurch International Airport Limited seeking clearance to acquire Craddocks Car Storage.
Relates to: Business Competition
Statement of preliminary issues available for Sonoco's clearance application to acquire T.T.L Pacific
3 December 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from Sonoco New Zealand Limited seeking clearance to acquire T.T.L Pacific Limited. Both companies manufacture glued paper cores and tubes which are used for packaging.
Relates to: Business Competition
November 2010
Price-quality path decision for electricity distribution businesses released
30 November 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its decision to amend the determination setting out the default price-quality path (DPP) applying to electricity distribution businesses (EDBs) for the period 2010-2015. The DPP comprises a price path that places an upper limit on the aggregate prices that EDBs may charge, and also the quality standards that EDBs must meet in supplying electricity lines services to customers.
Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission announces revenue cap for Transpower
26 November 2010
The Commerce Commission today announced that the revenue cap for Transpower's 2011/12 pricing year will be set at $644 million.
Relates to: Electricity
Air ambulance companies warned over price fixing
24 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached administrative settlements with two companies who were competitors for air ambulance evacuations to New Zealand after an investigation into alleged price-fixing. The settlement includes a formal warning to both Maccawat Limited (formerly named South Pacific Air Ambulance (2008) Limited) and CareFlight (QLD) Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Sonoco applies for clearance to acquire T.T.L Pacific
23 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Sonoco New Zealand Limited seeking clearance to acquire T.T.L Pacific Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
TEC Projects Limited granted clearance to buy Tecpak Industries Limited
18 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for TEC Projects Limited to acquire Tecpak Industries Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Draft TSO determinations for 09/10 released by Commerce Commission
16 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has released its 2009/10 draft determinations for the period 1 July to 30 June on the:
- cost of the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) for the hearing impaired; and the
- proportion of the cost to be met by each party liable to contribute to the cost of the TRS and Telecom New Zealand's local residential telephone service (LRTS) obligation.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Statement of preliminary issues available for PMP's clearance application
16 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from PMP Print Limited on 5 November 2010 seeking clearance to acquire the Manukau heatset printing business of APN Print NZ Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Relief for Cantabrians facing debt problems after quakes
15 November 2010
Consumers struggling with loan repayments as a result of the Canterbury earthquakes may be able to use provisions in consumer legislation that provide financial relief in circumstances of unforeseen hardship.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Final consultation on input methodologies for Transpower
12 November 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its revised draft input methodologies determination for Transpower for technical consultation. This is expected to be the last consultation step before the input methodologies for Transpower are finalised.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Draft determination extending number portability released by Commerce Commission
11 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released a draft determination which would extend the number portability determination for both local and mobile telephone numbers for another six years. Number portability enables a customer to change telecommunications companies but retain the same telephone number.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Sanford granted clearance to acquire Pacifica Seafoods Group
11 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Sanford Limited to acquire the five companies that together make up the Pacifica Seafoods Group of companies.
Relates to: Business Competition
Telecommunications report reveals New Zealand ranks in bottom third of OECD for fixed line calling
9 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has released a report benchmarking New Zealand prices for fixed line and mobile telecommunications services against international prices.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Consultation on draft individual price-quality path determination for Transpower
9 November 2010
The Commerce Commission today released for technical consultation its draft individual price-quality path determination in respect of electricity lines services supplied by Transpower. This is expected to be the last consultation step before the individual price-quality path applying to Transpower is finalised in December 2010.
Relates to: Electricity
Waste oil price-fixing case settled out of court
5 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with ERS New Zealand Limited (ERS NZ), a waste oil company, following an investigation into an attempt to fix prices, which is illegal under the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Business Competition
PMP Print applies for clearance to acquire heat set printing assets of APN Print
5 November 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from PMP Print Limited seeking clearance to acquire the Manukau heat set printing assets (and related spare parts) of APN Print NZ Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Final consultation on input methodologies for gas pipeline services
1 November 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its revised draft input methodologies determinations for gas pipeline services for technical consultation.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Gas Pipelines
Commerce Commission takes over responsibility for grid upgrade plan approval
1 November 2010
From 1 November 2010 the Commerce Commission assumes responsibility for requesting or approving electricity grid upgrade plan proposals by Transpower New Zealand Limited.
