December 1999
1999: a busy successful year of focusing on major issues for Commerce Commission
29 December 1999
"1999 has been a busy and successful year for the Commerce Commission," said its Chairman, John Belgrave.Relates to:
Commission clears UnitedNetworks to acquire Orion's gas distribution networks
24 December 1999
The Commerce Commission yesterday cleared UnitedNetworks Limited (United) to acquire the gas assets of gas and electricity distributor, Orion New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
Commission offices reopen January 5; and holiday contact
24 December 1999
Commission offices reopen January 5; and holiday contactRelates to:
Commission clears Air Liquide and Air Products and Chemicals to acquire BOC
23 December 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared L'Air Liquide S.A. and Air Products and Chemicals Inc to acquire The BOC Group plc.Relates to:
Importer fined $6,000 after not honouring settlement, and importing 3,600 unsafe babies' rattles
3 December 1999
The Otahuhu District Court today fined importer Geeta Trading Company Limited $6,000 plus $390 costs for importing 3,600 babies rattles that broke easily and were a choking and inhalation hazard.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission declines clearance for proposed acquisition by TeamTalk
3 December 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear TeamTalk Limited's proposed acquisition of the assets which comprise the Paging services, Private Mobile Radio, Trunked Mobile Radio and related equipment leasing businesses of Telecom New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
November 1999
Fletcher Steel makes second application for clearance to acquire Steel and Tube
24 November 1999
The Commerce Commission today received a second application from Fletcher Challenge Steel Products Limited for clearance to acquire Steel and Tube Holdings Limited.Relates to:
An invitation to business and consumer affairs writers
17 November 1999
*New Chairman, new General Manager, new Annual Plan *Relates to:
Disappointing Fair Trading compliance by furniture retailers: four prosecutions, more may follow
16 November 1999
The Commerce Commission sees furniture retailers' compliance with the Fair Trading Act as poor, it is prosecuting two retailers, is preparing prosecutions against two more and more court action may follow.Relates to: Fair Trading
Successful year for Commerce Commission: highest penalties yet, more proactive, new responsibilities
12 November 1999
The Commerce Commission's Annual Report details a successful year for the Commission it won record penalties, undertook more pro-active work, and carried out new responsibilities.Relates to:
Trying to stop discounting costs Acer Computer $83,000
12 November 1999
In the Auckland High Court today Acer Computer New Zealand Limited admitted that it breached the Commerce Act by trying to stop two wholesalers discounting Acer scanners.Relates to: Business Competition
Mothercare fined $4,000 after not honouring settlement: clothing did not meet fire safety and care labelling standards
11 November 1999
The Auckland District Court yesterday fined Greenbark Enterprises Limited, which trades as Mothercare New Zealand, $4,000 plus $550 costs for selling children's night clothes that did not meet the fire safety standard and other clothing that did not meet the care labelling standard.Relates to: Fair Trading
TeamTalk applies for clearance to acquire Telecom's paging and mobile radio businesses
10 November 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Wellington-based telecommunications company, TeamTalk Limited, for clearance to acquire Telecom New Zealand Limited's paging and mobile radio businesses.Relates to:
Commission declines to clear Fletcher Steel to acquire Steel and Tube
4 November 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Fletcher Challenge Steel Products Limited to acquire up to 100 percent of the shares in Steel and Tube Holdings Limited.Relates to:
October 1999
Dairy "mega-merger" application withdrawn
29 October 1999
The establishment board for the proposed merger of the Dairy Board and up to eight dairy companies today withdrew its application for Commerce Commission authorisation of the proposal.Relates to:
Commission exempts Colonial's property activities from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
28 October 1999
The Commerce Commission has given an exemption under section 81 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act (the EIR Act) to Colonial First State Property (NZ) Limited (CFSPL) and certain other New Zealand subsidiaries of the Colonial Group and persons which are involved with Colonial's property investment activities in New Zealand. The exemption is from the application of certain sections of the EIR Act for specified property investment and management activities which relate to the Colonial Group in New Zealand.Relates to: Electricity
Commission action against Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and Order of St John
19 October 1999
Commerce Commission action has stopped potential breaches of the Commerce Act by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT) and the Order of Saint John Auckland Region (OSJ).Relates to: Business Competition
Fletcher Challenge Steel applies for clearance to acquire Steel and Tube Holdings
11 October 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Fletcher Challenge Steel Products Limited for clearance to acquire Steel and Tube Holdings Limited.Relates to:
Hamilton businesses to meet Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs
11 October 1999
The Commerce Commission is throwing off its enforcement hat this week in favour of friendly visits to educate Hamilton traders. They will be joined by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.Relates to: Fair Trading
Court finds that Caltex, Mobil and Shell were price fixing
6 October 1999
The Auckland High Court today found that the Commerce Commission has proved its case that Caltex (NZ) Limited, Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited and Shell New Zealand Limited had acted anti-competitively and breached the Commerce Act by price fixing.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission travel industry action continues, court fines Budget Travel $8,000
5 October 1999
Commerce Commission action in the travel industry has continued with Judge Graeme Noble in the Christchurch District Court fining Gullivers Pacific Group Limited, trading as Budget Travel, $8,000 for breaching the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
First Fair Trading Case in Nelson
1 October 1999
Autoworld Richmond Limited yesterday pleaded guilty to five charges laid under the Fair Trading Act in the Nelson District Court. Judge Tuohy fined the company a total of $8,000.Relates to: Fair Trading
September 1999
Commission exempts Broadcast Communications Ltd and TVNZ Ltd from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
30 September 1999
The Commerce Commission today exempted BCL and its parent TVNZ from the application of the cross-ownership rules of the Electricity Industry Reform Act. The two companies had applied to the Commission for exemption to allow them to continue to own and operate electricity distribution networks, electricity generators and to supply other companies with electricity. Such activities are associated with the services BCL supplies to telecommunications companies and radio and television broadcasters and with TVNZ's property leasing operations. Commission investigations showed that continued ownership would mean that BCL and TVNZ had cross-involvements with electricity lines and electricity supply businesses that are prohibited by the Electricity Industry Reform Act.Relates to: Electricity
Commission exempts AMP's property activities from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
30 September 1999
The Commerce Commission has exempted AMP Limited, certain subsidiaries of AMP and certain other persons, which are involved with AMP's property investment activities, under section 81 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act). The exemption is from certain sections of the EIR Act for specified property investment and management activities undertaken by AMP.Relates to: Electricity
Ken Heaton appointed Commission General Manager
26 September 1999
The Commerce Commission has appointed Ken Heaton its General Manager.Relates to:
Southern Cross and Aetna to pay reimbursements of more than one hundred thousand dollars, rewrite policies and pay costs
14 September 1999
The Commerce Commission has settled court action against Southern Cross Medical Care Society and Aetna Health (NZ) Limited after the health insurance companies agreed to pay reimbursements of more than one hundred thousand dollars to affected policy holders, rewrite the relevant policies and pay $5,000 towards the Commission's legal costs.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Spotless Services to acquire P&O Catering and Services
9 September 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared Spotless Services (NZ) Limited to acquire all of the shareholding in P&O Catering and Services Limited.Relates to:
Commission action will increase competition in dairy breeding markets, Dairy Board subsidiary gives undertakings
9 September 1999
A Commerce Commission investigation of Dairy Board subsidiary, Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC), will increase competition in dairy breeding markets.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission finalises revised timetable for price control study of airports
3 September 1999
The Commerce Commission today published its revised timetable for its price control study of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports.Relates to: Airports
Commission clears Richmond to acquire Waitotara Meat Company
3 September 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared Richmond Limited (Richmond), to acquire up tp 100% of the shares in Waitotara Meat Company Limited (Waitotara).Relates to:
Wairarapa businesses to meet Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs
3 September 1999
The Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs will be visiting the Wairarapa on Tuesday September 7 to Wednesday September 8 to visit shops and businesses to discuss the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts and other consumer protection issues.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission asked to delay dairy mega-merger process
2 September 1999
The Commerce Commission has agreed to a request from the dairy "mega-merger" establishment board to delay its investigation of the mega-merger, which proposes to merge the Dairy Board and up to eight dairy companies.Relates to:
Commission exempts Fletcher Challenge and Fletcher Challenge Steel from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
