Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698839084874.pdf (New Zealand)
Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Public Act 1986 No 5 Date of assent 28 April 1986 Commencement see section 1(2) Contents Title [Repealed] Short Title and commencement Purpose Interpretation Certain terms defined in relation to competition Commission to consider efficiency Application of Act Application of Act to the Crown Application of Act to Crown corporations Special provisions relating to application of Act to the Crown in right of Australia and to Australian Crown corporations Crown and Crown corporations not immune from jurisdiction in relation to certain provisions of Competition and Consumer Act 2010 Transitional, savings, and related provisions Application of Evidence Amendment Act 1980 [Repealed] Law relating to restraint of trade and breaches of confidence not affected Page 16 16 17 17 26 28 28 29 29 29 30 30 30 31 1 1A 2 3 3A 4 5 6 6A 6B 6C 6C 7 Note The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment.
1 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Part 1 The Commerce Commission Establishment of Commission Application of Crown Entities Act 2004 Membership of Commission Terms and conditions of appointment Associate members Chairperson and deputy chairperson Termination of appointment of members Disclosure of financial interests [Repealed] Meetings of Commission Chairperson may direct Commission to sit in Divisions Assent to determination Officers and employees [Repealed] Personnel policy [Repealed] Equal employment opportunities [Repealed] Choice of procedure [Repealed] Superannuation and retiring allowances Money to be appropriated by Parliament for purposes of this Act [Repealed] Funds of Commission [Repealed] Bank accounts [Repealed] Crown entity [Repealed] Investment of money [Repealed] Exemption from income tax Functions of Commission in relation to dissemination of information Commission to have regard to economic policies of Government Part 2 Restrictive trade practices Practices substantially lessening competition Contracts, arrangements, or understandings substantially lessening competition prohibited Covenants substantially lessening competition prohibited Certain grocery-related covenants are treated as prohibited and unenforceable Process for voluntary removal of grocery-related covenant from register of land Process for designations for purpose of section 28A Commission may require designated grocery retailer to supply information about contract, etc, to which section 28A may apply Contracts,
 arrangements, or understandings containing exclusionary provisions prohibited [Repealed] 8A 18A 18B 18C 18D 26 27 28 28A 28B 28C 28D 29 2 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Cartel provisions 30 30A 30B 30C 31 32 33 34 35 36 36A 36B 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 44A 44B 45 46 47 47A 47B Prohibition on entering into or giving effect to cartel provision Meaning
 of cartel provision and related terms Additional interpretation relating to cartel provisions Cartel provisions generally unenforceable Exception for collaborative activity Exception for vertical supply contracts Exception for joint buying and promotion agreements Certain provisions of covenants with respect to prices deemed to substantially lessen competition [Repealed] Practices substantially lessening competition conditional upon authorisation [Repealed] Contracts or covenants subject to authorisation not prohibited under certain conditions [Repealed] Taking advantage of market power Taking advantage of market power Taking advantage of market power in trans-Tasman markets Purposes may be inferred Resale price maintenance Resale price maintenance by suppliers prohibited Resale price maintenance by others prohibited Recommended prices Withholding the supply of goods Preventing the supply of goods Special evidentiary provisions in respect of certain resale price maintenance practices Exceptions to Part 2 Statutory exceptions Other exceptions Exceptions in relation to international liner shipping services Further exception in relation to international liner shipping services (price fixing in relation to space on ship) Exceptions in relation to intellectual property rights Saving in respect of business acquisitions Part 3 Business acquisitions Certain acquisitions prohibited Declaration relating to acquisition by overseas person Orders against New Zealand bodies corporate following declaration under section 47A 46 46 47 48 48 49 49 50 50 50 51 51 51 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 58 59 60 61 61 62 63 3 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Application by Commission for declaration or order Revocation and variation of declarations and orders Bare transfer of market dominance excluded [Repealed] Application to building societies [Repealed] Certain merger or takeover proposals require clearance or authorisation [Repealed] Contracts subject to condition of clearance or
 authorisation [Repealed] Part 3A Competition studies Interpretation Functions of Commission under this Part Commission may carry out competition study Minister may require Commission to carry out competition study Competition study terms of reference Preparation of competition report Consultation on draft competition report Publication and status of competition report Minister must respond to competition report Part 4 Regulated goods or services Subpart 1—Preliminary provisions Overview of Part Purpose of Part Outline of Part Interpretation Meaning and application of claw-back Subpart 2—Regulating particular goods or services Overview of process if regulation imposed on goods or services Effect of goods or services being subject to regulation When goods or services may be regulated Commission inquiry How inquiry triggered Commission inquiry into particular goods or services Process of inquiry Commission’s recommendation following inquiry Order in Council imposing regulation Minister’s consideration Minister’s decision and recommendation Order in Council imposing regulation Revocation or amendment of Order in Council 47C 47D 48 49 50 51 48 49 50 51 51A 51B 51C 51D 51E 52 52A 52B 52C 52D 52E 52F 52G 52H 52I 52J 52K 52L 52M 52N 52O 4 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 52P 52Q 52R 52S 52T 52U 52V 52W 52X 52Y Commission determination about how regulation applies
 Determinations by Commission under this section Amendment of section 52P determination Subpart 3—Input methodologies Purpose of input methodologies How published input methodologies apply Matters covered by input methodologies When input methodologies must be determined Commission process for determining input methodologies Status of input methodologies, amendments, and revocations Amendment of input methodologies Review and date of publication of input methodologies Appeals against input methodology
 determinations 52Z 52ZA 53 Appeals against input methodology determinations Process for appeals Input methodology applies pending outcome of appeal Subpart 4—Information disclosure regulation Purpose of information disclosure regulation Effect of being subject to information disclosure regulation Section 52P determination to set out information disclosure requirements Consolidated information may also be required Charge for providing copies to public Limited exception to obligation to apply input methodologies Subpart 5—Negotiate/arbitrate regulation Purpose of negotiate/arbitrate regulation Overview of negotiate/arbitrate regulation Section 52P determination to set out requirements for application of negotiate/arbitrate regulation Compulsory arbitration Subpart 6—Default/customised price-quality regulation Purpose of default/customised price-quality regulation Overview of default/customised price-quality regulation Content and timing of price-quality paths Monitoring compliance with price-quality paths Default price-quality path Section 52P determination to set out requirements of default price-quality paths Resetting starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards 53A 53B 53C 53D 53E 53F 53G 53H 53I 53J 53K 53L 53M 53N 53O 53P Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 53Q 53R 53S 53T 53U 53V 53W 53X 53Y 53Z 53ZA Customised price-quality paths Supplier may
 propose customised price-quality path Effect of making proposal for customised price-quality path Preliminary assessment of proposal Process and timing for assessing proposal Extension of time frames Determination setting customised price-quality path Term of customised price-quality paths What happens when customised price-quality path ends Commission’s costs relating to assessing, setting, and reconsidering customised price-quality path Prioritisation by Commission 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 53ZE 53ZF 53ZG Powers of Commission under this Part Levies Material may be incorporated by reference Power to exempt disclosure of commercially sensitive information Subpart 9—Electricity lines services Application, overview, and interpretation Overview of how subpart applies Overview of when subpart applies Interpretation for subpart Meaning of electricity lines services Definition of consumer-owned Imposition of regulation under this Part Electricity lines services declared to be regulated All electricity lines services are subject to information disclosure regulation Certain electricity lines services are also subject to default/ customised price-quality regulation How exempt status can be lost and default/customised price- quality regulation can be applied to consumer-owned suppliers 54 54A 54B 54C 54D 54E 54F 54G 54H 6 96 96 96 97 97 97 98 98 99 99 99 100 100 101 102 104 105 105 106 106 106 108 111 111 111 111 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 54I 54J 54K 54L 54M 54N 54O 54P Commission must make section 52P determination specifying how subpart applies Section 52P determinations setting out default price-quality paths applying from 1 April 2009 Section 52P
 determinations setting out default price-quality paths applying from 1 April 2010 Transitional arrangements Administrative settlements made before 1 April 2009 (other than with Transpower) Administrative settlements with Transpower made before 1 April 2009 Breaches of thresholds and default price-quality paths before 1 April 2010 Breaches of control imposed, or administrative settlements entered into, after 1 April 2009 Proposals for customised price-quality paths Energy efficiency 54Q Energy efficiency
 Transpower grid upgrade plans and capital expenditure proposals Approval of Transpower’s grid upgrade plans Commission to prepare input methodology for capital expenditure proposals Procedure before jurisdiction order can be made [Repealed] Levies during transition in jurisdiction [Repealed] Interface with Electricity Industry Act 2010 Impact of certain decisions made under Electricity Industry Act 2010 Savings provisions Savings provision relating to existing information disclosure requirements Savings provision for existing levy regulations for electricity lines businesses 54R 54S 54T 54U 54V 54W 54X Subpart 10—Gas pipeline services Overview and interpretation 55 55A Overview of subpart Meaning of gas pipeline services 55B Gas pipeline services declared to be regulated Imposition of regulation under this Part 113 113 114 114 115 115 116 116 117 117 118 119 119 119 121 121 121 122 123 7 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 55C 55D 55E 55F 55G 55H All gas pipeline services are subject to information disclosure regulation All gas pipeline services are subject to price-quality regulation Commission must make section 52P determination specifying how subpart applies Section 52P determinations setting out first default price-quality paths Services controlled by virtue of Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 Existing order, authorisations, and undertakings continue to apply until 1 July 2012 (or earlier expiry) How price-quality regulation
 under this Part applies after 1 July 2012 (or earlier expiry) 55I Impact of certain decisions made under Gas Act 1992 Interface with Gas Act 1992 55J 55K 56 56A 56B 56C 56D Savings provisions Savings provision until Commission publishes information disclosure requirements Savings provision for existing levy regulations for services controlled under Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 Subpart 11—Airport services Overview and interpretation Overview of subpart Interpretation Specified airport
 services regulated under this Part Specified airport services declared to be regulated Specified airport services subject to information disclosure regulation Specified airport services subject to additional regulation if imposed by Order in Council Duty to supply information to Secretary 56E Duty to supply information to Secretary Commission inquiry into regulation of specified airport services How inquiry triggered Commission inquiry Commission’s recommendations following inquiry Order in Council imposing additional type of regulation Minister must consider Commission’s recommendation Minister’s decision and recommendation 56F 56G 56H 56I 56J 8 123 123 124 124 125 125 126 127 127 127 128 129 129 129 129 129 130 130 131 131 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 56K 56L Order in Council imposing additional type of regulation Commission determination about how regulation applies Declaring services to be specified airport services 56M Order in Council declaring specified airport services Subpart 2 not limited 56N 57 57A 57B 57C 57CA Subpart 2 not limited Commission process [Repealed] Technical provisions relating to declaration of control [Repealed] Records to be kept for control purposes [Repealed] Other Acts relating to price control not affected [Repealed] Impact of certain decisions made under Gas Act 1992 [Repealed] Part 4A Provisions applicable to electricity industry [Repealed] Interpretation [Repealed] 57D 57DAA Meaning of electricity lines business
 [Repealed] 57DAAB Meaning of electricity supply business [Repealed] 57DA 57DB 57DC Body that exercises jurisdiction under this Part [Repealed] Transfer of jurisdiction in respect of Transpower [Repealed] Transfer of jurisdiction relating to other large electricity lines businesses [Repealed] Procedure before jurisdiction order can be made [Repealed] Levies during transition in jurisdiction [Repealed] Ministerial powers [Repealed] Subpart 1—Controlled goods or services [Repealed] Purpose [Repealed]
 Commission, not Minister, may declare that goods or services supplied by large electricity lines businesses are controlled [Repealed] Thresholds for declaration of control [Repealed] Incorporation by reference of material in thresholds [Repealed] Effect of amendments to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference in thresholds [Repealed] Amendments to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference to be of same general character as original material [Repealed] Proof of material incorporated by reference [Repealed] Effect of expiry of material incorporated by reference [Repealed] Requirement to consult [Repealed] Access to material incorporated by reference [Repealed] 57DD 57DE 57DF 57E 57F 57G 57GA 57GB 57GC 57GD 57GE 57GF 57GG 132 133 133 134 134 134 134 134 134 135 135 135 135 135 135 136 136 136 136 136 137 137 137 137 137 137 137 138 9 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Process for making decisions on declaration of control [Repealed] Process before declaration made [Repealed] Effect of declaration of control [Repealed] Priorities [Repealed] Maximum of 5 years for duration of declaration [Repealed] Authorisations and undertakings [Repealed] Impact of certain decisions made under Electricity Act 1992 [Repealed] Commission may lift control [Repealed] Subpart 2—Transpower’s pricing methodology [Repealed] Commission may be required to authorise Transpower’s pricing methodology [Repealed] Authorisations in respect of Transpower’s
 pricing methodology [Repealed] Authorisations and undertakings [Repealed] Enforcement of authorisations [Repealed] Revocation of authorisations [Repealed] Subpart 3—Information disclosure [Repealed] Information disclosure [Repealed] Information to be supplied to Commerce Commission [Repealed] Commerce Commission to publish summaries [Repealed] Reasonable charge may be imposed for providing copies of statements [Repealed] Subpart 4—Asset valuations [Repealed] Recalibration of asset values of large electricity
 line owners [Repealed] Purpose of recalibrations [Repealed] Interpretation [Repealed] Large electricity line owners must supply valuation to Commerce Commission [Repealed] Comprehensive audit of asset values of large electricity line owners [Repealed] Procedure after audit of asset values carried out [Repealed] Outcome of audit of asset values [Repealed] 138 138 138 138 138 139 139 139 139 139 139 139 140 140 140 140 140 141 141 141 141 141 141 57H 57I 57J 57K 57L 57M 57MA 57N 57O 57P 57Q 57R 57S 57T 57U 57V 57W 57X 57Y 57Z 57ZA 57ZB 57ZC 10 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Review of valuation methodologies [Repealed] 57ZD 57ZE Review of valuation methodologies [Repealed] Process when carrying out review of valuation methodologies [Repealed] Subpart 5—General provisions [Repealed] 57ZF 57ZG 57ZH 57ZI 57ZJ 57ZK Powers of Commission [Repealed] Powers of entry and inspection [Repealed] Authorised persons to prove identity [Repealed] Offence to obstruct authorised persons [Repealed] Other offences [Repealed] Levy of electricity lines businesses [Repealed] Part 5 Authorisations and clearances Restrictive trade practices 58 58A 58B 59 59A 59B 60 61 62 Commission may grant authorisation for restrictive trade practices Effect of authorisation Additional provisions relating to authorisations Contracts or covenants subject to authorisation not prohibited under certain conditions When Commission may grant authorisation Contraventions not prevented by granting of
 authorisation under section 59 or section 59A Procedure for applications for authorisation of restrictive trade practices Determination of applications for authorisation of restrictive trade practices Commission to prepare draft determination in relation to restrictive trade practices Commission may grant provisional authorisation [Repealed] Procedure at conference Commission may vary or revoke authorisations 63 64 65 65AAA Commission may grant interim authorisation 65AA 65AB 65AC Applications during epidemic
 period Modifications in relation to application under section 65AA Modifications in relation to certain applications made during epidemic period Provisional authorisations for certain applications made during epidemic period Repeal of sections 65AA to 65AE 65AD 65AE 142 142 142 142 142 143 143 143 143 144 145 146 147 147 147 149 150 151 151 152 153 153 154 154 155 156 11 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commission may give clearances relating to cartel provisions Effect of clearance under section 65A Procedures relating to clearances Revocation of clearances Business acquisitions Commission may give clearances for business acquisitions Commission may grant authorisations for business acquisitions Provisions applying to applications for clearances and authorisations for business acquisitions Effect of clearance or authorisation Commission may accept undertakings Authorisation or clearance void if undertaking contravened Variation of undertaking Conferences in relation to business acquisitions Authorisations in respect of controlled goods or services [Repealed] Authorisations in respect of prices, revenues, and quality standards [Repealed] Considerations to be observed by Commission [Repealed] Procedure for making authorisations [Repealed] Remedies and penalties if overcharging or quality standards breached [Repealed] Terms of authorisations [Repealed] Investigations and audits [Repealed] Revocation and amendment of authorisations [Repealed] Provisional
 authorisations [Repealed] Alternative undertakings [Repealed] Conferences in relation to authorisations about controlled goods or services [Repealed] Levies [Repealed] Part 6 Enforcement, remedies, and appeals Power to accept undertakings Commission may accept undertakings [Repealed] Commission may accept undertakings Matters included in undertakings Enforcement of undertakings Pecuniary penalties for contravention of cease and desist order [Repealed] Jurisdiction of courts Jurisdiction of High Court
 Jurisdiction of District Court 65A 65B 65C 65D 66 67 68 69 69A 69AB 69AC 69B 70 70A 70B 70C 70D 70E 70F 71 72 73 74 74AA 74A 74B 74C 74D 75 76 12 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 77 78 79 79A 79B 80 80A 80B 80C 80D 80E 81 82 82A 82B 82C 82D 82E 83 84 84A 85 85A 85B 85C 86 86A 86B 86C 87 Additional lay members of High Court for purposes of appellate jurisdiction in respect of Commission determinations Lay members of High Court in certain cases Evidence not otherwise admissible Proceedings for pecuniary penalties Proceedings for pecuniary penalties Relationship between pecuniary penalties and criminal liability Restrictive trade practices Pecuniary penalties relating to restrictive trade practices Restriction on indemnities relating to contraventions of section 30 Pecuniary penalties for contravention of section 80A Court may order certain persons to be excluded from management of body corporate Application for order under section 80C Offence to act in contravention of order made under section 80C Injunctions may be granted by court for contravention of Part 2 Actions for damages for contravention of Part 2 Exemplary damages for contravention of Part 2 Offence relating to cartel prohibition Defence relating to exceptions to cartel prohibition Disclosure by defendant in cartel prosecution Consequences of failure to disclose under
 section 82D Business acquisitions Pecuniary penalties relating to business acquisitions Injunctions may be granted by court for contravention of Part 3 or undertaking Actions for damages for contravention of Part 3 Court may order divestiture of assets or shares in respect of contravention of section 47 Pecuniary penalties for contravention of undertaking Court may order divestiture of assets or shares in respect of contravention of undertaking Matters court must not take into account under sections 85A and
 85B Regulated goods or services Pecuniary penalty for contravening information disclosure requirement Order requiring information disclosure requirement to be complied with Offences relating to information disclosure regulation Orders where negotiate/arbitrate regulation applies Pecuniary penalty for contravening price-quality requirements Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 87A 87B 87C 88 88A 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 98A 98B 98C 98D 98E 98F 98G 98H 99 Compensation for contravention of price-quality requirement Offence relating to price-quality regulation Injunction and other orders relating to price-quality regulation Injunctions generally General provisions relating to granting of injunctions When undertaking as to damages not required by Commission Other orders Conduct by employees, agents, and others Appeals from determinations of Commission Appeals in relation to determinations by Commission Persons entitled to appeal Determination of appeals Court may refer appeals back for reconsideration Provisions pending determination of appeal Court may order proceedings to be heard in private Appeal to Court of Appeal in certain cases Part 7 Miscellaneous provisions Powers relating to evidence Commission may require person to supply information or documents or give evidence Power to search Powers conferred by warrant [Repealed]
 Warrant to be produced [Repealed] Other duties of person who executes a warrant [Repealed] Duty to assist [Repealed] Power to inspect and take copies of documents, etc [Repealed] Commission may exercise powers notwithstanding other proceedings Supply of information and documents in relation to section 36A Powers of Commission to take evidence Power to share information and documents with public service agencies, statutory entities, Reserve Bank, and New Zealand Police 99AA 99AB Sharing of information and
 documents with public service agencies, statutory entities, Reserve Bank, and New Zealand Police Commission may impose conditions on provision of information or documents 188 189 189 190 191 191 192 193 194 195 195 195 196 196 197 198 199 199 199 199 199 199 199 200 201 202 14 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 99A 99B 99C 99D 99E 99F 99G 99H 99I 99J 99K 99L 99M 99N 99O 99P 100 100A 101 102 103 104 105 106 106A 107 107 108 109 110 111 112 Assistance to overseas regulators Commission may receive information and documents on behalf of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Purpose of sections 99C to 99P (which relate to assistance to overseas regulators) Definitions of terms used in sections 99B to 99P Restrictions on providing compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance Government-to-government co-operation arrangements Regulator-to-regulator co-operation arrangements Content of co-operation arrangements Procedures relating to co-operation arrangements Providing compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance Conditions on providing compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance Notice to persons affected by provision of information Reporting on use of co-operation arrangements Sharing of non-compulsorily acquired information not affected Information provided by consent Part 4 information not to be provided Maintenance of privilege Offences, regulations, and administrative provisions Powers of
 Commission to prohibit disclosure of information, documents, and evidence Commission may state case for opinion of High Court Notices Service of notices Offences Determinations of Commission Restriction on delegation Proceedings privileged Judicial notice Cartel prosecutors panel Annual report [Repealed] Regulations Commission may prescribe forms Repeals, revocations, savings, and consequential amendments Transitional provisions in respect of certain contracts, arrangements, or understandings Transitional
 provisions in respect of goods and services subject to price control under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] s 1 113 114 115 116 117 118 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Transitional provisions in respect of goods and services subject to price restraint under regulations made under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Transitional provisions in respect of milk pricing [Repealed] Savings in respect of certain provisions of Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Winding up of Commerce Commission established under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Members of Commerce Commission established under Commerce Act 1975 deemed to be members of Commission [Repealed] 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 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions Schedule 1 Classes of merger or takeover proposals requiring prior clearance or authorisation by the Commission [Repealed] Schedule 2 Enactments amended Schedule 3 Enactments repealed Schedule 4 Orders and notices revoked Schedule 5 Material incorporated by reference Schedule 6 Exemptions from Part 4 in respect of specific pipelines 220 220 220 220 220 220 221 227 227 228 229 231 235 Title [Repealed] Title: repealed, on 26 May 2001, by section 3 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Short Title and commencement This Act may be cited as the Commerce Act 1986.

This Act shall come into force on 1 May 1986.

1 (1) (2) 16 Version as at 24 January 2023 1A Purpose Commerce Act 1986 s 2 The purpose of this Act is to promote competition in markets for the long-term benefit of consumers within New Zealand.

Section 1A: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
2 (1) Interpretation In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— accounting period has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Financial Reporting Act 2013 acquire,— (a) (b) (c) in relation to goods, includes obtain by way of gift, purchase, or exchange; and also includes take on lease, hire, or hire purchase: in relation to services, includes accept: in relation to goods or services that are interests in land, includes obtain by way of gift, purchase, exchange, lease, or licence arrive at, in relation to an understanding, includes reach, and enter into assets includes intangible assets associate member means a member appointed under section 11(1) authorisation means an authorisation granted by the Commission under Part 5, or by the court on appeal under Part 6 against a determination of the Commis‐ sion Authority means the Electricity Authority established under the Electricity Industry Act 2010 business means any undertaking— (a) (b) that is carried on for gain or reward; or in the course of which goods or services are acquired or supplied other‐ wise than free of charge cartel provision means a provision described in section 30A(1) chairperson means the chairperson of the Commission clearance means a clearance given by the Commission under Part 5, or by the court on appeal under Part 6 against a determination of the Commission collaborative activity has the meaning given in section 31(4) Commission— (a) means the Commerce Commission established under Part 1; or (b) for the purposes of determining any matter or class of matter specified in a direction under section 16(1), means the Division of the Commission specified in the direction in accordance with section 16(5) 17 s 2 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Consumers Price Index means the Consumers Price Index (all groups) pub‐ lished by Statistics New Zealand or, if that index ceases to be published, any measure certified by the Government Statistician as being equivalent to that index court means the High Court of New Zealand covenant
 means a covenant (including a promise not under seal) annexed to or running with an estate or interest in land (whether at law or in equity and whether or not for the benefit of other land); and proposed covenant has a cor‐ responding meaning credit instrument means any agreement (whether in writing or not) acknow‐ ledging an obligation to pay a sum or sums of money on demand or at any future time or times deputy chairperson means the deputy chairperson of the Commission document means a document in any form whether signed or initialled or other‐ wise authenticated by its maker or not; and includes— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) any writing on any material: any information recorded or stored by means of any tape recorder, com‐ puter, or other device; and any material subsequently derived from infor‐ mation so recorded or stored: any label, marking, or other writing that identifies or describes any thing of which it forms part, or to which it is attached by any means: any book, map, plan, graph, or drawing: any photograph, film, negative, tape, or other device in which 1 or more visual images are embodied so as to be capable (with or without the aid of some other equipment) of being reproduced give effect to, in relation to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing, includes— (a) (b) do an act or thing in pursuance of or in accordance with that provision: enforce or purport to enforce that provision goods— (a) means personal property of every kind (whether tangible or intangible); and (b) includes— (i) (ii) ships, aircraft, and vehicles: animals, including fish: (iii) minerals, trees, and crops, whether on, under, or attached to land or not: (iv) gas and electricity: 18 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 s 2 (v) to avoid doubt, water and computer software international liner shipping service— (a) means a service exclusively for the carriage of goods by sea from a place in New Zealand to a place outside New Zealand, or from a place outside New
 Zealand to a place in New Zealand, that— (i) operates at regular intervals on a fixed route or fixed routes in accordance with an advertised schedule; and (ii) is supplied, as its capacity allows, to any paying customer; but (b) excludes a service for the carriage of goods to or from a ship or the load‐ ing or unloading of a ship local authority includes every local authority and every public body or other authority created by or pursuant to any public Act or local Act market allocating has the meaning given in section 30A(4) member of the Commission— (a) means a member appointed under section 9(2); and (b) means the Telecommunications Commissioner appointed under section 9 of the Telecommunications Act 2001; and (c) in the circumstances in section 11(3), includes an associate member Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act overseas regulator means an overseas body that has competition law functions corresponding to those of the Commission under this Act person, includes a local authority, and any association of persons whether incorporated or not place includes any premises, building, aircraft, ship, carriage, vehicle, or recep‐ tacle prescribed means prescribed by regulations under this Act or by the Commis‐ sion price, includes valuable consideration in any form, whether direct or indirect; and includes any consideration that in effect relates to the acquisition or supply of goods or services, although ostensibly relating to any other matter or thing price fixing has the meaning given in section 30A(2) provision, in relation to an understanding or arrangement, means any matter forming part of or relating to the understanding or arrangement public service agency means any of the agencies listed in section 10(a) of the Public Service Act 2020 19 s 2 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 publicly
 available, in relation to making a document or information available, means that— (a) (b) the document or information is available for inspection, free of charge, on an Internet site that is publicly accessible at all reasonable times; and a copy of the document or information is available for inspection at all reasonable times, free of charge, at the head office of the person that is required to make it publicly available or, if the person is the Minister, at the head office of the department responsible for the administration of this Act; and (c) copies of the document may be purchased by any person at a reasonable price restricting output has the meaning given in section 30A(3) services includes any rights (including rights in relation to, and interests in, real or personal property), benefits, privileges, or facilities that are or are to be provided, granted, or conferred in trade; and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, also includes the rights, benefits, privileges, or facilities that are or are to be provided, granted, or conferred under any of the following classes of contract: (a) a contract for, or in relation to,— (i) (ii) (iii) the performance of work (including work of a professional nature), whether with or without the supply of goods; or the provision of, or the use or enjoyment of facilities for, accom‐ modation, amusement, the care of persons or animals or things, entertainment, instruction, parking, or recreation; or the conferring of rights, benefits, or privileges for which remuner‐ ation is payable in the form of a royalty, tribute, levy, or similar exaction; or (iv) to avoid doubt, the supply of electricity, gas, telecommunications, or water, or the removal of waste water: a contract of insurance, including life assurance, and life reassurance: a contract between a bank and a customer of the bank: any contract for or in relation to the lending of money or granting of credit, or the making of arrangements for the lending of money
 or grant‐ ing of credit, or the buying or discounting of a credit instrument, or the acceptance of deposits;— (b) (c) (d) but does not include rights or benefits in the form of the supply of goods or the performance of work under a contract of service share means a share in the share capital of a company or other body corporate, whether or not it carries the right to vote at general meetings; and includes— (a) a beneficial interest in any such share: 20 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 s 2 (b) (c) a power to exercise, or control the exercise of, a right to vote attaching to any such share that carries the right to vote at meetings of the company: a power to acquire or dispose of, or control the acquisition or disposition of, any such share: (d) a perpetual debenture and perpetual debenture stock supply,— (a) (b) (c) in relation to goods, includes supply (or resupply) by way of gift, sale, exchange, lease, hire, or hire purchase; and in relation to services, includes provide, grant, or confer; and in relation to goods or services that are interests in land, includes dispos‐ ition trade means any trade, business, industry, profession, occupation, activity of commerce, or undertaking relating to the supply or acquisition of goods or ser‐ vices turnover means the total gross revenues (exclusive of any tax required to be collected) received or receivable by a body corporate in an accounting period as a result of trading by that body corporate within New
 Zealand working day means any day of the week other than— (a) (ab) (b) a Saturday, a Sunday, Waitangi Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki/Matariki Observance Day, and Labour Day; and if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the fol‐ lowing Monday; and a day in the period commencing with 25 December in any year and end‐ ing with 15 January in the following year.
(1A) In this Act (except sections 36, 36A, and 47(3) and (4)) substantial means real or of substance.
(2) In this Act,— (a) a reference to engaging in conduct shall be read as a reference to doing or refusing to do any act, including— (i) (ii) the entering into, or the giving effect to a provision of, a contract or arrangement; or the arriving at, or the giving effect to a provision of, an under‐ standing; or (iii) the requiring of the giving of, or the giving of, a covenant: (b) a reference to conduct, when that expression is used as a noun otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (a), shall be read as a reference to the doing of, or the refusing to do, any act, including— 21 s 2 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (i) (ii) the entering into, or the giving effect to a provision of, a contract or arrangement; or the arriving at, or the giving effect to a provision of, an under‐ standing; or (iii) the requiring of the giving of, or the giving of, a covenant: (c) a reference to refusing to do an act includes a reference to— (i) refraining (otherwise than inadvertently) from doing that act; or (ii) making it known that that act will not be done: (d) a reference to a person offering to do an act, or to do an act on a par‐ ticular condition, includes a reference to the person making it known that the person will accept applications, offers, or proposals for the per‐ son to do that act or to do that act on that condition, as the case may be.
(3) Where any provision of this Act is expressed to render a provision of a contract or a covenant unenforceable if the provision of the contract or the covenant has or is likely to have a particular effect, that provision of this Act applies in rela‐ tion to the provision of the contract or the covenant at any time when the provi‐ sion of the contract or the covenant has or is likely to have that effect, notwith‐ standing that— (a) (b) at an earlier time the provision of the contract or the covenant did not have that effect or was not regarded as likely to have that effect; or the provision of the contract or the covenant will not or may not have that effect at a later time.
(4) In this Act,— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) a reference to the acquisition of goods includes a reference to the acquisition of property in, or rights in relation to, goods in pursuance of a supply of the goods: a reference to the supply or acquisition of goods or services includes a reference to agreeing to supply or acquire goods or services: a reference to the supply or acquisition of goods includes a reference to the supply or acquisition of goods together with other property or ser‐ vices or both: a reference to the supply or acquisition of services includes a reference to the supply or acquisition of services together with property or other services or both: a reference to the resupply of goods acquired from a person includes a reference to— (i) (ii) a supply of the goods to another person in an altered form or con‐ dition; and a supply to another person of other goods in which the goods have been incorporated.
22 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 s 2 (5) For the purposes of this Act,— (a) a provision of a contract, arrangement or understanding, or a covenant shall be deemed to have had, or to have, a particular purpose if— (i) the provision was or is included in the contract, arrangement or understanding, or the covenant was or is required to be given, for that purpose or purposes that included or include that purpose; and (ii) that purpose was or is a substantial purpose: (b) a person shall be deemed to have engaged, or to engage, in conduct for a particular purpose or a particular reason if— (i) that person engaged or engages in that conduct for that purpose or reason or for purposes or reasons that included or include that pur‐ pose or reason; and (ii) that purpose or reason was or is a substantial purpose or reason.
(6) In this Act,— (a) (b) (c) a reference to a contract shall be construed as including a reference to a lease of, or a licence in respect of, any land or a building or part of a building, and shall be so construed notwithstanding any express refer‐ ence in this Act to any such lease or licence: a reference to making or entering into a contract, in relation to such a lease or licence, shall be read as a reference to granting or taking the lease or licence: a reference to a party to a contract, in relation to such a lease or licence, shall be read as including a reference to any person bound by, or entitled to the benefit of, any provision contained in the lease or licence.
(7) For the purposes of this Act, any 2 bodies corporate are to be treated as inter‐ connected if— (a) (b) one of them is a body corporate of which the other is a subsidiary (within the meaning of section 5 of the Companies Act 1993); or both of them are subsidiaries (within the meaning of that section) of the same body corporate; or (ba) both of them are entities referred to by any of the paragraphs (other than paragraph (e)) of the definition of transferor in section 2(1) of the Health Sector (Transfers) Act 1993; or (c) both of them are interconnected with bodies corporate that, in accord‐ ance with paragraph (a) or paragraph (b), are interconnected,— and interconnected bodies corporate has a corresponding meaning.
(7A) For the purposes of subsection (7)(a) and (b), no body corporate may be regar‐ ded as a subsidiary (within the meaning of section 5 of the Companies Act 1993) of the Crown.
23 s 2 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (8) For the purposes of this Act,— (a) (b) any contract or arrangement entered into, or understanding arrived at by an association or body of persons, shall be deemed to have been entered into or arrived at by all the persons who are members of the association or body: any recommendation made by an association or body of persons to its members or to any class of its members shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the constitution or rules of the association or body of persons, be deemed to be an arrangement made between those members or the members of that class and between the association or body of per‐ sons and those members or the members of that class.
(9) Nothing in subsection (8) applies to— (a) (b) any member of an association or body of persons who expressly notifies the association or body in writing that he disassociates himself from the contract, arrangement, or understanding or any provision thereof and who does so disassociate himself: to any member of an association or body of persons who establishes that he had no knowledge and could not reasonably have been expected to have had knowledge of the contract, arrangement, or understanding.
Compare: 1975 No 113 ss 2(1), 67A(3); 1976 No 67 ss 22, 23(3); 1979 No 140 s 2; 1983 No 144 s 26; Trade Practices Act 1974 ss 4, 4C, 4F, 4H (Aust) Section 2(1) accounting period: replaced, on 1 April 2014, by section 126 of the Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013 (2013 No 102).

Section 2(1) acquire paragraph (c): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
Section 2(1) acquire paragraph (c): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Com‐ merce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(1) assets: inserted, on 1 January 1991, by section 2(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 2(1) associate member: inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 2(1) Authority: inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 146(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 2(1) business paragraph (b): replaced, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(4) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 2(1) cartel provision: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 4 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 2(1) chairman: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 2(1) chairperson: inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 2(1) collaborative activity: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 4 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(1) Commission: substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
24 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 s 2 Section 2(1) Commissioner: repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 17(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 2(1) Consumers Price Index: inserted, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).

Section 2(1) covenant: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 2(1) deputy chairman: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 2(1) deputy chairperson: inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 2(1) Electricity Commission: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 146(2) of the Elec‐ tricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 2(1) goods: substituted, on 8 July 2003, by section 3(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 32).
Section 2(1) international liner shipping service: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 4 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(1) market allocating: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 4 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(1) member of the Commission: substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 2(1) Minister: substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 2(1) officer of the Commission: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 2(1) overseas regulator: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(1) of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 2(1) place: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 2(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 2(1) price: amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(6) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 2(1) price fixing: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 4 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(1) public service agency: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 2(1) publicly available: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 17(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Section 2(1) restricting output: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 4 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(1) services paragraph (a)(iv): added, on 8 July 2003, by section 3(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 32).

Section 2(1) share: inserted, on 1 January 1991, by section 2(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 2(1) share paragraph (b): amended, on 1 July 1994, by section 2 of the Company Law Reform (Transitional Provisions) Act 1994 (1994 No 16).

Section 2(1) substantial: repealed, on 1 January 1991, by section 2(4) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 2(1) supply: replaced, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(8) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
25 s 3 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 2(1) trade: amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 4(9) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 2(1) turnover: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 2(1) working day paragraph (a): replaced, on 12 April 2022, by wehenga 7 o Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/section 7 of the Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14).
Section 2(1) working day paragraph (ab): inserted, on 1 January 2014, by section 8 of the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19).

Section 2(1A): inserted, on 1 January 1991, by section 2(5) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 2(1A): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Section 2(4): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(5): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(6): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 2(7): substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 2(6) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 2(7)(a): replaced, on 5 December 2013, by section 14 of the Companies Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 111).