Relates to: Electricity
Rugby World Cup 2011 - Commerce Commission focuses on fair play
1 November 2010
The Commerce Commission is taking a close interest in ensuring businesses cashing in on the opportunities presented by the Rugby World Cup 2011 play by the rules.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit, Business Competition
October 2010
Bluestone applications declined
29 October 2010
The High Court in Auckland has declined applications by Bluestone Mortgages NZ Limited and two other entities for leave to apply for summary judgment, and alternatively to strike out claims brought by the Commerce Commission.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Statement of preliminary issues available for Pact Group subsidiary's clearance application
29 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from TEC Projects Limited on 19 October 2010 seeking clearance to acquire the plastic packaging business and assets of Tecpak Industries Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission releases draft report on competition review of UBA service
28 October 2010
The Commerce Commission today released a draft report on its review into whether Telecom New Zealand Limited faces competition in the provision of the unbundled bitstream access (UBA) service. The UBA service is a wholesale broadband service that allows telecommunications operators to differentiate their retail products from Telecom's retail broadband services.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Final consultation on input methodologies for electricity distribution services
22 October 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its revised draft input methodologies determination for electricity distribution services for technical consultation.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Statement of preliminary issues available for AsureQuality Limited's and Proficiency Services Limited's clearance application
22 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from AsureQuality Limited and Proficiency Services Limited on 15 October 2010 seeking clearance to form a new joint venture company.
Relates to: Business Competition
Businesses reminded not to mislead over public holiday surcharge
21 October 2010
The Commerce Commission is reminding those businesses who choose to apply a surcharge on public holidays that they must not mislead consumers. This follows a warning to a company that is a major provider of food and alcohol at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Refunds for second tier home loan borrowers
21 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has entered into a settlement with New Zealand Guardian Trust Company resulting from an investigation into break fees. The settlement will see 77 affected consumers sharing refunds of $165,000.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Pact Group subsidiary applies for clearance to acquire Tecpak Industries Limited
20 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from TEC Projects Limited seeking clearance to acquire the plastic packaging business and assets of Tecpak Industries Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission focuses on construction sector
19 October 2010
Research conducted on behalf of the Commerce Commission indicates that some construction businesses are not aware of competition law and this may be affecting competition for non-residential building projects.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission appoints new CEO
19 October 2010
The Commerce Commission is very pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Alderton as the new CEO from 1 January 2011. He replaces Nicholas Hill who is leaving the Commission at the end of this year.
Relates to:
Commission ends plans to draft enforcement guidelines on misuse of market power
18 October 2010
The Commerce Commission will no longer develop guidelines on section 36 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission opens investigation into Telecom's compliance with Separation Undertakings
15 October 2010
The Commerce Commission announced today it has launched an investigation into an alleged breach of Separation Undertakings by Telecom Corporation of New Zealand. The investigation will assess whether Telecom Wholesale is likely to have discriminated against telecommunications providers in favour of Telecom Retail.
Relates to: Telecommunications
AsureQuality and Proficiency Services apply for clearance to form a joint venture
15 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from AsureQuality Limited and Proficiency Services Limited seeking clearance to form a new joint venture company. The joint venture company would acquire all of the proficiency testing business assets of AsureQuality and Proficiency Services Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Statement of preliminary issues available for Sanford's clearance application
14 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application received from Sanford Limited on 29 September 2010 seeking clearance to acquire the Pacifica Seafoods Group of companies.
