The New Zealand Commerce Commission (ComCom) has outlined (6 December) its enforcement priorities for the 2024-25 period, focusing on critical sectors and conduct that pose risks to consumers and market competition. The Commission’s updated priorities, which were shared in a recent stakeholder webinar, target unlawful business practices that could harm New Zealanders, especially in light of ongoing cost of living pressures.
Key Focus Areas
- Cartels and Bid Rigging:
The Commission will prioritize investigations into bid rigging, particularly in public procurement for services and infrastructure projects. - Non-Compete Agreements:
Action will be taken against businesses where non-compete agreements unlawfully restrict market competition. - Illegal Online Sales Conduct:
The Commission will tackle deceptive online sales practices, including fake reviews, misleading claims, and subscription traps. - Grocery Sector Violations:
The Commission will focus on breaches in the grocery sector, ensuring pricing accuracy and compliance with codes of practice. - Telecommunications Sector Breaches:
Misleading or deceptive marketing, sales, and billing practices in the telecommunications sector will come under scrutiny, along with compliance by providers. - Motor Vehicle Finance:
The Commission will scrutinize motor vehicle finance lenders, particularly those that fail to meet responsible lending obligations under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. - Unconscionable Conduct:
The Commission will address conduct that significantly departs from accepted business standards and causes harm to consumers or businesses.
Strong Enforcement and Consumer Protection
Dr. John Small, Commission Chair, emphasized the Commission’s robust enforcement capabilities, highlighting its decision to “overcommit” its litigation fund for the upcoming year. This move allows the Commission to tackle more complex cases and ensure effective market regulation.
The Commission’s priorities reflect both public complaints and market intelligence, aiming to protect vulnerable consumers while maintaining a fair competitive landscape across New Zealand’s key industries.
