Reprint as at 1 April 2009
Changes authorised by section 17C of the Acts and Regulations Publication Act 1989 have been made in this eprint.
A general outline of these changes is set out in the notes at the end of this eprint, together with other explanatory material about this eprint.
This Act is administered in the Ministry of Commerce
Title
1 Short Title and commencement
1A Purpose
2 Interpretation
3 Certain terms defined in relation to competition
3A Commission to consider efficiency
4 Application of Act to conduct outside New Zealand
5 Application of Act to the Crown
6 Application of Act to Crown corporations
6A Special provisions relating to application of Act to the Crown in right of Australia and to Australian Crown corporations
6B Crown and Crown corporations not immune from jurisdiction in relation to certain provisions of Trade Practices Act 1974
6C Application of Evidence Amendment Act 1980
7 Law relating to restraint of trade and breaches of confidence not affected
Part 1The Commerce Commission
8 Establishment of Commission
8A Application of Crown Entities Act 2004
9 Membership of Commission
10 Terms and conditions of appointment
11 Associate members
12 Chairperson and deputy chairperson
13 Termination of appointment of members
14 Disclosure of financial interests [Repealed]
15 Meetings of Commission
16 chairperson may direct Commission to sit in Divisions
17 Assent to determination
18 Officers and employees [Repealed]
18A Personnel policy [Repealed]
18B Equal employment opportunities [Repealed]
18C Choice of procedure [Repealed]
18D Superannuation and retiring allowances
19 Money to be appropriated by Parliament for purposes of this Act [Repealed]
20 Funds of Commission [Repealed]
21 Bank accounts [Repealed]
22 Crown entity [Repealed]
23 Investment of money [Repealed]
24 Exemption from income tax
25 Functions of Commission in relation to dissemination of information
26 Commission to have regard to economic policies of Government
Part 2Restrictive trade practices
Practices substantially lessening competition
27 Contracts, arrangements, or understandings substantially lessening competition prohibited
28 Covenants substantially lessening competition prohibited
29 Contracts, arrangements, or understandings containing exclusionary provisions prohibited
Price fixing
30 Certain provisions of contracts, etc, with respect to prices deemed to substantially lessen competition
31 Joint venture pricing exempt from application of section 30
32 Certain recommendations as to prices for goods and services exempt from application of section 30
33 Joint buying and promotion arrangements exempt from application of section 30
34 Certain provisions of covenants with respect to prices deemed to substantially lessen competition
Practices substantially lessening competition conditional upon authorisation
35 Contracts or covenants subject to authorisation not prohibited under certain conditions [Repealed]
Taking advantage of market power
36 Taking advantage of market power
36A Taking advantage of market power in trans-Tasman markets
36B Purposes may be inferred
Resale price maintenance
37 Resale price maintenance by suppliers prohibited
38 Resale price maintenance by others prohibited
39 Recommended prices
40 Withholding the supply of goods
41 Preventing the supply of goods
42 Special evidentiary provisions in respect of certain resale price maintenance practices
43 Statutory exceptions
44 Other exceptions
45 Exceptions in relation to intellectual property rights
46 Saving in respect of business acquisitions
Part 3Business acquisitions
47 Certain acquisitions prohibited
48 Bare transfer of market dominance excluded [Repealed]
49 Application to building societies [Repealed]
50 Certain merger or takeover proposals require clearance or authorisation [Repealed]
51 Contracts subject to condition of clearance or authorisation [Repealed]
Part 4Regulated goods or services
Subpart 1—Preliminary provisions
52 Overview of Part
52A Purpose of Part
52B Outline of Part
52C Interpretation
52D Meaning and application of claw-back
Subpart 2—Regulating particular goods or services
52E Overview of process if regulation imposed on goods or services
52F Effect of goods or services being subject to regulation
52G When goods or services may be regulated
Commission inquiry
52H How inquiry triggered
52I Commission inquiry into particular goods or services
52J Process of inquiry
52K Commission's recommendation following inquiry
Order in Council imposing regulation
52L Minister's consideration
52M Minister's decision and recommendation
52N Order in Council imposing regulation
52O Revocation or amendment of Order in Council
Commission determination about how regulation applies
52P Determinations by Commission under this section
52Q Amendment of section 52P determination
Subpart 3—Input methodologies
52R Purpose of input methodologies
52S How published input methodologies apply
52T Matters covered by input methodologies
52U When input methodologies must be determined
52V Commission process for determining input methodologies
52W Publication of input methodologies
52X Amendment of input methodologies
52Y Review and date of publication of input methodologies
Appeals against input methodology determinations
52Z Appeals against input methodology determinations
52ZA Process for appeals
53 Input methodology applies pending outcome of appeal
Subpart 4—Information disclosure regulation
53A Purpose of information disclosure regulation
53B Effect of being subject to information disclosure regulation