Relates to: Business Competition
Company director and car dealership fined for misleading about damaged vehicles
12 October 2010
The managing director of a Porirua car dealership and his company, Sunrise Motor Group Limited, were fined in the Wellington District Court today after pleading guilty to multiple charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act. Surya Kumar was fined a total of $9,600 on six charges and Sunrise Motor Group a total of $19,200 on twelve charges.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Revised draft information disclosure determination for airport services released
11 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has released a revised draft information disclosure determination for specified airports services, for technical consultation.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Airports
Businesses reminded not to mislead over GST pricing increases
8 October 2010
The Commerce Commission is reminding businesses that they risk breaching the Fair Trading Act if price increases are misleadingly represented as being due to the GST increase. This follows a warning issued to the owners of Wellington's daily paper, The Dominion Post, which represented that a price increase was 'forced' by the GST change, when this was not the case.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Next step underway for the determination of mobile termination rates
7 October 2010
The Commerce Commission has today issued a notice to Vodafone New Zealand Limited to prepare a standard terms proposal for terminating mobile calls and text messages. This proposal will specify the non-price terms and conditions on which mobile termination services should be made available to both mobile and fixed line operators. The price of the mobile termination access services (MTAS) will be specified by the Commission.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Methven pleads guilty to misleading consumers over shower water and energy savings
4 October 2010
Methven Limited, a company that manufactures and supplies bathroom fittings, has pleaded guilty to nine breaches of the Fair Trading Act for misleading consumers about the potential savings gained when using the Satinjet shower product range.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Final consultation on input methodologies for airport services
1 October 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its revised draft input methodologies determination for specified airport services for technical consultation.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Airports
September 2010
Fines for another company peddling royal jelly using false claims
29 September 2010
A company that admitted labelling imported royal jelly as New Zealand made, and as being of high potency when it was neither, has been fined $16,000 in the Auckland District Court.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Sanford Limited applies for clearance to acquire the Pacific Seafoods Group
29 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Sanford Limited seeking clearance to acquire the Pacifica Seafoods Group of companies.
Relates to: Business Competition
Process for determining mobile termination rates announced
28 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has commenced the process for determining the wholesale price for terminating mobile calls and text messages.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Tyre traders admit price fixing on Trade Me
27 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached administrative settlements with two Trade Me sellers who admitted that they had been fixing prices for tyres, which is illegal under the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Business Competition
Backhaul services draft reports released by Commerce Commission
23 September 2010
The Commerce Commission today released a revised draft report on the unbundled copper local loop (UCLL) backhaul service and a draft report on the unbundled bitstream access (UBA) backhaul service. The Commission has been undertaking a review into whether Telecom New Zealand Limited faces competition for providing these backhaul services.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Scandinavian Tobacco granted clearance to merge its cigar and pipe tobacco businesses with Swedish Match
22 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S to merge its New Zealand cigar, pipe tobacco and accessories businesses with that of Swedish Match AB. The clearance is given subject to the merged entity divesting the Willem cigar brand.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Act guidelines for trade associations released
14 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released guidelines to help trade associations understand their obligations under the Commerce Act. The guidelines are part of new series of guidelines and fact sheets focusing on the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission reports to Minister on compliance with Telecommunications Service Obligations
10 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has advised the Minister for Communications and Information Technology that Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited and Sprint International New Zealand Limited have complied with all their Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO) quality measures for the period 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Wellington airport taxi arrangements unlikely to breach Commerce Act
10 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has advised complainants regarding new arrangements for taxis and shuttles at Wellington International Airport Limited that these arrangements are unlikely to breach the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Business Competition
Guidelines on recognising and deterring bid rigging released by Commerce Commission
3 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released three related resources to assist purchasers in both the public and private sectors in recognising and deterring bid rigging.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission files freight forwarding cartel proceedings and settles with two defendants
2 September 2010
The Commerce Commission has filed proceedings in the High Court in Auckland against a number of companies accused of anti-competitive conduct in the freight forwarding market.
