Coromandel MP and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson is leading the charge on the first major overhaul of the Commerce Act in nearly 20 years — reforms he says will deliver fairer markets, stronger consumer protections, and more certainty for businesses.
Speaking after the announcement in Wellington, Simpson said strengthening the Commerce Commission is at the heart of the changes.
“An independent review found the Commerce Commission has outgrown its current structure, with the board handling both governance and regulatory decisions,” Simpson said. “By separating these functions, the Commission will be able to deliver better outcomes for consumers.”
Stronger Watchdog, Fairer Markets
The reforms give the Commission new powers, including the ability to pause or call in risky mergers before they are completed and to accept behavioural undertakings from businesses to address competition concerns.
“These tools mean problematic deals can be properly assessed before it’s too late,” Simpson said. “We want to stop dominant firms from entrenching their power, while ensuring Kiwi consumers and businesses enjoy more choice, sharper prices, and fairer markets.”
Clearer statutory timeframes will also be introduced to improve transparency and speed up decision-making.
Tackling Unfair Tactics
The reforms go further than restructuring the Commission. They will also:
- Target unfair practices such as creeping acquisitions and predatory pricing.
- Clarify merger rules to balance business certainty with market fairness.
- Streamline approvals for beneficial collaboration where it delivers public good.
- Allow businesses to voluntarily limit market power as part of merger applications.
Simpson said the new framework strikes a balance between ensuring healthy competition and allowing businesses to work together where it benefits the wider community.
“Competition is essential, but sometimes collaboration can achieve outcomes that serve the public interest without undermining fair markets,” he said.
National Impact, Local Voice
The changes are part of the Government’s wider Going for Growth programme, which aims to boost innovation, jobs, and incomes.
Simpson, who has long represented the Coromandel electorate, said he is proud to be delivering reforms with both national and local significance.
“These changes are about fairness and accountability,” he said. “They will strengthen the Commerce Commission, improve transparency, and ensure both businesses and consumers — including here in our region — can have confidence in the markets they rely on every day.”
The amendments will be introduced to Parliament before Christmas, with the Government aiming to pass them by mid-2026.
