Nicola Willis has announced some significant changes to encourage a third supermarket chain. They are:
- Legislate so that new supermarkets which would improve grocery competition qualify as fast-track referrable projects under the Fast-Track Approvals Act.
- Streamline building consenting processes for new supermarkets by selecting a single building consent authority to standardise and streamline building consent processes for grocery developments that would enable competition.
- Amend Building Act regulations to facilitate pre-approved “MultiProof” building plans for multiple grocery developments.
- Improve the Overseas Investment Act regime through grocery-specific provisions in the Ministerial Directive Letter.
- Amend the Commerce Act to better combat “predatory pricing” with the introduction of an objective economic test for the prosecution of firms misusing their market power to exclude or stamp-out competitors.
David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders
1 comment:
I hope im wrong again but these "2 years too late announcements" don't address one of the main barriers to entry, identified in 2022, for cost plus supermarkets to enter nz.
2022 “If supermarkets do not strike good-faith wholesale deals with their competitors – our regulatory measures will make it happen for them. We are not afraid to unlock the stockroom door to ensure a competitive market."
If Chris Bishop was promoted to finance minister, the first thing he would do is knock on Aldi and Lidl's door to ask how the nz governement can help them make the short hop across the ditch. (Chris Bishop gave a speech on homelessness today without an a4 to read, and answered all the questions with numbers he committed to memory).
The Ardernesque Nicola Willis on the other hand starts her supermarket presser by telling us Aldi and Lidl are not in the frame, is being hidden away from question time, and is embroilled in an unnecessary reserve Bank cover up.
Finance minister Chris Bishop would sort out the diabolical, main cost of living crisis protagonist, supermarkets, bring food prices down, and assure National romps to victory on the next election.
Come on Mr Luxon, it's time.
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