Relates to: Business Competition
Balmoral Homes directors fined and ordered to pay reparation for Fair Trading Act breaches
1 September 2010
Two directors of a Christchurch-based building company that has gone into liquidation pleaded guilty to multiple charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act in the Christchurch District Court today. They have been fined $15,000 each and have been ordered to pay a total of $97,000 in reparation and a further $30,000 for emotional harm reparation in total for six complainants.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Rental car companies and directors fined for misleading consumers
1 September 2010
Two Christchurch-based rental car companies, Affinity Car Rental New Zealand Limited and Euro Car Rental New Zealand Limited, and their directors, Kylee and Gary Harris, have pleaded guilty to 18 charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act. The Christchurch District court today imposed fines and costs totalling $37,960 as well as ordering a total of $5,750 to be paid in reparation to affected consumers.
Relates to: Fair Trading
August 2010
Commerce Commission draft report recommends resale deregulation
26 August 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released its draft report into whether the services that Telecom provides to other telecommunications companies to be resold should remain subject to the Telecommunications Act 2001.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Warning for Trade Me car advertisers
20 August 2010
The Commerce Commission is reminding people who frequently sell motor vehicles on Trade Me or similar sites to be aware of their legal obligations when advertising and selling motor vehicles.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Fair Trading Act guidelines for bundled telecommunications products issued
20 August 2010
The Commerce Commission has today issued guidelines to help telecommunications retailers better understand their Fair Trading Act obligations in relation to the disclosure of bundled telecommunications products.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Telecommunications
Court of Appeal clarifies intention under the Fair Trading Act
19 August 2010
A decision delivered by the Court of Appeal on Monday in a case involving the Commerce Commission and Progressive Enterprises Limited has clarified the interpretation of Section 17 of the Fair Trading Act.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission draft decision: Reset default price-quality path to include a revenue differential term
13 August 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its consultation paper with a draft decision to amend the default price-quality path (DPP) applying to electricity distribution businesses (EDBs) for the period 2010-2015 by including a revenue differential term.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Souvenir company fined for misleading 'New Zealand made' claims
9 August 2010
A Christchurch-based company that supplies souvenir and gift shops at airports and major tourist destinations throughout New Zealand has been fined $48,000 in the Christchurch District Court today.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission releases draft review of unbundled local loop backhaul services
6 August 2010
The Commerce Commission today released a draft report on its review of where Telecom faces competition in the provision of backhaul services for the unbundled copper local loop.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission releases starting price adjustment consultation paper
5 August 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released a consultation paper on its proposed framework for making 'starting price adjustments' under a default price-quality path (DPP) applied to non-exempt electricity distribution businesses and to gas pipeline businesses.
Relates to: Gas Pipelines
Indicative process for regulation of mobile termination rates
4 August 2010
The Commerce Commission has announced its indicative process for determining mobile termination rates, following today's announcement by the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Stephen Joyce, that he has accepted the Commission's recommendation to amend the Telecommunications Act 2001 to allow the regulation of mobile termination access services.
Relates to: Telecommunications
July 2010
Budget Loans pleads guilty to misleading - $500,000 returned to consumers
26 July 2010
Budget Loans Limited has pleaded guilty to 34 charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act in the Auckland District Court today. The charges relate to misleading claims made by Budget Loans that it was entitled to recover certain interest and fees from its debtors, when as a matter of law it was not. Budget Loans have been fined $30,750.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Beware of credit card scam
23 July 2010
The Commerce Commission is urging New Zealanders not to fall for a scam in which people are being phoned and told they are eligible for a refund for overcharges on their credit card, but they have to pay the scammers money in order to receive the payment.