53C Section 52P determination to set out information disclosure requirements
53D Consolidated information may also be required
53E Charge for providing copies to public
53F Limited exception to obligation to apply input methodologies
Subpart 5—Negotiate/arbitrate regulation
53G Purpose of negotiate/arbitrate regulation
53H Overview of negotiate/arbitrate regulation
53I Section 52P determination to set out requirements for application of negotiate/arbitrate regulation
53J Compulsory arbitration
Subpart 6—Default/customised price-quality regulation
53K Purpose of default/customised price-quality regulation
53L Overview of default/customised price-quality regulation
53M Content and timing of price-quality paths
53N Monitoring compliance with price-quality paths
Default price-quality path
53O Section 52P determination to set out requirements of default price-quality paths
53P Resetting starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards
Customised price-quality paths
53Q Supplier may propose customised price-quality path
53R Effect of making proposal for customised price-quality path
53S Preliminary assessment of proposal
53T Process and timing for assessing proposal
53U Extension of time frames
53V Determination setting customised price-quality path
53W Term of customised price-quality paths
53X What happens when customised price-quality path ends
53Y Commission's costs in setting customised price-quality path
53Z Prioritisation by Commission
53ZA What happens if Commission does not make decision within time frame
What happens to price-quality paths if input methodologies change
53ZB What happens to price-quality paths if input methodologies change
Subpart 7—Individual price-quality regulation
53ZC Price-quality path for individual businesses
Subpart 8—Miscellaneous provisions
53ZD Powers of Commission under this Part
53ZE Levies
53ZF Material may be incorporated by reference
53ZG Power to exempt disclosure of commercially sensitive information
Subpart 9—Electricity lines services
54 Overview of how subpart applies
54A Overview of when subpart applies
54B Interpretation for subpart
54C Meaning of electricity lines services
54D Definition of consumer-owned
Imposition of regulation under this Part
54E Electricity lines services declared to be regulated
54F All electricity lines services are subject to information disclosure regulation
54G Certain electricity lines services are also subject to default/customised price-quality regulation
54H How exempt status can be lost and default/customised price-quality regulation can be applied to consumer-owned suppliers
54I Commission must make section 52P determination specifying how subpart applies
54J Section 52P determinations setting out default price-quality paths applying from 1 April 2009
54K Section 52P determinations setting out default price-quality paths applying from 1 April 2010
Transitional arrangements
54L Administrative settlements made before 1 April 2009 (other than with Transpower)
54M Administrative settlements with Transpower made before 1 April 2009
54N Breaches of thresholds and default price-quality paths before 1 April 2010
54O Breaches of control imposed, or administrative settlements entered into, after 1 April 2009
54P Proposals for customised price-quality paths
Energy efficiency
54Q Energy efficiency
Jurisdiction issues and interface with Electricity Commission and Electricity Act 1992
54R Transfer of jurisdiction relating to electricity lines services supplied by Transpower
54S Effect of transfer of jurisdiction
54T Procedure before jurisdiction order can be made
54U Levies during transition in jurisdiction
54V Impact of certain decisions made under Electricity Act 1992
Savings provisions
54W Savings provision relating to existing information disclosure requirements
54X Savings provision for existing levy regulations for electricity lines businesses
Subpart 10—Gas pipeline services
Overview and interpretation
55 Overview of subpart
55A Meaning of gas pipeline services
55B Gas pipeline services declared to be regulated
55C All gas pipeline services are subject to information disclosure regulation
55D All gas pipeline services are subject to price-quality regulation
55E Commission must make section 52P determination specifying how subpart applies
55F Section 52P determinations setting out first default price-quality paths
Services controlled by virtue of Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005
55G Existing order, authorisations, and undertakings continue to apply until 1 July 2012 (or earlier expiry)
55H How price-quality regulation under this Part applies after 1 July 2012 (or earlier expiry)
Interface with Gas Act 1992
55I Impact of certain decisions made under Gas Act 1992
55J Savings provision until Commission publishes information disclosure requirements
55K Savings provision for existing levy regulations for services controlled under Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005
Subpart 11—Airport services
56 Overview of subpart
56A Meaning of specified airport services
56B Specified airport services declared to be regulated
56C Specified airport services are subject to information disclosure regulation
56D Duty to also disclose to Secretary of Transport
56E Commission must make determination specifying how subpart applies
How information disclosure regulation applies
56F Transitional provision until Commission publishes information disclosure requirements