2 September 1999
The Commerce Commission today exempted Fletcher Challenge Ltd (FCL) and its related company, Fletcher Challenge Steel Ltd, from the application of the cross-ownership rules of the Electricity Industry Reform Act.Relates to: Electricity
August 1999
Spotless Services applies for clearance to acquire P&O Catering and Services
31 August 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application to merge two catering businesses.Relates to:
Commission seizes gemstones linked to pyramid scheme
31 August 1999
The Commerce Commission has seized emeralds and other gemstones worth several hundred thousand dollars from a Tauranga company, Hot Ice International Limited.Relates to: Fair Trading
Oil companies price fixing trial starts tomorrow (Monday 30 August)
29 August 1999
The Commerce Commission's case alleging price fixing by oil companies Caltex (NZ) Limited, Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited and Shell New Zealand Limited goes to trial in the Auckland High Court tomorrow (Monday August 30).Relates to: Business Competition
Commission's preliminary determination says 'no' to dairy 'mega-merger'
27 August 1999
The Commission's preliminary view is to decline to grant authorisation to the proposed merger of the Dairy Board and up to eight dairy companies.Relates to:
Commission starts court action against proposed Hoyts/ Village Force merger
22 August 1999
The Commerce Commission has started court action to stop the proposed merger of the Hoyts and Village Force cinema chains.Relates to:
157 retailers warned they risk breaching lighter standard, distributors and manufacturers being investigated
19 August 1999
The Commerce Commission has warned 157 retailers that they risk breaching the product safety standard for cigarette lighters and is investigating some distributors and manufacturers of cigarette lighters.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission authorises grid security rules
13 August 1999
The Commerce Commission today authorised proposed arrangements that will provide a process for determining common elements of quality for electricity transmission.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission will not act against Imperial buying NZ tobacco assets, but continues BAT/Rothmans investigation
8 August 1999
The Commerce Commission will not prevent Imperial Tobacco Group plc acquiring various tobacco brands and the Petone cigarette factory, but will continue to investigate the British American Tobacco (BAT)/Rothmans merger.Relates to:
Injunctions stop Maximus pyramid scheme, freeze bank accounts
5 August 1999
The Commerce Commission has obtained interim injunctions stopping the operation of an alleged pyramid scheme, Maximus Intermediaries Limited, and freezing its bank accounts.Relates to: Fair Trading
Fine print: We will give you a loan for a fee of up to only $500*
4 August 1999
This example of fine print in advertising is real. It is from one of the Commerce Commission cases being discussed tomorrow at a seminar about advertising regulation, being run by the Commission and the advertising industry.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission and interested parties get more time to study new information about dairy "mega-merger"
3 August 1999
The Commerce Commission has extended its timetable for the dairy "mega-merger" decision so that it and interested parties can have time to consider fully new information to be provided by the Dairy Board and dairy companies.Relates to:
Commission to monitor pipfruit industry to ensure competition can develop
2 August 1999
The Commerce Commission will continue to monitor the pipfruit industry to ensure that competition can develop effectively should the Government go ahead with its proposed deregulation of the industry.Relates to: Business Competition
July 1999
Commission holds conference on arrangements for national electricity grid security policy, July 28
23 July 1999
The Commerce Commission conference to gather information about the proposed arrangements for determining security policy for the national electricity grid will be held in Wellington on Wednesday, July 28.Relates to: Business Competition
Commerce Commission and Fire Service to check lighters at shops tomorrow
21 July 1999
The Commerce Commission and the Fire Service will visit shops tomorrow (Thursday July 22) to check that cigarette lighters are child resistant.Relates to: Fair Trading
"Pureit" water filters not so pure:Giardia and Cryptosporidium pass through filter
19 July 1999
The importer of "Pureit" water filters, Beasam Holdings Limited, has admitted that its advertising included incorrect statements and was liable to be misleading because the filters do not remove Giardia and Cryptosporidium.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission clears Turners & Growers to acquire United Flower Auction
16 July 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared Turners & Growers Limited (T&G) to acquire United Flower Auction Limited (UFA). The clearance excludes the export business of UFA.Relates to:
Turners & Growers applies for clearance to acquire United Flower Auction assets
5 July 1999
The Commerce Commission today received an application for clearance to merge two flower auction businesses in Auckland.Relates to:
Commission identifies critical issues for price control study of airports
2 July 1999