Relates to: Fair Trading
$100,000 penalties imposed in Waikato pathology services case
23 July 2010
The High Court in Auckland has imposed penalties on New Zealand Diagnostic Group and Pathology Associates Limited after they admitted being parties to an anti-competitive agreement concerning community pathology testing services in the Waikato area.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission directs payment of $45 million to ANZ/ING investors
21 July 2010
The Commerce Commission has determined the payment method for distribution of the $45 million settlement fund agreed with ANZ National Bank Limited (ANZ) and ING (NZ) Limited (ING) in respect of the ING Diversified Yield Fund (DYF) and ING Regular Income Fund (RIF).
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commerce Commission urges caution again over holiday vouchers
19 July 2010
Consumers should exercise caution when approached by telemarketers selling vouchers for discounted or free holidays, hotels and flights, the Commerce Commission warned today.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecom settles over wholesale loyalty offer - $1.6 million to be paid in compensation
9 July 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached a $1.6 million settlement with Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited. The settlement follows a Commission investigation launched after receiving complaints from the telecommunications industry alleging that Telecom Wholesale's 'loyalty offers' breached Telecom's Separation Undertakings.
Relates to: Telecommunications
June 2010
Reasons for price increases must not be misrepresented
30 June 2010
The Commerce Commission is reminding businesses of their obligation under the Fair Trading Act not to mislead consumers about the reasons for price increases.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission releases draft decisions on individual price-quality path for Transpower
28 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released its draft decisions and reasons on the application of individual price-quality regulation to Transpower. It complements a paper published on Friday 25 June 2010, setting out the Commission's draft decisions and reasons on the input methodologies to be applied to Transpower.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Tomarata Sand granted clearance to acquire Coastal Resources
25 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance to Tomarata Sand Limited to acquire the assets and business of Coastal Resources Limited relating to sand mining operations at Tomarata in Northland.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission releases draft decisions on Input Methodologies for Transpower
25 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has today published the fourth in a series of papers important to the development of input methodologies for regulated industries under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Preformed Line Products granted clearance to buy Electropar
24 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Preformed Line Products Company to acquire Electropar Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission commences competition review of UBA service
23 June 2010
The Commerce Commission today commenced a review to determine whether Telecom New Zealand Ltd faces limited competition in the provision of the unbundled bitstream access (UBA) service.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Scandinavian Tobacco applies for clearance to acquire Swedish Match
22 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Scandinavian Tobacco Group seeking clearance to merge their New Zealand cigar and pipe tobacco business with Swedish Match.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission settles with ANZ and ING over investment funds
22 June 2010
In its largest monetary settlement to date, the Commerce Commission has secured $45 million for thousands of New Zealanders who invested in two funds marketed by ING (NZ) Limited (ING) and ANZ National Bank Limited (ANZN). This settlement follows an investigation into alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act relating to the marketing and promotion of the funds by ING and ANZN.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission releases draft decisions on Input Methodologies for gas pipeline businesses
21 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has today published the third in a series of papers important to the development of input methodologies for regulated industries under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Gas Pipelines
AMP granted clearance to buy AXA's Australian and New Zealand businesses
21 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for AMP Limited to acquire the Australian and New Zealand operations of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
1300 broadband customers to get refunds following Commerce Commission investigation
18 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with Telecom New Zealand Ltd (Telecom) under which Telecom will notify and refund approximately 1300 customers who may have been misled by a broadband promotion it conducted in 2008.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Telecommunications
Commerce Commission releases draft decisions on Input Methodologies for electricity distribution businesses
18 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached another significant milestone in the development of input methodologies for regulated industries under Part 4 of the Commerce Act. It has today released a paper setting out its draft decisions and reasons on the input methodologies to be applied to electricity distribution businesses (EDBs).
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Commerce Commission recommends regulation of mobile termination access services
16 June 2010
In its reconsideration report issued today, the Commerce Commission has recommended under the Telecommunications Act that the Minister for Communications and Information Technology regulate mobile termination access services (MTAS), and not accept undertakings from Telecom and Vodafone.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Divestment guidelines released
4 June 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released guidelines on how it will consider divestment undertakings as part of an application for clearance for a business merger or acquisition.
