Competition and consumer law

Supreme Court confirms Commerce Commission subject to limitation period
The Supreme Court has confirmed that the Commerce Commission is subject to the three year limitation period in s 43 of the Fair Trading Act 1986 when it brings proceedings for compensation on behalf of consumers. Partner Jenny Cooper and solicitor Nick Christiansen discuss the significance of this decision.

Ins and outs of input methodologies
The Commerce Commission has released papers detailing its emerging views on input methodologies for electricity distribution services, gas pipeline services and specified airport services supplied by Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports. Senior associate David Blacktop discusses the relevance of these input methodologies and their likely impact for the regulated industries, their consumers and New Zealand Inc.

Cartel criminalisation is on the cards for New Zealand
At the end of January, Minister of Commerce Simon Power released a discussion document proposing criminalisation of cartel conduct in New Zealand. It would bring New Zealand into line with countries such as Australia, which has recently criminalised cartel conduct, and the United States, which has seen enforcement agencies routinely seeking imprisonment since the 1970s.

Enquiries and information

For more information on any of the cases, articles and features in Commercial Quarterly, please email Diane Graham or call her on 64 9 916 8849.