The Commerce Commission has identified what it considers to be the critical issues for its price control study of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission exempts Infratil, Alliant and Utility Investments from the Electricity Industry Reform Act
1 July 1999
The Commerce Commission today exempted Infrastructure & Utilities NZ Ltd (Infratil), Alliant International New Zealand Ltd and Utility Investments Ltd from the application of part of the Electricity Industry Reform Act until 30 June 2000.Relates to:
Commission grants Fletcher Challenge group interim exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
1 July 1999
The Commerce Commission today granted 10 companies in the Fletcher Challenge Group an interim exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
June 1999
Commission will give preliminary view on dairy
30 June 1999
The Commerce Commission will publish its draft determination on the proposed merger of the Dairy Board and nine dairy companies on August 5.Relates to:
Commission draft determination does not oppose rules for security of national grid
30 June 1999
The Commerce Commission's preliminary view is that the proposed arrangement for determining the quality levels for electricity traded across the national grid does not lessen competition and the Commission would authorise it.Relates to: Business Competition
FAI Home Security fined $10,000 for false claims that security guards would respond to home alarms
27 June 1999
FAI Home Security Holdings New Zealand Limited was fined $10,000 in the New Plymouth District Court on Friday after it admitted making false claims that security guards would attend rural Taranaki properties if home burglar alarms were activated.Relates to: Fair Trading
Fletcher Challenge group applies for exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
23 June 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Fletcher Challenge Limited (FCL) for an exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) for all nine Fletcher Challenge group companies that have interests in electricity.Relates to:
Commission action protects cheaper wholesale car parts
23 June 1999
Commerce Commission action against the New Zealand Collision Repair Association has ensured that savings on car parts will be passed on to an insurance company paying for repairs and, ultimately, to the company's customers.Relates to: Business Competition
Dairy Board and nine companies apply for authorisation of "mega-merger"
22 June 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application for authorisation of a merger of the Dairy Board and nine dairy companies into one company.Relates to:
Commission declines to clear RAL to acquire Turoa
14 June 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear the owner of the Whakapapa ski field, Ruapehu Alpine Lifts Limited (RAL), to acquire Turoa Ski Resort Limited.Relates to:
Commission's timetable for Transpower authorisation
11 June 1999
The Commerce Commission has released an indicative timetable for Transpower New Zealand Limited's new application for authorisation of the agreement relating to the security of the national electricity grid.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission declines to exempt Top Energy from Electricity Industry Reform Act
10 June 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to exempt Top Energy from the Electricity Industry Reform Act. Top Energy applied to the Commission for exemption so as to be able to continue ownership and operation of the Ngawha Power Station, located near Kaikohe. Such ownership and operation of Ngawha would mean that Top Energy had a cross-involvement with an electricity lines and an electricity supply business. That is prohibited by the Electricity Industry Reform Act.Relates to:
Commission clears Waste Management to acquire Waste Care subject to divestment
9 June 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared Waste Management NZ Limited to acquire Waste Care Limited subject to Waste Management divesting certain assets.Relates to:
Commission's latest electricity decision closely follows earlier precedent: will promote customer choice
3 June 1999
The Commerce Commission's decision to grant Colwall Property Investment Limited a conditional exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) reinforces the important precedent set by the Commission's Trans Tasman Properties Limited (TTPL) decision.Relates to:
May 1999
Hill & Stewart's second Fair Trading conviction this year: disclose all costs of credit
30 May 1999
The second Fair Trading Act conviction this year for retail chain Hill & Stewart Appliances Limited is a warning to all businesses offering hire purchase agreements: if they advertise interest rates they must show all additional costs.Relates to: Fair Trading
Court imposes highest fine to date and highest possible compensation order against Lisa Morton in pyramid case
28 May 1999
The Napier District Court today imposed a total fine of $ 30,000 and the highest compensation order a District Court can make, $200,000, when it sentenced Lisa Sharon Morton for running two pyramid schemes.Relates to: Fair Trading
Waste Management applies again for clearance to acquire Waste Care
27 May 1999
The Commerce Commission has today received a second application from Waste Management NZ Limited for clearance to acquire Waste Care Limited.Relates to:
What impact on skiers if one company owned Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields?