Relates to: Business Competition
Car finance company fined for breaching consumer laws
1 June 2010
An Auckland-based car finance company has pleaded guilty to breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act) and the Fair Trading Act in relation to car loan contracts. Dolbak Finance Limited has been fined a total of $2000 in the Auckland District Court yesterday.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
May 2010
Important milestone in setting regulatory regime for airports
31 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached an important milestone in the setting of a new regulatory regime for airports under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Airports
More false country of origin claims on Royal Jelly product result in fines
28 May 2010
A second company selling Royal Jelly in Auckland souvenir stores, falsely claiming its product to be New Zealand made, has been convicted and fined in the Auckland District Court yesterday. Shim's International Limited, trading as Royal Deer of New Zealand was fined $6,000.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission advises industry on credit card late payment fees
21 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has issued compliance advice letters to a number of banks and credit card providers (issuers) following an investigation into the reasonableness of credit card exception fees.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Preformed Line Products applies for clearance
20 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Preformed Line Products Company seeking clearance to acquire Electropar Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
New requirements for Telecom's regulatory financial statements published
18 May 2010
The Commerce Commission today published the new information disclosure requirements that Telecom must follow when preparing its regulatory financial statements.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission broadband quality report shows improvement in web browsing speed
18 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has released its report on New Zealand broadband quality covering the period 1 July to 31 December 2009. The report examines the quality of broadband services provided by New Zealand's internet service providers (ISPs).
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission recommends regulation of mobile termination access services in draft report
12 May 2010
In a draft reconsideration report issued today, the Commerce Commission has indicated that its preliminary view is to recommend that the Minister for Communications and Information Technology regulate mobile termination access services, and not accept undertakings from Telecom and Vodafone.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Revised draft credit fees guidelines released
12 May 2010
The Commerce Commission today released revised draft guidelines outlining the Commission's enforcement approach to credit fees under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act).
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Mortgage break fees investigation by Commerce Commission concluded
11 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has concluded its investigation under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act) into the mortgage break fees charged by banks when customers repay their fixed-rate loans early.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Settlement reached over breaches of consumer legislation
11 May 2010
In a settlement reached with the Commerce Commission, Foundation Custodians, a non-bank financier, has admitted breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCF Act) and the Fair Trading Act in relation to fees charged on early loan repayments. The company will provide refunds of $200,000 to affected customers.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Novartis granted clearance to acquire 52.15% shareholding in Alcon
6 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Novartis AG to acquire Nestlé S.A.'s 52.15 per cent shareholding in Alcon, Inc.
Relates to: Business Competition
Consumers misled by imported royal jelly passed off as NZ-made
5 May 2010
A company that sold a product made from royal jelly imported from China, with labels that implied the product was made in New Zealand, has been fined $15,000 in the Auckland District Court yesterday.
Relates to: Fair Trading
AMP applies for clearance to acquire AXA Asia Pacific
3 May 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from AMP Limited seeking clearance to acquire the Australian and New Zealand assets and business of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
April 2010
Company executive fined for Fair Trading Act breach
30 April 2010
The former managing director of a timber company that has gone into liquidation has pleaded guilty to 36 charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to misleading timber retailers and consumers about the characteristics of timber frames and roof trusses.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Gisborne Farmers Market agrees to remove pricing rule
28 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has concluded its investigation into an allegation of price-fixing by the Committee of Gisborne Farmers Market. A settlement has been reached which has resolved the issue without any need for court action, and ensures that prices at the market will be set by the individual stall holders.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission process for reconsideration of mobile termination access services recommendation
27 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released a letter outlining its indicative process and timeline to reconsider its recommendation in the mobile termination access services investigation that undertakings from Telecom and Vodafone should be accepted as an alternative to regulation
Relates to: Telecommunications
Court injunction granted against water filter companies
26 April 2010
Three companies involved in selling Love Springs branded water filters door to door have been restrained from engaging in conduct which is alleged to breach the Fair Trading Act, as a result of an interim injunction obtained by the Commerce Commission.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Statement of preliminary issues available for Tomarata Sand's clearance application
26 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application seeking clearance received from Tomarata Sand Limited, which is owned by Stan Semenoff.