56G Transitional provision requiring review after new prices set
57 Commission process [Repealed]
57A Technical provisions relating to declaration of control [Repealed]
57B Records to be kept for control purposes [Repealed]
57C Other Acts relating to price control not affected [Repealed]
57CA Impact of certain decisions made under Gas Act 1992 [Repealed]
Part 4AProvisions applicable to electricity industry
[Repealed]
57D Interpretation [Repealed]
57DAA Meaning of electricity lines business [Repealed]
57DAAB Meaning of electricity supply business [Repealed]
57DA Body that exercises jurisdiction under this Part [Repealed]
57DB Transfer of jurisdiction in respect of Transpower [Repealed]
57DC Transfer of jurisdiction relating to other large electricity lines businesses [Repealed]
57DD Procedure before jurisdiction order can be made [Repealed]
57DE Levies during transition in jurisdiction [Repealed]
57DF Ministerial powers [Repealed]
Subpart 1—Controlled goods or services
57E Purpose [Repealed]
57F Commission, not Minister, may declare that goods or services supplied by large electricity lines businesses are controlled [Repealed]
57G Thresholds for declaration of control [Repealed]
57GA Incorporation by reference of material in thresholds [Repealed]
57GB Effect of amendments to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference in thresholds [Repealed]
57GC Amendments to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference to be of same general character as original material [Repealed]
57GD Proof of material incorporated by reference [Repealed]
57GE Effect of expiry of material incorporated by reference [Repealed]
57GF Requirement to consult [Repealed]
57GG Access to material incorporated by reference [Repealed]
57H Process for making decisions on declaration of control [Repealed]
57I Process before declaration made [Repealed]
57J Effect of declaration of control [Repealed]
57K Priorities [Repealed]
57L Maximum of 5 years for duration of declaration [Repealed]
57M Authorisations and undertakings [Repealed]
57MA Impact of certain decisions made under Electricity Act 1992 [Repealed]
57N Commission may lift control [Repealed]
Subpart 2—Transpower's pricing methodology
57O Commission may be required to authorise Transpower's pricing methodology [Repealed]
57P Authorisations in respect of Transpower's pricing methodology [Repealed]
57Q Authorisations and undertakings [Repealed]
57R Enforcement of authorisations [Repealed]
57S Revocation of authorisations [Repealed]
Subpart 3—Information disclosure
57T Information disclosure [Repealed]
57U Information to be supplied to Commerce Commission [Repealed]
57V Commerce Commission to publish summaries [Repealed]
57W Reasonable charge may be imposed for providing copies of statements [Repealed]
Subpart 4—Asset valuations
Recalibration of asset values of large electricity line owners
57X Purpose of recalibrations [Repealed]
57Y Interpretation [Repealed]
57Z Large electricity line owners must supply valuation to Commerce Commission [Repealed]
57ZA Comprehensive audit of asset values of large electricity line owners [Repealed]
57ZB Procedure after audit of asset values carried out [Repealed]
57ZC Outcome of audit of asset values [Repealed]
Review of valuation methodologies
57ZD Review of valuation methodologies [Repealed]
57ZE Process when carrying out review of valuation methodologies [Repealed]
Subpart 5—General provisions
57ZF Powers of Commission [Repealed]
57ZG Powers of entry and inspection [Repealed]
57ZH Authorised persons to prove identity [Repealed]
57ZI Offence to obstruct authorised persons [Repealed]
57ZJ Other offences [Repealed]
57ZK Levy of electricity lines businesses [Repealed]
Part 5Authorisations and clearances
Restrictive trade practices
58 Commission may grant authorisation for restrictive trade practices
58A Effect of authorisation
58B Additional provisions relating to authorisations
59 Contracts or covenants subject to authorisation not prohibited under certain conditions
59A When Commission may grant authorisation
59B Contraventions not prevented by granting of authorisation under section 59 or section 59A
60 Procedure for applications for authorisation of restrictive trade practices
61 Determination of applications for authorisation of restrictive trade practices
62 Commission to prepare draft determination in relation to restrictive trade practices
63 Commission may grant provisional authorisation [Repealed]
64 Procedure at conference
65 Commission may vary or revoke authorisations
Business acquisitions
66 Commission may give clearances for business acquisitions
67 Commission may grant authorisations for business acquisitions
68 Provisions applying to applications for clearances and authorisations for business acquisitions
69 Effect of clearance or authorisation
69A Commission may accept undertakings
69AB Authorisation or clearance void if undertaking contravened
69AC Variation of undertaking
69B Conferences in relation to business acquisitions
Authorisations in respect of controlled goods or services
70 Authorisations in respect of prices, revenues, and quality standards [Repealed]
70A Considerations to be observed by Commission [Repealed]
70B Procedure for making authorisations [Repealed]
70C Remedies and penalties if overcharging or quality standards breached [Repealed]
70D Terms of authorisations [Repealed]
70E Investigations and audits [Repealed]
70F Revocation and amendment of authorisations [Repealed]
71 Provisional authorisations [Repealed]
72 Alternative undertakings [Repealed]
73 Conferences in relation to authorisations about controlled goods or services [Repealed]
74 Levies [Repealed]
Part 6Enforcement, remedies, and appeals
Cease and desist orders
74AA Cease and Desist Commissioners
74A Commissioner may make cease and desist orders
74B Investigation, notice, and opportunity to be heard
74C Procedure at cease and desist hearing
74D Pecuniary penalties for contravention of cease and desist order
Jurisdiction of courts
75 Jurisdiction of High Court
76 Jurisdiction of District Courts
77 Additional lay members of High Court for purposes of appellate jurisdiction in respect of Commission determinations
78 Lay members of High Court in certain cases
79 Evidence not otherwise admissible
Proceedings for pecuniary penalties
79A Proceedings for pecuniary penalties
79B Relationship between pecuniary penalties and criminal liability
80 Pecuniary penalties
80A Body corporate not to indemnify certain persons in respect of pecuniary penalties
80B Pecuniary penalties for contravention of section 80A
80C Court may order certain persons to be excluded from management of body corporate
80D Application for order under section 80C
80E Offence to act in contravention of order made under section 80C
81 Injunctions may be granted by Court for contravention of Part 2
82 Actions for damages for contravention of Part 2
82A Exemplary damages for contravention of Part 2
83 Pecuniary penalties
84 Injunctions may be granted by Court for contravention of Part 3 or undertaking
84A Actions for damages for contravention of Part 3
85 Court may order divestiture of assets or shares in respect of contravention of Part 3
85A Pecuniary penalties for contravention of undertaking
85B Court may order divestiture of assets or shares in respect of contravention of undertaking
85C Matters Court must not take into account under sections 85A and 85B
Regulated goods or services
86 Pecuniary penalty for contravening information disclosure requirement
86A Order requiring information disclosure requirement to be complied with
86B Offences relating to information disclosure regulation
86C Orders where negotiate/arbitrate regulation applies
87 Pecuniary penalty for contravening price-quality requirements
87A Compensation for contravention of price-quality requirement
87B Offence relating to price-quality regulation
87C Injunction and other orders relating to price-quality regulation
Injunctions generally
88 General provisions relating to granting of injunctions
88A When undertaking as to damages not required by Commission
89 Other orders
90 Conduct by servants or agents
Appeals from determinations of commission
91 Appeals in relation to determinations by Commission
92 Persons entitled to appeal
93 Determination of appeals
94 Court may refer appeals back for reconsideration
95 Provisions pending determination of appeal
96 Court may order proceedings to be heard in private
97 Appeal to Court of Appeal in certain cases
Part 7Miscellaneous provisions
98 Commission may require person to supply information or documents or give evidence
98A Power to search
98B Powers conferred by warrant
98C Warrant to be produced
98D Other duties of person who executes a warrant
98E Duty to assist
98F Power to inspect and take copies of documents, etc
98G Commission may exercise powers notwithstanding other proceedings
98H Supply of information and documents in relation to section 36A
99 Powers of Commission to take evidence
99A Commission may receive information and documents on behalf of Australian Trade Practices Commission
100 Powers of Commission to prohibit disclosure of information, documents, and evidence
100A Commission may state case for opinion of High Court
101 Notices
102 Service of notices
103 Offences
104 Determinations of Commission
105 Restriction on delegation
106 Proceedings privileged
106A Judicial notice
107 Annual report [Repealed]
108 Regulations
109 Commission may prescribe forms
110 Repeals, revocations, savings, and consequential amendments
111 Transitional provisions in respect of certain contracts, arrangements, or understandings
112 Transitional provisions in respect of goods and services subject to price control under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed]
113 Transitional provisions in respect of goods and services subject to price restraint under regulations made under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed]
114 Transitional provisions in respect of milk pricing [Repealed]
115 Savings in respect of certain provisions of Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed]
116 Winding up of Commerce Commission established under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed]
117 Members of Commerce Commission established under Commerce Act 1975 deemed to be members of Commission [Repealed]
118 Lay members of High Court appointed pursuant to Commerce Act 1975 deemed to be lay members of High Court appointed under this Act [Repealed]
Schedule 1Classes of merger or takeover proposals requiring prior clearance or authorisation by the Commission
Schedule 2Enactments amended
Schedule 3Enactments repealed
Schedule 4Orders and notices revoked
Schedule 5Material incorporated by reference
Schedule 6Exemptions from Part 4 in respect of specific pipelines
Commerce Amendment Act 2008
Reprint notes
The long title was repealed, as from 26 May 2001, by section 3 Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32). See section 26 of that Act as to proceedings barred or commenced before 26 May 2001.