18 May 1999
What impact would there be on skiers if the two major North Island ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa, were owned by the same company?Relates to:
Commission authorises telephone number deed
17 May 1999
The Commerce Commission today authorised the Telephone Number Administration Deed.Relates to: Telecommunications
BHP NZ Steel granted exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
17 May 1999
The Commerce Commission has granted BHP New Zealand Steel Limited an exemption, subject to conditions, from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
Commission declines to clear Waste Management to acquire Waste Care
14 May 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Waste Management NZ Limited to acquire Waste Care Limited.Relates to:
Commission's decision promotes choice for electricity consumers
6 May 1999
The Commerce Commission's decision today on how the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) applies to Trans Tasman Properties Limited (TTPL) sets a precedent for property companies and will increase the choices available to their tenants.Relates to:
Lisa Morton convicted of pyramid selling
6 May 1999
Judge Adeane convicted Lisa Morton in the Napier District Court this afternoon on two charges laid under section 24 of the Fair Trading Act 1986 for promoting two pyramid schemes, Joker 88 and Liberty Group Bonds.Relates to: Fair Trading
"Gluten free" bread mix contained gluten
5 May 1999
As part of a settlement with the Commerce Commission NZ Bakels Limited will relabel its "Gluten Free Bread Mix" and write to all its clients because the mix contains gluten.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission decision on Electricity Industry Reform Act and property companies this week
3 May 1999
The Commerce Commission expects to release a decision this week, explaining how the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) applies to property companies.Relates to:
April 1999
Kiwi withdraws application to acquire SIDCO
30 April 1999
The Commerce Commission said that Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Limited today withdrew its application for authorisation to acquire South Island Dairy Co-operative Limited.Relates to:
Commission to release telehone number decision on May 17
30 April 1999
The Commerce Commission will release its decision on the Telephone Number Administration Deed on Monday May 17.Relates to: Telecommunications
Elanco and Chemstock pay $700,000 penalties for price fixing
30 April 1999
The Auckland High Court today imposed the second highest Commerce Act penalties to date, a total of $700,000, after two animal health remedies companies admitted they had breached the Commerce Act by fixing prices for some of their products in 1996.Relates to: Business Competition
Commission Exempts NZ Defence Force
29 April 1999
The Commerce Commission has today granted an exemption to the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (EIR Act).Relates to:
Blenheim businesses to hear about new cigarette lighter safety standard and consumer law
23 April 1999
The Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs will be visiting Blenheim businesses on Tuesday April 27 to Wednesday April 28 to discuss the new cigarette lighter safety standard and other consumer protection issues.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission holds telephone number deed conference April 20-22
18 April 1999
The Commerce Commission conference to gather information about the Telephone Number Administration Deed will be held in Wellington on Tuesday April 20 to Thursday 22.Relates to: Telecommunications
Commission steps up action against pyramid selling
18 April 1999
The Commerce Commission is stepping up its enforcement action against pyramid selling schemes and more prosecutions are likely.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commerce Commission: all dairy company mergers must comply with Commerce Act
16 April 1999
The Commerce Commission today advised dairy companies that any mergers in that industry must comply with the Commerce Act.Relates to:
Commission investigates proposed merger of New Zealand's biggest waste management companies
14 April 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Waste Management New Zealand Limited for clearance to acquire Waste Care Limited.Relates to:
Fletcher Property applies for exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act: more applications expected
8 April 1999
The Commerce Commission has received a second application for exemption by a property company from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIRA Act) and expects more soon.Relates to:
Commission preliminary view: property companies are covered by Electricity Industry Reform Act
1 April 1999
The Commerce Commission today reached a preliminary view that property owning companies which also convey and sell at least 2.5GWh of electricity a year are covered by the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
March 1999
Electricity Industry Reform Act takes effect tomorrow: some businesses slow to understand that they must comply
31 March 1999
One of the biggest changes in the history of New Zealand's electricity industry occurs tomorrow (April 1) when the first stage of the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) ownership separation rules take effect.Relates to:
Commission preliminary view: it would authorise Kiwi to acquire SIDCO
30 March 1999
The Commerce Commission released a draft determination today stating that, on the information currently available, it would authorise Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Limited to acquire South Island Dairy Co-operative Limited (SIDCO).Relates to:
Commission grants Top Energy interim exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
