Auckland, March 11, 2026 — New Zealand Commerce Commission Chair Dr John Small emphasized the importance of regional cooperation among regulators in the Pacific during his opening address at the Pacific Island Network of Competition, Consumer and Economic Regulators (PINCCER) Conference in Auckland.
Speaking at the conference hosted by the Commerce Commission, Small welcomed regulators from across the Pacific and expressed confidence that the two-day event would strengthen connections and support the shared goal of promoting competitive, resilient and fair markets.
Small noted that Pacific economies share many common challenges, including small market size, geographic dispersion and vulnerability to economic and climate-related shocks. These conditions make effective regulation particularly important, he said, as authorities work to promote competition, protect consumers and oversee essential services.
He said strong regulatory capability is vital for maintaining healthy markets, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Citing recent observations by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Small said competition and regulatory frameworks need to function effectively when economies face headwinds.
Small highlighted the role of regional cooperation in strengthening regulatory capacity. Through networks such as PINCCER, regulators can share expertise, information, data and training opportunities, helping agencies build capability that might be difficult to develop individually.
Although countries in the region operate under different legal frameworks and policy settings, Small said they benefit significantly from exchanging experiences and identifying areas where closer alignment could improve outcomes across the Pacific.
Reflecting on his experience in Pacific telecommunications markets, Small noted that regulatory models developed for large economies do not always translate effectively to smaller markets. He said PINCCER offers a practical alternative by providing a collaborative network that supports regulators while respecting national differences.
Small described the network as a platform for practical cooperation rather than just discussion, offering workshops, shared resources and professional connections that help agencies develop their capabilities. Many regulatory authorities in the region are relatively young or have recently expanded responsibilities, making such collaboration particularly valuable, he added.
He also pointed to the progress made since the first PINCCER conference in Fiji, saying the network has gained momentum because it delivers practical value and strengthens professional relationships among regulators.
Looking ahead, Small said the network shares a common vision of open, competitive and fair markets where businesses can innovate and invest with confidence and consumers feel informed and protected.
“Our communities deserve strong, effective regulation,” Small said, adding that collaboration through networks such as PINCCER is one way regulators can deliver these outcomes.
The PINCCER conference brings together competition, consumer and economic regulators from across the Pacific to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation on regulatory challenges facing the region.