Relates to: Business Competition
2009 annual monitoring report shows increasing competition in telecommunications markets
23 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released its 2009 telecommunications monitoring report analysing the state of New Zealand telecommunications markets.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Hoyts granted clearance to buy Berkeley exhibition business
21 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has granted clearance for Hoyts Corporation Holdings (NZ) Limited to acquire the Berkeley film exhibition business from Everard Entertainment Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
'Text to win' company pleads guilty to Fair Trading Act breach
21 April 2010
An overseas-based company that ran a series of text to win trivia competitions has pleaded guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by not properly disclosing all the terms and conditions related to the competitions.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission invites Minister to consider Vodafone's new on-net pricing plan
20 April 2010
In response to a query from the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, the Commerce Commission has invited the Minister to consider the launch of Vodafone's Talk Add-on product in his assessment of whether Telecom's and Vodafone's mobile termination access services (MTAS) undertakings should be accepted.
Relates to: Telecommunications
VDSL decision confirmed by Commerce Commission
16 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has today issued a decision related to Telecom's use of VDSL technologies in the provision of wholesale broadband services.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Supreme Court overrules Commission's ability to pursue overseas resident
16 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has today received judgment from the Supreme Court in relation to an issue of jurisdiction relating to individuals resident overseas who are alleged to have breached the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Business Competition
Summary and analysis report of Telecom's 2009 regulatory financial statements published
15 April 2010
The Commerce Commission today published its summary and analysis of Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited's first regulatory financial statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2009.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission recommends type of regulation to apply to Transpower
14 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has recommended to the Minister of Commerce that Transpower be subject to individual price-quality regulation following the expiry of its administrative settlement with the Commission.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects, Electricity
Tomarata Sand applies for clearance to acquire Coastal Resources
13 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Tomarata Sand Limited seeking clearance to acquire the assets and business of Coastal Resources Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Novartis AG applies for clearance
1 April 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Novartis AG seeking clearance to acquire the majority shareholding in Alcon, Inc.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission closes investigation into music copyright holders
1 April 2010
A Commerce Commission investigation has resulted in a voluntary change of rules in the music copyright industry that will allow for competition to occur, to the benefit of those who purchase licenses for copyrighted music.
Relates to: Business Competition
March 2010
Wings and Wheels over Waikato organiser sentenced
30 March 2010
Kenneth James Ross, the organiser of the failed air and car show Wings and Wheels over Waikato, was sentenced to nine months home detention and 200 hours community service in the Hamilton District Court today.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Cash Converters settles with Commerce Commission over payday loans
24 March 2010
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with Cash Converters and its associated companies in New Zealand.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Hoyts NZ applies for clearance
17 March 2010
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Hoyts Corporation Holdings (NZ) Limited (Hoyts NZ) seeking clearance to acquire the film exhibition business assets of the Berkeley Cinema Group (Berkeley).
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission acknowledges select committee report
17 March 2010
The Commerce Commission acknowledges the findings of a Commerce Committee report into a case involving a Northland man who felt he had not been dealt with fairly by the Commission over the consequences of a merger decision reached 24 years ago.
Relates to: Business Competition
Car dealership company pleads guilty to breaching Fair Trading Act
16 March 2010
An Auckland based car dealership has pleaded guilty to five charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act for a misleading promotion about a 0% interest finance offer. They have been fined $18,000 in the North Shore District Court today.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Real estate agent's appeal upheld because of new Act
10 March 2010
A Wellington real estate agent, who was successfully prosecuted under section 14 of the Fair Trading Act for misleading use of a Buyer Enquiry Over price, has been discharged without conviction by the High Court following an appeal.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Proceedings against Commissioner Donal Curtin
9 March 2010
The Commerce Commission has been advised that court proceedings have been filed against Commissioner Donal Curtin, relating to his private role as an investment adviser.
