December 2016
Commission recommends revisiting the regulation of Spark’s wholesale voice services in two years
22 December 2016
The Commerce Commission has completed its investigation of whether to recommend to the Minister for Communications that Spark’s wholesale voice services provided on copper lines should be deregulated.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission releases final decisions on review of rules for regulated electricity, gas and airport services
20 December 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released its final decisions on its review of input methodologies (IMs) – the rules, requirements and processes that apply to the sectors it regulates under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects
Charges filed over ‘made in New Zealand’ claims about NatureBee supplement
20 December 2016
Topline International Limited (Topline) and its director Jeffrey Bernard Cook each face 22 charges brought by the Commission for falsely representing that its NatureBee Potentiated Bee Pollen (NatureBee) supplement was a New Zealand made and sourced product, when in fact the bee pollen was from China.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Final decision on $50m liability allocation for telecommunications providers
19 December 2016
The Commerce Commission today released its final decision about how much 15 telecommunications providers will pay towards the $50 million Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL) for 2015/16.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Phone number portability to stay
19 December 2016
The Commerce Commission has decided to continue to regulate number portability for both local and mobile telephone numbers for another five years.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Hamilton real estate agency to pay $1 million for price fixing
19 December 2016
Hamilton real estate agency Lugton’s Limited has been ordered to pay a penalty of $1 million following a penalty hearing in the Auckland High Court on Friday 16 December.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Business Competition
Godfreys fined for the extended warranty agreements it sold customers
19 December 2016
New Zealand Vacuum Cleaner Company Limited (trading as Godfreys) was today fined $48,000 in the Manukau District Court after earlier pleading guilty to 10 charges relating to its extended warranty agreements.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Real estate agencies to pay $9.825 m in penalties for price fixing
16 December 2016
The head offices of Barfoot & Thompson, Harcourts, LJ Hooker and Ray White will collectively pay $9.825 million following a price fixing penalty hearing in the Auckland High Court.
Relates to: Business Competition
Youi insurance fined $320,000 for misleading sales techniques
15 December 2016
Insurance firm Youi NZ Pty Limited (Youi) has today been fined $320,000 in the Auckland District Court for employing misleading sales techniques when attempting to sell policies to consumers who were seeking a quote.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commission releases final report on Fonterra’s 2016/17 Milk Price Manual
14 December 2016
The Commerce Commission today released its final report on its annual statutory review of Fonterra’s Milk Price Manual for the 2016/17 dairy season.
Relates to: Dairy
"You better watch out" – Christmas shoppers urged
14 December 2016
With the Christmas shopping season in full swing the Commerce Commission is reminding consumers and retailers about consumers' rights when buying goods in store or online.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Third party trademark agency receives warning
13 December 2016
Gibraltar-based company PTMO Limited (PTMO) has received a Commission warning for a notice it sent to New Zealand trademark holders to pay $1,295 to renew their trademark for 10 years.
Relates to: Fair Trading
South Auckland car dealership fined for false claims its cars were AA appraised
12 December 2016
Car dealer, Zodiac Motor Company Limited (Zodiac) has been fined a total of $105,000 in Manukau District Court for making false claims that its cars were AA appraised and that it was an AA Appraised Used Dealer.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission completes steel mesh investigations into five companies
5 December 2016
The Commission has now completed its seismic steel mesh investigations into five of the companies under investigation.
Relates to: Fair Trading
PGW and Elders’ employees fined in livestock price fixing case
5 December 2016
Four current or former employees of PGG Wrightson and one former employee of Elders Rural Holdings Limited have been ordered to pay penalties totalling $105,000 following an Auckland High Court penalty hearing for their respective roles in a price fixing agreement in connection with the introduction of the National Animal Identification and Tracing Act 2012 (NAIT Act).
Relates to: Business Competition
Harmoney fined $292k for misleading marketing campaign
2 December 2016
Peer-to-peer lender Harmoney has today been fined $292,500 in the Auckland District Court for misleading consumers into believing they had been pre-approved for a personal loan.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
November 2016
Manawatu 1994 Limited fined $1.25m in price fixing case
29 November 2016
Manawatu 1994 Limited, trading under the LJ Hooker banner, has been ordered to pay a penalty of $1.25 million following a hearing in the Auckland High Court.