Section 2(7)(b): replaced, on 5 December 2013, by section 14 of the Companies Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 111).

Section 2(7)(ba): inserted, on 1 January 2001, by section 107(1) of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 (2000 No 91).
Section 2(7)(c): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 2(7A): replaced, on 5 December 2013, by section 14 of the Companies Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 111).

Section 2(8): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
3 (1) Certain terms defined in relation to competition In this Act, competition means workable or effective competition.

(1A) Every reference in this Act, except the reference in section 36A(2)(b) and (c), to the term market is a reference to a market in New Zealand for goods or ser‐ vices as well as other goods or services that, as a matter of fact and commercial common sense, are substitutable for them.
(1B) The reference in section 36A(2)(b) to the term market, in relation to a market in Australia, is a reference to a market in Australia for goods or services as well as other goods or services that, as a matter of fact and commercial common sense, are substitutable for them.
(1C) The reference in section 36A(2)(c) to the term market in relation to a market in New Zealand and Australia, is a reference to a market in New Zealand and 26 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 s 3 (2) (3) (4) Australia for goods or services as well as other goods or services that, as a matter of fact and commercial common sense, are substitutable for them.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, references to the lessening of competition include references to the hindering or preventing of competition.

For the purposes of this Act, the effect on competition in a market shall be determined by reference to all factors that affect competition in that market including competition from goods or services supplied or likely to be supplied by persons not resident or not carrying on business in New Zealand.
In sections 27 and 28, a reference to a market in relation to the purpose or effect in respect of competition of a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding, or of a covenant, or of conduct, shall be read as including a ref‐ erence to— (a) a market in which a person who is a party to the contract, arrangement, or understanding, or any interconnected body corporate, or, as the case may be, the person or any associated person (within the meaning of sec‐ tion 28(7)) who requires the giving of, or gives the covenant, supplies or acquires or is likely to supply or acquire, or would, but for that provi‐ sion, covenant, or conduct, supply or acquire or be likely to supply or acquire goods or services; and (b) any other market in which those goods or services may be supplied or acquired.
(5) For the purposes of section 27, a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding shall be deemed to have or to be likely to have the effect of sub‐ stantially lessening competition in a market if that provision and— (a) (b) the other provisions of that contract, arrangement, or understanding; or the provisions of any other contract, arrangement, or understanding to which that person or any interconnected body corporate is a party— taken together, have or are likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in that market.
(6) For the purposes of section 28, a covenant shall be deemed to have or to be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market if— (a) (b) that covenant; and any other covenant to the benefit of which that person or an associated person (within the meaning of section 28(7)) is entitled or would be entitled if the covenant were enforceable— taken together, have or are likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in that market.
(7) For the purposes of sections 27 and 28, the engaging in conduct shall be deemed to have or to be likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market if— 27 s 3A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) the engaging in that conduct; and the engaging by that person in conduct of the same or a similar kind— taken together, have or are likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in that market.
(8) (9) [Repealed] [Repealed] Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 ss 4, 4E, 4G, 45(3), (4), 45B(4), 46 (Aust) Section 3(1): substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 3(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 3(1): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 3(1A): inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 3(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 3(1A): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 3(1B): inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 3(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 3(1B): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 3(1C): inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 3(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 3(1C): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 3(8): repealed, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(4) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 3(9): repealed, on 26 May 2001, by section 11(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
3A Commission to consider efficiency Where the Commission is required under this Act to determine whether or not, or the extent to which, conduct will result, or will be likely to result, in a bene‐ fit to the public, the Commission shall have regard to any efficiencies that the Commission considers will result, or will be likely to result, from that conduct.

Section 3A: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
4 Application of Act (1AA) For the purposes of this Act,— (a) (b) a person engages in conduct in New Zealand if any act or omission forming part of the conduct occurs in New Zealand; and a person (person A) engages in conduct in New Zealand if another per‐ son (person B) engages in conduct in New Zealand, and the conduct of person B is deemed (by virtue of section 90) to be the conduct of person A.
28 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 s 6A (1) This Act extends to the engaging in conduct outside New Zealand by any per‐ son resident or carrying on business in New Zealand to the extent that such conduct affects a market in New Zealand.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), section 36A extends to the engaging in con‐ duct outside New Zealand by any person resident or carrying on business in Australia to the extent that such conduct affects a market, not being a market exclusively for services, in New Zealand.

(3) [Repealed] Section 4: substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 4 heading: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 5(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 4(1AA): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 5(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 4(3): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 5(3) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
5 (1) (2) (3) Application of Act to the Crown Subject to this section, this Act shall bind the Crown in so far as the Crown engages in trade.

The Crown shall not be liable to pay a pecuniary penalty under section 80.

The Crown shall not be liable to be prosecuted for an offence against this Act.
(4) Where it is alleged that the Crown has contravened any provision of this Act and that contravention constitutes an offence, the Commission or the person directly affected by the contravention may apply to the court for a declaration that the Crown has contravened that provision; and, if the court is satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the Crown has contravened that provision, it may make a declaration accordingly.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 20B; 1979 No 140 s 12; Trade Practices Act 1974 s 2A (Aust) 6 (1) Application of Act to Crown corporations This Act applies to every body corporate that is an instrument of the Crown in respect of the Government of New Zealand engaged in trade.

(2) Notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law, proceedings under Part 6 may be brought against a body corporate referred to in subsection (1).
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 20A; 1979 No 140 s 11 6A Special provisions relating to application of Act to the Crown in right of Australia and to Australian Crown corporations Section 36A, and Parts 6 and 7, in so far as they relate to a contravention of, or confer powers that may be exercised in relation to, that section, apply to— 29 s 6B Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) (c) (d) the Crown in right of the Commonwealth of Australia, each of the States of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory, in so far as the Crown engages in trade; and every body corporate that is an authority of the Commonwealth of Aus‐ tralia within the meaning of section 4 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in so far as it engages in trade; and every body corporate established for a purpose of a State of the Com‐ monwealth of Australia by or under a law of that State in so far as it engages in trade; and every body corporate in which a State of the Commonwealth of Aus‐ tralia or in which a body corporate referred to in paragraph (c) has a con‐ trolling interest in so far as it engages in trade.
Section 6A: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 6 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 6A(b): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(c) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
6B Crown and Crown corporations not immune from jurisdiction in relation to certain provisions of Competition and Consumer Act 2010 Neither the Crown nor a body corporate that is an instrument of the Crown in respect of the Government of New Zealand is immune, and neither the Crown nor such a body corporate may claim immunity, from the jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand and Australia in relation to a contravention of section 46A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 of the Parliament of the Com‐ monwealth of Australia and in relation to Parts VI and XII of that Act in so far as they relate to a contravention of that section.
Section 6B: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 6 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 6B heading: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(c) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 6B: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(c) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
6C Transitional, savings, and related provisions The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1AA have effect according to their terms.

Section 6C: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 6 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

6C Application of Evidence Amendment Act 1980 [Repealed] Section 6C: repealed, on 30 May 2017, by section 9 of the Regulatory Systems (Commercial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).
30 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 1 s 8A 7 Law relating to restraint of trade and breaches of confidence not affected (1) Nothing in this Act limits or affects any rule of law relating to restraint of trade not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act.

(2) Nothing in this Act limits or affects any rule of law relating to breaches of con‐ fidence.
(3) No rule of law referred to in subsection (1) or subsection (2) affects the inter‐ pretation of any of the provisions of this Act.

Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 4M (Aust) Part 1 The Commerce Commission 8 (1) (2) Establishment of Commission There is hereby established a commission to be called the Commerce Commis‐ sion.
Except as expressly provided otherwise in this or any other Act, the Commis‐ sion must act independently in performing its statutory functions and duties, and exercising its statutory powers, under— (a) (b) this Act; and any other Act that expressly provides for the functions, powers, or duties of the Commission (other than the Crown Entities Act 2004).

(3) (4) [Repealed] [Repealed] Section 8(2): substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 8(3): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 8(4): repealed, on 1 July 1990, by section 7 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

8A Application of Crown Entities Act 2004 (1) (2) The Commission is a Crown entity for the purposes of section 7 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

The Crown Entities Act 2004 applies to the Commission except to the extent that this Act expressly provides otherwise.
(3) Members of the Commission are the board for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

Section 8A: inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

31 Part 1 s 9 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 9 (1) Membership of Commission The Commission must have no less than 4, and no more than 8, members appointed in accordance with this section, and may also have associate mem‐ bers appointed under section 11(1).
(2) No less than 3, and no more than 7, of the members, of whom at least 1 must be a barrister and solicitor of at least 5 years’ standing, must be appointed by the Governor-General in accordance with section 28(1)(b) of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

(3) One of the members must be appointed by the Governor-General as Telecom‐ munications Commissioner under section 9 of the Telecommunications Act 2001.
(4) The Minister must not recommend a person for appointment as a member under subsection (2) unless,— (a) in the opinion of the Minister, that person is qualified for appointment, having regard to the functions of the Commission, by virtue of that per‐ son’s knowledge of or experience in industry, commerce, economics, law, accountancy, public administration, or consumer affairs; and (b) in the case of a member who is a barrister or solicitor, the Minister has first consulted with the Attorney-General.
(5) Subsections (2) and (4) do not limit section 29 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

Section 9: substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 9(1): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 8(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 9(2): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 8(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
10 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Terms and conditions of appointment [Repealed] [Repealed] [Repealed] [Repealed] For the purpose of providing a superannuation fund or retiring allowance for members of the Commission, sums by way of subsidy or contribution may from time to time be paid into any retirement scheme (within the meaning of section 6(1) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013).
(6) [Repealed] Compare: 1975 No 113 ss 4(1), 10, 17B; 1979 No 140 s 9(1) Section 10(1): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 10(2): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

32 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 1 s 11 Section 10(3): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 10(4): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 10(5): substituted, on 1 April 1991, by section 80 of the National Provident Fund Restructur‐ ing Act 1990 (1990 No 126).

Section 10(5): amended, on 1 December 2014, by section 150 of the Financial Markets (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2013 (2013 No 70).

Section 10(6): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
11 (1) Associate members The Minister may from time to time appoint any person to be an associate member of the Commission.

(1A) Subsection (1) applies despite section 28(1)(b) of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

(2) An associate member shall be appointed only in relation to a matter or a class of matters to be specified in that member’s notice of appointment, and for such period, not exceeding 5 years, as is specified in that notice.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), an associate member shall be deemed to be a member of the Commission for the purposes of the performance or exercise of any function, duty, or power of a member of the Commission under this Act or any other Act; and except where this section or the context otherwise requires, a reference in this Act or in any other Act to a member of the Commission must be construed as including a reference to an associate member.
(4) An associate member may attend and vote only at a meeting of the Commis‐ sion relating to the matter or class of matters specified in that member’s notice of appointment (including a meeting relating to matters incidental to the matter or class of matters so specified).

(5) An associate member may only be appointed in relation to a matter or class of matters arising under an Act under which the Commission is required to act independently under section 8(2).
(6) An associate member may not be appointed as chairperson, deputy chairperson, or a temporary deputy chairperson under clause 5 of Schedule 5 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 3B; 1979 No 140 s 5; 1983 No 144 s 3 Section 11(1A): inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 11(2): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 11(3): amended, on 15 April 2004, by section 3(1)(a) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 23).

Section 11(3): amended, on 15 April 2004, by section 3(1)(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 23).

33 Part 1 s 12 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 11(4): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 11(5): added, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 11(6): added, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

12 Chairperson and deputy chairperson (1) One member appointed under section 9(2) must be appointed by the Governor- General, on the recommendation of the responsible Minister, as chairperson and another must be appointed as deputy chairperson.

(2) (3) 13 (1) (2) The chairperson and deputy chairperson may only be removed from office as chairperson or deputy chairperson for just cause.
In other respects, clauses 1(2) and (3) and 4(2) and (3) of Schedule 5 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 apply to the appointment and removal of the chair‐ person and deputy chairperson of the Commission.

Section 12: substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Termination of appointment of members The Governor-General may remove any member of the Commission appointed by the Governor-General from office under section 39 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
The Minister may remove any associate member from office on the same grounds and in the same manner as the Governor-General may remove a mem‐ ber under section 39 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

(3) Subsection (2) applies despite section 39(1) of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
(4) Notwithstanding that the term of office of a member has expired or that a mem‐ ber has resigned that office, that person shall be deemed to continue as a mem‐ ber for the purpose of— (a) (b) completing the determination of any matter before that person, as a member, which was commenced before the expiration of the term of office or before the resignation took effect, as the case may be: giving reconsideration to any matter following a direction of the court under Part 6.
Subsection (4) applies despite sections 32(3) and 45 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

To avoid doubt, a former member who is deemed to continue as a member under subsection (4) is not a member for the purposes of determining the num‐ ber of members under section 9(1) or (2).
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 4(2), (3); 1976 No 67 s 23(3); 1979 No 140 s 6 (5) (6) 34 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 1 s 15 Section 13(1): substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 13(2): substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 13(3): substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 13(5): added, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 13(6): inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 9 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

14 Disclosure of financial interests [Repealed] Section 14: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
15 Meetings of Commission (1) (2) [Repealed] [Repealed] (2A) [Repealed] (3) [Repealed] (4) At any meeting of the Commission the quorum shall be 3 members.

(5) (6) (7) Subsection (4) applies despite clause 9(1) and (2) of Schedule 5 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

[Repealed] Subject to the provisions of this Act, the chairperson may give directions regarding the procedure to be followed at or in connection with any meeting of the Commission.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 6; 1983 No 144 s 5(1), (2) Section 15(1): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 15(2): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 15(2A): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 15(3): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 15(4): amended, on 15 April 2004, by section 4(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 23).

Section 15(5): substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 15(6): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 15(7): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
35 Part 1 s 16 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 16 (1) Chairperson may direct Commission to sit in Divisions The chairperson may, by writing signed by him, direct that the powers of the Commission under this Act or any other Act in relation to any matter or class of matter, shall be exercised by separate Divisions of the Commission.

(1A) The powers in subsection (1) are an exception to clause 14 of Schedule 5 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
(2) (3) (4) (5) Each Division shall consist of such members as are for the time being assigned to that Division by the chairperson.

If the members appointed to any Division do not include either the chairperson or the deputy chairperson, the chairperson shall from time to time nominate the member who is to be chairperson of that Division.
In the absence of the member so nominated from any meeting of the Division, the members present shall appoint one of their number to be the chairperson of the Division for the purposes of that meeting.
For the purpose of the determination of a matter or class of matters specified in a direction given under subsection (1), the Commission shall be deemed to consist of the Division of the Commission specified in the direction; and the powers of any such Division shall not be affected by any changes or vacancies in its membership.
(6) A Division of the Commission may exercise powers of the Commission under this Act or any other Act notwithstanding that another Division of the Commis‐ sion is exercising powers of the Commission at the same time.

(7) Any direction given under subsection (1) may be revoked or amended by the chairperson by writing signed by him.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 7; 1976 No 67 s 7 Section 16 heading: amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 16(1): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 16(1): amended, on 15 April 2004, by section 5(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 23).

Section 16(1A): inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 16(2): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 16(3): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 16(4): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 16(6): amended, on 15 April 2004, by section 5(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 23).

Section 16(7): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
36 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 1 s 18D 17 Assent to determination (1) A determination in writing signed, or assented to in writing (whether sent by post, delivery, or electronic communication), by all the members of the Com‐ mission or, of a Division of the Commission, as the case may be, necessary to constitute a quorum shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been made at a meeting of the Commission or Division duly called and constituted by those members.
(2) This section applies despite clause 13 of Schedule 5 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 7A; 1983 No 144 s 6 Section 17(1): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 17(2): added, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

18 Officers and employees [Repealed] Section 18: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
18A Personnel policy [Repealed] Section 18A: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

18B Equal employment opportunities [Repealed] Section 18B: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

18C Choice of procedure [Repealed] Section 18C: repealed, on 1 December 2004, by section 72 of the Employment Relations Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 86).
18D Superannuation and retiring allowances (1) [Repealed] (2) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, any person who, immediately before the commencement of this Act was assisting the Commission by virtue of an appointment under section 18(1) and was a contributor to the Government Superannuation Fund under Part 2 of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956 shall be deemed, for the purposes of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956, to be employed in the Government service so long as that per‐ son continues to be an officer or employee of the Commission; and that Act 37 Part 1 s 19 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 shall apply to the person in all respects as if service as such an officer or employee were Government service.
For the purposes of the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956, the controlling authority in relation to any such person shall be the Commission.

(3) Subject to the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956, nothing in subsec‐ tion (2) shall entitle any person to whom that subsection applies to become a contributor to the Government Superannuation Fund after ceasing to be a con‐ tributor to that Fund.

Section 18D: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 18D(1): repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

19 Money to be appropriated by Parliament for purposes of this Act [Repealed] Section 19: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

20 Funds of Commission [Repealed] Section 20: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
21 Bank accounts [Repealed] Section 21: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

22 Crown entity [Repealed] Section 22: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

23 Investment of money [Repealed] Section 23: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

24 Exemption from income tax The income of the Commission shall be exempt from income tax.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 19F; 1983 No 144 s 12 38 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 27 25 Functions of Commission in relation to dissemination of information In addition to the functions conferred on the Commission by this Act, the Com‐ mission shall make available or co-operate in making available information with respect to— (a) the carrying out of the functions and the exercise of the powers of the Commission under this Act; and (b) the purposes and provisions of this Act.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 11(1A); 1983 No 144 s 7; Trade Practices Act 1974 s 28(1)(a) (Aust) Commission to have regard to economic policies of Government In the exercise of its powers under this Act, the Commission shall have regard to the economic policies of the Government as transmitted in writing from time to time to the Commission by the Minister.
The Minister shall cause every statement of economic policy transmitted to the Commission under subsection (1) to be published in the Gazette and laid before Parliament as soon as practicable after so transmitting it.

For the avoidance of doubt, a statement of economic policy transmitted to the Commission under this section is not a direction for the purposes of Part 3 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 2A(1)(e); 1976 No 67 s 3; Trade Practices Act 1974 s 29 (Aust) Section 26(1): amended, on 1 July 1990, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 26(3): added, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
26 (1) (2) (3) Part 2 Restrictive trade practices Practices substantially lessening competition 27 Contracts, arrangements, or understandings substantially lessening competition prohibited (1) No person shall enter into a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understand‐ ing, containing a provision that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in a market.
(2) No person shall give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substan‐ tially lessening competition in a market.

(3) Subsection (2) applies in respect of a contract or arrangement entered into, or an understanding arrived at, whether before or after the commencement of this Act.
39 Part 2 s 28 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (4) No provision of a contract, whether made before or after the commencement of this Act, that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substan‐ tially lessening competition in a market is enforceable.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 45(1), (2) (Aust) 28 Covenants substantially lessening competition prohibited (1) No person, either on his own or on behalf of an associated person, shall— (a) (b) require the giving of a covenant; or give a covenant— that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially less‐ ening competition in a market.
(2) No person, either on his own or on behalf of an associated person, shall carry out or enforce the terms of a covenant that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in a market.

(3) Subsection (2) applies to a covenant whether given before or after the com‐ mencement of this Act.
(4) No covenant, whether given before or after the commencement of this Act, that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market is enforceable.
(5) No person shall— (a) (b) threaten to engage in particular conduct if a person who, but for subsec‐ tion (4), would be bound by a covenant, does not comply with the terms of the covenant; or engage in particular conduct because a person who, but for subsection (4), would be bound by a covenant, has failed to comply, or proposes or threatens to fail to comply, with the terms of the covenant.
(6) Where a person— (a) issues an invitation to another person to enter into a contract containing a covenant; or (b) makes an offer to another person to enter into a contract containing a covenant; or (c) makes it known that the person will not enter into a contract of a particu‐ lar kind unless the contract contains a covenant of a particular kind or in particular terms,— that person shall, by issuing that invitation, making that offer, or making that fact known, be deemed to require the giving of the covenant.
(7) For the purposes of this section, 2 persons shall be taken to be associated with each other in relation to a covenant or proposed covenant if, but only if,— (a) one person is under an obligation (otherwise than in pursuance of the covenant or proposed covenant), whether formal or informal, to act in 40 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 28A accordance with the directions, instructions, or wishes of the other per‐ son in relation to the covenant or proposed covenant; or (b) the persons are interconnected bodies corporate.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 45B(1)–(3), (7) (Aust) 28A Certain grocery-related covenants are treated as prohibited and unenforceable (1) A covenant to which this section applies must be treated, for the purpose of section 27 or 28 (as the case may be), as having the purpose, or as having or being likely to have the effect, of substantially lessening competition in the relevant market.
(2) This section applies to any of the following in which a designated grocery retailer has an interest: (a) a restrictive or positive covenant that has the purpose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of impeding the development or use of land or a site as— (i) (ii) a retail grocery store; or any other retail store that is likely to compete with a retail grocery store operated by the designated grocery retailer: (b) a restrictive or positive covenant, and the provisions of any other con‐ tracts, arrangements, understandings, or covenants, if— (i) (ii) the restrictive or positive covenant has 1 or more of the same par‐ ties as the contract, arrangement, understanding, or covenant; and taken together, the restrictive or positive covenant and the provi‐ sions have the purpose, or have or are likely to have the effect, of impeding the development or use of land or a site as— (A) (B) a retail grocery store; or any other retail store that is likely to compete with a retail grocery store operated by the designated grocery retailer: (c) an exclusivity covenant or other provision in a lease that has the pur‐ pose, or has or is likely to have the effect, of impeding another person from operating— (i) (ii) a retail grocery store; or any other retail store that is likely to compete with a retail grocery store operated by the designated grocery retailer: (d) an exclusivity covenant or other provision in a lease, and the provisions of any other contracts, arrangements, understandings, or covenants, if— (i) the lease has
 1 or more of the same parties as the contract, arrangement, understanding, or covenant; and 41 Part 2 s 28A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (ii) taken together, the exclusivity covenant or other provision in the lease and the provisions have the purpose, or have or are likely to have the effect, of impeding another person from operating— (A) (B) a retail grocery store; or any other retail store that is likely to compete with a retail grocery store operated by the designated grocery retailer.
(3) However, this section does not apply to— (a) (b) a covenant that is reasonably necessary for environmental impact rea‐ sons connected with a retail fuel site within the meaning of the Fuel Industry Act 2020; or a covenant in respect of which the Commission has granted an authorisa‐ tion under section 58 or given a clearance under section 65A.
(4) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires,— covenant means any covenant or other provision referred to in subsection (2) designated grocery retailer means all of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Foodstuffs North Island Limited, Foodstuffs South Island Limited, and Woolworths New Zealand Limited: a person that is designated as a designated grocery retailer by the Governor-General by Order in Council made under section 28C: a person that is a successor to a person referred to in paragraph (a): a person that is a franchisee, or a transacting shareholder (within the meaning of the Co-operative Companies Act 1996), of a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b), or (c): a person that is an interconnected body corporate or associated person (within the meaning of section 47) of a person referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), or (d) exclusivity covenant includes, without limitation, a right of first refusal grocery product means goods in any of the following product categories: bread, dairy products, eggs or egg products, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, rice, sugar, manufacturer-packaged food, and medicine other than prescription medi‐ cine retail grocery store means a place at which a material part of the business being carried on is the business of supplying 1 or more categories of grocery products to consumers (for example, a butchery, fishmonger, bakery, or phar‐ macy).
(5) A designated grocery retailer has an interest in a covenant— (a) if the person is or was a party to the covenant; or 42 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 28B (b) (c) (d) if the person is or was a party to any contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing that resulted in the giving of the covenant or to the inclusion of the covenant in a lease; or if the person required, or is deemed by section 28(6) to have required, the giving of the covenant; or if the person gives effect to, carries out, or enforces the terms or provi‐ sions of the covenant; or (e) if the person takes any action described in section 28(5).
Subsection (1) does not limit any other provision of this Part.

If this section applies, the reference in section 61(6) to any lessening in compe‐ tition that would result, or would be likely to result, includes any lessening that this section provides must be treated as resulting.

Section 28A: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 4 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).
(6) (7) 28B Process for voluntary removal of grocery-related covenant from register of land (1) This section applies if— (a) a designated grocery retailer is satisfied that they have an interest in a covenant— (i) (ii) to which section 28A applies; and that is noted on the record of title created under section 12 of the Land Transfer Act 2017 for the burdened land, the benefited land, or both; and (b) as at the commencement date, the designated grocery retailer would, if not for Part 2, be entitled to enforce the covenant under section 301 or 307B of the Property Law Act 2007.
(2) The designated grocery retailer may— (a) revoke the covenant; or (b) modify the covenant so that section 28A no longer applies.

(3) The revocation or modification must be effected using the process for the nota‐ tion of covenants set out in section 116 of the Land Transfer Act 2017.

(4) However, despite section 116(5) of the Land Transfer Act 2017, the relevant covenant instrument or covenant variation instrument may be executed by the designated grocery retailer acting alone.
(5) (6) This section is repealed on the second anniversary of the commencement date.
In this section,— burdened land or benefited land, in relation to a covenant, means the land that, if not for Part 2, would be burdened by or would benefit from (as the case may be) the covenant 43 Part 2 s 28C Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 commencement date means the day after the date on which the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 receives the Royal assent designated grocery retailer has the same meaning as in section 28A has an interest has the same meaning as in section 28A.
Section 28B: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 4 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).

28C Process for designations for purpose of section 28A (1) (2) (3) The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make an Order in Council designating a person as a designated grocery retailer for the purpose of section 28A.
The Minister may recommend to the Governor-General that a person be desig‐ nated as a designated grocery retailer only after receiving a recommendation from the Commission.
The Commission may recommend to the Minister that a person be designated as a designated grocery retailer only— (a) after consulting the person about the proposed designation (including the Commission’s reasons for proposing to recommend the designation); and (b) if the Commission has taken into account the following criteria: (i) whether the person carries on, or is likely to carry on, a business of supplying all or a majority of categories of grocery products to consumers; and (ii) whether designation of the person as a designated grocery retailer would be likely to promote competitive neutrality (that is, a level playing field) or to otherwise promote competition, having regard to the extent to which the person supplies, or is likely to supply, groceries in competition with 1 or more designated grocery retail‐ ers.
(4) (5) The Commission’s recommendation must advise the Minister whether the Commission considers that those criteria are met.
In deciding whether to make a recommendation, the Minister may do any of the following: (a) (b) (c) accept the Commission’s recommendation if the Minister is satisfied that those criteria are met: reject the Commission’s recommendation: request that the Commission reconsider any matter (such as an error, an oversight, or competing policy interests): (d) make any other decision that the Minister considers is in the public inter‐ est.
44 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 28D (6) The Commission must make the recommendation publicly available as soon as practicable after making it, including a statement of its reasons for making the recommendation.

(7) An order made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives Presentation LA19 s 114 LA19 ss 115, 116 Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 28C: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 4 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).
28D Commission may require designated grocery retailer to supply information about contract, etc, to which section 28A may apply (1) For the purpose of assessing compliance with the provisions listed in subsec‐ tion (2), the Commission may, by written notice, require a designated grocery retailer to— (a) supply to the Commission information relating to any contract, arrange‐ ment, understanding, or covenant (including any process relating to the negotiation or renegotiation of that contract, arrangement, understand‐ ing, or covenant)— (i) (ii) to which section 28A may apply; or that contains a provision to which section 28A may apply; and (b) supply that information within the time and in the manner specified in the notice.
(2) The provisions are— (a) (b) sections 27, 28, 28A, 36, and 47 of this Act; and sections 7, 8, 23, and 26B of the Fair Trading Act 1986.

(3) (4) (5) Part 7 applies to a notice under subsection (1) as if it were a notice given under section 98.

This section does not limit any of the Commission’s other functions, duties, or powers under this Act or any other legislation.

In this section, designated grocery retailer has the same meaning as in section 28A.
Section 28D: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 4 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).

45 Part 2 s 29 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 29 Contracts, arrangements, or understandings containing exclusionary provisions prohibited [Repealed] Section 29: repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 7 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Cartel provisions Heading: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

30 Prohibition on entering into or giving effect to cartel provision (1) No person may— (a) enter into a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, that contains a cartel provision; or (b) give effect to a cartel provision.
(2) See section 80 for liability to a pecuniary penalty, and section 82B for criminal liability, for contravention of this section.

Section 30: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 30(2): inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 5 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
30A Meaning of cartel provision and related terms (1) A cartel provision is a provision, contained in a contract, arrangement, or understanding, that has the purpose, effect, or likely effect of 1 or more of the following in relation to the supply or acquisition of goods or services in New Zealand: (a) (b) price fixing: restricting output: (c) market allocating.
(2) In this Act, price fixing means, as between the parties to a contract, arrange‐ ment, or understanding, fixing, controlling, or maintaining, or providing for the fixing, controlling, or maintaining of,— (a) (b) the price for goods or services that any 2 or more parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding supply or acquire in competition with each other; or any discount, allowance, rebate, or credit in relation to goods or services that any 2 or more parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding supply or acquire in competition with each other.
(3) In this Act, restricting output means preventing, restricting, or limiting, or providing for the prevention, restriction, or limitation of,— 46 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 30B (a) (b) (c) (d) the production or likely production by any party to a contract, arrange‐ ment, or understanding of goods that any 2 or more of the parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding supply or acquire in competition with each other; or the capacity or likely capacity of any party to a contract, arrangement, or understanding to supply services that any 2 or more parties to the con‐ tract, arrangement, or understanding supply or acquire in competition with each other; or the supply or likely supply of goods or services that any 2 or more par‐ ties to a contract, arrangement, or understanding supply in competition with each other; or the acquisition or likely acquisition of goods or services that any 2 or more parties to a contract, arrangement, or understanding acquire in competition with each other.
(4) In this Act, market allocating means allocating between any 2 or more parties to a contract, arrangement, or understanding, or providing for such an alloca‐ tion of, either or both of the following: (a) (b) the persons or classes of persons to or from whom the parties supply or acquire goods or services in competition with each other: the geographic areas in which the parties supply or acquire goods or ser‐ vices in competition with each other.
Section 30A: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
30B Additional interpretation relating to cartel provisions In this Act, in relation to a cartel provision,— (a) (b) if a person is a party to a contract, arrangement, or understanding, each of the person’s interconnected bodies corporate is taken to be a party to the contract, arrangement, or understanding; and if a person (person A) or any of person A’s interconnected bodies corpo‐ rate supplies or acquires goods or services in competition with another person (person B) or any of person B’s interconnected bodies corporate, person A is taken to supply or acquire those goods or services in compe‐ tition with person B; and (c) a reference to persons in competition with each other for the supply or acquisition of goods or services includes a reference to— (i) (ii) persons who are, or are likely to be, in competition with each other in relation to the supply or acquisition of those goods or ser‐ vices; and persons who, but for a cartel provision relating to those goods or services, would, or would be likely to, be in competition with each 47 Part 2 s 30C Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 other in relation to the supply or acquisition of those goods or ser‐ vices.
Section 30B: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

30C Cartel provisions generally unenforceable (1) No cartel provision is enforceable.

(2) However, nothing in subsection (1) affects the enforceability of a cartel provi‐ sion in any contract to which section 31, 32, 33, 44A(4) or (5), or 44B applies.
Section 30C: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 30C(2): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
31 Exception for collaborative activity Exception for entering into cartel provision (1) Nothing in section 30(1)(a) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision if, at the time of entering into or arriving at the contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing that contains the provision,— (a) (b) the person and 1 or more other parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding are involved in a collaborative activity; and the cartel provision is reasonably necessary for the purpose of the collab‐ orative activity.
Exceptions for giving effect to cartel provision (2) Nothing in section 30(1)(b) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision if, at the time of giving effect to the cartel provision,— (a) (b) the person and 1 or more other parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding that contains the provision are involved in a collaborative activity; and the cartel provision is reasonably necessary for the purpose of the collab‐ orative activity.
(3) Nothing in section 30(1)(b) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision that constitutes a restraint of trade if— (a) (b) (c) the person and 1 or more other parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding that contains the provision were involved in a collabora‐ tive activity that has ended; and the cartel provision was reasonably necessary for the purpose of the col‐ laborative activity; and the collaborative activity did not end because the lessening of competi‐ tion between any 2 or more parties became its dominant purpose.
48 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 33 Meaning of collaborative activity (4) In this Act, collaborative activity means an enterprise, venture, or other activ‐ ity, in trade, that— (a) (b) is carried on in co-operation by 2 or more persons; and is not carried on for the dominant purpose of lessening competition between any 2 or more of the parties.
(5) The purpose referred to in subsection (4)(b) may be inferred from the conduct of any relevant person or from any other relevant circumstance.

Section 31: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 31(1): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 6(1) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
Section 31(2): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 6(2) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 31(3): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 6(3) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 31(3)(a): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 19 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
32 Exception for vertical supply contracts (1) Nothing in section 30 applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision in a contract, if— (a) the contract is entered into between a supplier or likely supplier of goods or services and a customer or likely customer of that supplier; and (b) the cartel provision— (i) relates to the supply or likely supply of the goods or services to the customer or likely customer, including to the maximum price at which the customer or likely customer may resupply the goods or services; and (ii) does not have the dominant purpose of lessening competition between any 2 or more of the parties to the contract.
(2) The purpose referred to in subsection (1)(b)(ii) may be inferred from the con‐ duct of any relevant person or from any other relevant circumstance.

Section 32: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
33 Exception for joint buying and promotion agreements A provision in a contract, arrangement, or understanding does not have the pur‐ pose, effect, or likely effect of price fixing if the provision— (a) relates to the price for goods or services to be collectively acquired, whether directly or indirectly, by some or all of the parties to the con‐ tract, arrangement, or understanding; or 49 Part 2 s 34 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) (c) (d) provides for joint advertising of the price for the resupply of goods or services acquired in accordance with paragraph (a); or provides for a collective negotiation of the price for goods or services followed by individual purchasing at the collectively negotiated price; or provides for an intermediary to take title to goods and resell or resupply them to another party to the contract, arrangement, or understanding.
Section 33: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

34 Certain provisions of covenants with respect to prices deemed to substantially lessen competition [Repealed] Section 34: repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Practices substantially lessening competition conditional upon authorisation [Repealed] Heading: repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 8 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

35 Contracts or covenants subject to authorisation not prohibited under certain conditions [Repealed] Section 35: repealed, on 26 May 2001, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Taking advantage of market power Heading: substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

36 Taking advantage of market power (1) Nothing in this section applies to any practice or conduct to which this Part applies that has been authorised under Part 5.
(2) A person that has a substantial degree of power in a market must not take advantage of that power for the purpose of— (a) (b) restricting the entry of a person into that or any other market; or preventing or deterring a person from engaging in competitive conduct in that or any other market; or (c) eliminating a person from that or any other market.
For the purposes of this section, a person does not take advantage of a substan‐ tial degree of power in a market by reason only that the person seeks to enforce a statutory intellectual property right, within the meaning of section 45(2), in New Zealand.

(3) 50 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 37 (4) For the purposes of this section, a reference to a person includes 2 or more per‐ sons that are interconnected.
Section 36: substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

36A Taking advantage of market power in trans-Tasman markets (1) Nothing in this section applies to any practice or conduct to which this Part applies that has been authorised under Part 5.
(2) A person must not, for any of the purposes specified in subsection (3), take advantage of the person’s substantial degree of power (if any)— (a) (b) (c) in a market; or in a market in Australia; or in a market in New Zealand and Australia.
(3) The purposes are as follows: (a) (b) (c) restricting the entry of a person into a market that is not a market exclu‐ sively for services: preventing or deterring a person from engaging in competitive conduct in a market that is not a market exclusively for services: eliminating a person from a market that is not a market exclusively for services.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a person does not take advantage of a substan‐ tial degree of power in a market by reason only that the person seeks to enforce— (a) a statutory intellectual property right, within the meaning of section 45(2), in New Zealand: (b) a statutory intellectual property right in Australia.

(5) For the purposes of this section, a reference to a person includes 2 or more per‐ sons that are interconnected.
Section 36A: substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

36B Purposes may be inferred The existence of any of the purposes specified in section 36 or section 36A, as the case may be, may be inferred from the conduct of any relevant person or from any other relevant circumstances.

Section 36B: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 9(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Resale price maintenance 37 Resale price maintenance by suppliers prohibited (1) No person shall engage in the practice of resale price maintenance.

