Commerce Commission Reporting: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to report anti-competitive behavior and price-fixing to help protect fair market competition in New Zealand.
This scheme provides a formal way for members of the public to flag business activities that undermine fair competition in the marketplace. It serves as a reporting mechanism for those who encounter illegal practices such as price-fixing or the formation of cartels.
Who it's for
This mechanism is available to anyone who witnesses anti-competitive behavior. If you observe businesses acting in ways that prevent a fair market from functioning or see companies collaborating to unfairly control prices, you are eligible to report these observations.
What you get
By using this scheme, you gain access to a dedicated reporting mechanism designed to address serious market misconduct. This specifically includes reporting instances of cartels, which are groups of businesses that work together to manipulate the market, and price-fixing, where competitors agree to set prices at a certain level rather than letting competition drive them.
What it costs you
There is no cost to use this reporting system. It is entirely free to submit information regarding suspected anti-competitive conduct.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that this scheme is intended to serve the public interest and maintain the integrity of the national economy. It is not a platform for resolving individual disputes, personal grievances, or private legal disagreements between a consumer and a business.
How to apply
- Identify the suspected anti-competitive behavior, such as price-fixing or cartel activity.
- Gather any relevant information that describes the behavior you have witnessed.
- Contact the Commission to submit your report through their official communication channels.