Competition regulation and policy
We provide advice on the Commerce Act and the application of competition policy to specific sectors. We’re also the monitoring agency for the Commerce Commission.
In this section I tēnei wāhanga
Market studies
The Commerce Amendment Act 2018 amended the Commerce Act 1986 (the Commerce Act) to give the Commerce Commission the ability to undertake market studies to determine whether there are any factors that may be impeding competition in a market.
Reviews of the Commerce Act 1986
We carry out periodic reviews of the Commerce Act to ensure it reflects modern regulatory practice and continues to deliver benefits to New Zealanders.
Retail payment system
We are working to ensure that the retail payment system operates in the interests of New Zealand consumers and businesses.
Customer and Product Data Act
The Government has established a consumer data right through the Customer and Product Data Act 2025. The Act establishes a framework for data portability which, when applied to specific sectors through regulations, will allow customers in that sector to digitally share specific types of data (such as transaction history) and initiate specific actions (such as payments) with third parties. This gives individuals and businesses greater choice and control over their data.
Economic regulation of goods or services
The price and quality of goods or services in markets with monopoly characteristics is regulated by the Commerce Commission under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
Assessing competition impacts
We provide advice on the impacts of government policies and proposed regulation — including occupational regulation — on competition and consumers.
Monitoring the Commerce Commission
The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is the minister responsible for the Commerce Commission, and appointed us as its monitoring agent.
Lay members
This page lists current lay members appointed to the High Court for Commerce Act matters.
Supermarket competition
We are working across government to improve competition in the grocery sector.
Contact us
You can email us at competition.policy@mbie.govt.nz.
For phone numbers and postal addresses, see the main Contact Us page.