Relates to:
Calf feed company fined for Fair Trading Act breach
5 March 2010
A company that manufactured and sold a calf feed that did not meet its advertised specifications has pleaded guilty to eight charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act. Mainfeeds Limited (formerly known as PCL Limited) has been fined $125,000 in the Auckland District Court today.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Cartel leniency policy updated by Commerce Commission
1 March 2010
The Commerce Commission has today released its updated cartel leniency policy.
Relates to: Business Competition
February 2010
Recommendation on mobile termination delivered to Minister
22 February 2010
The Commerce Commission today delivered its final report on mobile termination access services to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission commences review of data price
19 February 2010
The Commerce Commission today commenced a review of the cost of data transmission in the unbundled bitstream access (UBA) standard terms determination.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Draft decision released by Commerce Commission on VDSL services
18 February 2010
The Commerce Commission today released its draft decision on how the application of the unbundled bitstream access standard terms determination (UBA STD) relates to services delivered over VDSL.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission receives revised undertakings from Telecom
11 February 2010
The Commerce Commission has been informed by Telecom that they will be providing revised undertakings in relation to the Commission's investigation into mobile termination rates.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Retailer warned over voucher promotion
9 February 2010
The Commerce Commission is reminding retailers that, when offering free gifts or prizes, they should ensure that the fine print does not materially alter the terms of the offer.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Trade Me seller warned against anti-competitive behaviour
3 February 2010
The Commerce Commission has issued a formal warning under the Commerce Act to Ernie Travers of Massey, Auckland, a Trade Me seller who, in the Commission's view, attempted to fix prices for LED bicycle lights with another online seller.
Relates to: Business Competition
January 2010
Refund process for text to win competitions
15 January 2010
A company that ran a series of text to win trivia competitions is offering refunds to consumers who participated in the competitions.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Insurance company to refund consumers over partial payments
14 January 2010
A company which provides payment protection insurance has admitted a possible breach of the Fair Trading Act and will pay affected consumers about $37,000 in an out of court settlement with the Commerce Commission.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Telecom admits breaching Fair Trading Act - pays back $9.5m to customers
12 January 2010
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, Telecom New Zealand Limited and Xtra Limited (Telecom) has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act by misleading more than 130,000 broadband customers.Relates to: Fair Trading, Telecommunications
Commerce Commission watching retailers' credit card surcharges
12 January 2010
The Commerce Commission is taking a close interest in the surcharges some retailers have introduced this week for consumers paying by credit card and will continue to monitor developments.Relates to: Business Competition
January 2013
New report tracks electricity distributor trends 2008 –2011
30 January 2013
A new report from the Commerce Commission gives consumers information on how well their local electricity distribution business is performing.
Relates to: Electricity
Statement of preliminary issues available for Perry Metal Protection Limited / CSP Coating Systems clearance application
25 January 2013
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from Perry Metal Protection Limited (PMP) to acquire the CSP Coating Systems (CSP) division from Fletcher Steel.
Relates to: Business Competition
Statement of preliminary issues available for Random House/Penguin clearance application
11 January 2013
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from Bertelsmann SE & Co. (owner of Random House) and Pearson plc (owner of Penguin) seeking clearance to form a new jointly-owned company to be called Penguin Random House, which will acquire the retail book publishing businesses of Random House and Penguin.
Relates to: Business Competition
Perry Metal Protection seeks clearance to acquire CSP Coatings
4 January 2013
The Commerce Commission has received an application for clearance from Perry Metal Protection Limited (PMP) to acquire the CSP Coating Systems (CSP) division from Fletcher Steel.
Relates to: Business Competition
