Commerce Commission inquiry a victory for Kiwi firms

The Commerce Commission’s decision to conduct a formal inquiry into the conduct of New Zealand supermarkets is a victory for Kiwi firms and consumers, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson Shane Jones.

“The stance that I have taken on supermarkets has been totally vindicated. The campaign I have led has resulted in the Commerce Commission agreeing to an inquiry. That’s a win for ordinary Kiwis, businesses and consumers.

“I am delighted that Kiwi firms will now be able to air their concerns under the cloak of anonymity.

“I will be meeting with the Commerce Commission at 4pm today. I will tell them that the inquiry must be sufficiently resourced and have broad, wide-ranging scope.

“I urge the supermarkets to cooperate fully with the inquiry and any executives to appear if asked. If not, I expect the Commerce Commission to use its powers under the Fair Trading Act to require information to be supplied.

“The Commerce Minister Craig Foss has been missing in action on this issue. He has done nothing but make light of my accusations.

“He is now embarrassed that my pressure has been vindicated. I think most Kiwis feel he has ignored these problems for far too long,” Shane Jones says.

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