51 Part 2 s 37 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) For the purposes of this section, a person engages in the practice of resale price maintenance if that person (in this section referred to as the supplier) does any of the acts referred to in subsection (3).
(3) The acts referred to for the purposes of subsection (2) are— (a) (b) (c) the supplier making it known to another person that the supplier will not supply goods to the other person unless the other person agrees not to sell those goods at a price less than a price specified by the supplier: the supplier inducing, or attempting to induce, another person not to sell, at a price less than a price specified by the supplier, goods supplied to the other person by the supplier or by a third person who, directly or indirectly, has obtained the goods from the supplier: the supplier entering or offering to enter into an agreement, for the sup‐ ply of goods to another person, where one of the terms is or would be that the other person will not sell the goods at a price less than a price specified, or that would be specified, by the supplier: (d) the supplier withholding the supply of goods to another person for the reason that the other person— (i) (ii) has not agreed to the condition mentioned in paragraph (a); or has sold, or is likely to sell, goods supplied to him by the supplier, or goods supplied to him by a third person who, directly or indi‐ rectly, has obtained the goods from the supplier, at a price less than a price specified by the supplier as the price below which the goods are not to be sold: (e) the supplier withholding the supply of goods to another person for the reason that a third person who, directly or indirectly, has obtained, or wishes to obtain, goods from the other person— (i) (ii) has not agreed not to sell those goods at a price less than a price specified by the supplier; or has sold or is likely to sell goods supplied or to be supplied to that third person, by the other person, at a price less than a price speci‐ fied by the supplier as the price below which the goods are not to be sold.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3),— (a) where the supplier makes it known, in respect of any goods, that the price below which those goods are not to be sold is a price specified by another person in respect of those goods, or in respect of goods of a like description, that price shall be deemed to have been specified, in respect of the first-mentioned goods, by the supplier: (b) where a set form, method, or formula is specified by or on behalf of the supplier and a price may be ascertained by calculation from, or by refer‐ 52 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 38 (c) ence to, that set form, method, or formula, that price shall be deemed to have been specified by the supplier: where the supplier makes it known, in respect of any goods, that the price below which those goods are not to be sold is a price ascertained by calculation from or by reference to a set form, method, or formula specified by another person in respect of those goods, or in respect of goods of a like description, that price shall be deemed to have been spe‐ cified, in respect of the first-mentioned goods, by the supplier: (d) where the supplier makes a statement to another person of a price that is likely to be understood by that person as the price below which goods are not to be sold, that price shall be deemed to have been specified by the supplier as the price below which the goods are not to be sold: (e) anything done by a person acting on behalf of, or by arrangement with, the supplier shall be deemed to have been done by the supplier.
(5) For the purposes of this section, sale includes advertise for sale, display for sale, and offer for sale, and sell, selling, and sold have corresponding mean‐ ings.

Section 37(2): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
38 Resale price maintenance by others prohibited (1) No person (in this section referred to as the third party) shall— (a) make it known to another person that the third party proposes to engage in conduct, whether alone or in concert with any other person, that will hinder or prevent the supply of any goods to, or the acquisition of any goods from, that person unless that person agrees not to sell those goods at a price less than the price specified by the third party; or (b) engage in conduct, whether alone or in concert with any other person, that will hinder or prevent the supply of goods to, or the acquisition of goods from, another person for the purpose of inducing that person not to sell those goods at a price less than a price specified by the third party.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1),— (a) where the third party makes it known, in respect of any goods, that the price below which those goods are not to be sold is a price specified by another person in respect of those goods, or in respect of goods of a like description, that price shall be deemed to have been specified in respect of the first-mentioned goods, by the third party: (b) where a set form, method, or formula is specified by or on behalf of the third party and a price may be ascertained by calculation from, or by ref‐ erence to, that set form, method, or formula, that price shall be deemed to have been specified by the third party: 53 Part 2 s 39 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) where the third party makes it known, in respect of any goods, that the price below which those goods are not to be sold is a price ascertained by calculation from or by reference to a set form, method, or formula specified by another person in respect of those goods, or in respect of goods of a like description, that price shall be deemed to have been spe‐ cified, in respect of the first-mentioned goods, by the third party: (d) where the third party makes a statement to another person of a price that is likely to be understood by that person as the price below which goods are not to be sold, that price shall be deemed to have been specified by the third party as the price below which the goods are not to be sold: (e) anything done by a person acting on behalf of, or by arrangement with, the third party shall be deemed to have been done by the third party.
(3) For the purposes of this section sale includes advertise for sale, display for sale, and offer for sale, and sell, selling, and sold have corresponding mean‐ ings.
39 Recommended prices For the purposes of section 37(3)(b), a supplier of any goods is not to be taken as inducing, or attempting to induce, another person not to sell those goods at a price less than a price specified by the supplier merely because— (a) (b) a statement of a price is applied or used in relation to the goods or is applied to a covering, label, reel, or thing if the statement is preceded by the words “recommended price”; or the supplier has given notification in writing to the other person (not being a notification in the form of a statement applied to the goods or to any covering, label, reel, or thing as mentioned in paragraph (a)) of the price that the supplier recommends as appropriate for the sale of those goods, if the notification, and each writing that refers, whether expressly or by implication, to the notification, includes a statement to the effect that the price is a recommended price only and there is no obligation to comply with the recommendation.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 97 (Aust) 40 Withholding the supply of goods For the purposes of section 37(3)(d) and (e) , the supplier shall be deemed to withhold the supply of goods to another person if— (a) (b) (c) the supplier refuses or fails to supply those goods to, or as requested by, the other person; or the supplier refuses to supply those goods except on terms that are disad‐ vantageous to the other person; or in supplying those goods to the other person, the supplier treats that per‐ son less favourably, whether in respect of time, method, or place of 54 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 42 delivery, or otherwise, than the supplier treats other persons to whom the supplier supplies the same or similar goods; or (d) the supplier causes or procures a person to act in relation to the supply of goods in the manner specified in paragraphs (a), (b), or (c), as the case may be.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 98 (Aust) 41 Preventing the supply of goods For the purposes of section 38,— (a) the supply of goods shall be deemed to be prevented if— (i) (ii) the supply of those goods is refused except on terms that are dis‐ advantageous to the person acquiring the goods; or the supply of those goods is on terms which are less favourable, whether in respect of time, method, or place of delivery, or other‐ wise, than the person who supplies the goods treats other persons to whom the same or similar goods are supplied: (b) the acquisition of goods shall be deemed to be prevented if— (i) (ii) the acquisition of those goods is refused except on terms that are disadvantageous to the person supplying the goods; or the acquisition of those goods is on terms which are less favoura‐ ble, whether in respect of time, method, or place of delivery, or otherwise, than the person who acquires the goods treats other persons from whom the same or similar goods are acquired.
42 Special evidentiary provisions in respect of certain resale price maintenance practices (1) Where, in proceedings under this Act against a supplier for a contravention of section 37(3)(d) or section 37(3)(e) it is proved that— (a) (b) (c) the supplier has acted in a manner referred to in section 40; and during a period ending immediately before the supplier so acted, the sup‐ plier had been supplying goods of the kind withheld either to— (i) (ii) the person in respect of whom the contravention is alleged; or a person carrying on a similar business to that person; and during a period of 6 months immediately before the supplier so acted, the supplier became aware of a matter or circumstance capable of consti‐ tuting a reason referred to in section 37(3)(d) or (e),— it shall be presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that the sup‐ plier so acted on account of that matter.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of terms imposed by a supplier that are disadvantageous or treatment that is less favourable than the supplier 55 Part 2 s 43 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 accords other persons if the terms or treatment consists only of a requirement by the supplier as to the time at which, or the form in which, payment was to be made or as to the giving of security to secure payment.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 100(1), (2) (Aust) Section 42(1)(c): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Exceptions to Part 2 Heading: inserted, on 14 August 2019, by section 9 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
43 Statutory exceptions (1) Nothing in this Part applies in respect of any act, matter, or thing that is, or is of a kind, specifically authorised by any enactment or Order in Council made under any Act.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an enactment or Order in Council does not provide specific authority for an act, matter, or thing if it provides in general terms for that act, matter, or thing, notwithstanding that the act, matter, or thing requires or may be subject to approval or authorisation by a Minister of the Crown, statutory body or a person holding any particular office, or, in the case of a rule made or an act, matter, or thing done pursuant to any enactment, approval or authorisation by Order in Council.
(3) No act, matter, or thing authorised under section 7(2)(i) of the Sharebrokers Amendment Act 1981 or section 70(1)(n) of the Real Estate Agents Act 1976 as enacted immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall be taken to be specifically authorised under subsection (1).
Compare: 1975 No 113 ss 22(7), 27(3)(c); 1976 No 67 ss 15(1), 20(2)(b) 44 Other exceptions (1) Nothing in this Part applies— (a) (b) (c) to the entering into of a contract, or arrangement, or arriving at an under‐ standing between partners none of whom is a body corporate in so far as it contains a provision in relation to the terms of the partnership or the conduct of the partnership business or in relation to competition between the partnership and a party to the contract, arrangement, or understand‐ ing while that party is, or after that party ceases to be, a partner: [Repealed] to the entering into of a contract of service or a contract for the provision of services in so far as it contains a provision by which a person, not being a body corporate, agrees to accept restrictions as to the work, whether as an employee or otherwise, in which that person may engage during, or after the termination of, the contract: 56 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 44 (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) to the entering into of a contract for, or the giving or requiring the giving of a covenant in connection with, the sale of a business or shares in the capital of a body corporate carrying on a business in so far as it contains a provision that is solely for the protection of the purchaser in respect of the goodwill of the business: to the entering into of a contract, or arrangement, or arriving at an under‐ standing in so far as it contains a provision obliging a person to comply with or apply— (i) (ii) a New
 Zealand Standard relating to dimension, design, quality, or performance; or a standard of dimension, design, quality, or performance prepared or approved by any association or body prescribed for the purpose of this paragraph by regulations made under this Act: to the entering into of a contract, or arrangement, or arriving at an under‐ standing in so far as it contains a provision that relates to the remuner‐ ation, conditions of employment, hours of work, or working conditions of employees: to the entering
 into of a contract, or arrangement, or arriving at an under‐ standing in so far as it contains a provision that relates exclusively to the export of goods from New Zealand or exclusively to the supply of ser‐ vices wholly outside New Zealand, if full and accurate particulars of the provision (not including particulars of prices for goods or services but including particulars of any method of fixing, controlling, or maintaining such prices) were furnished to the Commission before the expiration of 15 working days after the date on which the contract or arrangement was made or the understanding was arrived at, or 60 working days after the commencement of this Act, whichever is the later: to any act done, otherwise than in trade, in concert by users of goods or services against the suppliers of those goods or services: to any act done to give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding, or to a covenant referred to in paragraphs (a) to (g).
(1A) Nothing in this Part (except sections 36 and 36A) applies to— (a) the entering into of a contract or arrangement, or arriving at an under‐ standing, or the giving or requiring the giving of a covenant, if the only parties, or (in the case of a covenant or proposed covenant) the only per‐ sons who are or would be respectively bound by, or entitled to the bene‐ fit of, the covenant or proposed covenant, are, or would be, interconnec‐ ted bodies corporate: (b) any act done to give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding, or to a covenant referred to in paragraph (a).
(2) [Repealed] 57 Part 2 s 44A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (3) [Repealed] Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 51(2), (2A) (Aust) Section 44(1)(b): repealed, on 26 May 2001, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 44(1)(e): replaced, on 1 March 2016, by section 45(1) of the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (2015 No 91).

Section 44(1A): inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 10(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Section 44(2): repealed, on 14 August 2019, by section 34 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 44(3): repealed, on 14 August 2019, by section 34 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
44A Exceptions in relation to international liner shipping services (1) Nothing in section 27(1) applies to a person in relation to a provision of a con‐ tract, arrangement, or understanding if, at the time of entering into or arriving at the contract, arrangement, or understanding, the circumstances in subsection (6) apply.
(2) Nothing in section 27(2) applies to a person in relation to a provision of a con‐ tract, arrangement, or understanding if, at the time of giving effect to the provi‐ sion, the circumstances in subsection (6) apply.

(3) Nothing in section 27(4) affects the enforceability of a provision in any con‐ tract to which subsection (1) or (2) applies.
(4) Nothing in section 30(1)(a) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision that has the effect, or likely effect, of restricting output or market allocating if, at the time of entering into or arriving at the contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing that contains the provision, the circumstances in subsection (6) apply.
(5) Nothing in section 30(1)(b) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision that has the effect, or likely effect, of restricting output or market allocating if, at the time of giving effect to the provision, the circumstances in subsection (6) apply.
(6) The circumstances are that— (a) (b) the person and all other parties to the contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing that contains the provision are supplying an international liner shipping service in co-operation with each other; and the co-operation improves the service supplied to owners or consignors of goods carried at sea; and (c) the provision relates to— (i) (ii) a specified activity carried out for the purposes of the co-oper‐ ation; or an activity ancillary to a specified activity that is reasonably necessary for the purposes of the co-operation.
58 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 2 s 44B (7) For the purposes of subsection (6)(a), parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding excludes persons who are parties only because section 30B(a) applies.
(8) In this section,— specified activity means any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) the co-ordination of schedules and the determination of port calls: the exchange, sale, hire, or lease (including the sublease) of space on a ship: the pooling of ships to operate a network: the sharing or exchanging of equipment such as containers: capacity adjustments in response to fluctuations in supply and demand for international liner shipping services.
Section 44A: inserted, on 14 August 2019, by section 10 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 44A(4): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 7(1) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 44A(5): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 7(2) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
44B Further exception in relation to international liner shipping services (price fixing in relation to space on ship) (1) Nothing in section 30(1)(a) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision that has the effect, or likely effect, of price fixing if, at the time of entering into or arriving at the contract, arrangement, or understanding that contains the pro‐ vision, the circumstances in subsection (3) apply.
(2) Nothing in section 30(1)(b) applies to a person in relation to a cartel provision that has the effect, or likely effect, of price fixing if, at the time of giving effect to the provision, the circumstances in subsection (3) apply.
(3) The circumstances are that— (a) (b) (c) (d) the person and all other parties to the contract, arrangement, or under‐ standing that contains the cartel provision are supplying an international liner shipping service in co-operation with each other; and the co-operation improves the service supplied to owners or consignors of goods carried at sea; and the provision relates to the exchange, sale, hire, or lease (including the sublease) of space on a ship between the person and 1 or more parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding; and the exchange, sale, hire, or lease (including the sublease) is carried out for the purposes of the co-operation.
59 Part 2 s 45 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(a), parties to the contract, arrangement, or understanding excludes persons who are parties only because section 30B(a) applies.

Section 44B: inserted, on 14 August 2019, by section 10 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 44B(1): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 8(1) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
Section 44B(2): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 8(2) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
45 Exceptions in relation to intellectual property rights (1) Nothing in this Part, except sections 36, 36A, 37, and 38, applies— (a) to the entering into of a contract or arrangement or arriving at an under‐ standing in so far as it contains a provision authorising any act that would otherwise be prohibited by reason of the existence of a statutory intellectual property right; or (b) to any act done to give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding referred to in paragraph (a).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a statutory intellectual property right means a right, privilege, or entitlement that is conferred, or acknowledged as valid, by or under— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the Patents Act 2013; or the Designs Act 1953; or the Trade Marks Act 2002; or the Copyright Act 1994; or the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022; or the Layout Designs Act 1994.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2),— (a) (b) (c) a person who has applied for a patent in accordance with the Patents Act 2013 and filed the complete specification in relation to the application shall, until the application is determined, be deemed to have been gran‐ ted the patent to which the application relates: a person who has made an application for the registration of a design in accordance with section 7 of the Designs Act 1953 shall, until the appli‐ cation is determined, be deemed to be the registered proprietor of the design: a person who has made an application in accordance with section 32 of the Trade Marks Act 2002 for registration of a trade mark shall, until the application is determined, be deemed to be the registered proprietor of the trade mark: 60 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 3 s 47 (d) a person who has made an application in accordance with section 5 of the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987 shall, until the application is deter‐ mined, be deemed to have been granted the plant variety rights to which the application relates.
Section 45: substituted, on 1 January 1995, by section 42(1) of the Layout Designs Act 1994 (1994 No 116).

Section 45(2)(a): replaced, on 13 September 2014, by section 249 of the Patents Act 2013 (2013 No 68).

Section 45(2)(c): substituted, on 20 August 2003, by section 201 of the Trade Marks Act 2002 (2002 No 49).

Section 45(2)(d): substituted, on 1 January 1995, by section 236(1) of the Copyright Act 1994 (1994 No 143).
Section 45(2)(e): amended, on 24 January 2023, by section 159 of the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 (2022 No 61).

Section 45(3)(a): amended, on 13 September 2014, by section 249 of the Patents Act 2013 (2013 No 68).

Section 45(3)(c): amended, on 20 August 2003, by section 201 of the Trade Marks Act 2002 (2002 No 49).
46 Saving in respect of business acquisitions Nothing in this Part applies— (a) (b) to the entering into of a contract or arrangement or the arriving at of an understanding in so far as the contract, arrangement, or understanding contains a provision that provides for the acquisition or disposition of assets of a business or shares; or to any act done to give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding that provides for the acquisition or disposition of assets of a business or shares.
Section 46: substituted, on 2 September 1996, by section 3 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).

Part 3 Business acquisitions Part 3: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

47 Certain acquisitions prohibited (1) A person must not acquire assets of a business or shares if the acquisition would have, or would be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a reference to a person includes 2 or more per‐ sons that are interconnected or associated.

61 Part 3 s 47A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (3) For the purposes of this section, a person is associated with another person if that person is able, whether directly or indirectly, to exert a substantial degree of influence over the activities of the other.
(4) A person is not able to exert a substantial degree of influence over the activities of another person for the purposes of subsection (3) by reason only of the fact that— (a) (b) those persons are in competition in the same market; or one of them supplies goods or services to the other.

Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 50 (Aust) Section 47: substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
47A Declaration relating to acquisition by overseas person (1) The Commission may apply to the High Court for a declaration under this sec‐ tion if an overseas person acquires, whether directly or indirectly, a controlling interest in a New Zealand body corporate through the acquisition outside New Zealand of the assets of a business or shares.
(2) The High Court may make a declaration that it is satisfied that— (a) (b) the overseas person has acquired a controlling interest in a New Zealand body corporate through the acquisition outside New Zealand of the assets of a business or shares; and the acquisition of that controlling interest has, or is likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market in New Zealand.
(3) A declaration may not be made in respect of an acquisition if— (a) (b) the application for the declaration is made more than 12 months after the date of the acquisition; or the Commission has given a clearance, or granted an authorisation, under Part 5 in respect of the acquisition (see section 69).

(4) Nothing in this section limits the Commission’s functions or powers under any other provision of this Act.
(5) In this section and in sections 47B to 47D,— controlling interest means, in the context of an overseas person having a con‐ trolling interest in a New Zealand body corporate, that the overseas person— (a) (b) (c) controls the composition of the board of the body corporate; or is in a position to exercise, or control the exercise of, more than 20% of the maximum number of votes that can be exercised at a meeting of the body corporate; or holds more than 20% of the issued shares of the body corporate, other than shares that carry no right to participate beyond an entitlement to a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital; or 62 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 3 s 47C (d) (e) (f) is entitled to receive more than 20% of every dividend paid on shares issued by the body corporate, other than shares that carry no right to par‐ ticipate beyond an entitlement to a specified amount in a distribution of either profits or capital; or is the holding company (as defined in section 5(2) of the Companies Act 1993) of the body corporate; or holds assets in circumstances where the holding of those assets results in the overseas person having effective control of the body corporate New Zealand body corporate means a body corporate (whether incorporated overseas or in New Zealand) that carries on business in New Zealand overseas person means a person, whether a body corporate or otherwise, that is neither resident nor carrying on business in New Zealand.
Section 47A: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 11 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
47B Orders against New Zealand bodies corporate following declaration under section 47A (1) The Commission may apply to the High Court for an order under this section in respect of a New Zealand body corporate— (a) (b) at the same time as the Commission applies for a declaration under sec‐ tion 47A in relation to an overseas person who has a controlling interest in the body corporate; or at any time while that application is pending or after the declaration has been made.
(2) If the High Court makes a declaration under section 47A in relation to an over‐ seas person, it may make an order under this section requiring any New Zea‐ land body corporate in which the person has a controlling interest to— (a) (b) (c) cease carrying on business in New Zealand, in the market to which the declaration relates, no later than 6 months after the date of the declar‐ ation or any longer period specified by the court; or dispose of shares or other assets specified by the court; or take any other action (including disposing of shares or other assets) that the court considers, in all the circumstances, is consistent with the pur‐ pose of this Act.
(3) Contravention of an order made under this section is a contravention of this section.

Section 47B: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 11 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

47C Application by Commission for declaration or order (1) An application for a declaration under section 47A, or for an order under sec‐ tion 47B, may be made only by the Commission.
63 Part 3 s 47D Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) On making an application under section 47A, the Commission must give notice of the application to the relevant overseas person and New Zealand body cor‐ porate.

(3) On making an application under section 47B, the Commission must give notice to any New Zealand body corporate to which the application relates.
Section 47C: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 11 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

47D Revocation and variation of declarations and orders (1) (2) (3) The Commission, or the overseas person or New Zealand body corporate to which a declaration made under section 47A relates, may apply to the High Court to have the declaration revoked.
The Commission, or the overseas person or any New Zealand body corporate to which an order under section 47B relates, may apply to the High Court to have the order revoked or varied.

The High Court may, if it is satisfied that there has been a material change of circumstances, do either or both of the following: (a) (b) revoke a declaration: revoke or vary any order.

Section 47D: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 11 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
48 Bare transfer of market dominance excluded [Repealed] Section 48: repealed, on 26 May 2001, by section 11(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

49 Application to building societies [Repealed] Section 49: repealed, on 1 January 1991, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

50 Certain merger or takeover proposals require clearance or authorisation [Repealed] Section 50: repealed, on 1 January 1991, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
51 Contracts subject to condition of clearance or authorisation [Repealed] Section 51: repealed, on 1 January 1991, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

64 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 3A s 50 Part 3A Competition studies Part 3A: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
48 Interpretation In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,— competition report means a report prepared by the Commission under section 51B competition study means a study of any factors that may affect competition for the supply or acquisition of goods or services organisation means any of the following: (a) (b) an organisation named in Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975: an organisation named in Schedule 1 of the Official Information Act 1982: (c) the Auditor-General.
Section 48: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 48 department: repealed, on 5 May 2022, by section 22 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

49 Functions of Commission under this Part The functions of the Commission under this Act include carrying out competi‐ tion studies, and preparing competition reports, under this Part.

Section 49: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
50 (1) (2) Commission may carry out competition study The Commission may carry out a competition study if the Commission con‐ siders it to be in the public interest to do so.

Before carrying out a competition study, the Commission must, by notice in the Gazette,— (a) (b) prescribe the terms of reference for the study; and specify the date by which the Commission will make the final competi‐ tion report for the study publicly available.

(3) A copy of the notice must be made publicly available.
(4) The Commission may amend the notice in the manner set out in subsections (1) to (3).

(5) The Commission may revoke the notice by further notice in the Gazette.

65 Part 3A s 51 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 50: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
51 Minister may require Commission to carry out competition study (1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, require the Commission to carry out a competition study if the Minister considers it to be in the public interest to do so.

(2) The notice must— (a) (b) prescribe the terms of reference for the study; and specify the date by which the Commission must make the final report for the study publicly available.

(3) A copy of the notice must be made publicly available.
(4) (5) (6) Before issuing the notice, the Minister must consult the Commission on a draft of the notice.

The Minister may amend the notice in the manner set out in subsections (1) to (4).

The Minister, having first consulted with the Commission, may revoke the notice by further notice in the Gazette.

Section 51: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
51A Competition study terms of reference (1) The terms of reference for a competition study must— (a) (b) specify the goods or services, or both, to which the study relates; and describe the scope of the study.

(2) If the study is required by the Minister, the terms of reference may require the Commission to consult any of the following as part of the study: (a) (b) (c) (d) public service agencies: organisations: persons: classes of persons.
(3) If the Commission is carrying out the study on its own initiative, the terms of reference may name any of the following that it intends to consult as part of the study: (a) (b) (c) (d) public service agencies: organisations: persons: classes of persons.
(4) The Commission— 66 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 3A s 51D (a) must carry out the competition study in accordance with the terms of ref‐ erence; and (b) may exercise its discretion in relation to any ancillary matters that are related to, but not explicitly covered by, the terms of reference.

Section 51A: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Section 51A(2)(a): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 51A(3)(a): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

51B Preparation of competition report (1) (2) (3) The Commission must prepare a competition report that records its findings from the competition study.

The Commission may make recommendations in the report but it is not required to do so.
The recommendations may, without limitation, include 1 or more of the follow‐ ing: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) changes to legislation or other instruments: changes to the policies or practices of central or local government: changes to the policies or practices of a person or an organisation responsible for the oversight or regulation of a specified industry: changes to the amount or type of information made available by a person or an organisation in relation to a specified industry: that a person or an organisation research or monitor a specified matter: that persons within a specified industry change their behaviour.
Section 51B: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

51C Consultation on draft competition report (1) Before a competition report is finalised, the Commission must— (a) make a draft report publicly available; and (b) allow a reasonable time for comments on the draft.

(2) In preparing its final report, the Commission must have regard to any com‐ ments received on the draft report within the time allowed.
Section 51C: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

51D Publication and status of competition report (1) The Commission must— (a) provide the final competition report to the Minister; and 67 Part 3A s 51E Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) at least 5 working days later, make the final competition report publicly available.

(2) To avoid doubt, a competition report is not a determination of the Commission.
Section 51D: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

51E Minister must respond to competition report The Minister must respond to the final competition report within a reasonable time after the report is made publicly available.

Section 51E: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Part 4 Regulated goods or services Part 4: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Subpart 1—Preliminary provisions Subpart 1 heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

52 Overview of Part This Part provides for the regulation of the price and quality of goods or ser‐ vices in markets where there is little or no competition and little or no likeli‐ hood of a substantial increase in competition.
Section 52: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52A Purpose of Part (1) The purpose of this Part is to promote the long-term benefit of consumers in markets referred to in section 52 by promoting outcomes that are consistent with outcomes produced in competitive markets such that suppliers of regu‐ lated goods or services— (a) (b) (c) have incentives to innovate and to invest, including in replacement, upgraded, and new assets; and have incentives to improve efficiency and provide services at a quality that reflects consumer demands; and share with consumers the benefits of efficiency gains in the supply of the regulated goods or services, including through lower prices; and (d) are limited in their ability to extract excessive profits.
(2) In this Part, the purpose set out in subsection (1) applies in place of the purpose set out in section 1A.

68 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52C Section 52A: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52B Outline of Part (1) This Part provides— (a) (b) generic provisions for imposing any 1 or more of 3 types of regulation on goods or services (see subpart 2); and for the Commission to determine input methodologies applying to the supply of goods or services regulated under this Part (see subpart 3).
(2) The different types of regulation under this Part are as follows: (a) (b) information disclosure regulation, under which regulated suppliers are required to disclose information in accordance with requirements deter‐ mined by the Commission (see subpart 4): negotiate/arbitrate regulation, under which regulated suppliers are required to negotiate with other parties on prices and quality, and, if negotiation is unsuccessful, to enter into binding arbitration (see subpart 5): (c) price-quality regulation, of which there are 2 types: (i) (ii) default/customised price-quality regulation, under which default price-quality paths are set for regulated suppliers, but individual suppliers may seek a customised price-quality path instead (see subpart 6); and individual price-quality regulation, under which the Commission sets a price-quality path for an individual regulated supplier (see subpart 7).
(3) Regulation of the following services is dealt with by subparts 9 to 11: (a) (b) (c) electricity lines services (subpart 9): gas pipeline services (subpart 10): services at certain airports (subpart 11).

(4) This section is only a guide.

Section 52B: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52C Interpretation In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,— claw-back has the meaning given to it by section 52D consumer (other than in sections 54C, 54D, and 55A) means a person that con‐ sumes or acquires regulated goods or services 69 Part 4 s 52C Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 information disclosure requirement means a requirement that applies to a supplier of goods or services that are subject to information disclosure regula‐ tion, and is specified in a section 52P determination input methodology means a description of any methodology, process, rule, or matter that includes any of the matters listed in section 52T and that is pub‐ lished as referred to in section 52W; and, in relation to particular goods or ser‐ vices, means any input methodology, or all input methodologies, that relate to the supply, or to suppliers, of those goods or services inquiry means,— (a) (b) for the purposes of subpart 11, an inquiry by the Commission into the regulation of specified airport services that is carried out in accordance with sections 56F to 56H; and for all other purposes, an inquiry by the Commission that is carried out in accordance with sections 52H to 52J price— (a) means any 1 or more of individual prices, aggregate prices, or revenues (whether in the form of specific numbers, or in the form of formulas by which specific numbers are derived); and (b) includes any related terms of payment pricing methodologies means methodologies for setting the prices of indi‐ vidual goods or
 services, or classes of goods or services, and includes method‐ ologies for setting different prices for different customer groups publicly disclose, in relation to information required to be disclosed under information disclosure regulation, means to disclose information to the public in the manner required by a section 52P determination regulated means regulated under this Part regulated goods or services means goods or services that are declared to be regulated— (a) (b) by Order in Council made under section 52N; or by any of subparts 9 to 11 regulated supplier means a person to whom a section 52P determination applies in relation to particular goods or services section 52P determination means a determination by the Commission under section 52P that sets out how each type of regulation that applies to particular regulated goods or services applies to a supplier of those goods or services; and, in relation to particular goods or services, means every section 52P deter‐ mination relevant to the regulation of those goods or services.
70 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52E Section 52C: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52C input methodology: amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 52C inquiry: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 5(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Section 52C publicly available: repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 5(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
52D Meaning and application of claw-back (1) A reference to the Commission applying claw-back is a reference to the Com‐ mission doing either of the following: (2) (3) (a) (b) requiring a supplier to lower its prices on a temporary basis in order to compensate consumers for some or all of any over-recovery that occur‐ red under the prices previously charged by the supplier: allowing a supplier to recover some or all of any shortfall in its revenues that occurred under the prices previously charged by the supplier.
If the Commission requires a supplier to lower its prices, it must also require that the lowering of prices must be spread over time in order to minimise undue financial hardship to the supplier.

If the Commission allows a supplier to recover any shortfall, it must require that any recovery must be spread over time in order to minimise price shocks to consumers.

Section 52D: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Subpart 2—Regulating particular goods or services Subpart 2: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52E Overview of process if regulation imposed on goods or services (1) The process for imposing regulation under this subpart on particular goods or services involves the following steps: (a) (b) (c) the Commission holds an inquiry into whether, and if so how, to regulate the goods or services, and then makes a recommendation to the Minister under section 52K: the Minister considers the Commission’s recommendation and decides whether or not to recommend to the Governor-General that regulation be imposed and, if so, which type or types of regulation: if the Minister decides to recommend regulation, an Order in Council may be made under section 52N that makes the goods or services subject to regulation and identifies the type or types of regulation that apply: 71 Part 4 s 52F Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (d) for each type of regulated goods or services, the Commission makes a section 52P determination specifying how the applicable type or types of regulation apply to a supplier of the regulated goods or services.
(2) This section is only a guide.

Section 52E: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

52F Effect of goods or services being subject to regulation (1) If goods or services are subject to regulation of a particular type, every regu‐ lated supplier of those goods or services must comply with— (a) (b) the requirements of this Part relating to that type of regulation; and every section 52P determination applying to the supplier.
(2) (3) Sections 86 to 87C (which relate to offences and civil proceedings relating to contraventions of this Part) apply to a regulated supplier on and from the date on which the supplier is obliged to comply with a relevant section 52P deter‐ mination.

The Commission is entitled to exercise any of its powers under this Act for the purpose of monitoring compliance by regulated suppliers with regulation under this Part.
Section 52F: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52G When goods or services may be regulated (1) Goods or services may be regulated under this Part only if— (a) the goods or services are supplied in a market where there is both— (i) (ii) little or no competition; and little or no likelihood of a substantial increase in competition; and (b) (c) there is scope for the exercise of substantial market power in relation to the goods or services, taking into account the effectiveness of existing regulation or arrangements (including ownership arrangements); and the benefits of regulating the goods or services in meeting the purpose of this Part materially exceed the costs of regulation.
(2) In any consideration of this test, the part of the test in subsection (1)(c) need not be considered unless the parts of the test in subsection (1)(a) and (b) are satisfied.

Section 52G: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

72 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52I Commission inquiry Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52H How inquiry triggered (1) The Commission— (a) must hold an inquiry if required to do so by the Minister; and (b) may hold an inquiry on its own initiative.

(2) Any requirement by the Minister must— (a) (b) be in writing; and specify the date by which the Commission must make a recommendation under section 52K to the Minister.

Section 52H: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52I Commission inquiry into particular goods or services (1) In conducting an inquiry into particular goods or services, the Commission must consider— (a) (b) whether the test in section 52G is satisfied in relation to the goods or ser‐ vices; and if that test is satisfied, whether the goods or services should be regulated; and (c) if so, how the goods or services should be regulated, including— (i) how the goods or services should be defined; and (ii) which type or types of regulation (as set out in section 52B(2)) the goods or services should be subject to; and (iii) how that type or those types of regulation should apply to suppli‐ ers of the goods or services.
(2) As part of an inquiry into particular goods or services, the Commission— (a) must determine (and then apply) input methodologies for the supply of the goods or services, in accordance with subpart 3; and (b) must, when carrying out the analysis required by section 52G(1)(c), undertake a qualitative analysis of all material long-term efficiency and distributional considerations.
(3) As part of that qualitative analysis, the Commission must, as far as practic‐ able,— (a) (b) quantify material effects on allocative, productive, and dynamic effi‐ ciency; and quantify material distributional and welfare consequences on suppliers and consumers; and 73 Part 4 s 52J Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) assess the direct and indirect costs and risks of any type of regulation considered, including administrative and compliance costs, transaction costs, and spill-over effects.
(4) As part of an inquiry, the Commission must, when considering which type of regulation might be imposed,— (a) (b) assess the benefits of imposing different types of regulation in meeting the purpose of this Part against the costs of imposing those types of regulation; and consider what would be the most cost-effective type or types of regula‐ tion in the circumstances.
(5) During an inquiry, the Commission may have regard to any other matters it considers necessary or desirable for the purpose of the inquiry.

Section 52I: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52J Process of inquiry (1) At the start of an inquiry, the Commission must publish in the Gazette a notice setting out,— (a) (b) in the case of an inquiry required by the Minister, the Minister’s require‐ ments; and in the case of an inquiry on the initiative of the Commission, the terms of reference for the inquiry.

(2) The notice must set out indicative time frames and key steps.
(3) During the course of an inquiry, the Commission— (a) may publish, in whatever way it considers appropriate, further notices, consultation documents, or papers; and (b) must give interested persons a reasonable opportunity to give their views; and (c) may hold 1 or more conferences; and (d) must have regard to any views received from interested persons within any time frames set.

(4) Before the end of an inquiry, the Commission must publish a proposed recom‐ mendation for consultation.
Section 52J: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

52K Commission’s recommendation following inquiry (1) At the end of an inquiry, having considered the matters in section 52I, the Commission must make a recommendation to the Minister on whether, in its opinion, the goods or services should be regulated.
74 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52L (2) If the recommendation is that particular goods or services should be regulated, the recommendation must state the following: (a) how the goods or services should be specified: (b) which type or types of regulation should apply to the goods or services: (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) what input methodologies apply: if information disclosure regulation is recommended, the material provi‐ sions of the information disclosure requirements: if negotiate/arbitrate regulation is recommended, the material provisions of the negotiation process and arbitration process: if default/customised price-quality regulation is recommended, the default price path and quality standards: if individual price-quality regulation is recommended, the material pro‐ visions to apply.
(3) (4) The Minister must publish the Commission’s recommendation, and may do so in whatever way he or she considers appropriate.

To avoid doubt, a recommendation by the Commission is not a determination of the Commission.

Section 52K: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Order in Council imposing regulation Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52L Minister’s consideration (1) The Minister must consider any recommendation of the Commission made under section 52K.

(2) As part of that consideration, the Minister— (a) must consult with the relevant sector Minister (such as the Minister of Energy or the Minister of Transport); and (b) may request further information or advice from the Commission.
(3) If the Minister proposes, contrary to the recommendation of the Commission, that the goods or services should be regulated, or that they should be subject to a type of regulation not recommended by the Commission, the Minister must ask the Commission for written advice on what the material provisions of the relevant section 52P determination would be likely to be if the goods or ser‐ vices were subject to the type or types of regulation proposed by the Minister.
(4) Any request by the Minister under subsection (3), and the Commission’s advice given following that request, must be made publicly available.