29 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today granted Northland-based Top Energy Limited an interim exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) until the Commission makes its final decision.Relates to:
Commission grants Auckland Airport temporary exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
29 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today granted Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) an exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) until May 12.Relates to:
More small print problems – 24 cases in just over a year
25 March 1999
More Commerce Commission action against small print highlights this is still a Fair Trading Act problem.Relates to: Fair Trading
Sigma applies for clearance to acquire Amcal
23 March 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Sigma Company Limited for clearance to acquire Amcal Chemists Marketing Limited (ACML).Relates to:
Commission preliminary view: it would authorise telephone number deed
22 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today released a draft determination stating that, on the information currently available, the benefits to the public from the proposed Telephone Number Administration Deed are likely to outweigh the competitive detriments.Relates to: Telecommunications
Auckland Airport applies again for Electricity Industry Reform Act exemption
22 March 1999
The Commerce Commission has received a second application from Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) for an exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
BHP applies for exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
22 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today received an application from BHP New Zealand Steel Limited for an exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
Commission clears joint venture to combine Taranaki radiology services
19 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared a proposal to combine the radiology services of Taranaki Healthcare Limited (THL) and Fulford Radiology Limited.Relates to:
Commission to issue preliminary view on Kiwi's bid for SIDCO on March 29
16 March 1999
The Commerce Commission expects to issue its draft determination on Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Limited's proposal to acquire South Island Dairy Co-operative Limited (SIDCO) on March 29.Relates to:
Commission exempts Carter Holt Harvey's Mills
15 March 1999
The Commerce Commission has today granted its second exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (EIR Act).Relates to:
Top Energy seeks exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
15 March 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Northland-based Top Energy Limited for exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
Commission clears United Networks to acquire TransAlta's gas distribution network
12 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared UnitedNetworks Limited (UNL) to acquire the gas distribution network assets of gas and electricity retailer, TransAlta New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears Kroma to acquire photo labs from Kodak
10 March 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared Kroma Colour Prints Limited to acquire Zanda Laboratories Limited from Kodak New Zealand Limited.Relates to:
Commission clears Sigma to acquire Amcal
7 March 1999
The Commerce Commission yesterday cleared Sigma Company Limited to acquire Amcal Chemists Marketing Limited.Relates to:
Telecom admits cellphone ads breached Fair Trading Act
7 March 1999
In a settlement with the Commerce Commission, Telecom New Zealand Limited has admitted that in 1998 a number of its cellphone advertisements breached the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
Commission declines to exempt Auckland airport from Electricity Industry Reform Act
4 March 1999
In its first Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) decision involving a non-traditional power company, the Commerce Commission today declined to exempt Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) from the EIR Act.Relates to:
Kiwi applies for authorisation to acquire SIDCO
2 March 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Limited for authorisation to acquire South Island Dairy Co-operative Limited (SIDCO).Relates to:
Transpower seeks exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
1 March 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Transpower New Zealand Limited for exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
February 1999
Commission declines to clear Kiwi to acquire SIDCO
26 February 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Limited to acquire South Island Dairy Co-operative Limited (SIDCO).Relates to:
Commission clears P & O Nedlloyd to acquire TEL
26 February 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared P& O Nedlloyd Limited (PONL) to acquire the assets of Tasman Express Line Limited (TEL).Relates to:
South Auckland businesses to meet Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs
25 February 1999
The Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs will be visiting South Auckland on Monday March 1 to Wednesday March 3 to discuss the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts and other consumer protection issues.Relates to: Fair Trading
Clearance sought for Taranaki radiology joint venture
24 February 1999
The Commerce Commission today received an application for clearance of a proposal to combine Taranaki Healthcare Limited's and Fulford Radiology Limited's radiology services into one provider, a joint venture to be known as Fulford Radiology Services Limited (FRSL).Relates to:
How does the Electricity Industry Reform Act apply to building owners ?