Relates to: Business Competition
Mobile trader owner found guilty after not supplying customers’ goods
29 November 2016
Flexi Buy Limited owner Vikram Mehta has been found guilty under the Crimes Act 1961 of being a party to obtaining money by deception, by making false representations to customers.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commission issues details on NZME/Fairfax conference
29 November 2016
The Commerce Commission has today published details of the conference it is holding on its draft determination of NZME and Fairfax’s application for authorisation under the Commerce Act to merge their media businesses.
Relates to: Business Competition
Payday lender Twenty Fifty Club fined $76K and director banned indefinitely
28 November 2016
South Auckland payday lender Twenty Fifty Club Limited and its sole director Gavin Marsich have been fined a total of $76,000 and Mr Marsich has been banned indefinitely from carrying out any further consumer lending.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Retirement villages urged to check their credit law compliance
21 November 2016
The Commerce Commission is reminding retirement villages to ensure their consumer credit contracts and lending practices comply with the law
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Statement of Preliminary Issues released for Aon’s acquisition of Fire Protection Inspection Services
21 November 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a Statement of Preliminary Issues relating to an application from Aon New Zealand to acquire the assets, business and certain liabilities of Fire Protection Inspection Services Limited (FPIS).
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission releases draft decision on service levels of Chorus UBA
9 November 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released the draft decision in its review of the non-price features of the Unbundled Bitstream Access (UBA) service.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commerce Commission investigation returns $600,000 to NZ trademark holders
9 November 2016
The Commission has worked with ANZ Bank to successfully return around $600,000 to trademark holders who were misled about the need to pay an invoice from Swiss company, TM Publisher (TMP).
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission proposes to decline NZME/Fairfax merger
8 November 2016
The Commerce Commission has today published its draft determination on NZME and Fairfax’s application under the Commerce Act seeking authorisation to merge their media operations in New Zealand. The Commission’s preliminary view is that it should decline to authorise the merger.
Relates to: Business Competition
Aon applies for clearance to acquire Fire Protection Inspection Services
8 November 2016
The Commission has received an application from Aon New Zealand (Aon) to acquire the business and assets of Fire Protection Inspection Services Limited (FPIS).
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission proposes to continue telephone number portability
3 November 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released a draft determination proposing to continue the regulation of number portability services for both local and mobile telephone numbers for another 5 years. Number portability enables a customer to switch telecommunications providers while retaining the same telephone number.
Relates to: Telecommunications
October 2016
Letter of Unresolved Issues for Vodafone/Sky merger
31 October 2016
The Commerce Commission has today sent a Letter of Unresolved Issues to Vodafone and Sky television in relation to their proposed merger.
Relates to: Business Competition
Draft decision on $50m liability allocation for telecommunications providers
31 October 2016
The Commerce Commission today released its draft decision about how much 15 telecommunications providers will pay towards the $50 million Telecommunications Development Levy (TDL) for 2015/16.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Expedia and Booking.com amend parity contract clauses
28 October 2016
Expedia and Booking.com will amend price and availability parity clauses in their contracts with New Zealand accommodation providers to resolve a Commerce Commission investigation.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears rendering merger
21 October 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance to the Wallace Group Limited Partnership to acquire up to 100% of the assets and business of Wallace Corporation Limited, Farm Brands Limited (and related companies) and Keep It Clean Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission receives landfill authorisation application from the Nelson and Tasman Councils
20 October 2016
The Commerce Commission has received a joint application from the Nelson City Council and the Tasman District Council to form a business unit to operate the two landfills in the Nelson-Tasman region.
Relates to: Business Competition
Ninth mobile trader charged as Commission continues clamp down on non-compliance
18 October 2016
Mobile trader, Bestdeals 4 You Limited (Bestdeals) today pleaded guilty to 19 charges brought by the Commerce Commission relating to the layby sales agreements and consumer credit contracts it offered customers.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Commission releases draft report on Fonterra’s 2016/17 Milk Price Manual
14 October 2016
The Commerce Commission today released its draft report on its annual statutory review of Fonterra’s Milk Price Manual for the 2016/17 dairy season. The Commission’s draft finding is that the 2016/17 Manual is largely consistent with the purpose of the milk price monitoring regime under the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (the Act).