(5) If the Commission receives a request under subsection (3), it may, at its discre‐ tion,— 75 Part 4 s 52M Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) consult with interested parties; or reopen its inquiry, in which case section 52J applies with all necessary modifications.
Section 52L: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52M Minister’s decision and recommendation (1) Having considered the Commission’s recommendation in accordance with sec‐ tion 52L and any advice given following a request under section 52L(3), the Minister must— (a) (b) decide whether, in the opinion of the Minister, the goods or services should be regulated; and if the goods or services are to be regulated, decide which type or types of regulation are to apply; and (c) make a recommendation to that effect, if the goods or services are to be regulated.
(2) (3) The Minister’s decision may be the same as, or different from, the Commis‐ sion’s recommendation under section 52K.

If the Minister’s decision is different from the Commission’s recommendation, the Minister must set out the reasons for the decision and make the decision, with the reasons, publicly available.

Section 52M: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52N Order in Council imposing regulation (1) The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister made under section 52M, make an Order in Council imposing regulation on particu‐ lar goods or services.

(2) The order must— (a) (b) declare that the goods or services are regulated; and state which type or types of regulation the goods or services are subject to.
(3) The order may identify the goods or services it relates to by reference to goods or (with all necessary modifications) services— (a) (b) (c) supplied in or for delivery within specified regions, areas, or localities in New Zealand; or supplied in different quantities, qualities, grades, or classes; or supplied by or to or for the use of different persons or classes of persons; or (d) any or all of paragraphs (a) to (c).
76 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52P (4) (5) Subsection (3) applies so that any part or element of goods or services can be dealt with separately.

The order must include an expiry date, which must be a date not later than 20 years after its date of commencement.

(6) An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legis‐ lation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 52N: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52N(6): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

52O Revocation or amendment of Order in Council (1) An Order in Council made under section 52N in respect of particular goods or services may not be revoked or significantly amended unless the Commission has held an inquiry into the goods or services.
(2) In subsection (1), significantly amended means amended in a way that— (a) alters the type or types of regulation applying to the goods or services; or (b) materially alters the goods or services to which the regulation applies, so that either— (i) (ii) the goods or services, or any of them, are no longer regulated; or goods or services that were not identified in the original order are now subject to regulation.
(3) An Order in Council made under section 52N may be amended in any other material way only after the Commission has consulted with interested parties, but may be amended in a non-material way without prior consultation.

Section 52O: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Commission determination about how regulation applies Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52P Determinations by Commission under this section (1) The Commission must make determinations under this section specifying how the relevant forms of regulation apply to suppliers of regulated goods or ser‐ vices.
77 Part 4 s 52P Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) Determinations must be made,— (a) (b) (c) in the case of goods or services declared to be regulated by an Order in Council under section 52N, as soon as practicable after the Order in Council is made; and in the case of goods or services declared to be regulated under subparts 9 and 10, in accordance with sections 54I, 54J, 54K, and 55E; and in the case of regulation being imposed on specified airport services under section 56K, in accordance with section 56L.
(3) Determinations must— (a) (b) (c) (d) set out, for each type of regulation to which the goods or services are subject, the requirements that apply to each regulated supplier; and set out any time frames (including the regulatory periods) that must be met or that apply; and specify the input methodologies that apply; and be consistent with this Part.
(4) (5) It is not necessary for a single determination to address all matters relating to particular regulated goods or services, or to a supplier of regulated goods or services, and different parts of any determination may come into effect at dif‐ ferent times.
If a determination under this section is made following an inquiry and a recom‐ mendation under section 52K, the requirements referred to in subsection (3)(a) must not differ in any material respect from the recommendation, or (if applic‐ able) from any advice given to the Minister under section 52L(3).
(6) A determination under this section may require a supplier to comply with the requirements set out in any other determination that has been made under this section in respect of regulated goods or services of the same type.

(7) (8) The Commission must, as soon as practicable after making a determination under this section, give to each supplier to whom the determination relates notice of the determination and where it is available.
Each supplier to whom the determination relates must comply with the require‐ ments imposed by the determination.

(9) A determination under this section and an amendment to a determination are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 The maker must: • publish a summary of it in the Gazette • make it publicly available (see definition in section 2) • comply with subsection (7) 78 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52Q Presentation Disallowance It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It is not disallowable because an exemption applies under Schedule 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 s 115(d), Sch 3 This note is not part of the Act.
Section 52P: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52P(2)(b): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 6(1)(a) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 52P(2)(b): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 6(1)(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 52P(2)(c): inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 6(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Section 52P(7): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 52P(9): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

52Q Amendment of section 52P determination (1) A section 52P determination may be amended in a material way only after the Commission has consulted with interested parties, but may be amended in a non-material way without prior consultation.
(2) However, the Commission is not required to conduct an inquiry before amend‐ ing a determination.

(3) As soon as practicable after making an amendment, the Commission must give to each supplier to whom the determination relates notice of the amendment and where it is available.

(4) An amendment relating to a customised price-quality path that takes effect under section 53ZA(3) may come into force before it is published under the Legislation Act 2019.
(5) [Repealed] Section 52Q: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52Q(3): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 52Q(4): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 52Q(5): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
79 Part 4 s 52R Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Subpart 3—Input methodologies Subpart 3 heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

52R Purpose of input methodologies The purpose of input methodologies is to promote certainty for suppliers and consumers in relation to the rules, requirements, and processes applying to the regulation, or proposed regulation, of goods or services under this Part.
Section 52R: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52S How published input methodologies apply Every relevant input methodology relating to the supply of particular goods or services that is published as referred to in section 52W must be applied,— (a) (b) if the goods or services are regulated, by every regulated supplier of the goods or services in accordance with the relevant section 52P determin‐ ation; and in all cases, by every person entitled or required under this Act to recom‐ mend, decide, or determine— (i) whether or how regulation under this Part should apply to the goods or services; or (ii) the prices or quality standards applying to the goods or services.
Section 52S: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52S: amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
52T Matters covered by input methodologies (1) The input methodologies relating to particular goods or services must include, to the extent applicable to the type of regulation under consideration,— (a) methodologies for evaluating or determining the following matters in respect of the supply of the goods or services: (i) (ii) (iii) cost of capital: valuation of assets, including depreciation, and treatment of revaluations: allocation of common costs, including between activities, busi‐ nesses, consumer classes, and geographic areas: (iv) treatment of taxation; and (b) pricing methodologies, except where another industry regulator (such as the Electricity Authority) has the power to set pricing methodologies in relation to particular goods or services; and (c) regulatory processes and rules, such as— 80 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52U (i) the specification and definition of prices, including identifying any costs that can be passed through to prices (which may not include the legal costs of any appeals against input methodology determinations under this Part or of any appeals under section 91 or section 97); and (ii) identifying circumstances in which price-quality paths may be reconsidered within a regulatory period; and (d) matters relating to proposals by a regulated supplier for a customised price-quality path, including— (i) requirements that must be met by the regulated supplier, including the scope and specificity of information required, the extent of independent verification and audit, and the extent of consultation and agreement with consumers; and (ii) the criteria that the Commission will use to evaluate any proposal.
(2) Every input methodology must, as far as is reasonably practicable,— (a) (b) (c) set out the matters listed in subsection (1) in sufficient detail so that each affected supplier is reasonably able to estimate the material effects of the methodology on the supplier; and set out how the Commission intends to apply the input methodology to particular types of goods or services; and be consistent with the other input methodologies that relate to the same type of goods or services.
(3) Any methodologies referred to in subsection (1)(a)(iii) must not unduly deter investment by a supplier of regulated goods or services in the provision of other goods or services.

Section 52T: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52T(1)(b): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 147 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
52U When input methodologies must be determined (1) (2) (3) [Repealed] [Repealed] The Commission must determine input methodologies for any goods or ser‐ vices that are the subject of an inquiry as soon as practicable after the Commis‐ sion is satisfied that the parts of the test for the regulation of goods or services set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 52G(1) are satisfied.

Section 52U: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 52U(1): repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 7 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

81 Part 4 s 52V Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 52U(2): repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 7 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
52V Commission process for determining input methodologies (1) When the Commission begins work on an input methodology, it must publish a notice of intention to do so that— (a) (b) outlines the process that will be followed; and sets out the proposed time frames.
(2) During the course of its work on an input methodology, the Commission— (a) must publish a draft methodology; and (b) must give interested persons a reasonable opportunity to give their views on that draft methodology; and (c) may hold 1 or more conferences; and (d) must have regard to any views received from interested persons within any time frames set.
(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), any work done or action taken (including any consultation) by the Commission on input methodologies before the com‐ mencement of this section may be treated by the Commission and any person consulted as work done or action taken under this section.

(4) The Commission must consult with interested parties before deciding to treat earlier work or action as work or action done under this section.
Section 52V: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

52W Status of input methodologies, amendments, and revocations (1) The following are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements): (a) (b) (c) an input methodology: an amendment to an input methodology: the revocation by the Commission of an input methodology.
(2) The secondary legislation must be published under the Legislation Act 2019,— (a) (b) if it is made by the Commission, within 10 working days after the Com‐ mission makes its determination; or if it is made by the High Court on appeal, within 10 working days after the Commission receives a copy of the High Court’s decision.

(3) If an input methodology or amendment is made by the High Court on appeal, the Legislation Act 2019 applies as if the Commission were the maker of the secondary legislation.
82 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 52Y (4) When a methodology or an amendment (but not a revocation) is published, the Commission must publish its reasons for determining the methodology, or for amending it, on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Commission.
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (1) Publication LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 The maker must: • notify it in the Gazette setting out a brief description of the nature of the methodology and the goods or services to which it applies, the reasons for making it, and how it is publicly available • make it publicly available (see definition in section 2) • comply with subsections (2) and (4) It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It is not disallowable because an exemption applies under Schedule 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 Presentation Disallowance LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 s 115(d), Sch 3 This note is not part of the Act.
Section 52W: replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

52X Amendment of input methodologies (1) If the Commission proposes to amend an input methodology by making a material change, section 52V applies as if the amendment were a new input methodology.

(2) See also section 52W.

Section 52X: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 52X(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

52Y Review and date of publication of input methodologies (1) (2) (3) The Commission must review each input methodology no later than 7 years after its date of publication and, after that, at intervals of no more than 7 years.

The date of publication of an input methodology is the date on which it is published under the Legislation Act 2019.
Section 52V applies, with all necessary modifications, as if the review were a new input methodology.

(4) See also section 52W.

Section 52Y: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 52Y(2): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 52Y(4): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
83 Part 4 s 52Z Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Appeals against input methodology determinations Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
52Z Appeals against input methodology determinations (1) Any person who gave views on an input methodology determination to the Commission as part of the process under section 52V, and who, in the opinion of the court, has a significant interest in the matter, may appeal to the High Court against the determination.
(2) In this section and section 52ZA, input methodology determination means any of the following: (a) (b) (c) the initial determination of an input methodology: any determination by the Commission that amends the input method‐ ology: any determination by the Commission of an input methodology follow‐ ing a review of the input methodology.
(3) In determining an appeal against an input methodology determination, the court may do any of the following: (a) decline the appeal and confirm the input methodology set out in the determination: (b) allow the appeal by— (i) (ii) (iii) amending the input methodology; or revoking the input methodology and substituting a new one; or referring the input methodology determination back to the Com‐ mission with directions as to the particular matters that require amendment.
(4) (5) (6) The court may only exercise its powers under subsection (3)(b) if it is satisfied that the amended or substituted input methodology is (or will be, in the case of subsection (3)(b)(iii)) materially better in meeting the purpose of this Part, the purpose in section 52R, or both.

If the court allows an appeal, the Commission may seek clarification from the court on any matter for the purpose of implementing the court’s decision.
There is a right of appeal under section 97 to the Court of Appeal from any decision or order of the High Court under this section on a point of law only.

Section 52Z: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

52ZA Process for appeals (1) Any appeal under section 52Z must be brought within 20 working days after the date on which the input methodology determination is published.
84 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53B (2) (3) (4) (5) 53 (1) (2) The appeal must be by way of rehearing and must be conducted solely on the basis of the documentary information and views that were before the Commis‐ sion when it made its determination, and no party may introduce any new material during the appeal.

The High Court must sit with 2 lay members (unless the court considers that only 1 is required).
Each of the lay members must have relevant experience and be appointed from the pool of people appointed under section 77 to be members of the court for the purpose of hearing the appeal.

Section 77 applies, and section 77(14) is not limited by subsection (3) of this section.

Section 52ZA: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Input methodology applies pending outcome of appeal The High Court may not stay the application of section 52S with respect to any input methodology published as referred to in section 52W until any appeal against it is finally determined.

Section 52S continues to apply with respect to every input methodology pub‐ lished as referred to in section 52W until any appeal against the input method‐ ology is finally determined.
Section 53: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 53(2): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Subpart 4—Information disclosure regulation Subpart 4: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53A Purpose of information disclosure regulation The purpose of information disclosure regulation is to ensure that sufficient information is readily available to interested persons to assess whether the pur‐ pose of this Part is being met.

Section 53A: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53B Effect of being subject to information disclosure regulation (1) Every supplier of goods or services that are subject to information disclosure regulation must— 85 Part 4 s 53C Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) (c) publicly disclose information in accordance with the information dis‐ closure requirements set out in the relevant section 52P determination; and supply to the Commission a copy of all information disclosed in accord‐ ance with the section 52P determination, within 5 working days after the information is first made publicly available; and supply to the Commission, in accordance with a written notice by the Commission, any further statements, reports, agreements, particulars, or other information required for the purpose of monitoring the supplier’s compliance with the section 52P determination.
(2) If a supplier of goods or services is subject to information disclosure regula‐ tion, the Commission— (a) may monitor and analyse all information disclosed in accordance with the information disclosure requirements; and (b) must, as soon as practicable after any information is publicly disclosed, publish a summary and analysis of that information for the purpose of promoting greater understanding of the performance of individual regu‐ lated suppliers, their relative performance, and the changes in perform‐ ance over time.
(3) To avoid doubt, the Commission may, as part of a summary and analysis, include an analysis of how effective the information disclosure requirements imposed on the goods or services are in promoting the purpose of this Part.

Section 53B: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53B(3): inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
53C Section 52P determination to set out information disclosure requirements (1) A section 52P determination relating to goods or services that are subject to information disclosure regulation must— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) specify the goods or services to which it applies; and specify the suppliers to which it applies; and specify the information to be disclosed; and specify the manner in which the information is to be disclosed; and specify the form of disclosure; and specify when, and for how long, information must be disclosed; and specify the input methodologies that apply; and specify any other methodologies that are required in the preparation or compilation of the information.
86 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53C (2) Information required to be disclosed may include (without limitation) any or all of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) financial statements (including projected financial statements): asset values and valuation reports: prices, terms and conditions relating to prices, and pricing methodolo‐ gies: contracts: transactions with related parties: financial and non-financial performance measures: plans and forecasts, including (without limitation) plans and forecasts about demand, investments, prices, revenues, quality and service levels, capacity and spare capacity, and efficiency improvements: asset management plans: quality performance measures and statistics: assumptions, policies, and methodologies used or applied in these or other areas: consolidated information that includes information about unregulated goods or services, in which case section 53D applies.
(3) The section 52P determination may do all or any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) require disclosed information, or information from which disclosed information is derived (in whole or in part), to be verified by statutory declaration: require independent audits of disclosed information: require the retention of data on which disclosed information is based, and associated documentation: exempt any person or class of persons, or provide for exemptions, from any requirements of the determination, and provide for the revocation of exemptions: provide for transitional provisions: impose any other requirements that the Commission considers necessary or desirable to promote the purpose of information disclosure regulation.
(4) The section 52P determination may not require a supplier to publicly disclose any provision of an existing contract that, immediately before the goods or ser‐ vices became subject to information disclosure regulation, was not required by or under Part 4A (as defined in section 54B) or any other enactment to be pub‐ licly disclosed.
(5) If a section 52P determination authorises a person to grant exemptions referred to in subsection (3)(d),— 87 Part 4 s 53D Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) an instrument granting or revoking an exemption is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements), unless it applies only to 1 or more named persons; and (b) the determination must contain a statement to that effect.
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (5)(a) Publication LA19 ss 69, 73, 74 If the section 52P determination under which it is made was made before 28 October 2021, the maker must comply with any requirements to publish, notify, or otherwise make it available that applied under this Act or the section 52P determination immediately before that date If the section 52P determination under which it is made was made on or after 28 October 2021, the maker must publish it in accordance with the Legislation (Publication) Regulations 2021 The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives, unless it is excluded by section 114(2) or clause 32 of Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives, unless it is excluded by section 115 of the Legislation Act 2019 Presentation Disallowance LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32 LA19 ss 115, 116 This note is not part of the Act.
Section 53C: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53C(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 42 of the Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

53D Consolidated information may also be required (1) The purpose of this section is to enable the Commission to monitor compliance with information disclosure regulation applying to regulated goods or services.
(2) A section 52P determination may require information referred to in subsection (3) to be disclosed only to the extent required to enable the purpose in subsec‐ tion (1) to be met.
(3) If a regulated supplier provides goods or services that are not subject to regula‐ tion under this Part (unregulated goods or services), the supplier may be required to disclose— (a) (b) (c) consolidated financial statements, and any other information referred to in section 53C, for all businesses (including those related to the supply of unregulated goods or services) undertaken by that supplier; and consolidated financial statements, and any other information referred to in section 53C, for the supply of all unregulated goods or services in aggregate; and reconciliation between information provided under paragraphs (a) and (b) with information disclosed in accordance with information disclosure requirements applying to the regulated goods or services.
88 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53G (4) If a supplier supplies more than 1 kind of regulated goods or services, the Commission may require the supplier to provide consolidated information and performance measures relating to all, or any combination of, the regulated goods or services.

Section 53D: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53E Charge for providing copies to public (1) A person who is required, by a section 52P determination, to provide copies of statements and information to the public on request may charge for providing those copies.

(2) The charge must be no more than is reasonably required to recover the costs of providing those copies.

Section 53E: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53F Limited exception to obligation to apply input methodologies (1) Despite section 52S, suppliers that are subject only to information disclosure regulation do not have to apply the following input methodologies in accord‐ ance with that section: (a) pricing methodologies: (b) methodologies for evaluating or determining the cost of capital.
(2) However, to avoid doubt, subsection (1) does not affect anything else in this subpart, and in particular does not affect— (a) (b) section 53B(2) (which means the Commission may use the input meth‐ odologies referred to in subsection (1) to monitor and analyse informa‐ tion); and section 53C(2) (which means that suppliers may still be required to dis‐ close information about the pricing methodologies, and methodologies for evaluation or determining the cost of capital, that they do in fact use).
Section 53F: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Subpart 5—Negotiate/arbitrate regulation Subpart 5: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53G Purpose of negotiate/arbitrate regulation The purpose of negotiate/arbitrate regulation is to encourage a supplier and its customers to reach agreement, through negotiation, on the supplier’s prices and quality standards during a specified regulatory period, and to provide for bind‐ ing arbitration if negotiation is unsuccessful.

Section 53G: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
89 Part 4 s 53H Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 53H Overview of negotiate/arbitrate regulation (1) If a regulated supplier is subject to negotiate/arbitrate regulation,— (a) (b) (c) the supplier must enter into negotiations with parties identified by the Commission in order to reach agreement on the matters identified by the Commission (being the prices and quality standards associated with regulated goods or services) that will apply for the regulatory period spe‐ cified by the Commission; and if the negotiations fail to reach a settlement of all the matters within the time frames set by the Commission, the parties must enter into arbitra‐ tion to resolve the outstanding matters; and the terms of the arbitration are set by the Commission, and the arbitral award is binding on the parties unless or until they agree to vary it.
(2) This section is only a guide.

Section 53H: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53I (1) Section 52P determination to set out requirements for application of negotiate/arbitrate regulation If negotiate/arbitrate regulation applies to regulated goods or services, the sec‐ tion 52P determination must set out the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) the parties to the negotiation or arbitration: the matters (including the prices and quality standards associated with the regulated goods or services) that the parties must agree to by negoti‐ ation, or are bound to by arbitral award: the period or periods for which any negotiated settlement or arbitral award applies: a reference to the input methodologies that apply: the information that the parties must provide to the other parties and, if necessary, the arbitrator, and the time frames for that provision: the processes for negotiations, including the form of involvement by the parties, and the form, scope, and coverage of any negotiated settlement: the time frames for the negotiations (including stages in negotiations) and, in particular, the date by which, if negotiations are not complete, the parties must enter into arbitration to settle any remaining unresolved matters: the terms of any compulsory arbitration that takes place under section 53J, including its form, procedures, the allocation of costs, and powers of the arbitrator: (i) the date by which the arbitral award must be made: 90 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53J (j) the manner in which the parties must make publicly available any nego‐ tiated settlement, arbitral award, or both.
The Commission may include in the determination any other matters it con‐ siders necessary or desirable to promote the purpose of negotiate/arbitrate regu‐ lation.

If the parties to a negotiation agree to arbitration, the arbitration may be on whatever terms they agree to, but must be completed within the time frames set for the negotiation.

The Commission may extend any time frames set out in a section 52P deter‐ mination.
(2) (3) (4) (5) The terms of arbitration set by the Commission must— (a) (b) (c) allow the parties a reasonable period within which to agree on an arbitra‐ tor but, if agreement is not reached within that period (or any extended period allowed under subsection (4)), the terms must provide that the Commission must appoint the arbitrator (and may not appoint itself as the arbitrator); and include provisions enabling the parties to enforce the arbitral award; and include a right of appeal to the High Court, exercisable by any party to the arbitration, on a point of law only.
Section 53I: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

53J Compulsory arbitration (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) If a settlement is not reached (whether by negotiation or voluntary arbitration) within the time frame set by the Commission, the parties must enter into arbi‐ tration under this section on the terms set out in the section 52P determination.
The Arbitration Act 1996 does not apply to arbitration under this section, but the Commission may, in setting out the terms of the arbitration in the section 52P determination, apply any provisions of that Act to the arbitration.

The arbitrator’s role is to make an arbitral award that promotes the purpose of this Part.
If final consumers of regulated goods or services are not directly represented as parties in the arbitration, the arbitrator must have particular regard to the effect of the outcome of the arbitration on those final consumers.

The arbitral award is binding on the parties to the arbitration unless or until the parties agree to vary it.

Section 53J: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
91 Part 4 s 53K Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Subpart 6—Default/customised price-quality regulation Subpart 6: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53K Purpose of default/customised price-quality regulation The purpose of default/customised price-quality regulation is to provide a rela‐ tively low-cost way of setting price-quality paths for suppliers of regulated goods or services, while allowing the opportunity for individual regulated sup‐ pliers to have alternative price-quality paths that better meet their particular cir‐ cumstances.

Section 53K: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53L Overview of default/customised price-quality regulation (1) If goods or services are subject to default/customised price-quality regula‐ tion,— (a) (b) (c) the Commission sets default price-quality paths that apply for a regula‐ tory period, and all regulated suppliers must apply those default price- quality paths; but individual suppliers may make a proposal to the Commission for a cus‐ tomised price-quality path; and the Commission may set a customised price-quality path for the supplier, and that then applies for a set period instead of a specified default price- quality path.
(2) This section is only a guide.

Section 53L: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53M Content and timing of price-quality paths (1) Every price-quality path (whether a default price-quality path or a customised price-quality path under this subpart, or an individual price-quality path under subpart 7) must specify,— (a) in relation to prices, either or both of the following with respect to a spe‐ cified regulatory period: (i) (ii) the maximum price or prices that may be charged by a regulated supplier: the maximum revenues that may be recovered by a regulated sup‐ plier; and the quality standards that must be met by the regulated supplier; and the regulatory period.
(b) (c) 92 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53N (2) A price-quality path may include incentives for an individual supplier to main‐ tain or improve its quality of supply, and those incentives may include (without limitation) any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) penalties by way of a reduction in the supplier’s maximum prices or rev‐ enues based on whether, or by what amount, the supplier fails to meet the required quality standards: rewards by way of an increase in the supplier’s maximum prices or reve‐ nue based on whether, or by what amount, the supplier meets or exceeds the required quality standards: consumer compensation schemes that set minimum standards of per‐ formance and require the supplier to pay prescribed amounts of compen‐ sation to consumers if it fails to meet those standards: reporting requirements, including special reporting requirements in asset management plans, if the supplier fails to meet the quality standards.
(3) Quality standards may be prescribed in any way the Commission considers appropriate (such as targets, bands, or formulae) and may include (without limitation)— (a) (b) responsiveness to consumers; and in relation to electricity lines services, reliability of supply, reduction in energy losses, and voltage stability or other technical requirements.

(4) A regulatory period must be 5 years.


(5) However, the Commission may set a shorter period than 5 years if it considers that it would better meet the purposes of this Part, but in any event may not set a term less than 4 years.

(6) Subsections (4) and (5) are subject to section 53W.
(7) No default price-quality path applies to a supplier until the date specified in the relevant section 52P determination, which must be a date at least 4 months after the determination is published as referred to in section 52P(9).

Section 53M: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53M(7): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
53N Monitoring compliance with price-quality paths For the purpose of monitoring compliance with a price-quality path (whether a default price-quality path or a customised price-quality path under this subpart, or an individual price-quality path under subpart 7), the Commission may, in addition to exercising its powers under section 98, issue a written notice to a regulated supplier requiring it to provide any or all of the following: (a) a written statement that states whether or not the supplier has complied with the price-quality path applying to that supplier: 93 Part 4 s 53O Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) (c) (d) a report on the written statement referred to in paragraph (a) that is signed by an auditor in accordance with any form specified by the Com‐ mission: sufficient information to enable the Commission to properly determine whether all applicable price-quality paths have been complied with: a certificate, in the form specified by the Commission and signed by at least 1 director of the supplier, confirming the truth and accuracy of any information provided under this section.
Section 53N: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Default price-quality path Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53O Section 52P determination to set out requirements of default price-quality paths If default price-quality regulation applies to regulated goods or services, the section 52P determination must set out a default price-quality path that includes— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) the starting prices that apply to the supply of the goods or services dur‐ ing the first regulatory period; and the rate or rates of change in prices, relative to the Consumers Price Index, allowed during the first regulatory period; and the quality standards that apply during the first regulatory period; and the date or dates on which the default price-quality path (or any part of it) takes effect; and the annual date by which any proposal for a customised price-quality path must be received; and the annual date by which compliance must be demonstrated in accord‐ ance with section 53N.
Section 53O: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53O(b): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
53P Resetting starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards Before the end of the first and every subsequent regulatory period, the Com‐ mission must amend the section 52P determination by setting out the starting prices (as referred to in section 53O(a)), rates of change (as referred to in sec‐ tion 53O(b)), and quality standards (as referred to in section 53O(c)) that apply for the following regulatory period.
(1) 94 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53P (2) In resetting starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards, the Commis‐ sion must consult with interested parties.

(3) The starting prices must be either— (4) (5) (6) (a) (b) the prices that applied at the end of the preceding regulatory period; or prices, determined by the Commission, that are based on the current and projected profitability of each supplier.
Starting prices set in accordance with subsection (3)(b) must not seek to recover any excessive profits made during any earlier period.

Subject to subsection (8), the Commission must set only 1 rate of change per type of regulated goods or services (for example, if the rate of change (x) is 1% in a CPI−x path, 1% must be the rate for all goods or services of that type).
The rate of change must be based on the long-run average productivity improvement rate achieved by either or both of suppliers in New Zealand, and suppliers in other comparable countries, of the relevant goods or services, using whatever measures of productivity the Commission considers appropri‐ ate.

(7) When setting the rate of change, the Commission may take into account the effects of inflation on the inputs of suppliers of the relevant goods or services.
(8) The Commission may set alternative rates of change for a particular supplier— (a) as an alternative, in whole or in part, to the starting prices set under sub‐ section (3)(b) if, in the Commission’s opinion, this is necessary or desir‐ able to minimise any undue financial hardship to the supplier or to mini‐ mise price shock to consumers; or (b) as an incentive (under section 53M(2)) for the supplier to improve its quality of supply.
(9) Any alternative rates of change set under subsection (8) may include step changes.

(10) The Commission may not, for the purposes of this section, use comparative benchmarking on efficiency in order to set starting prices, rates of change, quality standards, or incentives to improve quality of supply.
(11) If starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards have not been set by way of an amendment to the relevant section 52P determination by the end of the regulatory period to which it applies, the starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards that apply at the end of the regulatory period continue to apply until the reset starting prices, rates of change, and quality standards are set.
Section 53P: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

95 Part 4 s 53Q Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Customised price-quality paths Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53Q Supplier may propose customised price-quality path (1) At any time after a default price-quality path is set by the Commission, a sup‐ plier that is (or is likely to be) subject to the default price-quality path may make a proposal to the Commission for a customised price-quality path to apply to that supplier.
(2) Every proposal must— (a) (b) (c) comply with the input methodologies referred to in section 52T(1)(d) relating to the process for, and content of, customised price-quality path proposals; and be made within the period, or by the annual date, specified for the pur‐ pose in the section 52P determination; and include the standard application fee for customised price-quality path proposals; and (d) apply or adopt all relevant input methodologies.
(3) A supplier may make only 1 proposal during a regulatory period, and may not make a proposal within the 12 months before a default price-quality path is due to be reset.

(4) A supplier that makes a proposal must make it publicly available as soon as practicable after it has been made to the Commission.

Section 53Q: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53R Effect of making proposal for customised price-quality path A supplier that makes a proposal to the Commission— (a) (b) cannot withdraw the proposal; and is bound, for the regulatory period to which it applies, by any customised price-quality path that the Commission subsequently sets for the sup‐ plier.

Section 53R: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53S Preliminary assessment of proposal (1) Within 40 working days after receiving a proposal, the Commission must deter‐ mine whether the proposal complies with the input methodologies referred to in section 52T(1)(d) relating to the process for, and content of, customised price-quality path proposals.
If the proposal does not comply with those requirements, the Commission may, at its discretion,— (2) 96 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53V discontinue any consideration of the proposal; or request the supplier to remedy the deficiencies in the proposal by provid‐ ing additional information within 40 working days.
(3) (4) If the supplier fails to provide any additional information requested by the Commission under subsection (2)(b), the Commission may discontinue any consideration of the proposal.

If a proposal is discontinued under subsection (2) or (3), section 53Q(3) does not apply and the supplier may make another proposal within the regulatory period (except in the 12 months before the default price-quality path is due to be reset).
Section 53S: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53T Process and timing for assessing proposal (1) Once the Commission decides that a proposal complies with the input method‐ ologies relating to the process for, and content of, customised price-quality path proposals, it must— (a) (b) give notice that the proposal is under consideration, and how copies of the proposal may be obtained; and set a date for interested persons to make submissions on the proposal; and (c) have regard to any submissions made by that date.
(2) The Commission must make a determination on a proposal for a customised price-quality path within 150 working days of receiving a complete proposal, subject to sections 53U and 53Z.

Section 53T: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

53U Extension of time frames The time frames specified in sections 53S and 53T may, with the agreement of the supplier and the Commission, each be extended by a total of up to 30 work‐ ing days.
Section 53U: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

53V Determination setting customised price-quality path (1) (2) The Commission may determine any customised price-quality path that the Commission considers appropriate for a supplier that has made a proposal.
To avoid doubt, and without limitation, in determining a customised price-qual‐ ity path that complies with section 53M the Commission may do any of the fol‐ lowing: 97 Part 4 s 53W Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) (c) set a price-quality path that is lower, or otherwise less favourable to the regulated supplier, than the default price-quality path that would other‐ wise apply: if it sets a lower or a higher price than applied under the default price- quality path, apply claw-back: with the agreement of the supplier, vary an input methodology that would otherwise apply to the supplier.
(3) A customised price-quality path for a supplier is imposed by way of an amend‐ ment to the section 52P determination relating to the default/customised price- quality regulation applying to the supplier.

Section 53V: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

53W Term of customised price-quality paths (1) A customised price-quality path applies for 5 years.
(2) However, the Commission may set a shorter period than 5 years if it considers this would better meet the purpose of this Part, but in any event may not set a term less than 3 years.

Section 53W: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53X What happens when customised price-quality path ends (1) When the customised price-quality path of a supplier of goods or services ends, the supplier is subject to the default price-quality path that is generally applic‐ able to other suppliers of those goods or services.
(2) The starting prices that apply at the beginning of the default price-quality path are those that applied at the end of the customised price-quality path unless, at least 4 months before the end of the customised price-quality path, the Com‐ mission advises the supplier that different starting prices must apply.
(3) The supplier remains subject to the default price-quality path until— (a) (b) the end of the period for which it applies to other suppliers; or a new customised price-quality path begins to apply to the supplier.

(4) To avoid doubt, a supplier who is or was subject to a customised price-quality path may apply in accordance with section 53Q for another customised price- quality path.

Section 53X: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
98 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53ZA 53Y Commission’s costs relating to assessing, setting, and reconsidering customised price-quality path (1) (1A) The Commission’s costs in assessing a proposal for, and setting or reconsider‐ ing, a customised price-quality path must be met by the person who makes the proposal for a customised price-quality path.
If the amount paid by a person in respect of a proposal for a customised price- quality path exceeds the Commission’s costs in assessing the proposal and (if applicable) setting or reconsidering the customised price-quality path, the Commission may refund the excess to the person who paid it.

(2) The costs may be recovered in whatever manner the Commission determines.

Section 53Y: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 53Y heading: amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 148(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 53Y(1): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 148(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 53Y(1A): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 148(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
53Z Prioritisation by Commission (1) (2) The Commission is not required to consider any more than 4 proposals for a customised price-quality path relating to the same type of regulated goods or services in any one year.
If the Commission receives more than 4 proposals for a customised price-qual‐ ity path relating to the same type of regulated goods or services in any one year, the Commission— (a) may defer the additional proposals to a subsequent year; but (b) must prioritise its consideration of the proposals in accordance with the criteria in subsection (3).
(3) The criteria for Commission decisions on priorities are as follows: (a) (b) quality and completeness of the initial proposal: urgency of any proposed additional investment (compared to historic rates of investment) required to meet consumer requirements on quality: (c) materiality of the proposal relative to the size and revenues of the sup‐ plier.

Section 53Z: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53ZA What happens if Commission does not make decision within time frame (1) This section applies if the Commission does not make a determination within 150 working days of receiving a complete proposal (or within any extended time agreed under section 53U).
99 Part 4 s 53ZB Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) (3) (4) If the regulated supplier has not complied, in the Commission’s opinion, with any reasonable exercise by the Commission of its information-gathering powers under section 53ZD or 98, the default price-quality path continues in effect at the close of that period, and the Commission must notify the supplier accordingly.
If the regulated supplier has so complied, the customised proposal made under section 53Q takes effect at the close of that period.

If a customised price-quality path proposal takes effect under subsection (3), the Commission must immediately prepare an amendment to the relevant sec‐ tion 52P determination, setting out the customised price-quality path applying to the supplier.

Section 53ZA: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
What happens to price-quality paths if input methodologies change Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

53ZB What happens to price-quality paths if input methodologies change (1) Default or customised price-quality paths may not be reopened within a regula‐ tory period on the grounds of a change in an input methodology, except as pro‐ vided in subsection (2).
(2) Every default and customised price-quality path must be reset by the Commis‐ sion in accordance with section 53P if— (a) (b) an input methodology changes as a result of an appeal under section 52Z; and had the changed methodology applied at the time the price-quality path was set, it would have resulted in a materially different path being set.

(3) When resetting a default or customised price-quality path under subsection (2), the Commission must apply claw-back.
Section 53ZB: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Subpart 7—Individual price-quality regulation Subpart 7: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53ZC Price-quality path for individual businesses If individual price-quality regulation applies to goods or services supplied by a supplier, the Commission may set the price-quality path for that supplier using any process, and in any way, it thinks fit, but must use the input methodologies that apply to the supply of those goods or services.
(1) 100 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53ZD (2) The following provisions of subpart 6 apply (with all necessary modifications) where individual price-quality regulation is imposed: (a) (b) sections 53M and 53N: section 53ZB.