24 February 1999
The Commerce Commission has started investigating how, or if, the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act) applies to building owners.Relates to:
Commission declines to clear Weyerhaeuser to acquire CHH's Nelson forests
19 February 1999
The Commerce Commission today declined to clear RII Weyerhaeuser World Timberfund LP to acquire the Nelson forestry assets of Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH).Relates to:
CHH applies for EIR Act exemption
16 February 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) for exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
Commission clears TransAlta and Alliant to buy Contact Energy: AGL withdraws
12 February 1999
In two separate decisions, the Commerce Commission today cleared TransAlta Corporation of Canada and Alliant International (New Zealand) Limited to acquire 40 percent of Contact Energy Limited.Relates to:
UNL applies for clearance to acquire TransAlta's Wellington gas network
12 February 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from UnitedNetworks Limited (UNL) for clearance to acquire TransAlta New Zealand Limited's gas distribution network in the Hutt Valley, Porirua, Newlands and Paekakariki regions.Relates to:
Commission welcomes further strengthening of Commerce Act
11 February 1999
The Commerce Commission welcomes the Government's initiative to further strengthen the Commerce Act.Relates to:
Domestic same day airfreight market open to more competition
10 February 1999
A settlement between the Commerce Commission, Ansett Express couriers and the airline Ansett New Zealand is intended to reduce the barriers to entry into the domestic same day airfreight market.Relates to: Business Competition
Contact decisions expected on Friday
9 February 1999
The Commerce Commission expects to make three decisions in relation to the proposed sale of Contact Energy Limited on Friday afternoon this week.Relates to: Business Competition
Auckland Airport seeks exemption from Electricity Industry Reform Act
8 February 1999
The Commerce Commission today received an application from Auckland International Airport Limited for an exemption from the Electricity Industry Reform Act (EIR Act).Relates to:
Commission exempts Alpine Energy to upgrade Opuha Dam
8 February 1999
The Commerce Commission has today granted its first exemption under the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (EIR Act).Relates to:
Commission declines to exempt Central Electric to acquire Monowai power station
8 February 1999
The Commerce Commission has today declined to grant Central Electric Limited an exemption from sections 30 and 46 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 (EIR Act).Relates to:
P & O Nedlloyd applies for clearance to acquire Tasman Express Line
8 February 1999
The Commerce Commission has received an application from P & O Nedlloyd Ltd for clearance to acquire the assets of the business of Tasman Express Line Ltd.Relates to:
Alliant International applies for clearance to acquire Contact Energy
1 February 1999
The Commerce Commission received an application today from Alliant International New Zealand Limited (Alliant International) for clearance to acquire 40 percent of Contact Energy Limited.Relates to:
January 1999
Commission Clears Sky City to Acquire Control of Riverside Casino
28 January 1999
The Commerce Commission today cleared Sky City Limited to acquire up to 55% of the shares in Riverside Casino Limited.Relates to:
Telephone Companies apply for authorisation of Number Administration Deed
26 January 1999
Newcall Communications Limited, Teamtalk Limited, Telecom New Zealand Limited, Telstra New Zealand Limited and Vodafone New Zealand Limited have applied to the Commerce Commission for authorisation of their entering into and giving effect to a Number Administration Deed.Relates to: Telecommunications
Kiwi applies for clearance to acquire SIDCO
21 January 1999
The Commerce Commission received an application yesterday from Kiwi Co-operative Dairies Limited for clearance to acquire South Island Dairy Co-operative Limited (SIDCO).Relates to:
AGL applies for clearance to acquire Contact Energy
21 January 1999
The Commerce Commission received an application yesterday from The Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) for clearance to acquire 40 percent of Contact Energy Limited.Relates to:
Weyerhaeuser applies for clearance to acquire CHH's Nelson forests
21 January 1999
The Commerce Commission received an application today from RII Weyerhaeuser World Timberfund LP for clearance to acquire the Nelson forestry assets of Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH).Relates to:
Old phones for new? Retailer admits cordless phones were second-hand
20 January 1999
Retail chain Hill & Stewart Appliances Limited admitted in the Auckland District Court today that its promotion of Sanyo cordless telephones failed to clearly disclose that the telephones were second-hand and was therefore misleading and breached the Fair Trading Act.Relates to: Fair Trading
TransAlta applies for clearance to acquire Contact Energy
18 January 1999
Commissioner Dr Kate Brown said that the Commerce Commission received on Friday an application from TransAlta NZ Limited for clearance to acquire 40 percent of Contact Energy Limited.Relates to:
1999: the year to come for the Commerce Commission
13 January 1999
The Commerce Commission said today that, as well as continuing its general enforcement of the Commerce and Fair Trading Acts, this year it will also focus on what it has identified as key areas.Relates to:
