Competition Matters Conference 2026
Our Competition Matters Conference 2026 was held on Thursday 14 May at the New Zealand International Conference Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
Our theme, ‘Driving competition for a prosperous future’, set the stage for a day of sharp insights and debate on why competition matters for New Zealand’s economic performance, and how well-designed policy, supported by innovation and strong collaboration, can help accelerate productivity and growth. We heard from an exceptional line up of speakers and panellists from across government, the OECD and the business community as they unpack the big issues shaping a more competitive and prosperous future.
Address from Dr John Small
Dr John Small delivered opening remarks outlining the Commission’s role in safeguarding competition and enabling innovation, and explaining why effective competition matters for New Zealand businesses, consumers and our economy. He also introduced the findings of the Commission’s first State of Competition in New Zealand report.