Section 53ZC: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Subpart 8—Miscellaneous provisions Subpart 8: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
53ZD Powers of Commission under this Part (1) For the purpose of carrying out its functions and exercising its powers under this Part, the Commission may, in addition to exercising its powers under sec‐ tion 98, do any of the following: (a) (b) consult with any person the Commission considers may assist it: investigate any of the following: (i) (ii) how effectively and efficiently any supplier of the goods or ser‐ vices is supplying the goods or services: how any formula, methodology, or price-quality path being con‐ sidered by the Commission may be applied, or how any formula, methodology, or price-quality provision determined or authorised by the Commission has been applied, in considering proposed pri‐ ces or quality standards: (iii) how any conditions relating to the quality of the goods or services may be, or are being, fulfilled: (c) examine, consider, or investigate any activity, cost, revenue, transfer, asset valuation, circumstance, or event that is occurring or that has occurred during the previous 7 years: (d) by notice in writing, require any supplier of the goods or services— (i) (ii) to prepare and produce forecasts, forward plans, or other informa‐ tion; and to apply any methodology specified by the Commission in the preparation of forecasts, forward plans, or other information: (e) by notice in writing, require any supplier of the goods or services, or any previous supplier of them that the Commission has reason to believe may have information or documents relevant to the investigation, audit,
 or inquiry, at the time and place specified in the notice, to do either or both of the following: 101 Part 4 s 53ZE Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (i) (ii) produce or supply to the Commission documents and information in relation to the goods or services, or the prices or operations of the person in respect of the goods or services: to answer any questions about any matter that the Commission has reason to believe may be relevant to the investigation, audit, or inquiry: by notice in writing, require any supplier of the goods or services, at the time and place specified in the notice, to produce or supply to the Com‐ mission an expert opinion from an appropriately qualified person, or from a member of a class of appropriately qualified persons, as deter‐ mined by the Commission in relation to the matters in paragraph (b), (c), (d), or (e)(i).
(f) (2) In subsection (1)(e), inquiry also means an inquiry carried out in accordance with sections 56F to 56H.

Section 53ZD: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53ZD(2): inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 9 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
53ZE Levies (1) (2) Every supplier of regulated goods or services (or prescribed class of suppliers of regulated goods or services) must pay to the Minister the levy determined in accordance with regulations made under subsection (2).
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) specifying the amount of levies, or method of calculating or ascertaining the amount of levies, on the basis that the estimated costs for an appro‐ priation period of performing the Commission’s functions, powers, and duties under this Part, and of collecting the levy money, should be met fully out of levies: including, or providing for the inclusion, in levies of any shortfall in recovering those actual costs: refunding, or providing for refunds of, any over-recovery of those actual costs: providing different levies for different classes of suppliers or goods or services: specifying the appropriation period or part appropriation period to which those levies apply, and applying to that appropriation period or part appropriation period and each subsequent appropriation period until revoked or replaced: (f) providing for the payment and collection of those levies: 102 Version as at 24 January 2023 (g) Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 53ZE for the first appropriation period to which the levy applies to a supplier or class of suppliers, including in the levy amount or method costs incur‐ red by the Commission in connection with preparing itself to perform, and performing, its functions, powers, and duties under this Part, irre‐ spective of the fact— (i) (ii) that the regulations are made and come into effect after that period; or that the goods or services become regulated after the costs were incurred (for example, costs incurred by the Commission in pre‐ paring input methodologies): (h) (i) requiring payment of a levy for an appropriation period or a part appro‐ priation period, irrespective of the fact that the regulations may be made after that appropriation period has commenced: exempting or providing for exemptions from, and providing for waivers of, the whole or any part of the levy for any case or class of cases.
(2A) In subsection (2), appropriation period, in relation to any estimated costs, means— (a) (b) a financial year; or if the estimated costs will be incurred under the authority of a multi-year appropriation or of a multi-year appropriation proposed in any Esti‐ mates, the financial years to which the multi-year appropriation applies.
(2B) In subsection (2A)(b),— Estimates— (a) has the meaning given in section 2(1) of the Public Finance Act 1989; and (b) includes Supplementary Estimates as defined in section 2(1) of that Act multi-year appropriation means an appropriation authorised to apply for more than 1 financial year (see section 10 of the Public Finance Act 1989).

The amount of any unpaid levy is recoverable in any court of competent juris‐ diction as a debt due to the Crown.
The Minister must consult with the suppliers of regulated goods or services, or representatives of those suppliers, before making a recommendation for the purposes of subsection (2).

Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
If regulations authorise a person to grant exemptions or waivers referred to in subsection (2)(i),— (a) an instrument granting an exemption or a waiver is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements), unless it applies only in a particular case; and (3) (4) (5) (6) 103 Part 4 s 53ZF Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) the regulations must contain a statement to that effect.
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (5) Publication LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation referred to in subsection (6)(a) Publication See the relevant publication, presentation, and disallowance table in the secondary legislation referred to in subsection (5) The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives, unless a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 ss 73, 74, Sch 1 cl 14 LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32 LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 53ZE: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53ZE(2)(a): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(1) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 53ZE(2)(e): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(2) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).
Section 53ZE(2)(g): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(3) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 53ZE(2)(g)(i): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(4) of the Regulatory Systems (Com‐ mercial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 53ZE(2)(h): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(5) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).
Section 53ZE(2)(h): amended, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(6) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 53ZE(2A): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(7) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 53ZE(2B): inserted, on 1 July 2019, by section 10(7) of the Regulatory Systems (Commer‐ cial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).
Section 53ZE(5): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 53ZE(6): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by regulation 43 of the Legislation Act (Amend‐ ments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247).

53ZF Material may be incorporated by reference Schedule 5 applies if the Commission wishes to incorporate material by refer‐ ence in any of the following documents: (a) (b) a section 52P determination: an input methodology.
Section 53ZF: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
104 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54 53ZG Power to exempt disclosure of commercially sensitive information (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) The Commission may, on application, exempt any person or class of persons, in respect of any information or class of information that the Commission con‐ siders to be commercially sensitive, from any obligation to make that informa‐ tion publicly available as part of the requirements of information disclosure regulation, negotiate/arbitrate regulation, or customised price-quality regula‐ tion.
The Commission may grant the exemption on any terms and conditions that it thinks fit.

[Repealed] The Commission may, in like manner, vary or revoke any exemption.

The Commission must keep a list of all current exemptions made by it under this section available for public inspection free of charge during normal office hours of the Commission at the offices of the Commission.
(6) An exemption, and any variation or revocation of it, is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette Presentation Disallowance It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It is not disallowable because an exemption applies under Schedule 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 This note is not part of the Act.
LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 s 115(d), Sch 3 Section 53ZG: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 53ZG(3): repealed, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Section 53ZG(6): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Subpart 9—Electricity lines services Subpart 9 heading: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Application, overview, and interpretation Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54 (1) Overview of how subpart applies This subpart provides— (a) that all suppliers of electricity lines services are subject to information disclosure regulation; and 105 Part 4 s 54A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) that suppliers of electricity lines services that are not consumer-owned are also subject to price-quality regulation; and (c) for the transition to the new regime provided for in this Part.

(2) This section is only a guide.


Section 54: substituted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

54A Overview of when subpart applies (1) This subpart applies on and after 1 April 2009.

(2) However, sections 54D(3) and 54N apply as soon as the rest of this Part comes into force.

(3) This section is only a guide.

Section 54A: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54B Interpretation for subpart (1) In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires,— administrative settlement means a deed entered into by the Commission and a supplier of electricity lines services in respect of a breach of a threshold or a breach of a default price-quality path referred to in section 54J consumer-owned has the meaning given in section 54D electricity lines services has the meaning given in section 54C Part 4A means Part 4A of this Act as in force immediately before its repeal by the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 threshold means a threshold set by the Commission under Part 4A for the dec‐ laration of control in relation to large electricity lines businesses Transpower means Transpower New Zealand Limited or any subsidiary of, or successor to, that company.
(2) References in this subpart to Transpower include references to Transpower in its role as system operator under the Electricity Industry Act 2010.

Section 54B: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 54B(2): added, on 1 November 2010, by section 149 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
54C Meaning of electricity lines services (1) In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, electricity lines ser‐ vices— (a) means the conveyance of electricity by line in New Zealand; and (b) with respect to services performed by Transpower, includes services per‐ formed as system operator.
106 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54C (2) However, none of the following are electricity lines services: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) conveying electricity solely for the supplier’s own consumption or for the consumption of the supplier’s associates: conveying electricity only from a generator to the national grid or from the national grid to a generator: conveying electricity (other than via the national grid) only from a gen‐ erator to a local distribution network or from a local distribution network to a generator: conveying electricity by lines that are not connected, directly or indi‐ rectly, to the national grid: conveying electricity only by a line or lines that are mostly in competi‐ tion with a line or lines operated by another supplier of electricity lines services that is not an associate of the person, provided that the competi‐ tion is actual competition and not potential competition: conveying electricity if the total circuit length of all of the prescribed voltage electric lines provided by the supplier (or over which electricity is conveyed by the supplier, as the case may be) is less than 25 kilo‐ metres: conveying electricity if the total amount of electricity conveyed to con‐ sumers by the supplier is less than 20 gigawatt hours per annum: conveying electricity if the total number of consumers to whom the sup‐ plier conveys electricity is less than 500.
(3) The prescribed voltage electric lines, the electricity conveyed, or the number of consumers to whom electricity is conveyed, when measured in relation to a supplier include, for the purposes of subsection (2)(f) to (h), the lines provided by, electricity conveyed by, or number of consumers of, any associate of the supplier.
(4) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires,— associate has the same meaning as in section 73 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 consumer has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Electricity Act 1992 lines has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Electricity Act 1992 national grid has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 prescribed voltage electric line means a line that is capable of conveying electricity at a voltage equal to or greater than 3.3 kilovolts.
Section 54C: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 54C(1): substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 150(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

107 Part 4 s 54D Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 54C(4) associate: amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 150(2) of the Electricity Indus‐ try Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
Section 54C(4) national grid: amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 150(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
54D Definition of consumer-owned (1) In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, a supplier is consumer- owned if it is a supplier that meets the following criteria: (a) (b) (c) all the control rights and all the equity return rights (within the meaning of clause 6 of Schedule 2 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010) in the supplier are held by 1 or more customer trusts, community trusts, or cus‐ tomer co-operatives; and the trustees of each customer trust or community trust, or the committee of shareholders of each customer co-operative, as the case may be, that is referred to in paragraph (a) are elected by the persons who are con‐ sumers of the supplier in accordance with subsections (2A) to (2C); and at least 90% of the persons who are consumers of the supplier as at an income distribution resolution date benefit from that income distribution; and (d) the supplier has fewer than 150 000 ICPs.
(2) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires,— community trust, in relation to a supplier, is a trust in respect of which— (a) at least 90% of the income beneficiaries comprise persons who are a class or classes identified by reference to their domicile or location or operation within the geographic area or areas of operation of the sup‐ plier; and (b) at least 90% of its income distributions are paid to those beneficiaries or for purposes related to that geographic area or areas consumer has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Electricity Act 1992, and includes, for the purposes of references to the election of trustees in this section and section 54H, any person who is listed on an electoral roll as a resi‐ dent of an address that consumes the electricity in question customer co-operative, in relation to a supplier, means a co-operative com‐ pany (as defined in section 2(1) of the Co-operative Companies Act 1996) that has the characteristics described in the definition of customer trust in this sub‐ section, applied as if references to trusts were to co-operatives, references to income beneficiaries were to shareholders, and all other necessary modifica‐ tions were made customer trust, in relation to a supplier, means a trust in respect of which— (a) at least 90% of the income beneficiaries comprise persons who are a class or classes identified by reference to any of— 108 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54D (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) the person’s connection to the
 lines of the supplier: the person’s receipt of electricity from the supplier: the person’s liability for payment for supply of electricity from the supplier: the person’s liability for payment for the connection to the lines of the supplier: the person’s liability for payment for line services supplied by the supplier; and (b) at least 90% of its income distributions are paid to those beneficiaries ICP means a point of connection on a local or an embedded network at which a retailer supplies electricity to a consumer income distribution resolution date means the date that a supplier, or the trust or co-operative that owns a supplier, as the case may be, resolves to make an income distribution to beneficiaries.
(2A) The requirements in respect of elections for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) are as follows: (a) every trustee of the customer trust or community trust, or every member of the committee of shareholders of each customer co-operative, as the case may be, must have been elected solely by the persons who are con‐ sumers of the supplier; and (b) either— (i) (ii) at least 90% of the persons who are consumers of the supplier at the time of the election are eligible to vote in those elections; or in the case of a customer trust or community trust, there is ward- based voting that complies with the requirements of subsection (2B); and (c) each consumer must have an equal vote.
(2B) The requirements for ward-based voting are as follows: (a) at least 90% of the persons in a ward who are consumers of the supplier at the time of the election are eligible to vote in the election of all of the trustees of that ward; and (b) ward boundaries must provide for effective and fair representation of all consumers of the supplier, and in particular,— (i) (ii) the proportion of consumers in relation to the number of trustees of the relevant trust must be approximately equal in each ward; and the wards must not be based on volume of electricity supplied; and 109 Part 4 s 54D Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) ward boundaries must be reviewed periodically (at intervals determined by the Commission) in consultation with all consumers of the supplier.
(2C) A trustee of a customer trust or community trust, or a member of the committee of shareholders of a customer co-operative, as the case may be, must be treated as having been elected solely by the persons who are consumers of the supplier if the person— (a) (b) (c) has been declared to be elected without an election in the case of a nom‐ inee at an election where the number of nominations was equal to or less than the number of vacancies; or has been declared to be elected as the next-highest-polling candidate in the case where a higher-polling candidate at the election was unable to fill the elected position; or has been declared to be elected by the remaining trustees or members following a casual vacancy that arose between elections, provided that— (i) (ii) the person is the first person to have been so elected since the last election at which consumers of the supplier voted; and the person is elected to hold office only until the next scheduled election at which consumers of the supplier will vote.
(2D) The Commerce Commission may require a supplier that claims to meet the cri‐ teria in this section to verify that claim by statutory declaration.

(2E) The declaration must be made by the persons and in the form required by the Commerce Commission.

(3) As soon as practicable after this subsection comes into force, the Minister must publish a notice in the Gazette stating the names of the suppliers that are con‐ sumer-owned as at that date.
(4) The notice in subsection (3) is only for information purposes and has no legal effect.

Section 54D: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 54D(1)(a): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54D(1)(b): substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
Section 54D(2A): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54D(2B): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54D(2C): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54D(2D): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
Section 54D(2E): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 151(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

110 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54H Section 54D(3): brought into force, on 14 October 2008, by section 2(1)(b) of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Imposition of regulation under this Part Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54E Electricity lines services declared to be regulated Electricity lines services are regulated under this Part.

Section 54E: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

54F All electricity lines services are subject to information disclosure regulation All electricity lines services are subject to information disclosure regulation under this Part.

Section 54F: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54G Certain electricity lines services are also subject to default/customised price-quality regulation (1) All electricity lines services (other than those supplied by Transpower) are sub‐ ject to default/customised price-quality regulation under this Part unless they are exempt.

(2) All electricity lines services that are supplied by a supplier that is consumer- owned are exempt (unless an Order in Council has been made in respect of the service under section 54H).
Section 54G: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54H How exempt status can be lost and default/customised price-quality regulation can be applied to consumer-owned suppliers (1) Electricity lines services that are supplied by a supplier that is consumer-owned cease to be exempt for the purpose of section 54G (and therefore become sub‐ ject to default/customised price-quality regulation under this Part) if the Governor-General, by Order in Council, declares that this section applies.
(2) The Minister may make a recommendation only if the Minister is satisfied that either— (a) (b) the Commission has advised the Minister that a supplier has ceased to be consumer-owned within the meaning of section 54D; or the Commission has recommended to the Minister that the purpose of this Part would be better met if price-quality regulation were imposed on the supplier under this Part.
111 Part 4 s 54H Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2A) A supplier must give notice in writing to the Commission within 10 working days after becoming aware that it has ceased to be consumer-owned.
(3) The Commission may make a recommendation under subsection (2)(b) only following consideration of a petition made by 1 or more of the following: (a) (b) (c) 15% of the persons who are domestic consumers of the supplier as at the date of the petition who are eligible to vote in elections for trustees of the customer trust or community trust, or for members of the committee of shareholders of the customer co-operative: 20% of the persons who are domestic consumers of the supplier as at that date who are not eligible to vote in elections for trustees of the cus‐ tomer trust or community trust, or for members of the committee of shareholders of the customer co-operative: 25% of the persons who are non-domestic consumers (either by number or by consumption of that class of consumer) of the supplier as at that date.
(3A) In this section, domestic consumer has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010.

(4) (5) (6) If exact figures are not available as to the number of persons in a class referred to in subsection (3), the Commission may rely on any estimate that the Com‐ mission considers to be a reasonable estimate.
Petition means a petition to the Commission seeking the application of price- quality regulation to all or any of the electricity lines services of the relevant supplier, and that records the signatures of the signatories.

The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make an Order in Council in accordance with this section.

(7) An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legis‐ lation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.

Section 54H: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 54H(2A): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 152(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54H(3)(a): substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 152(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54H(3)(b): substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 152(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
112 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54J Section 54H(3)(c): substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 152(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54H(3A): inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 152(3) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54H(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
54I Commission must make section 52P determination specifying how subpart applies (1) (2) (3) The section 52P determinations that specify how information disclosure regula‐ tion applies to each supplier of electricity lines services must be made as soon as practicable after 1 April 2009.
The section 52P determinations that specify how default/customised price- quality regulation applies to each supplier of electricity lines services that is subject to that form of regulation as at 1 April 2009 are made as set out in sec‐ tion 54J.
The section 52P determinations that specify how default/customised price- quality regulation applies to each supplier of electricity lines services that becomes subject to that form of regulation as a result of an Order in Council made under section 54H must be made as soon as practicable after the order comes into force.

Section 54I: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54J Section 52P determinations setting out default price-quality paths applying from 1 April 2009 (1) This section applies in respect of suppliers of electricity lines services that are subject to default/customised price-quality regulation on and after 1 April 2009.
(2) On and after 1 April 2009, the thresholds for large electricity lines businesses that expire on 31 March 2009 are deemed to be section 52P determinations that— (a) (b) apply those thresholds to each supplier as if the thresholds were default price-quality paths; and state that the regulatory period for each supplier ends on 31 March 2010; and (c) comply with sections 52P and 53O; and (d) were notified in the Gazette under section 52P(7)(b) at least 4 months before 1 April 2009.
(3) However, a breach of a default price-quality path before the close of 31 March 2010 must be dealt with in accordance with section 54N and not under Part 6.

(4) Nothing in this section affects sections 54N and 54O.

113 Part 4 s 54K Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 54J: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54K Section 52P determinations setting out default price-quality paths applying from 1 April 2010 (1) (2) (3) Before 1 April 2010, the Commission must reset the default price-quality paths for each supplier that apply on and after that date, using the process set out in section 53P.

The Commission may reset the default price-quality paths even if all or any of the relevant input methodologies have not been determined.
If an input methodology is published after 1 April 2010 and if, had that meth‐ odology applied at the time the default price-quality paths were reset as required by subsection (1), it would have resulted in a materially different path being set, then the Commission may reset the default price-quality paths in accordance with section 53P and may apply claw-back, despite section 53ZB(1).
(4) However, the Commission may not exercise its powers in subsection (3) later than 9 months after the date of publication of the input methodology.

(5) Nothing in this section affects sections 54N and 54O.

Section 54K: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Transitional arrangements Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54L Administrative settlements made before 1 April 2009 (other than with Transpower) (1) (2) This section applies to every administrative settlement accepted by the Com‐ mission before 1 April 2009 in respect of a breach of a threshold other than an administrative settlement with Transpower.

The enactment of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 does not limit or affect an administrative settlement to which this section applies, except as provided in this section.
(3) Any breach of the administrative settlement must be dealt with in accordance with the terms of the settlement.

(4) The expiry of the administrative settlement must be treated as if it were the end of a customised price-quality path, and section 53X applies accordingly (unless the supplier concerned would not otherwise be subject to default/customised price-quality regulation after the expiry of the settlement).
Section 54L: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

114 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54N 54M Administrative settlements with Transpower made before 1 April 2009 (1) This section applies to any administrative settlement with Transpower that is accepted by the Commission before 1 April 2009 in respect of a breach of a threshold.
(2) Any breach of an administrative settlement with Transpower may be dealt with under Part 6 as if it were a breach of a customised price-quality path, despite anything in the terms of the settlement.
(3) Before the expiry of the administrative settlement, the Commission must rec‐ ommend to the Minister that an Order in Council be made under section 52N declaring that either— (4) (5) (a) (b) Transpower is subject to default/customised price-quality regulation under subpart 6; or Transpower is subject to individual price-quality regulation under sub‐ part 7.
Subpart 2, except the provisions relating to inquiries, applies to the process for imposing that regulation and making the section 52P determination.
If an Order in Council declares that Transpower is subject to default/custom‐ ised price-quality regulation, the section 52P determination must set the price- quality path that applies for the regulatory period commencing with the date on which the Order in Council comes into force, using the process under section 53P for resetting default price-quality paths.

(6) [Repealed] Section 54M: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 54M(3)(b): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 153(1) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54M(6): repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 153(2) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
54N Breaches of thresholds and default price-quality paths before 1 April 2010 (1) This section applies to— (a) (b) (c) any breach of a threshold that occurred before the close of 31 March 2007; and any breach of a threshold that occurs on or after 1 April 2007 and before the close of 31 March 2009; and any breach of a default price-quality path that occurs on or after 1 April 2009 and before the close of 31 March 2010.
(2) The Commission may not publish a notice of intention to declare control under Part 4A,— (a) in respect of a breach referred to in subsection (1)(a), at any time after 1 October 2008; and 115 Part 4 s 54O Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) in respect of a breach referred to in subsection (1)(b) or (c), at any time after the expiry of 12 months after the end of the financial year in which the breach occurs.
(3) The Commission may, at any time before the expiry of 12 months after the date on which the Commission publishes a notice of intention to declare control under subsection (2) in respect of the breach,— (a) make a control declaration under Part 4A; or (b) enter into an administrative settlement in respect of the breach under Part 4A.
The Commission may do anything under subsections (2) and (3) as if the Com‐ merce Amendment Act 2008 had not been enacted, except that the purpose in section 52A must be taken to be the purpose of Part 4A.

To avoid doubt, the Commission may, but need not, apply input methodologies in acting under subsection (3).
(4) (5) (6) Despite anything in Part 4A, any control imposed, or administrative settlement entered into, under Part 4A in accordance with subsection (3) is subject to the following: (a) (b) the term of control, or of the settlement, must be not more than 5 years: the expiry of the term must be treated as if it were the expiry of a cus‐ tomised price-quality path, and section 53X applies accordingly (unless the supplier concerned would not otherwise be subject to default/ customised price-quality regulation after the expiry of the term).
Section 54N: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

54O Breaches of control imposed, or administrative settlements entered into, after 1 April 2009 (1) If a supplier breaches control imposed, or an administrative settlement entered into, in accordance with section 54N(3), the breach may be dealt with under Part 6 as if it were a breach of a customised price-quality path, despite anything in the terms of the control or settlement.
(2) To avoid doubt, this section applies whether or not the supplier is, after 1 April 2009, subject to default/customised price-quality regulation.

Section 54O: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54P Proposals for customised price-quality paths (1) A supplier of electricity lines services may not propose a customised price- quality path until an input methodology setting out the requirements and cri‐ teria for proposals for customised price-quality paths (as required by section 52T(1)(d)) is published as referred to in section 52W.
116 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54R (2) However, in accordance with section 53V(2), the Commission may apply claw- back when setting any customised price-quality path.

Section 54P: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 54P(1): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
Section 54P(1): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 154(a) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Section 54P(1): amended, on 1 November 2010, by section 154(b) of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

Energy efficiency Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54Q Energy efficiency The Commission must promote incentives, and must avoid imposing disincen‐ tives, for suppliers of electricity lines services to invest in energy efficiency and demand side management, and to reduce energy losses, when applying this Part in relation to electricity lines services.

Section 54Q: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Transpower grid upgrade plans and capital expenditure proposals Heading: substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 155 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

54R Approval of Transpower’s grid upgrade plans (1) (2) The role of the Electricity Commission in requesting or approving grid upgrade plan proposals by Transpower (including proposals to amend existing grid upgrade plans) is transferred to the Commission on the commencement date.
Subsection (1) applies both to proposals made on and after the commencement date and to any proposals that were requested or under consideration by the Electricity Commission before the commencement date.
(3) Until the input methodology required by section 54S is determined and pub‐ lished as referred to in section 52W,— (a) Transpower must comply with Part F of the Electricity Governance Rules, as that Part relates to grid upgrade plan proposals; and (b) when considering grid upgrade plan proposals, the Commission— (i) must apply, with any necessary modifications, the grid investment test set out in Schedule F4 of Part F of the Electricity Governance Rules; and (ii) must apply, with any necessary modifications, those parts of sec‐ tion III of Part F of the Electricity Governance Rules that relate to 117 Part 4 s 54S Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 the process for approving grid upgrade plans (which includes rules 12 to 15 and 17.2); and (iii) need not repeat any processes already undertaken by the Electri‐ city Commission or undertake any processes that the Electricity Commission would have been required to undertake.
(4) To avoid doubt,— (a) (b) subsection (1) takes effect on the commencement date whether or not the Commerce Act (Transpower Thresholds) Notice 2008 or any administra‐ tive settlement between the Commission and Transpower has been amended to reflect the transfer referred to in that subsection; and nothing in this section affects the transfer from the Electricity Commis‐ sion to the Electricity Authority of all other roles relating to transmis‐ sion, such as setting grid reliability standards and the transmission pric‐ ing methodology.
(5) (6) The Commission may change any timetables previously agreed for consult‐ ation on, and approval of, grid upgrade plan proposals, but must first consult Transpower on any timetable changes.

To facilitate the transfer of roles referred to in subsection (1), the Electricity Authority must give the Commission copies of all information it holds regard‐ ing grid upgrade plan proposals that were under consideration by the Electri‐ city Commission before the commencement date.
(7) In this section,— commencement date means 1 November 2010 Electricity Governance Rules means the Electricity Governance Rules 2003 as they were immediately before their revocation by the Electricity Industry Act 2010 grid upgrade plan has the meaning set out in the Electricity Governance Rules.

Section 54R: substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 155 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
Section 54R(3): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

54S Commission to prepare input methodology for capital expenditure proposals (1) The Commission must determine an input methodology for Transpower’s cap‐ ital expenditure proposals.
(2) The input methodology must include— (a) requirements that must be met by Transpower, including the scope and specificity of information required, the extent of independent verifica‐ 118 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 54V (b) (c) tion and audit, and the extent of consultation and agreement with con‐ sumers; and the criteria the Commission will use to evaluate capital expenditure pro‐ posals; and time frames and processes for evaluating capital expenditure proposals, including what happens if the Commission does not comply with those time frames.
(3) (4) The input methodology must be determined no later than 1 November 2011; but the Minister may, on the written request of the Commission, extend the deadline once by a period of up to 3 months, in which case notice of the exten‐ sion must be given in the Gazette.

Subpart 3 of Part 4 applies to the input methodology as if it were an input methodology referred to in section 52T, except as provided in subsection (2) or (3) of this section.
Compare: 1986 No 5 ss 52T(1)(d), 52U Section 54S: substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 155 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

54T Procedure before jurisdiction order can be made [Repealed] Section 54T: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 155 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).

54U Levies during transition in jurisdiction [Repealed] Section 54U: repealed, on 1 November 2010, by section 155 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
Interface with Electricity Industry Act 2010 Heading: inserted, on 1 November 2010, by section 156 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
54V Impact of certain decisions made under Electricity Industry Act 2010 (1) (2) The Electricity Authority must consult with the Commission before amending the Electricity Industry Participation Code (the Code) in a manner that will, or is likely to, affect the Commission in the performance of its functions or exer‐ cise of its powers in relation to electricity lines services under this Part.
The Electricity Authority must advise the Commission as soon as practicable after doing any of the following things that are likely to be relevant to the powers or functions of the Commission in relation to electricity lines services under this Part: (a) making any provision of the Code: (b) making any decision under the Code: 119 Part 4 s 54V Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) (d) undertaking any market-facilitation measures.
[Repealed] (3) (4) The Electricity Authority must advise the Commission, as soon as practicable, following any change in the Code that results in increased costs to a supplier of electricity lines services.
The Commission must take into account, before exercising any of its powers or performing any of its functions in relation to electricity lines services under this Part,— (a) any provision of the Code, or decision made under it, that relates to or affects— (i) (ii) pricing methodologies that apply to a supplier of electricity lines services; or quality or information requirements that apply to a supplier of electricity lines services: any market-facilitation measures of which it receives advice under sub‐ section (2)(c): the levy payable by a supplier of electricity lines services under section 128 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010: the continuance of supply obligations imposed by section 105 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010.
(b) (c) (d) (5) The Commission must, if asked by the Electricity Authority to do so, recon‐ sider a section 52P determination and, to the extent that the Commission con‐ siders it necessary or desirable to do so, amend the determination, to take account of any matter referred to in subsection (3) or (4).

(6) [Repealed] Section 54V: substituted, on 1 November 2010, by section 156 of the Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116).
Section 54V(1): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(1) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Section 54V(2): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(2) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Section 54V(2): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(3) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Section 54V(2)(c): replaced, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(4) of the Electricity Industry Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).
Section 54V(2)(d): repealed, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(4) of the Electricity Industry Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Section 54V(3): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(5) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Section 54V(4): replaced, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(6) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Section 54V(5): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(7) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).
120 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 55 Section 54V(6): repealed, on 1 September 2022, by section 52(8) of the Electricity Industry Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 46).

Savings provisions Heading: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
54W Savings provision relating to existing information disclosure requirements Any information disclosure requirements published by the Commission under subpart 3 of Part 4A before 1 April 2009 continue to apply to each supplier of electricity lines services in respect of every financial year that precedes the first financial year to which a determination made by the Commission under section 54I(1) applies to that supplier.
Section 54W: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

54X Savings provision for existing levy regulations for electricity lines businesses (1) Any regulations made pursuant to section 57ZK before the repeal of Part 4A continue to apply to each person who is a large line owner in respect of every financial year that precedes the first financial year to which levy regulations made under section 53ZE apply to that supplier.
(2) Subsection (1) applies as if— (a) references in those regulations to the Commission’s costs included refer‐ ences to the costs of exercising and performing the Commission’s powers, duties, and functions under this Part, and enforcing the obliga‐ tions under this Part, in respect of those persons, and with all other necessary modifications; and (b) terms used in subsection (1) have the same meaning as they do in those regulations.
Section 54X: inserted, on 1 April 2009, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Subpart 10—Gas pipeline services Subpart 10 heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Overview and interpretation Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55 (1) Overview of subpart This subpart provides— (a) that certain gas pipeline services are subject to information disclosure regulation and price-quality regulation; and 121 Part 4 s 55A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) for the transition to the new regime provided for in this Part.

(2) This section is only a guide.

Section 55: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55A Meaning of gas pipeline services (1) In this subpart, unless the context otherwise requires, gas pipeline services means the conveyance of natural gas by pipeline, including the assumption of responsibility for losses of natural gas.
(2) However, none of the following are gas pipeline services: (a) (b) (c) conveying natural gas to a gas processing facility: conveying natural gas if the total amount of gas conveyed to consumers by the supplier is less than 75 000 gigajoules per annum: conveying natural gas by a pipeline that is listed in the second column of Schedule 6.

(3) The gas conveyed, when measured in relation to a supplier includes, for the purposes of subsection (2)(b), the gas conveyed by any associate of the sup‐ plier.
(4) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires,— associate has the same meaning as in section 12 of the Electricity Industry Reform Act 1998 consumer has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Gas Act 1992 container has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Gas Act 1992 gas refueller has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Gas Act 1992 pipeline— (a) means everything used, or designed or intended for use, (whether above or below ground) in or in connection with the conveyance of natural gas between— (i) (ii) the boundary of the gas field or gas processing facility to the point of supply to a consumer or gas refueller; or the outlet of the container in which gas is stored to the point of supply to a consumer or gas refueller; but (b) excludes meters.
(5) The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, amend Schedule 6 by— adding any pipeline: deleting any pipeline: changing the description of any pipeline or its owner.
(a) (b) (c) 122 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 55D (6) The Minister may make a recommendation for the purpose of subsection (5) only if the Minister is satisfied that— (a) (b) (c) (d) the Commission has made a recommendation to the same effect; and in the case of a recommendation to add a pipeline, the gas pipeline ser‐ vices are supplied in a market where the owner of the pipeline does not have a substantial degree of market power; and in the case of a recommendation to delete a pipeline, the gas pipeline services are supplied in a market where the owner of the pipeline has a substantial degree of market power; and the Commission has consulted (without necessarily holding an inquiry) with interested parties.
(7) An order under subsection (5) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legis‐ lation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 55A: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 55A(7): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Imposition of regulation under this Part Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

55B Gas pipeline services declared to be regulated Gas pipeline services are regulated under this Part.
Section 55B: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

55C All gas pipeline services are subject to information disclosure regulation Gas pipeline services are subject to information disclosure regulation under this Part.

Section 55C: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55D All gas pipeline services are subject to price-quality regulation Gas pipeline services are subject to default/customised price-quality regulation under this Part on and after 1 July 2010.

123 Part 4 s 55E Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 55D: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55E Commission must make section 52P determination specifying how subpart applies (1) (2) (3) The section 52P determinations that specify how information disclosure regula‐ tion applies to each supplier of gas pipeline services must be made as soon as practicable after this subpart comes into force.
The section 52P determinations that specify how default/customised price- quality regulation applies to each supplier of gas pipeline services must be made as soon as practicable after 1 July 2010, in the manner set out in section 55F.
The section 52P determinations that specify how default/customised price- quality regulation applies to each supplier of gas pipeline services that become subject to that form of regulation as a result of an Order in Council made under section 55A(5)(a) must be made as soon as practicable after the order comes into force.

Section 55E: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55F Section 52P determinations setting out first default price-quality paths (1) The Commission must use the processes set out in section 53P in making the first section 52P determinations that set out how default price-quality regula‐ tion applies to suppliers of gas pipeline services as if 30 June 2010 were the end of the previous regulatory period.
(2) However, if a supplier has increased its weighted average prices by more than the movement, or forecast movement, in the all groups index number of the Consumers Price Index in the period beginning 1 January 2008 and ending with the date that the determination is made, the Commission may apply claw- back to the extent of requiring the supplier to lower its prices in order to com‐ pensate consumers for some or all of any over-recovery of revenues that occur‐ red during that period.
(3) (4) The Commission may set a default price-quality path in respect of suppliers of gas pipeline services even if all or any of the relevant input methodologies have not been determined.
If an input methodology is published after a section 52P determination referred to in subsection (1) is made, and if, had that methodology applied at the time the default price-quality paths were set as required by subsection (1), it would have resulted in a materially different path being set, then the Commission may reset the default price-quality paths and may apply claw-back, despite section 53ZB(1).
(5) However, the Commission may not exercise its powers in subsection (4) later than 9 months after the date of publication of the input methodology.

124 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 55H Section 55F: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 55F(2): amended, on 1 September 2022, by section 107(1) of the Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39).
Services controlled by virtue of Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

55G Existing order, authorisations, and undertakings continue to apply until 1 July 2012 (or earlier expiry) (1) (2) (3) This section provides how price-quality regulation under this Part applies to services that are controlled by virtue of the Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 (the order).
The order continues in force, despite the repeal of Part 4 (as it was before its repeal by the Commerce Amendment Act 2008), until the date on which the order expires or is revoked (the expiry date).
The enactment of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 does not limit or affect, before the expiry date, any of the following in respect of the gas pipeline ser‐ vices that are controlled by virtue of the order: (a) (b) (c) any authorisation made (including the ability to amend or revoke an authorisation), or any undertaking obtained or accepted, under Part 5 before 1 April 2009; or the power of the Commission to obtain or accept any further under‐ takings under Part 5; or any action that may be commenced or continued in respect of a breach of any authorisation or undertaking.
(4) To avoid doubt, subsection (3) applies as if the provisions of Parts 4 to 6 had not been amended or repealed by the Commerce Amendment Act 2008.

(5) However, any breach of the order after 1 April 2009 may be dealt with under Part 6 as if it were a breach of a customised price-quality path.

Section 55G: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55H How price-quality regulation under this Part applies after 1 July 2012 (or earlier expiry) (1) (2) This section provides how price-quality regulation under this Part applies to a gas pipeline service after it ceases to be controlled by virtue of the Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 (the order).

The expiry of the order must be treated as if it were the expiry of a customised price-quality path, and section 53X applies accordingly.
(3) In this section, the date on which the order expires is— 125 Part 4 s 55I Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) the expiry date referred to in section 55G; or if an undertaking is obtained or accepted from a supplier in respect of a service that expires on an earlier date, that earlier date, provided that the order ceases to apply to that service on or before that date (by revocation of the order or otherwise).
Section 55H: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Interface with Gas Act 1992 Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55I (1) Impact of certain decisions made under Gas Act 1992 The recommending body must advise the Commerce Commission as soon as practicable after making any recommendation for a gas governance regulation or rule under Part 4A of the Gas Act 1992, or after making any decision under gas governance regulations or rules, or after issuing any guidelines, that is or are likely to be relevant to the powers of the Commerce Commission under this Part.
(2) The Commission must take into account, before exercising any of its powers under this Part,— (a) (b) any gas governance regulation or rule under Part 4A of the Gas Act 1992, or decision under those gas governance regulations or rules, that relates to or affects the quality standards or pricing methodologies applicable to a pipeline owner: any guidelines issued by the recommending body of which it is advised under subsection (1) that are likely to be relevant to the powers of the Commerce Commission under this Part: (c) the levy payable by any pipeline owner under the Gas Act 1992.
(3) The Commission must, if asked by the recommending body to do so, recon‐ sider any section 52P determination and, to the extent that the Commission considers it necessary or desirable to do so, amend the determination, to take account of any matter referred to in subsection (2).

(4) In this section, recommending body has the same meaning as in section 43D of the Gas Act 1992.

Section 55I: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
126 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 56 Savings provisions Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55J Savings provision until Commission publishes information disclosure requirements (1) The Gas (Information Disclosure) Regulations 1997 continue to apply to each supplier of gas pipeline services in respect of every financial year that precedes the first financial year to which a determination made by the Commission referred to in section 55E(1) applies to that supplier.

(2) After that, no regulations made under section 55 of the Gas Act 1992 apply to the supplier of gas pipeline services.
Section 55J: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
55K Savings provision for existing levy regulations for services controlled under Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 (1) Any regulations made pursuant to section 74 before the repeal of that section continue to apply to each person that is a supplier of controlled services under the Commerce (Control of Natural Gas Services) Order 2005 in respect of every financial year that precedes the first financial year to which levy regula‐ tions made under section 53ZE apply to that supplier.
(2) Subsection (1) applies as if— (a) references in those regulations to the Commission’s costs include refer‐ ences to the costs of exercising the Commission’s powers and perform‐ ing its duties under this Part, and enforcing the obligations under this Part, in respect of those persons, and with all other necessary modifica‐ tions; and (b) terms used in subsection (1) have the same meaning as they do in those regulations.
Section 55K: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Subpart 11—Airport services Subpart 11: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Overview and interpretation Heading: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56 (1) Overview of subpart This subpart provides that— 127 Part 4 s 56A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) (c) specified airport services are subject to information disclosure regulation under this Part; and negotiate/arbitrate regulation, default/customised price-quality regula‐ tion, or individual price-quality regulation may be imposed on specified airport services after an inquiry; and other services may be declared specified airport services by Order in Council.
(2) This section is only a guide.

Section 56: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56A Interpretation (1) In this subpart,— specified airport company means— (a) (b) (c) the company (as defined in section 2 of the Auckland Airport Act 1987) that operates Auckland International Airport or any subsidiary of, or suc‐ cessor to, that company that operates all or part of the airport; and the company (as defined in section 2 of the Wellington Airport Act 1990) that operates Wellington International Airport or any subsidiary of, or successor to, that company that operates all or part of the airport; and the airport company (as defined in section 2 of the Airport Authorities Act 1966) that operates Christchurch International Airport or any subsid‐ iary of, or successor to, that company that operates all or part of the air‐ port specified airport services means all of the services supplied by specified air‐ port companies in markets directly related to the following activities (whether for international or domestic flights): (a) (b) (c) (d) aircraft and freight activities: airfield activities: specified passenger terminal activities: any other services declared to be specified airport services by Order in Council made under section 56M.
(2) In subsection (1), aircraft and freight activities, airfield activities, and speci‐ fied passenger terminal activities have the same meanings as in section 2 of the Airport Authorities Act 1966.

Section 56A: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
128 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 56F Specified airport services regulated under this Part Heading: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

56B Specified airport services declared to be regulated Specified airport services are regulated under this Part.

Section 56B: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56C Specified airport services subject to information disclosure regulation Specified airport services are subject to information disclosure regulation under this Part.

Section 56C: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56D Specified airport services subject to additional regulation if imposed by Order in Council In addition to information disclosure regulation, specified airport services are subject to the type of regulation (if any) imposed by Order in Council made under section 56K.

Section 56D: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Duty to supply information to Secretary Heading: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

56E Duty to supply information to Secretary A specified airport company must, as soon as practicable after disclosing infor‐ mation under this Part, supply a copy of the information to the Secretary (as defined in section 2(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 1990).

Section 56E: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Commission inquiry into regulation of specified airport services Heading: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

56F How inquiry triggered (1) The Commission— (a) must hold an inquiry into the regulation of specified airport services if required to do so by the Minister; and (b) may hold an inquiry on its own initiative.
(2) Any requirement by the Minister must— (a) be in writing; and 129 Part 4 s 56G Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) specify the date by which the Commission must make a recommendation to the Minister under section 56H.

Section 56F: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56G Commission inquiry (1) In conducting an inquiry into the regulation of specified airport services, the Commission must consider— (a) whether, in addition to information disclosure regulation, 1 of the fol‐ lowing types of regulation should be imposed on the services: (i) (ii) negotiate/arbitrate regulation: default/customised price-quality regulation: (iii) individual price-quality regulation; and (b) if so, how that type of regulation should apply to specified airport com‐ panies.
(2) As part of the inquiry, the Commission must— (a) determine or amend (and then apply) input methodologies for the supply of the services, in accordance with subpart 3; and (b) when considering whether a type of regulation might be imposed, assess the benefits of imposing different types of regulation in meeting the pur‐ pose of this Part against the costs of imposing those types of regulation.
(3) The input methodologies must be determined or amended as soon as practic‐ able after the inquiry is triggered.

(4) During an inquiry, the Commission may have regard to any other matters it considers necessary or desirable for the purpose of the inquiry.

(5) An inquiry under this section must follow the process set out in section 52J.

Section 56G: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56H Commission’s recommendations following inquiry (1) At the end of an inquiry, having considered the matters in section 56G, the Commission must make a recommendation to the Minister on whether 1 of the following should be imposed on specified airport services: (a) (b) (c) negotiate/arbitrate regulation: default/customised price-quality regulation: individual price-quality regulation.
(2) If the Commission recommends imposing a type of regulation specified in sub‐ section (1), its recommendation must state the following: (a) the type of regulation that is recommended: (b) what input methodologies apply: 130 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 56J (3) (4) (c) (d) (e) if negotiate/arbitrate regulation is recommended, the material provisions of the negotiation process and arbitration process: if default/customised price-quality regulation is recommended, the default price path and quality standards: if individual price-quality regulation is recommended, the material pro‐ visions to apply.
The Minister must publish the Commission’s recommendation, and may do so in whatever way the Minister considers appropriate.

To avoid doubt, a recommendation by the Commission is not a determination of the Commission.

Section 56H: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Order in Council imposing additional type of regulation Heading: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56I Minister must consider Commission’s recommendation (1) The Minister must consider any recommendation of the Commission made under section 56H.

(2) When considering the recommendation, the Minister— (a) must consult with the Minister of Transport; and (b) may request further information or advice from the Commission.
(3) If the Minister proposes a different type of regulation to the type that the Com‐ mission recommends, the Minister must request written advice from the Com‐ mission on what the material provisions of a section 52P determination would be likely to be under the Minister’s proposal.

(4) Any request by the Minister under subsection (3), and the Commission’s advice on it, must be made publicly available.
(5) If the Commission receives a request under subsection (3), it may, at its discre‐ tion,— (a) (b) consult with interested parties; or reopen its inquiry, in which case section 52J applies with all necessary modifications.

Section 56I: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56J Minister’s decision and recommendation (1) Having considered the Commission’s recommendation in accordance with sec‐ tion 56I and any written advice given following a request under section 56I(3), the Minister must— 131 Part 4 s 56K Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) decide whether, in addition to information disclosure regulation, 1 of the following types of regulation should be imposed on specified airport ser‐ vices: (i) (ii) negotiate/arbitrate regulation: default/customised price-quality regulation: (iii) individual price-quality regulation; and (2) (3) (b) if so, make a recommendation to the Governor-General specifying the type of regulation that should be imposed.
The Minister’s decision may be the same as, or different from, the Commis‐ sion’s recommendation under section 56H.

If the Minister’s decision is different from the Commission’s recommendation, the Minister must set out the reasons for the decision and make the decision, with the reasons, publicly available.

Section 56J: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56K Order in Council imposing additional type of regulation (1) The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister made under section 56J, make an Order in Council imposing 1 of the following types of regulation on specified airport services: (a) (b) (c) negotiate/arbitrate regulation: default/customised price-quality regulation: individual price-quality regulation.
(2) The order must include an expiry date (which must be no later than 20 years after the commencement date) at the close of which the order is revoked.

(3) Despite subsection (2), the order may be earlier revoked in the manner in which it was made.

(4) An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legis‐ lation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 56K: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 56K(4): replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
132 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4 s 56M 56L Commission determination about how regulation applies (1) As soon as practicable after an Order in Council is made under section 56K, the Commission must make a section 52P determination specifying how the type of regulation imposed by the order will apply to specified airport services.
(2) The determination must not differ in any material respect from the recommen‐ dation under section 56H, or (if applicable) from any advice given to the Min‐ ister under section 56I(3).

Section 56L: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Declaring services to be specified airport services Heading: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56M Order in Council declaring specified airport services (1) (2) The Governor-General may, on the recommendation of the Minister, make an Order in Council declaring 1 or more services to be specified airport services for the purposes of this subpart.

Before recommending that an Order in Council be made, the Minister must be satisfied that— (a) (b) the Commission has made a recommendation to the same effect; and the Commission has consulted (without necessarily holding an inquiry) with interested parties.
(3) Before making a recommendation under subsection (2)(a), the Commission— (a) must assess the benefits, in meeting the purpose of this Part, of declaring the services to be specified airport services against the costs of declaring the services to be specified airport services; and (b) must be satisfied that the services are supplied in a market where 1 or more of the specified airport companies have a substantial degree of market power.
(4) An order under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legis‐ lation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 56M: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 56M(4): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

133 Part 4 s 56N Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Subpart 2 not limited Heading: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
56N Subpart 2 not limited This subpart does not limit subpart 2, which allows for regulation to be imposed on particular goods or services.

Section 56N: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

57 Commission process [Repealed] Section 57: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57A Technical provisions relating to declaration of control [Repealed] Section 57A: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

57B Records to be kept for control purposes [Repealed] Section 57B: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

57C Other Acts relating to price control not affected [Repealed] Section 57C: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57CA Impact of certain decisions made under Gas Act 1992 [Repealed] Section 57CA: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
134 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4A s 57DC Part 4A Provisions applicable to electricity industry [Repealed] Part 4A: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57D Interpretation [Repealed] Section 57D: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DAA Meaning of electricity lines business [Repealed] Section 57DAA: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DAAB Meaning of electricity supply business [Repealed] Section 57DAAB: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DA Body that exercises jurisdiction under this Part [Repealed] Section 57DA: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DB Transfer of jurisdiction in respect of Transpower [Repealed] Section 57DB: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DC Transfer of jurisdiction relating to other large electricity lines businesses [Repealed] Section 57DC: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default 135 Part 4A s 57DD Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DD Procedure before jurisdiction order can be made [Repealed] Section 57DD: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DE Levies during transition in jurisdiction [Repealed] Section 57DE: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57DF Ministerial powers [Repealed] Section 57DF: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Subpart 1—Controlled goods or services [Repealed] Subpart 1: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57E Purpose [Repealed] Section 57E: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57F Commission, not Minister, may declare that goods or services supplied by large electricity lines businesses are controlled [Repealed] Section 57F: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
136 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4A s 57GF 57G Thresholds for declaration of control [Repealed] Section 57G: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GA Incorporation by reference of material in thresholds [Repealed] Section 57GA: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GB Effect of amendments to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference in thresholds [Repealed] Section 57GB: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GC Amendments to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference to be of same general character as original material [Repealed] Section 57GC: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GD Proof of material incorporated by reference [Repealed] Section 57GD: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GE Effect of expiry of material incorporated by reference [Repealed] Section 57GE: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GF Requirement to consult [Repealed] Section 57GF: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default 137 Part 4A s 57GG Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57GG Access to material incorporated by reference [Repealed] Section 57GG: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57H Process for making decisions on declaration of control [Repealed] Section 57H: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57I Process before declaration made [Repealed] Section 57I: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57J Effect of declaration of control [Repealed] Section 57J: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57K Priorities [Repealed] Section 57K: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57L Maximum of 5 years for duration of declaration [Repealed] Section 57L: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
138 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4A s 57R 57M Authorisations and undertakings [Repealed] Section 57M: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57MA Impact of certain decisions made under Electricity Act 1992 [Repealed] Section 57MA: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57N Commission may lift control [Repealed] Section 57N: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Subpart 2—Transpower’s pricing methodology [Repealed] Subpart 2: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

57O Commission may be required to authorise Transpower’s pricing methodology [Repealed] Section 57O: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).
57P Authorisations in respect of Transpower’s pricing methodology [Repealed] Section 57P: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

57Q Authorisations and undertakings [Repealed] Section 57Q: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).
57R Enforcement of authorisations [Repealed] Section 57R: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

139 Part 4A s 57S Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 57S Revocation of authorisations [Repealed] Section 57S: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 10(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).
Subpart 3—Information disclosure [Repealed] Subpart 3: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57T Information disclosure [Repealed] Section 57T: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57U Information to be supplied to Commerce Commission [Repealed] Section 57U: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57V Commerce Commission to publish summaries [Repealed] Section 57V: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57W Reasonable charge may be imposed for providing copies of statements [Repealed] Section 57W: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
140 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 4A s 57ZC Subpart 4—Asset valuations [Repealed] Subpart 4: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Recalibration of asset values of large electricity line owners [Repealed] Heading: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

57X Purpose of recalibrations [Repealed] Section 57X: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

57Y Interpretation [Repealed] Section 57Y: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).
57Z Large electricity line owners must supply valuation to Commerce Commission [Repealed] Section 57Z: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

57ZA Comprehensive audit of asset values of large electricity line owners [Repealed] Section 57ZA: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).
57ZB Procedure after audit of asset values carried out [Repealed] Section 57ZB: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).

57ZC Outcome of audit of asset values [Repealed] Section 57ZC: repealed, on 18 October 2004, by section 11(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82).
141 Part 4A s 57ZD Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Review of valuation methodologies [Repealed] Heading: repealed, on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZD Review of valuation methodologies [Repealed] Section 57ZD: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZE Process when carrying out review of valuation methodologies [Repealed] Section 57ZE: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Subpart 5—General provisions [Repealed] Subpart 5: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZF Powers of Commission [Repealed] Section 57ZF: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZG Powers of entry and inspection [Repealed] Section 57ZG: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZH Authorised persons to prove identity [Repealed] Section 57ZH: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
142 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 58 57ZI Offence to obstruct authorised persons [Repealed] Section 57ZI: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZJ Other offences [Repealed] Section 57ZJ: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
57ZK Levy of electricity lines businesses [Repealed] Section 57ZK: repealed (but may continue to be applied under Part 4 in connection with the breach of thresholds set under Part 4A before its repeal, including when those thresholds apply (as default price-quality paths) after its repeal), on 1 April 2009, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Part 5 Authorisations and clearances Restrictive trade practices 58 Commission may grant authorisation for restrictive trade practices (1) A person who wishes to enter into a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, to which that person considers section 27 would apply, or might apply, may apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so and the Com‐ mission may grant an authorisation for that person to enter into the contract or arrangement, or arrive at the understanding.
(2) A person who wishes to give effect to a provision of a contract or arrangement or understanding to which that person considers section 27 would apply, or might apply, may apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so, and the Commission may grant an authorisation for that person to give effect to the provision of the contract or arrangement or understanding.
(3) A person who wishes to require the giving of, or to give, a covenant to which that person considers section 28 would apply, or might apply, may apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so, and the Commission may grant an authorisation for that person to require the giving of, or to give, the covenant.
(4) A person who wishes to carry out or enforce a covenant to which that person considers section 28 would apply, or might apply, may apply to the Commis‐ sion for an authorisation to do so, and the Commission may grant an authorisa‐ tion for that person to carry out or enforce the covenant.
143 Part 5 s 58A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (5) (6) [Repealed] [Repealed] (7) A person who wishes to engage in the practice of resale price maintenance to which that person considers section 37 would apply, or might apply, may apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so, and the Commission may grant an authorisation for that person to engage in the practice.
(8) A person who wishes to do an act to which that person considers section 38 would apply, or might apply, may apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so, and the Commission may grant an authorisation for that person to do that act.

Section 58: substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 19 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 58(5): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(a) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 58(6): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(a) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
58A Effect of authorisation (1) While an authorisation under section 58(1) remains in force, nothing in section 27, 30, or 30C prevents an applicant from— (a) (b) (c) entering into, or in accordance with the authorisation, giving effect to or enforcing any provision of the contract to which the authorisation relates; or entering into, or in accordance with the authorisation, giving effect to the arrangement to which the authorisation relates; or arriving at, or in accordance with the authorisation, giving effect to the understanding to which the authorisation relates.
(2) While an authorisation under section 58(2) remains in force, nothing in section 27, 30, or 30C prevents an applicant from— (a) (b) in accordance with the authorisation, giving effect to or enforcing the contract to which the authorisation relates; or in accordance with the authorisation, giving effect to the arrangement or understanding.
(3) While an authorisation under subsection (3) of section 58 remains in force, nothing in section 28 shall prevent the applicant from— (a) (b) requiring the giving of, or giving, the covenant to which the authorisa‐ tion relates; or carrying out or enforcing the terms of the covenant to which the author‐ isation relates in accordance with the authorisation.
(4) While an authorisation under subsection (4) of section 58 remains in force, nothing in section 28 shall prevent the applicant from carrying out or enforcing 144 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 58B the terms of the covenant to which the authorisation relates in accordance with the authorisation.
(5) While an authorisation under subsection (7) of section 58 remains in force, nothing in section 37 shall prevent the applicant from engaging in the practice to which the authorisation relates in accordance with the authorisation.

(6) While an authorisation under subsection (8) of section 58 remains in force, nothing in section 38 shall prevent the applicant from doing the act to which the authorisation relates in accordance with the authorisation.
Section 58A: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 19 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 58A(1): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 12(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 58A(2): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 12(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
58B Additional provisions relating to authorisations (1) Every authorisation granted by the Commission to a person under section 58 to— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) enter into a contract or arrangement or arrive at an understanding; or give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding; or require the giving of, or give, a covenant; or carry out or enforce the terms of a covenant; or engage in the practice of resale price maintenance; or do any act referred to in section 38,— shall have effect as if it were also an authorisation in the same terms to every other person named or referred to in the application for the authorisation as a party to the contract, arrangement, or understanding, or the practice or act, or as a person who is or would be bound by, or entitled to the benefit of, the cove‐ nant, as the case may be.
(2) An authorisation granted to a person under section 58 may be expressed to apply to or in relation to another person who,— (a) (b) in the case of an authorisation to enter into a contract or arrangement or arrive at an understanding, becomes a party to the proposed contract or arrangement at a time after it is entered into or becomes a party to the proposed understanding at a time after it is arrived at: in the case of an authorisation to give effect to a provision of a contract, arrangement, or understanding, becomes a party to the contract, arrange‐ ment, or understanding at a time after the authorisation is granted: 145 Part 5 s 59 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) (d) in the case of an authorisation to require the giving of, or to give, a cove‐ nant, becomes bound by, or entitled to the benefit of, the covenant at a time after the covenant is given: in the case of an authorisation to carry out or enforce the terms of a cov‐ enant, becomes bound by, or entitled to the benefit of, the covenant at a time after the authorisation is granted.
Section 58B: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 19 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
59 Contracts or covenants subject to authorisation not prohibited under certain conditions (1) Despite anything in this Act, but subject to section 59B,— (a) (b) a contract to which section 27 applies may be entered into if the require‐ ments of subsection (2) are complied with: a covenant to which section 28 applies may be required to be given, or may be given, if the requirements of subsection (2) are complied with.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the requirements that must be met are,— (a) (b) in the case of a contract to which section 27 applies, that the contract is subject to a condition that the provision does not come into force unless and until authorisation is granted to give effect to it and that an applica‐ tion must be made for that authorisation within 15 working days after the contract is entered into: in the case of a covenant to which section 28 applies, that the covenant is subject to the condition that it does not have effect unless and until authorisation is granted to give effect to it and that application must be made for that authorisation within 15 working days after the covenant is made.
(3) The condition referred to in subsection (2)(a) or (b) may provide for the provi‐ sion to come into force, or the covenant to have effect, as the case may be, on the basis of an interim authorisation being granted under section 65AAA, but only if the condition also provides for the provision or covenant to cease to have effect immediately if— (a) (b) the interim authorisation ceases to be in force; and the authorisation under section 58 has not been granted.
Section 59: substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 13 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 59(1)(a): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(a) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 59(2)(a): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(a) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 59(3): inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 27(8) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
146 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 60 59A When Commission may grant authorisation (1) The Commission may grant an authorisation to a person— (a) (b) (c) (d) to enter into a contract or arrangement, or to arrive at an understanding, even though the contract or arrangement has been entered into, or the understanding has been arrived at, before the Commission makes a determination in respect of the application for that authorisation; or to give effect to a provision of a contract or arrangement entered into, or an understanding arrived at, even though the applicant has already given, or is already giving, effect to the provision before the Commission makes a determination in respect of the application for that authorisa‐ tion; or to require the giving of, or to give, a covenant even though the covenant has been given before the Commission makes a determination in respect of the application for that authorisation; or to do an act or engage in conduct referred to in section 37 or section 38 even though the applicant has already done the act or is already engaging in the conduct before the Commission makes a determination in respect of the application for that authorisation.
(2) (3) [Repealed] [Repealed] Section 59A: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 13 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 59A(2): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 13 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 59A(3): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 13 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
59B Contraventions not prevented by granting of authorisation under section 59 or section 59A Nothing in section 59 or section 59A prevents conduct that occurred before an authorisation was granted in respect of it and that would otherwise have consti‐ tuted a contravention of this Act from continuing to constitute a contravention.

Section 59B: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 13 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
60 (1) Procedure for applications for authorisation of restrictive trade practices Every application for an authorisation under section 58 shall be made in the prescribed form, shall contain such particulars as may be specified in the form and shall be accompanied by payment of such fee as may be prescribed.
(2) On receipt of an application that complies with subsection (1), the Commission shall forthwith— 147 Part 5 s 60 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) (c) (d) record the application in the register to be kept by the Commission for the purpose: give written notice of the date of registration to the person by or on whose behalf the application was made: give notice of the application to any other person who, in the Commis‐ sion’s opinion, is likely to have an interest in the application: give public notice of the application in such manner as the Commission thinks fit.
(3) Any person who has an interest in any application in respect of which a notice is given under subsection (2)(d) may give written notice to the Commission of that person’s interest and the reason therefor.

(3A) In relation to any application, the Commission may consult with any person who, in the opinion of the Commission, is able to assist it to determine the application.
(4) On receipt of an application that does not comply with subsection (1), the Commission may, at its discretion, either— (a) (b) accept the application and take the steps referred to in subsection (2) in respect of that application; or return the application to the person by or on whose behalf it was made; or (c) decline to register the application until it complies with subsection (1).
(5) Where the Commission declines to register an application under subsection (4)(c), it shall forthwith notify the person by or on whose behalf the application was made.
(6) The person making the application under subsection (1), and any person on whose behalf it was made, and any person to whom the application relates, shall from time to time produce, or, as the case may be, furnish to the Commis‐ sion, within such time as it may specify, such further documents or information in relation to the application as may be required by the Commission for the purpose of enabling it to exercise its functions under this Part.
(7) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (2) or subsection (4), where the Com‐ mission is of the opinion that the matters to which an application relates are, for reasons other than arising from the application of any provision of this Act, unlikely to be proceeded with, the Commission may, in its discretion, return the application to the person by or on whose behalf the application was made.
(8) Any person who has made an application to the Commission for an authorisa‐ tion may, at any time, by notice in writing to the Commission, withdraw the application.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 70; 1983 No 144 s 26; Trade Practices Act 1974 s 89(1), (2) (Aust) Section 60(3A): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 14 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
148 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 61 61 (1) Determination of applications for authorisation of restrictive trade practices The Commission shall, in respect of an application for an authorisation under section 58, make a determination in writing— (a) (b) granting such authorisation as it considers appropriate: declining the application.
(1A) If authorisation is not granted within 120 working days after the date on which the application is registered, the Commission is deemed to have declined the application, subject to any alternative timetable agreed between the Commis‐ sion and the applicant.

(2) Any authorisation granted pursuant to section 58 may be granted subject to such conditions not inconsistent with this Act and for such period as the Com‐ mission thinks fit.
(3) (4) (5) (6) The Commission shall take into account any submissions in relation to the application made to it by the applicant or by any other person.

The Commission shall state in writing its reasons for a determination made by it.

Before making a determination in respect of an application for an authorisation, the Commission shall comply with the requirements of section 62.
The Commission shall not make a determination granting an authorisation pur‐ suant to an application under section 58(1) to (4) unless it is satisfied that— (a) (b) (c) (d) the entering into of the contract or arrangement or the arriving at the understanding; or the giving effect to the provision of the contract, arrangement or under‐ standing; or the giving or the requiring of the giving of the covenant; or the carrying out or enforcing of the terms of the covenant— as the case may be, to which the application relates, will in all the circum‐ stances result, or be likely to result, in a benefit to the public which would out‐ weigh the lessening in competition that would result, or would be likely to result therefrom.
(6A) For the purposes of subsection (6), a lessening in competition includes a less‐ (7) (8) ening in competition that is not substantial.
[Repealed] The Commission shall not make a determination granting an authorisation pur‐ suant to an application under section 58(7) or (8) unless it is satisfied that— (a) the engaging in the practice of resale price maintenance to which the application relates; or (b) the act or conduct to which the application relates— 149 Part 5 s 62 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 as the case may be, will in all the circumstances result, or be likely to result, in such a benefit to the public that— (c) (d) the engaging in the practice should be permitted; or the act or conduct should be permitted.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 90(1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) (Aust) Section 61(1A): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 15(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 61(6): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 15(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 61(6): amended, on 1 July 1990, by section 21(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 61(6A): inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).

Section 61(7): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(a) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 61(8): added, on 1 July 1990, by section 21(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Commission to prepare draft determination in relation to restrictive trade practices Before determining an application for an authorisation under section 58, the Commission shall prepare a draft determination in relation to the application.
The Commission shall send a copy of the draft determination and a summary of the reasons therefor to— (a) (b) (c) the applicant: any person to whom a notice has been given pursuant to section 60(2)(c): any person who has given a notice pursuant to section 60(3) and who in the opinion of the Commission has such an interest in the application as to justify the Commission sending a copy of the draft determination to that person: (d) any other person who in the opinion of the Commission may assist the Commission in its determination of the application.
[Repealed] [Repealed] [Repealed] Before determining the application, the Commission may determine to hold a conference and, if so, must appoint a date, time, and place for the holding of the conference and give notice of the date, time, and place so appointed to each of the persons to whom the draft determination was sent under subsection (2).
62 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Where the Commission is of the opinion that 2 or more applications for author‐ isations that are made by the same person, or by bodies corporate that are inter‐ 150 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 64 connected with each other, involve the same or substantially similar issues, the Commission may treat the applications as if they constitute a single applica‐ tion, and may prepare a single draft determination in relation to the applica‐ tions and, if appropriate, hold a single conference in relation to that draft deter‐ mination.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 90A(1), (2), (5), (6), (13) (Aust) Section 62(3): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 16(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 62(4): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 16(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 62(5): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 16(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 62(6): substituted, on 14 October 2008 (applying in respect of every application for an authorisation under section 58 that is made after that date), by section 6(1) of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 62(6): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 16(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 62(7): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 16(3) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
63 Commission may grant provisional authorisation [Repealed] Section 63: repealed, on 1 July 1990, by section 22 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
64 Procedure at conference (1) At every conference called under section 62,— (a) (b) the Commission shall be represented by a member or members nomin‐ ated by the chairperson: each person to whom a draft determination was sent under section 62(2), and any other person whose presence at the conference is considered by the Commission to be desirable, is entitled to attend and participate per‐ sonally or, in the case of a body corporate, be represented by a person who, or by persons each of whom, is a director, officer, or employee of the body corporate: (c) a person participating in the conference in accordance with paragraph (b) is entitled to have another person or other persons present to assist him: (d) no other person is entitled to be present.
(2) The Commission may require any employee of the Commission to attend a conference called under section 62 where in the opinion of the Commission that employee may assist the Commission in the determination of the applica‐ tion.

151 Part 5 s 65 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (3) At every conference called under section 62 the Commission shall provide for as little formality and technicality as the requirements of this Act and a proper consideration of the application permits.
(4) The Commission shall cause such record of the conference to be made as is sufficient to set out the matters raised by the persons participating in the con‐ ference.

(5) Any member of the Commission attending the conference may terminate the conference when that member is of the opinion that a reasonable opportunity has been given for the expression of the views of persons participating in the conference.
(6) The Commission shall have regard to all matters raised at the conference, and may at any time after the termination of the conference make a determination in respect of the application.

Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 90A(7), (8), (9), (11) (Aust) Section 64(1)(a): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 64(2): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Commission may vary or revoke authorisations Subject to subsection (2), if at any time after the Commission has granted an authorisation under section 58 the Commission is satisfied that— (a) (b) (c) the authorisation was granted on information that was false or mislead‐ ing in a material particular; or there has been a material change of circumstances since the authorisation was granted; or a condition upon which the authorisation was granted has not been com‐ plied with,— the Commission may revoke or amend the authorisation or revoke the author‐ isation and grant a further authorisation in substitution for it.
The Commission shall not revoke or amend an authorisation or revoke an authorisation and substitute a further authorisation pursuant to subsection (1) unless the person to whom the authorisation was granted and any other person who in the opinion of the Commission is likely to have an interest in the matter is given a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Commission and the Commission has regard to those submissions.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 91(4) (Aust) Section 65(1)(c): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

65 (1) (2) 152 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 65AA 65AAA Commission may grant interim authorisation (1) (2) (3) The Commission may make a determination in writing granting an interim authorisation for an application under section 58 if the Commission considers it is appropriate to do so.
The Commission is not required to comply with section 61(5) to (9) before granting an interim authorisation.

For the purposes of this section, a reference in any of sections 58A, 58B, 59A, 59B, 61(2), 65, 92, 104, 105, and 106(10) to an authorisation must be treated as if it were a reference to an interim authorisation.
(4) An interim authorisation remains in force until— (a) (b) (c) the applicant withdraws its application for an authorisation; or the Commission revokes the interim authorisation under section 65; or the Commission declines or grants the application for an authorisation under section 58.

(5) Subsection (4) does not limit the Commission’s ability to grant an interim authorisation for such period as the Commission sees fit.
Section 65AAA: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 30 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
65AA Applications during epidemic period (1) In this section and sections 65AB to 65AD, epidemic period means a period— (a) (b) commencing on the day on which this section comes into force; and ending at the earlier of the following: (i) (ii) the close of the 6-month period that starts on the date on which the Epidemic Preparedness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked: the date on which section 24 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (which amends section 58) comes into force.
(2) A person who wishes to enter into a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, that the person considers would contain, or may contain, a car‐ tel provision may, during the epidemic period, apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so and the Commission may grant an authorisation for that person to enter into the contract or arrangement, or arrive at the understanding.
(3) A person who wishes to give effect to a provision of a contract or arrangement or understanding that the person considers would contain, or may contain, a cartel provision, may, during the epidemic period, apply to the Commission for an authorisation to do so, and the Commission may grant an authorisation for that person to give effect to the provision of the contract or arrangement or understanding.
(4) Subject to the modifications set out in sections 65AB and 65AC,— 153 Part 5 s 65AB Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) (b) an authorisation under subsection (2) is to be treated as if it were an authorisation under section 58(1): an authorisation under subsection (3) is to be treated as if it were an authorisation under section 58(2).

Section 65AA: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Manage‐ ment Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
Section 65AA(1)(b): replaced, on 6 April 2022, by section 31 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

65AB Modifications in relation to application under section 65AA (1) (2) (3) The modifications set out in this section apply in relation to an application for an authorisation under section 65AA(2) or (3).

For the purposes of section 59, a contract that contains a cartel provision must be treated as if it were a contract to which section 27 applies.
Section 61(6) must be treated as if it provides that the Commission shall not make a determination granting an authorisation pursuant to an application under section 65AA(2) or (3) unless it is satisfied that— (a) (b) the entering into of the contract or arrangement or the arriving at the understanding; or the giving effect to the cartel provision of the contract, arrangement, or understanding,— as the case may be, to which the application relates, will in all the circum‐ stances result, or be likely to result, in such a benefit to the public that— (c) the entering into of the contract or arrangement or the arriving at the understanding should be permitted; or (d) the giving effect to the cartel provision should be permitted.
(4) For the purpose of subsection (3), it is not necessary for the Commission to determine whether a particular provision is in fact a cartel provision, providing there are reasonable grounds for believing it might be.

Section 65AB: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Manage‐ ment Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
65AC Modifications in relation to certain applications made during epidemic period (1) The modifications set out in this section apply in relation to— (a) an application for authorisation under section 58(1) or (2) made during the epidemic period; or (b) an application for an authorisation under section 65AA(2) or (3).

(2) Despite section 60(1), the Commission may, in its discretion, waive all or part of any fee payable for the application.
154 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 65AD (3) Despite section 61(5), the Commission may, in its discretion, determine the application without complying with section 62.

Section 65AC: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Manage‐ ment Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
65AD Provisional authorisations for certain applications made during epidemic period (1) (2) (3) (4) This section applies if the Commission receives an application under section 58(1) or (2) or 65AA(2) or (3) during the epidemic period.
The Commission may make a determination in writing granting a provisional authorisation for an application under section 58(1) or (2) or 65AA(2) or (3) if the Commission considers it is appropriate to do so— (a) for the purpose of enabling due consideration to be given to the applica‐ tion; or (b) for any other reason.

The Commission is not required to comply with section 61(5) to (6A) before granting a provisional authorisation.
For the purposes of this section, a reference in any of sections 58A, 58B, 59A, 59B, 61(2), 65, 92, 100, 104, 105, or 106(10) to an authorisation must be treated as if it is a reference to a provisional authorisation.
(4A) If section 32(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 amends subsection (4) of this section during the epidemic period,— (a) (b) subsection (4), as in force before that amendment was made, continues to apply for the purposes of this section (as if that amendment had not been made) in respect of contracts to which section 59(1)(a) of this Act applies that are entered into before section 32(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 came into force (and, for the purposes of this paragraph, section 59(3) of this Act is disregarded): in respect of contracts to which section 59(1)(a) of this Act applies that are entered into on or after section 32(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 came into force, section 59(3) of this Act applies for the pur‐ poses of this section as if the reference to— (i) (ii) an interim authorisation granted under section 65AAA is a refer‐ ence to a provisional authorisation granted under this section; and an authorisation under section 58 includes a reference to an authorisation under section 65AA.
(5) A provisional authorisation remains in force until— (a) (b) the applicant withdraws its application for an authorisation; or the Commission revokes the provisional authorisation under section 65; or 155 Part 5 s 65AE Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) the Commission declines or grants the application for an authorisation under section 58(1) or (2) or 65AA(2) or (3).
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit the Commission’s ability to grant a provisional authorisation for such period as the Commission sees fit.

Section 65AD: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Manage‐ ment Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).

Section 65AD(4): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 32(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 65AD(4A): inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 32(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
65AE Repeal of sections 65AA to 65AE This section and sections 65AA to 65AD are repealed immediately after the expiry of the 6-month period that starts on the date on which the Epidemic Pre‐ paredness (COVID-19) Notice 2020 expires or is revoked.

Section 65AE: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Manage‐ ment Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
65A Commission may give clearances relating to cartel provisions (1) A person who proposes to enter into a contract or arrangement, or arrive at an understanding, that contains, or may contain, a cartel provision may apply to the Commission for a clearance under this section.
(2) The Commission must give a clearance under this section if it is satisfied that— (a) (b) (c) the applicant and any other party to the proposed contract, arrangement, or understanding are or will be involved in a collaborative activity; and every cartel provision in the contract, arrangement, or understanding is reasonably necessary for the purpose of the collaborative activity; and entering into the contract or arrangement, or arriving at the understand‐ ing, or giving effect to any provision of the contract, arrangement, or understanding, will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.
For the purpose of subsection (2), it is not necessary for the Commission to determine whether a particular provision is in fact a cartel provision, providing there are reasonable grounds for believing it might be.
If clearance is not given within 30 working days after the date on which the application is registered in accordance with section 60(2)(a), the Commission is deemed to have declined to give the clearance, subject to any alternative timetable agreed between the Commission and the person applying for clear‐ ance.

Section 65A: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 17 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
(3) (4) 156 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 66 65B Effect of clearance under section 65A The effect of a clearance given under section 65A is that— (a) (b) (c) a party to the contract, arrangement, or understanding to which the clear‐ ance relates does not contravene section 27 or 30 by entering into the contract or arrangement, or arriving at the understanding; and a person does not contravene section 27 or 30 by giving effect to any cartel provision in the contract, arrangement, or understanding to which the clearance relates; and section 30C(1) does not apply to any cartel provision in the contract, arrangement, or understanding.
Section 65B: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 17 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

65C Procedures relating to clearances (1) (2) Section 60 (except subsections (2)(c) and (3)) applies to an application for a clearance under section 65A in the same way as it applies to an application for an authorisation made under section 58.

Every clearance given under section 65A must be given by way of written notice to the applicant.
Section 65C: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 17 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

65D Revocation of clearances (1) The Commission may revoke a clearance given under section 65A if it is satis‐ fied that— (a) the clearance was given on information that was false or misleading in a material particular; or (b) there has been a material change of circumstances.
(2) The Commission must not revoke a clearance unless the person to whom the clearance was given, and any other person who in the opinion of the Commis‐ sion is likely to have an interest in the matter, is given a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Commission and the Commission has had regard to those submissions.

Section 65D: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 17 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Business acquisitions Heading: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

66 Commission may give clearances for business acquisitions (1) A person who proposes to acquire assets of a business or shares may give the Commission a notice seeking clearance for the acquisition.
157 Part 5 s 67 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) Subsections (1), (2)(a) and (b), (4), and (5) of section 60 shall apply in respect of every notice given under subsection (1) as if the notice was an application under section 58.
(3) Within 40 working days after the date of registration of the notice, or such longer period as the Commission and the person who gave the notice agree, the Commission shall either— (a) (b) if it is satisfied that the acquisition will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market, by notice in writing to the person by or on whose behalf the notice was given, give a clearance for the acquisition; or if it is not satisfied that the acquisition will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a mar‐ ket, by notice in writing to the person by or on whose behalf the notice was given, decline to give a clearance for the acquisition.
(4) If the period specified in subsection (3) expires without the Commission hav‐ ing given a clearance for the acquisition and without having given a notice under subsection (3)(b), the Commission shall be deemed to have declined to give a clearance for the acquisition.
(5) A clearance given under subsection (3) expires— (a) (b) 12 months after the date on which it was given; or in the event of an appeal being made against the determination of the Commission giving the clearance, and the determination being con‐ firmed by the court, 12 months after the date on which the determination is confirmed.

Section 66: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 66(3): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 18 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 66(3)(a): amended, on 15 December 2005, by section 3(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2005 (2005 No 95).

Section 66(3)(a): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 11(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 66(3)(b): amended, on 15 December 2005, by section 3(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2005 (2005 No 95).
Section 66(3)(b): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 11(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

67 Commission may grant authorisations for business acquisitions (1) A person who proposes to acquire assets of a business or shares may give the Commission a notice seeking an authorisation for the acquisition.

Subsections (1), (2)(a) and (b), (4), and (5) of section 60 shall apply in respect of every notice given under subsection (1) as if the notice was an application under section 58.
(2) 158 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 68 (3) Within 60 working days after the date of registration of the notice, or such longer period as the Commission and the person who gave the notice agree, the Commission shall— (a) (b) (c) if it is satisfied that the acquisition will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market, by notice in writing to the person by or on whose behalf the notice was given, give a clearance for the acquisition; or if it is satisfied that the acquisition will result, or will be likely to result, in such a benefit to the public that it should be permitted, by notice in writing to the person by or on whose behalf the notice was given, grant an authorisation for the acquisition; or if it is not satisfied as to the matters referred to in paragraph (a) or para‐ graph (b), by notice in writing to the person by or on whose behalf the notice was given, decline to give a clearance or grant an authorisation for the acquisition.
(4) If the period specified in subsection (3) expires without the Commission hav‐ ing given a clearance or having granted an authorisation or having declined to do so, the Commission shall be deemed to have declined to give a clearance or grant an authorisation.

(5) The Commission shall state in writing its reasons for a determination made by it under subsection (3).
(6) A clearance given or an authorisation granted under subsection (3) expires— (a) (b) 12 months after the date on which it was given or granted; or in the event of an appeal being made against the determination of the Commission giving the clearance or granting the authorisation, and the determination of the Commission being confirmed by the court, 12 months after the date on which the determination is confirmed.
Section 67: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 67(3)(a): amended, on 15 December 2005, by section 4 of the Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2005 (2005 No 95).

Section 67(3)(a): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 11(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
68 (1) Provisions applying to applications for clearances and authorisations for business acquisitions Every person who gives a notice under section 66 or section 67 shall from time to time produce or, as the case may be, furnish to the Commission, within such time as it may specify, such documents and information in relation to the acquisition as may be required by the Commission for the purpose of enabling it to exercise its functions under this section or section 66 or section 67.
159 Part 5 s 69 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) Notwithstanding section 66 or section 67, where the Commission is of the opinion that a proposed acquisition is, for reasons other than arising from the application of any provision of this Act, unlikely to be proceeded with, the Commission may, in its discretion, decline to give a clearance or grant an authorisation for that acquisition under this section.
(3) The Commission shall state in writing its reasons for declining to give a clear‐ ance or grant an authorisation under subsection (2).
(4) A person who has given a notice in respect of an acquisition under section 66 or section 67 may at any time, by notice in writing to the Commission, advise the Commission that it does not wish the Commission to give a clearance or grant an authorisation and the Commission shall accordingly not give a clear‐ ance or grant an authorisation in respect of that acquisition.
(5) The Commission may consult with any person who, in the opinion of the Com‐ mission, is able to assist it in making a determination under section 66 or sec‐ tion 67, as the case may be.

Section 68: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
69 Effect of clearance or authorisation Nothing in section 27, 47, or 47A applies to the acquisition of assets of a busi‐ ness or shares if the assets or shares are acquired in accordance with a clear‐ ance or an authorisation and while the clearance or authorisation is in force.

Section 69: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 69: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 19 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

69A Commission may accept undertakings (1) (2) In giving a clearance or granting an authorisation under section 66 or section 67, the Commission may accept a written undertaking given by or on behalf of the person who gave a notice under section 66(1) or section 67(1), as the case may be, to dispose of assets or shares specified in the undertaking.
The Commission shall not accept an undertaking in relation to the giving of a clearance or the granting of an authorisation under section 66 or section 67, other than an undertaking given under subsection (1).

(3) An undertaking given to the Commission under subsection (1) is deemed to form part of the clearance given or the authorisation granted in relation to the acquisition to which the undertaking relates.

(4) This section overrides section 74A.


Section 69A: inserted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 69A(4): inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 11 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
160 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 69B 69AB Authorisation or clearance void if undertaking contravened (1) If a person contravenes an undertaking accepted under section 69A, the clear‐ ance given or the authorisation granted in relation to the acquisition to which the undertaking relates is void and of no effect from the date it was given or granted.

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent the court from making an order under sections 85A to 85C in relation to the undertaking.
Section 69AB: inserted, on 14 October 2008 (applying only to undertakings under section 69A that are accepted in relation to clearances given or authorisations granted on notices under section 66 or 67 that are registered after that date), by section 7(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
69AC Variation of undertaking (1) The Commission may, on an application made under subsection (2), accept a variation of an undertaking given under section 69A if it considers that the variation would not have materially affected its decision to give the clearance or grant the authorisation in relation to the acquisition to which the undertaking relates if the variation had been proposed at the time of the decision.
(2) An application for a variation under subsection (1)— (a) may be made only by the person who gave the undertaking or on whose behalf the undertaking was given; and (b) must be made no later than 20 working days before the date on which the relevant obligation under the undertaking must be met.

(3) The Commission must notify the person who made the application of its deci‐ sion on the application no later than 3 working days before the relevant obliga‐ tion under the undertaking must be met.
(4) A variation under subsection (1)— (a) (b) comes into force on a date specified in the variation (being a date that is on or after the date on which the variation is accepted); and is deemed to form part of the undertaking (and, accordingly, is deemed under section 69A(3) to form part of the clearance given or the author‐ isation granted in relation to the acquisition to which the undertaking relates).
Section 69AC: inserted, on 14 October 2008 (applying to every undertaking accepted under section 69A before that date if the period for giving effect to the undertaking has not expired at that time and to every undertaking accepted under section 69A after that date), by section 7(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
69B Conferences in relation to business acquisitions (1) Before making a determination under section 66(3) or section 67(3) in relation to an acquisition, the Commission may determine to hold a conference and shall appoint a date, time, and place for the holding of the conference and give 161 Part 5 s 70 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 notice of the date, time, and place so appointed and of the matters to be consid‐ ered at the conference to the persons entitled to be present at the conference.
(2) The provisions of section 64 shall apply to every conference held under this section as if— (a) (b) (c) every reference in that section to a conference called under section 62, were a reference to a conference held under this section; and the reference in subsection (1)(b) of that section to a person to whom a draft determination was sent under section 62(2), were a reference to the person by or on whose behalf a notice was given under section 66(1) or section 67(1), as the case may be; and the reference in subsection (6) of that section to a determination in respect of an application, were a reference to a determination under sec‐ tion 66(3) or section 67(3), as the case may be.
Section 69B: inserted, on 1 January 1991, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Authorisations in respect of controlled goods or services [Repealed] Heading: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

70 Authorisations in respect of prices, revenues, and quality standards [Repealed] Section 70: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
70A Considerations to be observed by Commission [Repealed] Section 70A: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

70B Procedure for making authorisations [Repealed] Section 70B: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

70C Remedies and penalties if overcharging or quality standards breached [Repealed] Section 70C: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
162 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 5 s 74 70D Terms of authorisations [Repealed] Section 70D: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

70E Investigations and audits [Repealed] Section 70E: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
70F Revocation and amendment of authorisations [Repealed] Section 70F: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

71 Provisional authorisations [Repealed] Section 71: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

72 Alternative undertakings [Repealed] Section 72: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
73 Conferences in relation to authorisations about controlled goods or services [Repealed] Section 73: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

74 Levies [Repealed] Section 74: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
163 Part 6 s 74AA Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Part 6 Enforcement, remedies, and appeals Power to accept undertakings Heading: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

74AA Commission may accept undertakings [Repealed] Section 74AA: repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
74A Commission may accept undertakings (1) (2) (3) The Commission may accept a written undertaking given by, or on behalf of, a person in connection with any matter relating to the enforcement of this Act.

The person may withdraw or vary the undertaking with the consent of the Commission.

See section 69A, which overrides this section in respect of undertakings relat‐ ing to clearances or authorisations for business acquisitions.
Compare: 1986 No 121 s 46A Section 74A: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
74B Matters included in undertakings (1) An undertaking under section 74A may, without limitation, include either or both of the following: (a) (b) an undertaking to pay compensation to any person or otherwise take action to avoid, remedy, or mitigate any actual or likely adverse effects arising from a contravention, or possible contravention, of this Act: an undertaking to pay to the Commission all or part of the Commission’s costs incurred in investigating, or bringing proceedings in relation to, a contravention, or possible contravention, of this Act.
(2) However, the Commission may accept an undertaking relating to the enforce‐ ment of section 47 only if the undertaking is to dispose of assets or shares spe‐ cified in the undertaking.
(3) If the Commission accepts an undertaking that involves payment of compensa‐ tion to any person, or payment of the Commission’s costs, the Commission must make the following information publicly available: (a) (b) the amount of the compensation, or of the Commission’s costs, that has been undertaken to be paid; and a brief description of the circumstances and nature of the contravention or possible contravention of this Act to which the undertaking relates.
164 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 75 (4) In this section, a contravention means any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) an actual contravention: aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring a contravention: inducing a contravention, whether by threats, promises, or otherwise: being in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, a contravention: (e) conspiring with any other person in a contravention.
Section 74B: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

74C Enforcement of undertakings (1) (2) If the Commission considers that a person has breached an undertaking given under section 74A, the Commission may apply to the High Court for an order under subsection (2).
The court may make any 1 or more of the following orders if it is satisfied that the person has breached a term of the undertaking: (a) (b) (c) an order directing the person to comply with the term: an order directing the person to pay to the Crown an amount not exceed‐ ing the amount of any financial benefit that the person has obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the breach: any order that the court thinks appropriate that directs the person to com‐ pensate any other person who has suffered loss or damage as a result of the breach: (d) an order for any consequential relief that the court thinks appropriate.
Compare: 1986 No 121 s 46B Section 74C: replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

74D Pecuniary penalties for contravention of cease and desist order [Repealed] Section 74D: repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Jurisdiction of courts 75 (1) Jurisdiction of High Court In accordance with this Part, the High Court must hear and determine the fol‐ lowing matters: (aa) applications for orders under section 74C to enforce undertakings: (a) in the case of contraventions of Part 2,— 165 Part 6 s 75 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (i) (ii) (iii) proceedings for the recovery of pecuniary penalties under section 80: applications for injunctions under section 81: actions for damages under section 82: (b) in the case of contraventions of Part 3,— (i) proceedings for the recovery of pecuniary penalties under section 83: (ii) applications for injunctions under section 84: (iia) actions for damages under section 84A: (iii) proceedings under section 85: (c) in the case of contraventions relating to Part 4,— (i) (ii) (iii) proceedings for the recovery of pecuniary penalties under section 86 or 87: applications for orders under section 86A, 86C, or 87A: applications for injunctions under section 87C: (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) applications for orders under section 89: appeals against determinations of the Commission: applications for orders under section 80B or section 80C: proceedings for offences against section 80E: applications for orders under section 82A: applications for orders under section 85A or 85B.
(2) [Repealed] Section 75(1): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 13(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 75(1)(aa): replaced, on 26 October 2018, by section 13(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 75(1)(b)(i): substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 25 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 75(1)(b)(iia): inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 5 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).
Section 75(1)(c): substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 9(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 75(1)(e): added, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 75(1)(f): added, on 26 May 2001, by section 16(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 75(1)(g): added, on 26 May 2001, by section 16(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Section 75(1)(h): added, on 26 May 2001, by section 16(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

166 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 77 Section 75(1)(i): added, on 14 October 2008, by section 9(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 75(2): repealed, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).
76 Jurisdiction of District Court In accordance with this Part, the District Court must hear and determine pro‐ ceedings for offences against sections 86B, 87B, 100, and 103.

Section 76 heading: amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 14(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 76: amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 14(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 76: amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
77 (1) Additional lay members of High Court for purposes of appellate jurisdiction in respect of Commission determinations This section applies for the purposes of the exercise by the court of its jurisdic‐ tion and powers under sections 91 to 97.

(1A) There are to be lay members of the court appointed from time to time by the Governor-General.
(2) No person shall be appointed as a lay member of the court unless, in the opin‐ ion of the Governor-General, that person is qualified for appointment by virtue of that person’s knowledge or experience in industry, commerce, economics, law, or accountancy.

(3) A lay member of the court shall hold office for such term, not exceeding 5 years, as the Governor-General shall specify in that member’s instrument of appointment, but may from time to time be reappointed.
(4) (5) There shall be paid to such lay members, out of money appropriated by Parlia‐ ment for the purpose, remuneration by way of fees, salary, or allowances, and travelling allowances and expenses, in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951, and the provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly as if the court were a statutory Board within the meaning of that Act.
The Governor-General may terminate the appointment of a lay member of the court for inability to perform the functions of the office, bankruptcy, neglect of duty, or misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Governor-General.

(6) Any lay member of the court may resign his office by notice in writing to the Minister.
(7) Notwithstanding that the term of office of a lay member of the court has expired or that a lay member has resigned that office, that person shall be deemed to continue as a lay member of the court for the purpose of completing the hearing of any matter before that person, as a lay member of the court, 167 Part 6 s 77 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 which was commenced before the expiration of the term of office or before the resignation took effect, as the case may be.
Before entering upon the exercise of the duties of their office, the lay members shall take an oath before a Judge of the court that they will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of their office.

The presence of a Judge of the court and of at least 1 lay member shall be necessary to constitute a sitting of the court.
(8) (9) (10) The decision of a majority (including the Judge or, where more than 1 Judge sits, including a majority of the Judges) of the members present at a sitting of the court shall be the decision of the court.

(11) (12) If the members present are equally divided in opinion, the decision of the Judge, or of a majority of the Judges, shall be the decision of the court.
If any question before the court cannot be decided in accordance with subsec‐ tions (10) and (11), the question shall be referred to the Court of Appeal for decision in accordance with the practice and procedure of that court, which for the purpose shall have all the powers of the High Court under this Part.

(13) The decision of the Court of Appeal in any proceedings under this section takes effect, and must be entered, as if it were a decision of the High Court under this Act.
(14) Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this section, a Judge of the court sitting alone shall have jurisdiction to make any of the following orders: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) an order on any application made in the course of any proceedings: an order that is not opposed: an order in any proceedings that the parties agree should be heard and determined by a Judge alone: an order in any proceedings where the matter in issue is substantially a question of law only: an order made on the application of any party directing that any proceed‐ ings should be heard and determined by a Judge alone on the ground that the matter in issue is substantially a question of law only: (f) an order granting the leave of the court to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 122A; 1983 No 144 s 41; 1985 No 7 s 2 Section 77(1): replaced, on 30 May 2017, by section 11 of the Regulatory Systems (Commercial Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 77(1A): inserted, on 30 May 2017, by section 11 of the Regulatory Systems (Commercial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12).

Section 77(2): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).
Section 77(3): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

168 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 78 Section 77(5): amended, on 1 January 2002, by section 70(1) of the Human Rights Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 96).

Section 77(5): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 77(6): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).
Section 77(7): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 77(9): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 77(13): amended, on 1 January 2004, by section 48(1) of the Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53).

Section 77(14): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).
78 (1) Lay members of High Court in certain cases For the purposes of the exercise by the High Court of its civil jurisdiction under section 47A, 47B, or 47D or sections 80 to 85 in respect of proceedings that relate to section 27, 28, 30, 36, 36A, 37, 38, 47, or 47B, a Judge of the court may, of his own motion or on the application of any party to the proceedings, require any person or persons appointed as a lay member or lay members of the High Court pursuant to section 77, to hear and determine the proceedings as an additional lay member or additional lay members of the court.
(2) Where a lay member of the High Court is required pursuant to subsection (1) to hear and determine any proceedings as an additional lay member of the court, that person shall for the purposes of those proceedings be a lay member of the court.

(3) The provisions of subsections (10) to (13) of section 77 shall apply in respect of any proceedings to which this section applies as if the proceedings to which those provisions refer were proceedings in the High Court under sections 80 to 85.
(4) Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this section, a Judge of the court sitting alone shall have jurisdiction— (a) to make any of the following orders— (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) an order on any application made in the course of any proceed‐ ings: an order that is not opposed: an order in any proceedings that the parties agree should be heard and determined by a Judge alone: an order in any proceedings where the matter in issue is substan‐ tially a question of law only: an order made on the application of any party directing that any proceedings should be heard and determined by a Judge alone on 169 Part 6 s 79 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 the ground that the matter in issue is substantially a question of law only: (vi) an order granting the leave of the court to appeal to the Court of Appeal: [Repealed] to exercise the power to make an order directing the payment of a pecu‐ niary penalty pursuant to section 80 or section 83: to exercise the power to grant an injunction pursuant to section 81 or section 84: to exercise the power to make an order for the payment of damages in proceedings under section 82 or section 84A: to exercise the power to make an order directing the disposal of shares or assets under section 85.
(b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Section 78(1): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 20(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 78(1): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 78(2): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 78(3): amended, on 1 January 1991, by section 26(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 78(4)(b): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 20(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 78(4)(c): amended, on 1 January 1991, by section 26(3)(a) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 78(4)(d): amended, on 1 January 1991, by section 26(3)(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 78(4)(e): amended, on 1 January 1991, by section 26(3)(c) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 78(4)(f): added, on 1 January 1991, by section 26(3)(d) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

79 Evidence not otherwise admissible In the exercise of its jurisdiction under this Part, except in respect of criminal proceedings and proceedings for pecuniary penalties, the court may receive in evidence any statement, document, or information that would not be otherwise admissible that may in its opinion assist it to deal effectively with the matter.
Section 79: amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 11 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

170 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 80 Proceedings for pecuniary penalties Heading: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
79A Proceedings for pecuniary penalties In any proceedings under this Part for a pecuniary penalty— (a) (b) the standard of proof is the standard of proof applying in civil proceed‐ ings; and the Commission may, by the order of the court, obtain discovery and administer interrogatories.

Section 79A: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
79B Relationship between pecuniary penalties and criminal liability (1) Once criminal proceedings against a person for an offence under section 82B, 86B, or 87B are determined, the High Court may not order the person to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of the conduct, events, transactions, or other mat‐ ters that were the subject of the criminal proceedings.
(2) Once civil proceedings against a person for a pecuniary penalty under this Part are determined, the person may not be convicted of an offence under section 82B, 86B, or 87B in respect of the conduct, events, transactions, or other mat‐ ters that were the subject of the civil proceedings.
(3) Any uncompleted proceedings for an order under this Act that a person pay a pecuniary penalty must be stayed if criminal proceedings are started or have already been started against the person for the same act or omission, or sub‐ stantially the same act or omission, in respect of which the pecuniary penalty order is sought.

Section 79B: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 79B(1): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 9(1) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 79B(2): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 9(2) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 79B(3): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 21 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Restrictive trade practices 80 (1) Pecuniary penalties relating to restrictive trade practices If the court is satisfied on the application of the Commission that a person— (a) (b) has contravened any of the provisions of Part 2; or has attempted to contravene such a provision; or 171 Part 6 s 80 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) (d) (e) has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contra‐ vene such a provision; or has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene such a provision; or has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of such a provision; or (f) has conspired with any other person to contravene such a provision,— the court may order the person to pay to the Crown such pecuniary penalty as the court determines to be appropriate.
(2) The court must order an individual who has engaged in any conduct referred to in subsection (1) to pay a pecuniary penalty, unless the court considers that there is good reason for not making that order.

(2A) In determining an appropriate penalty under this section, the court must have regard to all relevant matters, in particular,— (a) (b) any exemplary damages awarded under section 82A; and in the case of a body corporate, the nature and extent of any commercial gain.
(2B) The amount of any pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omis‐ sion, exceed,— (a) (b) in the case of an individual, $500,000; or in any other case, the greater of the following: (i) (ii) $10 million: either,— (A) (B) if it can be readily ascertained and if the court is satisfied that the contravention occurred in the course of producing a commercial gain, 3 times the value of any commercial gain resulting from the contravention; or if the commercial gain cannot readily be ascertained, 10% of the turnover of the person and all its interconnected bod‐ ies corporate (if any) in each accounting period in which the contravention occurred.
(2C) In proceedings relating to a contravention of section 30, if the defendant claims that an exception in section 31, 32, or 33 applies, it is for the defendant to prove, on the balance of probabilities, that the relevant exception applies.
[Repealed] [Repealed] Proceedings under this section may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to (3) (4) (5) 172 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 80A have been discovered.

However, no proceedings under this section may be commenced 10 years or more after the matter giving rise to the contravention.
(6) Where conduct by any person constitutes a contravention of 2 or more provi‐ sions of Part 2, proceedings may be instituted under this Act against that person in relation to the contravention of any 1 or more of the provisions; but no per‐ son shall be liable to more than 1 pecuniary penalty under this section in respect of the same conduct.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 ss 76, 77 (Aust) Section 80 heading: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 22(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 80(1): amended, on 26 May 2001, by section 17(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 80(2): substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 17(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Section 80(2A): inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 17(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 80(2B): inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 17(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 80(2B)(b): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 22(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 80(2C): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 22(3) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 80(3): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(2)(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 80(4): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(2)(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 80(5): substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 17(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
80A Restriction on indemnities relating to contraventions of section 30 (1) A body corporate must not indemnify any director, employee, or agent, or for‐ mer director, employee, or agent, of the body corporate or of any of its inter‐ connected bodies corporate (person A) in respect of— (a) (b) (c) (d) any pecuniary penalty imposed on person A by the court under section 80 in respect of a contravention of section 30; or any costs incurred by person A in defending any civil proceedings in which the pecuniary penalty referred to in paragraph (a) is imposed; or any penalty imposed on person A by the court following the conviction of person A under section 82B; or any costs incurred by person A in defending any criminal proceedings in which person A is convicted under section 82B.
(2) An indemnity given in contravention of subsection (1) is void.

(3) In this section, indemnify includes relieve or excuse from liability, whether before or after the liability arises; and indemnity has a corresponding meaning.

173 Part 6 s 80B Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 80A: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 23 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 80A(1)(b): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 10(1) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 80A(1)(c): inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 10(2) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Section 80A(1)(d): inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 10(2) of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
80B Pecuniary penalties for contravention of section 80A (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) If the court is satisfied on the application of the Commission that a person has acted in contravention of section 80A, the court may order the person to pay to the Crown any pecuniary penalty that the court determines to be appropriate.

The amount of any pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omis‐ sion, exceed 2 times the value of any indemnity given in contravention of sec‐ tion 80A.
[Repealed] [Repealed] Proceedings under this section may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered.

However, no proceedings under this section may be commenced 10 years or more after the matter giving rise to the contravention.

Section 80B: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Section 80B(1): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(b) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 80B(3): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(2)(c) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 80B(4): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(2)(c) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
80C Court may order certain persons to be excluded from management of body corporate The court may make an order that a person must not, without the leave of the court, be a director or promoter of, or in any way, either directly or indirectly, be concerned or take part in the management of, a body corporate for a period not exceeding 5 years as may be specified in the order, if the court is satisfied on the application of the Commission that the person has, in contravention of section 30,— (a) (b) entered into a contract or arrangement, or has arrived at an understand‐ ing, that contains a cartel provision; or given effect to a contract, arrangement, or understanding that contains a cartel provision.
(c) [Repealed] 174 Version as at 24 January 2023 (d) [Repealed] Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 80E Section 80C: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 80C: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 24(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 80C(a): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 24(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 80C(b): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 24(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 80C(c): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 24(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 80C(d): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 24(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
80D Application for order under section 80C (1) The Commission must give not less than 10 days’ notice of its intention to apply for an order under section 80C to the person against whom the order is sought.
(2) On the hearing of the Commission’s application or an application for leave by a person against whom an order under section 80C has been made,— (a) (b) the Commission must appear and call the attention of the court to any matter that seems to it to be relevant, and may give evidence or call wit‐ nesses; and the person against whom the order is sought or has been made may appear and give evidence or call witnesses.
(3) The Registrar of the court must, as soon as practicable after the making of an order under section 80C, give notice of the order to— (a) (b) the person against whom the order has been made; and the Registrar of Companies, and the Registrar of Companies must give notice in the Gazette of the name of the person against whom the order is made.

Section 80D: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
80E Offence to act in contravention of order made under section 80C (1) Every person commits an offence who acts in contravention of an order made under section 80C.

(2) A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine not exceeding $200,000.
(3) [Repealed] 175 Part 6 s 81 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 80E: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 80E(3): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
81 Injunctions may be granted by court for contravention of Part 2 The court may, on the application of the Commission or any other person, grant an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct that constitutes or would constitute any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) a contravention of any of the provisions of Part 2: any attempt to contravene such a provision: aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring any other person to contra‐ vene such a provision: inducing, or attempting to induce, any other person, whether by threats, promises or otherwise, to contravene such a provision: being in any way directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of such a provision: (f) conspiring with any other person to contravene such a provision.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 80(1), (2) (Aust) Section 81: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Actions for damages for contravention of Part 2 Every person is liable in damages for any loss or damage caused by that person engaging in conduct that constitutes any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) a contravention of any of the provisions of Part 2: aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring the contravention of such a provision: inducing by threats, promises, or otherwise the contravention of such a provision: being in any way directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention of such a provision: conspiring with any other person in the contravention of such a provi‐ sion.
82 (1) (2) An action under subsection (1) may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered.

However, no action under subsection (1) may be com‐ menced 10 years or more after the matter giving rise to the contravention.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 82 (Aust) 176 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 82B Section 82(1): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 82(2): substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 19 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
82A Exemplary damages for contravention of Part 2 (1) The court may order a person who has engaged in any conduct referred to in section 82(1) to pay exemplary damages even though the court has made, or may make, an order directing the person to pay a pecuniary penalty under sec‐ tion 80 for the same conduct.
(2) In determining whether to award exemplary damages and, if they are to be awarded, the amount of them, the court must have regard to— (a) whether a pecuniary penalty has been imposed on the defendant for a contravention involving the conduct concerned in the claim for exem‐ plary damages; and (b) if so, the amount of the pecuniary penalty.

(3) The court may not order a person to pay exemplary damages in relation to con‐ duct for which the person has been convicted of an offence under section 82B.
Section 82A: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 20 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

Section 82A(3): inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 11 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Car‐ tels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
82B Offence relating to cartel prohibition (1) A person commits an offence if— (a) the person,— (i) (ii) in contravention of section 30(1)(a), enters into a contract or arrangement, or arrives at an understanding, that contains a cartel provision; and intends, at that time, to engage in price fixing, restricting output, or market allocating; or (b) the person,— (i) (ii) in contravention of section 30(1)(b), gives effect to a cartel provi‐ sion; and intends, at the time the cartel provision is given effect to, to engage in price fixing, restricting output, or market allocating.
(2) An individual who commits an offence against this section is liable on convic‐ tion to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or a fine not exceeding $500,000, or both.
(3) A person other than an individual that commits an offence against this section is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding the greater of the following: (a) $10 million: 177 Part 6 s 82C Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) either,— (i) (ii) if it can be readily ascertained and if the court is satisfied that the offence occurred in the course of producing a commercial gain, 3 times the value of any commercial gain resulting from the contra‐ vention; or if the commercial gain cannot be readily ascertained, 10% of the turnover of the person and all its interconnected bodies corporate (if any) in each accounting period in which the contravention occurred.
(4) See the exceptions set out in Part 2, which relate to conduct that would other‐ wise contravene section 30(1)(a) or (b).

Section 82B: inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 4 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
82C Defence relating to exceptions to cartel prohibition (1) In a prosecution under section 82B, it is a defence if, at the time of the alleged contravention, the defendant believed on reasonable grounds that 1 or more of the exceptions set out in Part 2 applied in relation to the conduct that constitu‐ ted the alleged contravention.

(2) However, the defence does not apply if the defendant’s belief is based on igno‐ rance, or mistake, of any matter of law.
Section 82C: inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 4 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
82D Disclosure by defendant in cartel prosecution (1) A defendant that wishes to claim that an exception set out in Part 2 applied in relation to the conduct that constituted the alleged contravention, or to rely on the defence in section 82C, must— (a) (b) notify the prosecution of that fact within 20 working days after the defendant pleads not guilty (or at any later time with the leave of the court); and at the same time, provide sufficient details about the application of the relevant section to inform the prosecution about how the exception is claimed to have applied or how the defence will be relied on.
(2) The court or the Registrar of the court must give written notice of the require‐ ments in subsection (1) to a defendant who pleads not guilty.

Section 82D: inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 4 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
82E Consequences of failure to disclose under section 82D (1) This section applies if, at the hearing or trial of a defendant, the court is satis‐ fied that— 178 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 83 (a) evidence sought to be adduced by the defendant is, or is based on, infor‐ mation that should have been disclosed to the prosecution under section 82D; and (b) that information was not disclosed.
(2) The court may— (a) exclude the evidence; or (b) with or without requiring the evidence to be disclosed, adjourn the hear‐ ing or trial; or (c) (d) admit the evidence if it is in the interests of justice to do so; or exercise its powers under any other enactment or rule of law that deals with the failure of a party to comply with the directions of the court.
(3) However, if it appears to the court that the defendant was not given notice in accordance with section 82D(2), the court— (a) must not order the exclusion of evidence under subsection (2)(a); but (b) must adjourn the hearing or trial if the prosecution requests an adjourn‐ ment.

Compare: 2008 No 38 s 34 Section 82E: inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 4 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
Business acquisitions Heading: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 29 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
83 (1) Pecuniary penalties relating to business acquisitions The court may, on the application of the Commission, order a person to pay a pecuniary penalty to the Crown if the court is satisfied that the person— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) has contravened section 47 or 47B; or has attempted to contravene either of those sections; or has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contra‐ vene either of those sections; or has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene either of those sections; or has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of either of those sec‐ tions; or has conspired with any other person to contravene either of those sec‐ tions.
(1A) [Repealed] 179 Part 6 s 83 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) In determining an appropriate penalty under this section, the court must have regard to all relevant matters, including— (a) (b) the nature and extent of the act or omission: the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the act or omission: (c) the circumstances in which the act or omission took place: (d) whether or not the person has previously been found by the court in pro‐ ceedings under this Part to have engaged in any similar conduct.
(3) The amount of any pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omis‐ sion, exceed,— (a) (b) in the case of an individual, $500,000; or in any other case, the greater of the following: (i) (ii) $10 million: either,— (A) (B) if it can be readily ascertained and if the court is satisfied that the contravention occurred in the course of producing a commercial gain, 3 times the value of any commercial gain resulting from the contravention; or if the commercial gain cannot readily be ascertained, 10% of the turnover of the person and all its interconnected bod‐ ies corporate (if any) in each accounting period in which the contravention occurred.
(3) (4) (5) [Repealed] [Repealed] Proceedings under this section may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention arose.

(6) A person is not liable to a pecuniary penalty under both section 80 and this sec‐ tion in respect of the same conduct.

Section 83: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 29 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 83 heading: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 25(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 83(1): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 25(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 83(1A): repealed, on 5 May 2022, by section 38(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Section 83(2): amended, on 5 May 2022, by section 38(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
Section 83(3): inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 38(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

180 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 84 Section 83(3): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(2)(d) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 83(4): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 12(2)(d) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
84 Injunctions may be granted by court for contravention of Part 3 or undertaking (1) Where it appears to the court, on the application of the Commission or any other person, that a person intends to engage, or is engaging, or has engaged, in conduct that constitutes or would constitute a contravention of section 47, the court, by order, may do all or any of the following things: (a) grant an injunction restraining any person from engaging in conduct that constitutes or would constitute— (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) a contravention of section 47: any attempt to contravene that provision: aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring any other person to contravene that provision: inducing or attempting to induce any other person, whether by threats, promises or otherwise, to contravene that provision: being in any way directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of that provi‐ sion: (b) (c) (vi) conspiring with any other person to contravene that provision: impose on any person obligations to be observed in the carrying on of any business or the safeguarding of any business or any assets of any business: provide for the carrying on of any business or the safeguarding of any business or assets of any business, either by the appointment of a person to conduct or supervise the conduct of any business (on such terms and with such powers as may be specified or described in the order), or in any other manner, as it thinks necessary in the circumstances of the case.
(2) If it appears to the court, on the application of the Commission, that a person intends to engage, or is engaging, or has engaged, in conduct that constitutes or would constitute a contravention of an undertaking accepted under section 69A, the court, by order, may do all or any of the following things: (a) grant an injunction restraining any person from engaging in conduct that constitutes or would constitute— (i) (ii) (iii) a contravention of that undertaking: any attempt to contravene that undertaking: aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring any other person to contravene that undertaking: 181 Part 6 s 84A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (iv) (v) inducing or attempting to induce any other person, whether by threats, promises, or otherwise, to contravene that undertaking: being in any way directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of that under‐ taking: (vi) conspiring with any other person to contravene that undertaking: impose on any person obligations to be observed in the carrying on of any business or the safeguarding of any business or any assets of any business: provide for the carrying on of any business or the safeguarding of any business or assets of any business, either by the appointment of a person to conduct or supervise the conduct of any business (on the terms and with the powers as may be specified or described in the order), or in any other manner, as it thinks necessary in the circumstances of the case.
(b) (c) Compare: 1975 No 113 s 81H; 1976 No 67 s 22; 1983 No 144 s 35 Section 84 heading: amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 13(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 84(1): amended, on 1 January 1991, by section 30(a) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 84(1)(a)(i): amended, on 1 January 1991, by section 30(b) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 84(2): added, on 14 October 2008 (applying only to undertakings under section 69A that are accepted in relation to clearances given or authorisations granted on notices under section 66 or 67 that are registered after that date), by section 13(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
84A Actions for damages for contravention of Part 3 (1) Every person is liable in damages for any loss or damage caused by that person engaging in conduct that constitutes any of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) a contravention of section 47 or 47B: aiding, abetting, counselling, or procuring the contravention of section 47 or 47B: inducing by threats, promises, or otherwise the contravention of section 47 or 47B: being in any way directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention of section 47 or 47B: conspiring with any other person in the contravention of section 47 or 47B.
(2) An action under subsection (1) may be commenced at any time within 3 years from the time when the cause of action arose.