Relates to: Dairy
Yoghurt Story fined for falsely claiming its products are yoghurt
14 October 2016
Yoghurt Story New Zealand Limited and Frozen Yoghurt Limited have been sentenced and fined in the Auckland District Court for misleading the public about the nature and characteristics of their frozen yoghurt products.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Warning about phone survey scam that offers non-existent cash prizes
10 October 2016
The Commerce Commission is warning New Zealanders about being cold-called by a company called Li Bai Corporation, as it is believed to be a scam.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission obtains highest penalties yet against mobile traders
6 October 2016
Mobile traders Ace Marketing Limited and Smart Shop Limited (trading as SmartStore) have been fined $150,000 and $135,000 respectively after being sentenced in the Auckland District Court.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
September 2016
Sales Concepts pleads guilty to false Christmas delivery promise
28 September 2016
Mobile trader Sales Concepts Limited (Sales Concepts) has pleaded guilty to 10 charges in the Auckland District Court brought by the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA) for misleading consumers.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases 2016 Consumer Issues Report
27 September 2016
The Commerce Commission has released its 2016 Consumer Issues Report, presenting a picture of issues affecting New Zealand consumers.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Charges laid over Nurofen specific pain range painkillers
26 September 2016
Reckitt Benckiser (New Zealand) Limited (RBNZ) faces 10 charges brought by the Commission alleging it misled the public about the nature, characteristics and suitability of its Nurofen specific pain range products.
Relates to:
Commission recommends deregulating Spark’s wholesale voice services
23 September 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released a report for consultation indicating its intention to recommend to the Minister for Communications that Spark’s resale voice services be deregulated.
Relates to:
Trustpower fined $390k over misleading broadband offer
22 September 2016
Trustpower Limited has been fined $390,000 in the Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to misleading consumers over the price and terms of its bundled electricity and unlimited data broadband offer.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases final report on its review of Fonterra’s 2015/16 base milk price calculation
15 September 2016
The Commerce Commission today released its final report on Fonterra’s base milk price calculation for the 2015/16 dairy season. The Commission’s view, after considering submissions on the draft report released last month, is that Fonterra’s calculation of the 2015/16 base milk price is largely consistent with both the efficiency and contestability purposes of Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA).
Relates to: Dairy
Commission clears Boehringer Ingelheim to acquire Merial from Sanofi
14 September 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance to Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH to acquire 100% of the shares and assets in Merial, the animal health business of Sanofi S.A.
Relates to: Business Competition
Vodafone fined $165k for false price representations
14 September 2016
Vodafone New Zealand Limited has today been fined $165,000 in the Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to making false price representations in breach of the Fair Trading Act.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Telecommunications
Bike Barn charged with misleading customers over its sale prices
12 September 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed 16 charges against Bikes International Limited and Bike Retail Group Limited (which both operate as Bike Barn) relating to misleading conduct.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission consulting on credit fees guidelines
7 September 2016
The Commerce Commission has released updated draft guidelines designed to assist lenders when setting credit fees.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
AirAsia warned over opt out pricing and processing fee
5 September 2016
Malaysian airline Air Asia X Service Pty Limited has agreed to end its preselection of checked baggage and change how it discloses its processing fee when selling flight tickets to New Zealand customers online.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Godfreys pleads guilty to charges over extended warranty agreements
2 September 2016
New Zealand Vacuum Cleaner Company Limited (trading as Godfreys) has pleaded guilty to 10 charges brought by the Commission in relation to the extended warranty agreements it sold to consumers.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission warns Wellington Electricity over quality standards
1 September 2016
The Commerce Commission has issued a warning letter to Wellington Electricity Lines Limited (WELL) after it failed to comply with minimum standards for network reliability in 2013 and 2014.
Relates to: Electricity
August 2016
Commerce Commission authorises commingling of racing betting
30 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has granted authorisation to the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) to allow it, subject to certain restrictions, to commingle totalisator horse and greyhound racing betting pools with Tabcorp Wagering Manager (Vic) Pty Ltd (Tabcorp) in Australia.
Relates to: Business Competition
Energy retail contracts reviewed by Commission for unfair terms
30 August 2016
As part of an ongoing review of standard form consumer contracts, the Commerce Commission has released a report detailing its findings in the energy retail sector.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commission asks the Court to clarify how credit law applies to Harmoney
29 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed civil proceedings in the Auckland High Court asking the Court questions about how the Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA) applies to consumer loans entered into with peer-to-peer lender Harmoney Limited.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Duvets sold as ‘premium alpaca’ contained mostly sheep’s wool
24 August 2016
Rotorua business Budge Collection Limited (Budge) and sole director, Sun Dong Kim, were convicted and fined a total of $71,250 in Auckland District Court after each pleading guilty to four charges of misrepresenting how much alpaca fibre was in their duvets.
Relates to: Fair Trading
$1.5 million in fees and interest returned to borrowers after insufficient disclosure
24 August 2016
Lenders Adelphi Finance Ltd and Shaw Personal Finance Ltd have refunded customers or reduced customer account balances by over $1.4 million and $100,000 respectively after the Commission warned they were likely to have breached consumer credit laws.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Commission files charges against Auckland mobile trader, Zee Shop
23 August 2016
Mobile trader Zee Shop Limited (Zee Shop) appeared in the Auckland District Court today in relation to 15 charges brought by the Commerce Commission relating to its lending practices.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
NZME/Fairfax merger update
22 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has agreed an extension with NZME and Fairfax on their application seeking authorisation to merge their New Zealand media operations and will now make its final decision by 15 March 2017.
Relates to: Business Competition
123 Mart charged over safety standard of children’s toys and nightwear
22 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed 28 charges against The 123 Mart Limited (123 Mart) relating to 10 children’s toys and five clothing items it sold between April 2013 and June 2016.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission files charges against Trustpower over misleading broadband offer
19 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed charges in the Auckland District Court against Trustpower Limited over its marketing and sale of its bundled electricity and unlimited data broadband offer.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Acute Finance charged over unreasonable fees and repayment waiver
18 August 2016
Acute Finance Limited (Acute) has pleaded not guilty to five charges brought by the Commerce Commission under the Credit Contract and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA) about its credit fees and its repayment waiver.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Commission releases draft report on Fonterra’s 2015/16 base milk price calculation
15 August 2016
The Commerce Commission today released its draft report on Fonterra’s base milk price calculation for the 2015/16 dairy season.
Relates to: Dairy
Commission seeks feedback on domestic backhaul services
12 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released a discussion paper seeking information on domestic ‘backhaul’ services.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission files charges against Youi insurance
11 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed charges in the Auckland District Court against insurance firm Youi NZ Pty Limited, alleging it employed misleading sales techniques when attempting to sell policies to consumers who were only seeking a quote.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Statement of preliminary issues for Wallace Group LP acquisition
9 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from Wallace Group Limited Partnership to acquire up to 100% of the assets and business of Wallace Corporation Limited, Farm Brands Limited and Keep It Clean Limited.
Relates to:
Commission reaches preliminary view on racing betting authorisation application
9 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has reached a preliminary view that it should grant authorisation to the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) to allow it, subject to certain restrictions, to commingle totalisator horse and greyhound racing betting pools with Tabcorp Wagering Manager (Vic) Pty Ltd (Tabcorp) in Australia.
Relates to:
Boehringer Ingelheim applies for clearance to acquire Merial from Sanofi
3 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH seeking clearance to acquire 100% of the shares and assets in Merial, the animal health business of Sanofi SA.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission files charges against Harmoney over marketing campaign
1 August 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed Fair Trading Act charges in the Auckland District Court against peer-to-peer lender Harmoney alleging it misled consumers into believing they had been pre-approved for a personal loan.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
July 2016
Commerce Commission considers rendering merger
28 July 2016
The Commission has received an application for the Wallace Group Limited Partnership (Wallace Group) to acquire up to 100% of the assets and business of Wallace Corporation Limited, Farm Brands. This comprises Farm Brands Limited, Farm Brands Asset Management Limited and South Canterbury By-Products (2009) Limited) and Keep It Clean Limited.
Relates to:
Budget Loans and Evolution Finance found guilty on 106 FTA charges
15 July 2016
Finance companies Budget Loans Limited and Evolution Finance Limited have been found guilty in the Auckland District Court on 106 charges brought by the Commerce Commission under the Fair Trading Act.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Statement of Preliminary Issues released for Vodafone / Sky merger
14 July 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a Statement of Preliminary Issues relating to the proposed merger of Vodafone and Sky.
Relates to: Business Competition
SmartStore charged over its customer agreements
12 July 2016
Mobile trader, Smart Shop Limited (trading as SmartStore) yesterday pleaded guilty to 11 charges brought by the Commerce Commission for its loan contracts and extended warranty agreements.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commission clears Fletcher Building and Higgins merger
8 July 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance for Fletcher Building Holdings New Zealand Limited (Fletcher Building) to acquire Higgins Group Holdings Limited (Higgins).
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission files charges over ECE subsidy misrepresentations at Auckland pre-school
5 July 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed charges in the Auckland District Court against Kowhai Montessori Pre-School Limited and its former director and manager Rebecca Brindle, following an investigation into allegations they misrepresented to parents the subsidy the pre-school received under the Government’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) scheme.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Bayleys and Success Realty to pay $2.2m and $900,000 in penalties in real estate price fixing case
1 July 2016
Bayleys Corporation Limited and Hamilton-based Success Realty Limited have been ordered to pay penalties of $2.2 million and $900,000 respectively following penalty hearings in the Auckland High Court.
Relates to: Business Competition
June 2016
Vodafone and Sky seek clearance for merger
30 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has received two clearance applications relating to the proposed merger of Vodafone New Zealand Limited (Vodafone NZ) and Sky Network Television Limited (Sky).
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission to investigate deregulating Spark’s resale services
30 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has completed its five yearly review of Schedule 1 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 and confirmed it will investigate whether Spark’s resale voice services should be deregulated.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Canterbury builder fined for failing to supply building guarantees
20 June 2016
Gerard James Thomson, the Director of construction business, Flaxmill Ltd, was fined $12,800 and ordered to pay $16,700 in compensation to two of the three complainants for making false representations about providing Homefirst building guarantees to home owners.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission releases draft decisions on review of rules for regulated electricity, gas and airport services
16 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released draft decisions for consultation on its review of input methodologies (IMs) – the rules, requirements and processes that apply to the sectors it regulates under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects
First mobile traders sentenced under new laws with increased penalties
15 June 2016
Mobile traders Goodring Company Limited (Goodring) and Betterlife Corporation Limited (Betterlife) have been fined a total of $171,500 after being sentenced in Auckland District Court.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Statement of Preliminary Issues released for Fairfax / NZME merger
14 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a Statement of Preliminary Issues relating to the merger of the businesses of Wilson & Horton Limited (trading as NZME) and Fairfax New Zealand Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
New report details profitability of electricity lines companies
8 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released a new report detailing the profitability of the 16 electricity distributors subject to price-quality regulation in New Zealand between 2012 and 2015.
Relates to: Electricity
Commerce Commission receives racing betting authorisation application
3 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has received an application from the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) seeking authorisation for parts of a proposed arrangement between the NZRB and Tabcorp Wagering Manager (Vic) Pty Ltd (Tabcorp).
Relates to: Business Competition
Payday lender, Twenty Fifty Club, found guilty in Manukau District Court
3 June 2016
Twenty Fifty Club Ltd and its sole director Gavin John Marsich were today found guilty of 16 charges each in Manukau District Court in relation to a payday loans business in South Auckland.
Relates to:
Commission files charges against educational software provider
2 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed 37 charges against the Auckland Academy of Learning Limited (AAL). The charges allege that misrepresentations were made by staff who sold AAL’s educational software package, CAMI. They also allege that AAL breached consumer credit and direct selling laws.
Relates to:
Commission lifts ‘stop’ on Brilliance Steel’s steel mesh
1 June 2016
The Commerce Commission has lifted its advice to Brilliance Steel Limited (Brilliance) not to sell ductile steel mesh represented as grade 500E after reaching an interim agreement.
Relates to: Fair Trading
May 2016
NZME and Fairfax apply for authorisation to merge NZ operations
27 May 2016
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Wilson and Horton Limited (trading as NZME) and Fairfax NZ Limited seeking authorisation to merge their media operations in New Zealand.
Relates to: Business Competition
Telco report highlights growth of mobile and video streaming services
26 May 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released its latest annual telecommunications monitoring report analysing the state of New Zealand’s telecommunications markets.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission files proceedings against Vodafone over misleading invoices
25 May 2016
The Commerce Commission has filed court proceedings against Vodafone New Zealand Limited alleging it breached the Fair Trading Act by making false price representations.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Nangong sentenced after selling fake alpaca duvets to tourist shops
23 May 2016
Duvet and rug business Nangong Limited and its owner, Yun Qiang Hou, were convicted and fined a total of more than $109,000 in Auckland District Court after pleading guilty to 14 charges of making false claims that their duvets contained alpaca wool and were made in New Zealand.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Napier lender, Cash to You Loans, appears in court
23 May 2016
Lower-tier finance company, Cash to You Loans Limited, has appeared in the Napier District Court on 32 charges brought by the Commerce Commission relating to its lending business.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Manawatu agency to pay $1.25m penalty in real estate price fixing case
20 May 2016
Unique Realty Limited has been ordered to pay a penalty of $1.25 million following a hearing in the Auckland High Court.
Relates to: Business Competition
Supreme Court backs Commission in significant credit law case
12 May 2016
The Supreme Court has dismissed Motor Trade Finance Limited (MTF) and Sportzone Motorcycles Limited’s second and final appeal in the long-running credit fees case brought by the Commerce Commission, providing the definitive ruling on a key piece of credit law.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Drainage firm director sentenced to home detention for deception over Christchurch earthquake repairs
11 May 2016
Alligator Drainage Limited director Graham Lilley has today been sentenced to 10 months home detention in Christchurch District Court, having pleaded guilty to 21 deception charges under the Crimes Act following a Commerce Commission and Police investigation into drainage repairs conducted on earthquake damaged properties.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission concludes Intagr8 investigation
4 May 2016
The Commerce Commission has concluded its investigation into telecommunications firm Intagr8 Limited regarding allegations it misrepresented the price and nature of its services when making sales in New Zealand.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Lenders must repay all fees and interest if they don’t comply with disclosure rules
4 May 2016
The Commerce Commission is reminding lenders that failing to disclose key information to borrowers in their consumer credit contracts could result in the repayment of all fees and interest on each loan for the period until disclosure is corrected.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Imported goats’ milk powder products not “New Zealand made”
3 May 2016
In a case taken by the Commerce Commission, the High Court has found that New Zealand Nutritionals (2004) Limited (NZ Nutritionals) made misleading “New Zealand made” claims about two dietary supplements.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission recoups money for New Zealand trade mark holders
2 May 2016
The Commission has reached an interim agreement with TM Publisher, an overseas company who sent invoices for unsolicited services to New Zealand trade mark holders.
Relates to: Fair Trading
April 2016
Z Energy cleared to acquire Chevron subject to divestments
29 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has cleared Z Energy Limited’s application to acquire 100% of the shares in Chevron New Zealand, the owner of the Caltex and Challenge brands in New Zealand.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission seeks submissions on deregulating selected Schedule 1 telecommunications services
29 April 2016
The Commerce Commission today released the preliminary findings of its five yearly review of whether to investigate deregulating selected services in Schedule 1 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 (the Act).
Relates to: Telecommunications
Update on Commerce Commission steel mesh investigation
29 April 2016
The Commerce Commission continues to make progress in its ongoing enquiries into steel mesh sold in New Zealand.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission lifts ‘stop’ on Euro Corporation’s steel mesh
22 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has lifted its advice to Euro Corporation Limited (Euro Corporation) not to sell ductile steel mesh represented as grade 500E after reaching an interim agreement.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears H.B. Fuller to acquire Advanced Adhesives
21 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance for H.B. Fuller Company Australia Pty Limited (H.B. Fuller) to acquire the business and assets of Advanced Adhesives New Zealand Limited (Advanced Adhesives).
Relates to:
National chain, Baby City, faces charges over safety of cots
19 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has laid nine charges against baby products store, Baby City Retail Investments Limited (Baby City), relating to failing to comply with the safety standard for household cots (Safety Standard).
Relates to: Fair Trading
Three mobile traders plead guilty to Commission charges
14 April 2016
Three mobile traders, commonly referred to as truck shops, have pleaded guilty to charges brought by the Commerce Commission relating to their lending practices.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
New Zealand trade mark holders warned about letters requesting payment
14 April 2016
The Commerce Commission is alerting businesses that they are under no obligation to pay an invoice being sent in the post by TM Publisher to New Zealand trade mark holders.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission signs cooperation arrangement with Canadian Competition Bureau
13 April 2016
Commerce Commission Chairman Dr Mark Berry has today signed a mutual cooperation arrangement with Canadian Competition Bureau Commissioner John Pecman to further enhance their collaboration on cross-agency competition matters.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit, Business Competition
Commission begins consultation on review of non-price terms for Chorus’ UBA service
7 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released a consultation document on the non-price terms of the Unbundled Bitstream Access (UBA) Standard Terms Determination (STD). The paper seeks views on the key issues the Commission intends to address in the review, as well as the proposed process.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Christchurch car finance company to repay customers
6 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has reached a settlement with motor vehicle lender, Dealer Finance Limited (Dealer Finance), to pay back or credit at least $440,000 to customers who were overcharged interest on their loans from 2005.
Relates to: Consumer Credit
Update on steel mesh investigation
6 April 2016
The Commerce Commission welcomes Steel & Tube’s decision not to sell SE seismic steel mesh until the mesh has been through a dual testing process and the company has test results that demonstrate compliance with the standard.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission will not undertake gas metering inquiry
1 April 2016
The Commerce Commission has decided against initiating an inquiry into whether gas metering services should be regulated at this time.
Relates to: Gas Pipelines
March 2016
Commission releases research on business mobile market
31 March 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released independent research aimed at providing greater insight into the factors affecting competition in the high value business segment of the mobile market.
Relates to: Telecommunications
Warning to Phil & Teds over safety concerns with teddy bears
29 March 2016
Phil and Teds Most Excellent Buggy Company Limited (Phil & Teds) have been issued with a warning by the Commerce Commission after 10 of its teddy bears were tested and did not comply with the prescribed product safety standard for children’s toys.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Spark’s acquisition of 2300MHz spectrum
24 March 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance for Spark New Zealand Limited to acquire the management rights to 70MHz of radio spectrum in the 2300MHz band from Craig NZ and Woosh NZ.
Relates to: Business Competition
Surcharges must be clearly disclosed to avoid misleading customers
23 March 2016
As Easter approaches, the Commerce Commission is reminding businesses that if they choose to charge additional surcharges, these must be clearly disclosed and the reasons for the surcharge accurately described to avoid breaching the Fair Trading Act.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Jetstar gives enforceable undertakings to end opt out pricing
17 March 2016
Jetstar has given court enforceable undertakings to the Commerce Commission ending its preselection of ‘opt out’ services when selling airline tickets to New Zealand customers online.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Insufficient disclosure results in over $100,000 in refunds
17 March 2016
Payday lender, Cash in a Flash, has refunded customers or reduced customer account balances by a total of $122,365 after the Commerce Commission warned it was likely to have breached consumer credit laws.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Zodiac car dealership in court for falsely claiming to be AA appraised
8 March 2016
South Auckland motor vehicle dealer, Zodiac Motor Company Limited (Zodiac), and its owner Nezam Anwer appeared in Manukau District Court today on charges for false representations about its AA Appraised Used Vehicle Dealer membership.
Relates to: Fair Trading
New animations campaign aims to empower borrowers
7 March 2016
The Commerce Commission has today launched an original animated series to raise awareness of consumer rights.
Relates to: Fair Trading, Consumer Credit
Commerce Commission investigating whether steel mesh complies with standard
4 March 2016
Brilliance Steel Ltd (Brilliance) and Euro Corporation Limited (Euro Corporation) have agreed to stop selling some steel mesh products while the Commerce Commission further investigates concerns that they may not comply with the Australia/New Zealand standard (AS/NZ 4671:2001).
Relates to: Fair Trading
Statement of preliminary issues for H. B. Fuller’s acquisition of Advanced Adhesives
2 March 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from H. B. Fuller Company Australia Pty Limited to acquire the business and assets of Advanced Adhesives (New Zealand) Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission releases final report on dairy sector competition in NZ
1 March 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released its final report on the state of competition in New Zealand’s dairy industry.
Relates to: Dairy
Commerce Commission declines Tennex Capital’s acquisition of San-i-pak
1 March 2016
The Commerce Commission has declined an application from Tennex Capital Limited, owners of International Waste (IWL), to acquire the medical and quarantine waste business of San-i-pak Limited (San-i-pak).
Relates to: Business Competition
First mobile trader sentenced following Commission’s mobile trader report
1 March 2016
Mobile trader Flexi Buy Limited has been fined $50,000 in the Auckland District Court. A further $3,480 was awarded in damages to affected customers.
Relates to: Fair Trading
February 2016
Statement of preliminary issues for Fletcher Building’s acquisition of Higgins
29 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from Fletcher Building Holdings New Zealand Limited seeking clearance to acquire Higgins Group Holdings Limited, including 50% of shares in the Horokiwi Quarries Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission releases final amendments to airport land valuation rules
24 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has released its final decision on the application of the airport land valuation rules as part of the input methodologies review.
Relates to: Pan Industry Projects
Commission clears Coty’s acquisition of P&G fragrance and cosmetics brands
23 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance for Coty Inc. (Coty) to acquire a significant part of the global hair care, colouring and styling, colour cosmetics and fragrance businesses of The Procter and Gamble Company (P&G).
Relates to: Business Competition
Fletcher Building seeks clearance to acquire Higgins Group
18 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Fletcher Building Holdings New Zealand Limited seeking clearance to acquire Higgins Group Holdings Limited, including 50% of shares in the Horokiwi Quarries Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
H B Fuller applies for clearance to acquire Advanced Adhesives
18 February 2016
H. B. Fuller Company Australia Pty Limited has applied to the Commerce Commission for clearance to acquire the business and assets of Advanced Adhesives (New Zealand) Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
Westpac to compensate customers $4m over debit card fees
16 February 2016
Westpac New Zealand has reached a settlement agreement with the Commerce Commission and Financial Markets Authority (FMA) to repay over $4 million dollars to over 100,000 past and present customers who were overcharged debit card fees when withdrawing money from Westpac ATMs in Australia.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Charges laid over alpaca and cashmere claims
16 February 2016
Two businesses and four associated individuals face charges for making false or misleading claims about the origin and composition of their cashmere and alpaca products.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Statement of preliminary issues for Spark’s acquisition of 2300MHz spectrum
12 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to an application from Spark New Zealand Limited to acquire the management rights to 70MHz of 2300MHz radio spectrum from Craig NZ and Woosh NZ.
Relates to: Business Competition
Commission releases report on unfair contract terms in the telco sector
10 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has today released a report detailing the findings of its review of standard form consumer contracts in the telecommunications sector.
Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Rheem to acquire Peter Cocks
3 February 2016
The Commerce Commission has given clearance for Rheem New Zealand Limited to acquire the business and assets of Peter Cocks (2010) Limited.
Relates to: Business Competition
January 2016
DSE (NZ) Limited (Dick Smith) receivership and voluntary administration
8 January 2016
What you need to know if you are affected by the current Dick Smith situation.
Relates to: Fair Trading