182 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 85A Section 84A: inserted, on 1 January 1991, by section 31 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 84A(1): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 26 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
85 (1) Court may order divestiture of assets or shares in respect of contravention of section 47 In any case where the court, on the application of the Commission, is satisfied that any person— (a) (b) has contravened section 47; or has been found in any other proceedings under this Part to have contra‐ vened section 47,— it may, by order,— (c) (d) give directions for the disposal by that person of such assets or shares as shall be specified in the order; or give directions for the disposal by that person of any assets or shares in accordance with an undertaking given by the person under section 69A.
(2) An application under subsection (1) may be made at any time within 2 years from the date on which the contravention occurred.

Section 85: substituted, on 1 January 1991, by section 32 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 85 heading: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(a) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
85A Pecuniary penalties for contravention of undertaking (1) The court may, on the application of the Commission, order a person to pay a pecuniary penalty to the Crown if the court is satisfied that the person— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) has contravened an undertaking accepted under section 69A; or has attempted to contravene an undertaking accepted under section 69A; or has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contra‐ vene an undertaking accepted under section 69A; or has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene an undertaking accepted under section 69A; or has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of an undertaking accepted under section 69A; or has conspired with any other person to contravene an undertaking accepted under section 69A.
(2) However, the court may only make an order under subsection (1) if the acquisi‐ tion to which the undertaking relates has proceeded.

183 Part 6 s 85B Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (3) (4) The amount of pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omission, exceed $500,000.
In setting the amount of pecuniary penalty, the court must take into account all of the following matters: (a) (b) (c) the nature and extent of the contravention: the circumstances in which the contravention took place: whether the person has obstructed or hindered the Commission in any attempt of the Commission to obtain compliance with the undertaking: (d) whether the person has taken any steps with the intention of— (i) (ii) impeding the disposal of assets or shares in accordance with the undertaking; or limiting the effectiveness of the undertaking in preventing a sub‐ stantial lessening of competition in a market: (e) whether the person or an interconnected body corporate has previously been found by the court in proceedings under this Part to have engaged in similar conduct.
(5) Subsection (4) is subject to section 85C.

(6) A person may not be liable to more than 1 pecuniary penalty in respect of the same conduct.

(7) An application under this section may be made at any time within 12 months from the date on which the relevant obligation under the undertaking was required to be met.
Section 85A: inserted, on 14 October 2008 (applying only to undertakings under section 69A that are accepted in relation to clearances given or authorisations granted on notices under section 66 or 67 that are registered after that date), by section 14(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
85B Court may order divestiture of assets or shares in respect of contravention of undertaking (1) If the court, on the application of the Commission, is satisfied that any person has contravened an undertaking accepted under section 69A and the acquisition to which the undertaking relates has proceeded, the court may, by order, give directions for the disposal by that person of any assets or shares in accordance with the undertaking.
(2) An application under this section may be made at any time within 12 months from the date on which the relevant obligation under the undertaking was required to be met.

Section 85B: inserted, on 14 October 2008 (applying only to undertakings under section 69A that are accepted in relation to clearances given or authorisations granted on notices under section 66 or 67 that are registered after that date), by section 14(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
184 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 86 85C Matters court must not take into account under sections 85A and 85B For the purposes of sections 85A and 85B, the court must not take into account any of the following: (a) whether it was appropriate for the Commission to accept the undertaking under section 69A: (b) whether the undertaking under section 69A is still necessary or desira‐ ble: (c) (d) whether any of the terms of the undertaking under section 69A are still necessary or desirable: the extent to which the contravention of the undertaking under section 69A may have lessened competition in a market.
Section 85C: inserted, on 14 October 2008 (applying only to undertakings under section 69A that are accepted in relation to clearances given or authorisations granted on notices under section 66 or 67 that are registered after that date), by section 14(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Regulated goods or services Heading: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
86 (1) Pecuniary penalty for contravening information disclosure requirement The court may, on application by the Commission, order any person to pay a pecuniary penalty to the Crown if the court is satisfied that the person— (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) has contravened any information disclosure requirement (as defined in section 52C); or has attempted to contravene any such requirement; or has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contra‐ vene any such requirement; or has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene any such requirement; or has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of any such requirement; or (f) has conspired with any other person to contravene any such requirement.
(2) In subsection (1) and section 86B, a reference to contravening an information disclosure requirement includes all or any of the following: (a) (b) (c) failing to disclose information required to be disclosed: failing to disclose information in the form or within the time required: disclosing information under an information disclosure requirement that is false or misleading.
185 Part 6 s 86A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (3) (4) The amount of pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omission, exceed $500,000 in the case of an individual, or $5,000,000 in any other case.
In determining the amount of pecuniary penalty, the court must have regard to all relevant matters, including— (a) (b) (c) the nature and extent of the contravention; and the circumstances in which the contravention took place (including whether the contravention was intentional, inadvertent, or caused by negligence); and whether the person has previously been found by the court in proceed‐ ings under this Part to have engaged in similar conduct.
(5) A supplier may not be liable to more than 1 pecuniary penalty in respect of the same conduct.

(6) Proceedings under this section may be commenced at any time within 3 years after the contravention occurred.

Section 86: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 86(3): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(b) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
86A Order requiring information disclosure requirement to be complied with (1) The court may, on application by the Commission, order a supplier of regulated goods or services to comply with an information disclosure requirement that applies to the supplier.

(2) An order under this section must specify the date by which, or period within which, the supplier must comply with the requirement.

Section 86A: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
86B Offences relating to information disclosure regulation (1) A person commits an offence if— (a) (b) the person, knowing that particular goods or services are subject to infor‐ mation disclosure regulation, intentionally contravenes any information disclosure requirement relating to those goods or services; or the person is subject to an order under section 86A and fails to comply with the order by the date, or within the period, specified.
(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 in the case of an individual, or $1,000,000 in any other case.

(3) [Repealed] 186 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 87 Section 86B: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 86B(2): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(b) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 86B(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 86B(3): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
86C Orders where negotiate/arbitrate regulation applies (1) The court may, on the application of a party (party A) to negotiation or arbitra‐ tion in respect of goods or services that are subject to negotiate/arbitrate regula‐ tion, make either or both of the following orders: (a) (b) an order requiring another party to the negotiation or arbitration (party B) to comply with the relevant section 52P determination in the manner specified by the court: an order requiring party B to pay party A an amount to compensate party A for loss or damage suffered as a result of party B failing to co- operate, or inadequately co-operating with, the negotiation or arbitration.
(2) Any application for an order under subsection (1)(b) must be made within 1 year after the date on which the failure to co-operate, or inadequate co-oper‐ ation, occurred.
(3) In setting an amount under subsection (1)(b), the court must have regard to all relevant factors, including— (a) (b) (c) the nature and extent of the failure to co-operate; and the extent to which the failure was the result of factors outside the con‐ trol of party B; and whether party B has previously been ordered to pay compensation for a similar failure in proceedings under this section.

Section 86C: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
87 (1) Pecuniary penalty for contravening price-quality requirements The court may, on application by the Commission, order a person to pay a pecuniary penalty to the Crown if the court is satisfied that the person— (a) (b) (c) (d) has contravened any price-quality requirement applying to the regulated goods or services; or has attempted to contravene any such requirement; or has aided, abetted, counselled, or procured any other person to contra‐ vene any such requirement; or has induced, or attempted to induce, any other person, whether by threats or promises or otherwise, to contravene any such requirement; or 187 Part 6 s 87A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (e) has been in any way, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to, the contravention by any other person of any such requirement; or (f) has conspired with any other person to contravene any such requirement.
(2) In subsection (1) and sections 87A to 87C, a reference to contravening a price-quality requirement— (a) refers to a requirement imposed by a determination made under section 52P in relation to goods or services that are subject to default/customised price-quality regulation or to individual price-quality regulation imposed under Part 4; and (b) means either or both of the following: (i) failing to comply with the requirements for prices, whether by charging a price for the goods or services that is higher than the maximum price permitted, or by receiving more revenue than is permitted, or in any other way: (ii) refusing or failing to comply with any quality standards required under the price-quality regulation.
(3) (4) The amount of pecuniary penalty must not, in respect of each act or omission, exceed $500,000 in the case of an individual, or $5,000,000 in any other case.
In setting the amount of pecuniary penalty, the court must take into account all of the following matters: (a) (b) (c) the nature and extent of the contravention: the nature and extent of any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of the contravention: the circumstances in which the contravention took place (including whether the contravention was intentional, inadvertent, or caused by negligence): (d) whether or not the person has previously been found by the court in pro‐ ceedings under this Part to have engaged in similar conduct.
(5) A supplier may not be liable to more than 1 pecuniary penalty in respect of the same conduct.

(6) Proceedings under this section may be commenced at any time within 3 years after the contravention occurred.

Section 87: substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 87(3): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(b) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
87A Compensation for contravention of price-quality requirement If the court orders a person to pay a pecuniary penalty under section 87 in respect of the contravention of a price-quality requirement, the court may, in (1) 188 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 87C addition, order the person to pay compensation to any person who has suffered, or is likely to suffer, loss or damage as a result of the contravention (an aggrieved person).
(2) An application for orders under this section may be made by the Commission or any aggrieved person.

(3) (4) (5) The application must be made within 1 year of the date of the pecuniary pen‐ alty order.

The court may make an order under this section whether or not any aggrieved person is party to the proceedings.

In proceedings under this section, the court may make such orders as to cost as it thinks fit.
Section 87A: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

87B Offence relating to price-quality regulation (1) A person commits an offence if— (a) (b) the person, knowing that particular goods or services are subject to price-quality regulation, intentionally contravenes a price-quality requirement in respect of the goods or services; or the person is subject to an order under section 87C(1)(b) and fails to comply with the order.
(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $200,000 in the case of an individual, or $1,000,000 in any other case.

(3) [Repealed] Section 87B: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 87B(2): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(b) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 87B(2): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 87B(3): repealed, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
87C Injunction and other orders relating to price-quality regulation (1) If the court is satisfied that goods or services that are subject to price-quality regulation are being supplied, or are likely to be supplied, in contravention of any price-quality requirement applying with respect to those goods or services, the court may do either or both of the following: (a) grant an injunction restraining any supplier of those goods or services from supplying them in contravention of the price-quality requirement: 189 Part 6 s 88 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) make an order requiring the supplier to supply the goods or services in accordance with the price-quality requirement applying to them.
(2) An application for an injunction or an order under this section may be made by any person.

Section 87C: inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 87C(1)(b): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 20(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).

Section 87C(2): amended, on 26 October 2018, by section 20(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
Injunctions generally 88 (1) General provisions relating to granting of injunctions The court may at any time rescind or vary an injunction granted under this Part.
(2) Where an application is made to the court under this Part for the grant of an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct of a particular kind the court may,— (a) (b) if it is satisfied that the person has engaged in conduct of that kind, grant an injunction restraining the person from engaging in conduct of that kind; or if in the opinion of the court it is desirable to do so, grant an interim injunction restraining the person from engaging in conduct of that kind,— whether or not it appears to the court that the person intends to engage again, or to continue to engage, in conduct of that kind.
(3) Where an application is made to the court under this Part for the grant of an injunction restraining a person from engaging in conduct of a particular kind, the court may,— (a) (b) if it appears to the court that, in the event that an injunction is not gran‐ ted, it is likely that the person will engage in conduct of that kind, grant an injunction restraining the person from engaging in conduct of that kind; or if in the opinion of the court it is desirable to do so, grant an interim injunction restraining the person from engaging in conduct of that kind,— whether or not the person has previously engaged in conduct of that kind and whether or not there is an imminent danger of substantial damage to any person if the first-mentioned person engages in conduct of that kind.
(3A) In determining whether to grant an interim injunction under this section, the court must give any weight that the court considers appropriate to the interests of consumers or, as the case may be, acquirers.

190 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 89 (4) In any proceeding under this section, the Commission, upon the order of the court, may obtain discovery and administer interrogatories.
Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 80(3), (4), (5) (Aust) Section 88(3A): substituted, on 26 May 2001, by section 22 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).

88A When undertaking as to damages not required by Commission (1) If the Commission applies to the court for the grant of an interim injunction under this Part, the court must not, as a condition of granting an interim injunc‐ tion, require the Commission to give an undertaking as to damages.
(2) However, in determining the Commission’s application for the grant of an interim injunction, the court must not take into account that the Commission is not required to give an undertaking as to damages.

Section 88A: inserted, on 26 May 2001, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
89 Other orders (1) Where, in any proceedings under this Part, the court finds that a person who is a party to the proceedings has suffered, or is likely to suffer, loss or damage by conduct of another person that was engaged in in contravention of any of the provisions of Part 2, the court may, whether or not it grants an injunction or makes any other order under this Part, make such order or orders as it thinks appropriate against the person who engaged in the conduct, or any other person who in relation to the contravention did any act referred to in section 81(b) to (f).
(2) Where a contract is entered into in contravention of this Act, or as the case may be, a contract contains a provision which if given effect to would contravene this Act, the court may, in any proceedings under this Part, or on application made for the purpose by a party to the contract or any person claiming through or under any party to the contract, make an order— (a) (b) (c) varying the contract, in such manner as it thinks fit, not being a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Act: cancelling the contract: requiring any person who is a party to the contract to make restitution or pay compensation to any other person who is a party to the contract.
(3) Where a covenant is given in contravention of this Act, or as the case may be, the enforcement of the terms of a covenant would contravene this Act, the court may, in any proceedings under this Part, or on application made for the purpose by a person who, but for section 28(4) would be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant or any person claiming through or under any such person, make an order— (a) varying the covenant, in such manner as it thinks fit, not being a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Act: 191 Part 6 s 90 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) requiring any person who, but for section 28(4) would be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant to make restitution or pay compen‐ sation to any other person who, but for section 28(4) would be bound by or entitled to the benefit of the covenant.
(4) Nothing in subsection (2) or subsection (3) shall prevent any proceedings being instituted or commenced under this Part.

(5) Nothing in subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 applies to any contract entered into in contravention of this Act or to any con‐ tract which contains a provision the giving effect to of which would constitute a contravention of this Act.
(6) Notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law, where a contract is entered into in contravention of this Act by reason that the contract contains a particular provision, or the contract contains a provision which if given effect to would contravene this Act, the enforceability of any other provision of the contract shall not be affected by the existence of that provision.
(7) In this section, a reference to a contravention of this Act includes a reference to contravening the requirements of any type of regulation under Part 4.

Compare: Trade Practices Act 1974 s 87(1)(a) (Aust) Section 89(5): amended, on 1 September 2017, by section 347 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (2017 No 5).

Section 89(7): added, on 14 October 2008, by section 16 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Conduct by employees, agents, and others In proceedings under this Part in respect of conduct engaged in by a person other than an individual (person A), if it is necessary to establish the state of mind of person A it is sufficient to show that a director, employee, or agent of person A, acting within the scope of the director’s, employee’s, or agent’s actual or apparent authority, had that state of mind.
Conduct by a person (person B) is deemed for the purposes of this Act also to be the conduct of a person other than an individual (person A) if, at the time of the conduct,— (a) (b) person B was a director, employee, or agent of person A, acting within the scope of person B’s actual or apparent authority; or person B was a person who was acting on the direction, or with the con‐ sent or agreement (express or implied), of a director, employee, or agent of person A who was acting within the scope of the director’s, employ‐ ee’s, or agent’s actual or apparent authority.
In civil proceedings under this Part in respect of conduct engaged in by an indi‐ vidual (person C), if it is necessary to establish the state of mind of person C it is sufficient to show that an employee or agent of person C, acting within the 90 (1) (2) (3) 192 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 91 scope of the employee’s or agent’s actual or apparent authority, had that state of mind.
(4) In civil proceedings under this Part, conduct by a person (person B) is deemed for the purposes of this Act also to be the conduct of an individual (person C) if, at the time of the conduct,— (a) (b) (c) person B was acting at the direction, or with the consent or agreement (express or implied), of person C; or person B was an employee or agent of person C and acting within the scope of person B’s actual or apparent authority; or person B was a person who was acting on the direction, or with the con‐ sent or agreement (express or implied), of an employee or agent of per‐ son C who was acting within the scope of the employee’s or agent’s actual or apparent authority.
(5) A reference in this section to the state of mind of a person includes a reference to— (a) the knowledge, intention, opinion, belief, or purpose of the person and the person’s reasons for that intention, opinion, belief, or purpose; and (b) the state of mind of a person outside New Zealand.

Section 90: replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 27 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Appeals from determinations of Commission 91 (1) Appeals in relation to determinations by Commission There is a right of appeal to the High Court under this subsection against any determination of the Commission under this Act, other than the following: (a) a determination, or any part of a determination, made under section 52P (a section 52P determination) that sets out— (i) how information disclosure regulation or negotiate/arbitrate regu‐ lation applies to regulated suppliers; or (ii) the default price-quality path that applies to regulated suppliers: (b) an input methodology determination (as defined in section 52Z, and for which a separate appeal right is given under that section).
(1A) An appeal against a section 52P determination may not include an appeal against all or part of an input methodology, whether on a point of law or any other ground.

(1B) There is a right of appeal to the High Court on a question of law against any determination of the Commission under this Act (including a determination referred to in subsection (1)).
193 Part 6 s 92 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (2) Every such appeal shall be made by giving notice of appeal within 20 working days after the date of the determination appealed against or within such further time as the court may allow.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 42 Section 91(1): substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 17 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 91(1A): inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 17 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 91(1B): inserted, on 14 October 2008, by section 17 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
92 Persons entitled to appeal The following persons may exercise the right of appeal pursuant to section 91: (a) in the case of an appeal against a determination of the Commission in relation to an application for an authorisation under section 58 or 67, the applicant and any other person who— (i) (ii) has a direct and significant interest in the application; and participated in the Commission’s processes leading up to the determination: (b) in the case of an appeal against a determination of the Commission revoking or amending an authorisation pursuant to section 65(1) or revoking an authorisation and substituting a further authorisation pur‐ suant to that subsection, the person to whom the authorisation was gran‐ ted: (ba) in the case of an appeal against a determination of the Commission under section 65A,— (i) (ii) the person who applied for the clearance; and any other person who is a party to the contract, arrangement, or understanding to which the application for clearance relates: (c) in the case of an appeal against a determination of the Commission under section 66 in relation to a notice seeking a clearance,— (i) (ii) the person who sought the clearance; and any person whose assets, or the shares in which, are proposed to be acquired pursuant to the clearance: in the case of an appeal against a determination made under section 52P, any supplier or consumer (as defined in section 52C) of goods or ser‐ vices to which the determination relates: [Repealed] [Repealed] (d) (e) (f) 194 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 6 s 95 Section 92: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 92(a): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 28(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 92(ba): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 28(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 92(c): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 28(3) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 92(d): substituted, on 14 October 2008, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 92(e): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 18 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 92(f): repealed, on 26 October 2018, by section 15 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
93 Determination of appeals In determining an appeal under section 91(1), the court may do any of the fol‐ lowing: (a) (b) confirm, modify, or reverse the determination or any part of it: exercise any of the powers that could have been exercised by the Com‐ mission in relation to the matter to which the appeal relates.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 45(3), (4) Section 93: amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 19 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
94 Court may refer appeals back for reconsideration (1) Notwithstanding anything in section 93, the court may, in any case, instead of determining any appeal under that section, direct the Commission to recon‐ sider, either generally or in respect of any specified matters, the whole or any specified part of the matter to which the appeal relates.
(2) In giving any direction under this section, the court shall— (a) (b) advise the Commission of its reasons for doing so; and give to the Commission such directions as it thinks just concerning the reconsideration or otherwise of the whole or any part of the matter that is referred back for reconsideration.

(3) In reconsidering the matter so referred back, the Commission shall have regard to the court’s reasons for giving a direction under subsection (1), and the court’s directions under subsection (2).
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 46 95 Provisions pending determination of appeal (1) Where an appeal is brought under any provision of this Part against any deter‐ mination of the Commission, the determination to which the appeal relates 195 Part 6 s 96 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 shall remain in full force pending the determination of the appeal, unless the court orders to the contrary.
(2) However, the court may not stay the application of a determination made under section 52P in respect of which an appeal is brought under section 91(1) or (1B) .

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 47; 1979 No 140 s 21 Section 95(2): added, on 14 October 2008, by section 20 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
96 (1) (2) Court may order proceedings to be heard in private The court may, in its discretion, order that the hearing or any part of the hearing of any proceedings under this Act shall be held in private.

The court may make an order prohibiting the publication of any report or description of proceedings or any part of proceedings under this Act (whether heard in public or in private); but no order under this subsection shall prohibit the publication of any determination of the court.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 45(1), (2) 97 Appeal to Court of Appeal in certain cases (1) Notwithstanding anything in any enactment, any party to any appeal before the High Court against any determination of the Commission who is dissatisfied with any decision or order of the court may, with the leave of the court or of the Court of Appeal, appeal to the Court of Appeal; and section 56 of the Senior Courts Act 2016 shall apply to any such appeal.
(2) In determining whether to grant leave to appeal under this section, the court to which the application for leave is made shall have regard to the following mat‐ ters: (a) (b) (c) (d) whether any question of law or general principle is involved: the importance of the issues to the parties: the amount of money in issue: such other matters as in the particular circumstances the court thinks fit.
(3) The court granting leave under this section may in its discretion impose such conditions as it thinks fit, whether as to costs or otherwise.

(4) [Repealed] (5) An appeal to the Court of Appeal under this section may be made against either of the following only on a point of law: (a) (b) a decision or order of the High Court under section 52Z: a decision or order of the High Court on an appeal under section 91(1) or (1B) against a determination of the Commission made under section 52P.
196 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 98 Section 97(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(b) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Section 97(1): amended, on 15 August 1991, by section 3(4) of the Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60).

Section 97(4): repealed, on 1 January 2004, by section 48(1) of the Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53).

Section 97(5): added, on 14 October 2008, by section 21 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Part 7 Miscellaneous provisions Powers relating to evidence Heading: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 41 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
98 Commission may require person to supply information or documents or give evidence (1) Where the Commission considers it necessary or desirable for the purposes of carrying out its functions and exercising its powers under this Act, the Com‐ mission may, by notice in writing served on any person, require that person— (a) (b) (c) to furnish to the Commission, by writing signed by that person or, in the case of a body corporate, by a director or competent servant or agent of the body corporate, within the time and in the manner specified in the notice, any information or class of information specified in the notice; or to produce to the Commission, or to a person specified in the notice acting on its behalf in accordance with the notice, any document or class of documents specified in the notice; or to appear before the Commission at a time and place specified in the notice to give evidence, either orally or in writing, and produce any document or class of documents specified in the notice.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Commission’s powers under this Act include the power to investigate whether an exception or exemption from this Act (whether under this Act or any other enactment) applies to a person or to a person’s conduct.

(3) A person may appear before the Commission under subsection (1)(c) by audio link or audiovisual link if the Commission and the person agree.
(4) In this section,— audio link means facilities (for example, telephone facilities) that enable audio communication between the Commission and a person when either or both of them are not physically present at the place specified in the notice 197 Part 7 s 98A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 audiovisual link means facilities that enable audio and visual communication between the Commission and a person when either or both of them are not physically present at the place specified in the notice.
Section 98(1): substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 34 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 98(2): inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 29 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 98(3): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 45 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).

Section 98(4): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 45 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
98A Power to search (1) The Commission may, from time to time, authorise an employee of the Com‐ mission to search under a warrant issued under subsection (2) any place named in the warrant for the purpose of ascertaining whether a person has engaged in or is engaging in conduct that constitutes or may constitute a contravention of this Act, not being a contravention of section 99A.
(2) An issuing officer (within the meaning of section 3 of the Search and Surveil‐ lance Act 2012) who is satisfied, on an application made in the manner provi‐ ded in subpart 3 of Part 4 of that Act by a person who is authorised under sub‐ section (1) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it is necessary for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not a person has engaged in or is engag‐ ing in conduct that constitutes or may constitute a contravention of this Act, not being a contravention of section 99A, for an employee of the Commission to search any place may, by warrant, authorise that employee to search a place specified in the warrant.
The provisions of Part 4 of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (except sec‐ tions 118 and 119) apply, with any necessary modifications.

In this section, a reference to a contravention of this Act includes a reference to contravening the requirements of any type of regulation under Part 4 of this Act.
For the purpose of allowing the Commission to provide, under section 99I, compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance to a recognised overseas regulator, every reference in this section to a contravention of this Act must be taken to include a reference to a contravention of any foreign enact‐ ment that is identified (as required by section 99G(1)(b)) in the co-operation arrangement concerning that recognised overseas regulator.
Section 98A: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 34 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 98A(2): amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(2) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).

Section 98A(3): replaced, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(3) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
(3) (4) (5) 198 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 98H Section 98A(4): added, on 14 October 2008, by section 22 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 98A(4): amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(4) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).

Section 98A(5): inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 4 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
98B Powers conferred by warrant [Repealed] Section 98B: repealed, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(5) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).

98C Warrant to be produced [Repealed] Section 98C: repealed, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(5) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).

98D Other duties of person who executes a warrant [Repealed] Section 98D: repealed, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(5) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
98E Duty to assist [Repealed] Section 98E: repealed, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(5) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).

98F Power to inspect and take copies of documents, etc [Repealed] Section 98F: repealed, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(5) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
98G Commission may exercise powers notwithstanding other proceedings The Commission may exercise any power under sections 98 and 98A notwith‐ standing that any proceedings, whether under Part 6 or otherwise, have been instituted in any court.

Section 98G: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 34 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 98G: amended, on 1 October 2012, by section 313(6) of the Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24).
98H Supply of information and documents in relation to section 36A (1) Where the Commission considers it necessary or desirable for the purposes of carrying out its functions and exercising its powers under this Act in relation to section 36A, the Commission may by notice in writing served on any person 199 Part 7 s 99 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 who is ordinarily resident in Australia or who carries on business in Australia, require that person— (a) (b) to furnish to the Commission, by writing signed by that person or, in the case of a body corporate, by a director or competent servant or agent of the body corporate, within the time and in the manner specified in the notice, any information or class of information specified in the notice; or to produce to the Commission, or to a person specified in the notice acting on its behalf in accordance with the notice, any document or class of documents specified in the notice.
(2) A person who is required to furnish information or a class of information or produce any document or class of documents to the Commission pursuant to this section complies with this section if that person furnishes the information or that class of information or produces the document or that class of docu‐ ments to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in accordance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Section 98H: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 34 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 98H(2): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(c) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 98H(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 8 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).
99 (1) (2) (3) (4) Powers of Commission to take evidence For the purposes of carrying out its functions and exercising its powers under this Act, the Commission may receive in evidence any statement, document, information, or matter that may in its opinion assist it to deal effectively with the matter before it, whether or not the same would be otherwise admissible in a court of law.
The Commission may take evidence on oath and for that purpose a member of the Commission or any employee of the Commission duly appointed for the purpose may administer an oath.

The Commission may require the evidence referred to in section 98(c) to be given on oath, and for that purpose a member of the Commission or any employee of the Commission duly appointed for the purpose may administer an oath.
The Commission may permit a person appearing as a witness before the Com‐ mission to give evidence by tendering and, if the Commission thinks fit, verify‐ ing by oath, a written statement.
(5) Where any person has appeared as a witness before the Commission pursuant to a notice in that behalf, or has given evidence before the Commission, whether pursuant to a notice or not, the Commission may, if it thinks fit, order any sum to be paid to that witness on account of his expenses, not exceeding the amount that would be payable to him if his attendance had been as a wit‐ 200 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 99AA ness for the Crown in a criminal case in accordance with the regulations for the time being in force for the payment of witnesses for the Crown in criminal cases.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 13; 1976 No 67 s 8(8)(d) Section 99(2): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 99(3): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 99(3): amended, on 1 July 1990, by section 35 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Power to share information and documents with public service agencies, statutory entities, Reserve Bank, and New Zealand Police Heading: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 42 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
99AA Sharing of information and documents with public service agencies, statutory entities, Reserve Bank, and New Zealand Police (1) The Commission may provide to a public service agency, a statutory entity, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, or the New Zealand Police any information, or a copy of any document, that the Commission— (a) (b) holds in relation to the performance or exercise of the Commission’s functions, powers, or duties under this Act or any other legislation; and considers may assist the public service agency, statutory entity, the Reserve Bank, or the New Zealand Police in the performance or exercise of its functions, powers, or duties under this Act or any other legislation.
(2) The Commission may provide information, or a copy of a document, under this section only if the Commission is satisfied that— (a) (b) doing so will not substantially affect the performance of its other func‐ tions; and appropriate protections are or will be in place for the purpose of main‐ taining the confidentiality of anything provided (in particular, informa‐ tion that is personal information within the meaning of the Privacy Act 2020).
(3) The Commission may use any information, or a copy of any document, in the Commission’s performance or exercise of its functions, powers, or duties under any legislation if the information or copy is provided to the Commission— (a) by a public service agency, a statutory entity, the Reserve Bank, or the New Zealand Police under any legislation; or (b) by an overseas regulator.
(4) In this section and section 99AB, statutory entity means an entity or office named in Schedule 1 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

201 Part 7 s 99AB Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (5) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in any contract, deed, or document.

(6) Nothing in this section limits the Privacy Act 2020 or section 29 of the Fuel Industry Act 2020.

Section 99AA: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 42 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
99AB Commission may impose conditions on provision of information or documents (1) (2) The Commission may impose any conditions in relation to providing informa‐ tion, or a copy of a document, to a public service agency, a statutory entity, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, or the New Zealand Police (whether provided in compliance with a request or otherwise).
The Commission must, in considering what conditions to impose, have regard to whether conditions are necessary or desirable in order to protect the privacy of any individual.
(3) The conditions may include, without limitation, conditions relating to— (a) maintaining the confidentiality of anything provided (in particular, infor‐ mation that is personal information within the meaning of the Privacy Act 2020): (b) (c) (d) the storing of, the use of, or access to anything provided: the copying, returning, or disposing of copies of documents provided: payment of the costs incurred by the Commission in providing anything or in generally complying with a request.
(4) This section does not limit section 100.

Section 99AB: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 42 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).

Assistance to overseas regulators Heading: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 42 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
99A Commission may receive information and documents on behalf of Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (1) Where the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission requires any person resident or carrying on business in New Zealand to furnish any informa‐ tion or any class of information or produce any document or class of docu‐ ments to it pursuant to section 155A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, the information or class of information may be furnished or the docu‐ ment or class of documents may be produced to the Commission for transmis‐ sion to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
202 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 99C (2) The Commission shall deliver the information or class of information furnished or the document or class of documents produced to it to the Australian Compe‐ tition and Consumer Commission as soon as practicable.
(3) Every person who— (a) (b) refuses or fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement referred to in subsection (1); or in purported compliance with such a requirement, furnishes information or produces a document knowing it to be false or misleading— commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 in the case of an individual, or $30,000 in any other case.

Section 99A: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 36 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 99A heading: amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 9 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).

Section 99A(1): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(c) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 99A(1): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 9 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).

Section 99A(2): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 9 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).
Section 99A(3): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(b) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 99A(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
99B Purpose of sections 99C to 99P (which relate to assistance to overseas regulators) The purpose of sections 99C to 99P is— (a) (b) to provide for when and how the Commission may provide compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance to overseas regulators; and to clarify other matters relating to sharing other kinds of information with overseas regulators.
Section 99B: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99C Definitions of terms used in sections 99B to 99P In sections 99B to 99P, unless the context otherwise requires,— co-operation arrangement means an arrangement concerning the Commis‐ sion and an overseas regulator that is entered into under section 99E (a govern‐ 203 Part 7 s 99D Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 ment-to-government co-operation arrangement) or section 99F (a regulator-to- regulator co-operation arrangement) for— (a) (b) the provision by the Commission of compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance to the overseas regulator; and the provision by the overseas regulator of information and investigative assistance to the Commission compulsorily acquired information means information that— (a) is acquired by the Commission, whether before or after this section comes into force, as a result of, or in relation to, the exercise by the Commission of any of its powers under section 98, 98A, or 98H, or any power incidental to those powers; and (b) is not in the public domain investigative assistance includes providing assistance by way of exercising any power of the Commission under, or in relation to, section 98, 98A, or 98H, and any powers incidental to those powers recognised overseas regulator means an overseas regulator that is the subject of a co-operation arrangement.
Section 99C: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).

Section 99C overseas regulator: repealed, on 5 May 2022, by section 43 of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
99D Restrictions on providing compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance The Commission must not provide compulsorily acquired information or inves‐ tigative assistance to an overseas regulator unless the information or assistance is provided— (a) to a recognised overseas regulator in accordance with a co-operation arrangement; and (b) in accordance with sections 99I to 99K.
Section 99D: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99E Government-to-government co-operation arrangements (1) The Minister may, on behalf of the Government of New Zealand, enter into a co-operation arrangement concerning an overseas regulator with— (a) (b) the government of the country in which the overseas regulator is estab‐ lished; or if the overseas regulator is established by an international body, the gov‐ erning body of that international body.
204 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 99G (2) Before entering into a co-operation arrangement concerning an overseas regu‐ lator, the Minister must— (a) (b) (c) have regard to the legal framework relating to the use of compulsorily acquired information in the jurisdiction of the overseas regulator; and have regard to the potential consequences for New Zealand consumers and businesses of providing compulsorily acquired information or inves‐ tigative assistance to the overseas regulator; and consult with the Privacy Commissioner on any privacy issues arising from the proposed co-operation arrangement.
(3) The Minister must not enter into a co-operation arrangement unless he or she is satisfied that entering into the arrangement is not inconsistent with any of New Zealand’s obligations under international agreements, conventions, or treaties.

Section 99E: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99F Regulator-to-regulator co-operation arrangements (1) (2) The Commission may, with the prior written approval of the Minister, enter into a co-operation arrangement with an overseas regulator.

The Minister may not give approval to a co-operation arrangement under this section unless the Minister— (a) has had regard to the matters specified in section 99E(2)(a) and (b) and has consulted as specified in section 99E(2)(c); and (b) is satisfied of the matter specified in section 99E(3).
Section 99F: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99G Content of co-operation arrangements (1) Every co-operation arrangement must— (a) (b) (c) identify the overseas regulator that it concerns; and identify the foreign enactments in connection with which the recognised overseas regulator may seek compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance from the Commission; and set out how any compulsorily acquired information that is provided may be used by the overseas regulator, and how it is to be kept secure.
(2) A co-operation arrangement may also— (a) (b) provide for the reimbursement of the Commission for costs incurred in providing the information or assistance; and include other conditions on the provision of compulsorily acquired infor‐ mation or investigative assistance.

Section 99G: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
205 Part 7 s 99H Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 99H Procedures relating to co-operation arrangements (1) Every co-operation arrangement must be in writing and be signed by,— (a) (b) in the case of a government-to-government co-operation arrangement entered into under section 99E, the Minister and the person occupying, with respect to the overseas regulator, an equivalent position to that of the Minister, or any other person that the relevant government or govern‐ ing body considers appropriate: in the case of a regulator-to-regulator co-operation arrangement entered into under section 99F, the chairperson of the Commission and the per‐ son occupying the equivalent position in relation to the overseas regula‐ tor.
(2) No later than 15 working days after a co-operation arrangement is entered into,— (a) the Minister or the Commission, as appropriate, must publish a notice in the Gazette that— (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) states that the arrangement has been entered into; and identifies the overseas regulator concerned; and identifies the parties to the arrangement; and states when the arrangement comes into effect; and (b) the Commission must publish a copy of the co-operation arrangement on its Internet site, and must keep it there while the arrangement continues in force.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) apply with all necessary modifications to every amend‐ ment to a co-operation arrangement.

Section 99H: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99I Providing compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance (1) Following a request by a recognised overseas regulator made in accordance with a co-operation arrangement, the Commission may do either or both of the following: (a) provide compulsorily acquired information to the recognised overseas regulator: (b) provide investigative assistance to the recognised overseas regulator.
(2) Before providing compulsorily acquired information or investigative assistance under subsection (1), the Commission must be satisfied that— (a) providing the information or assistance will, or is likely to, assist the recognised overseas regulator in performing its functions or exercising its powers in relation to competition law; and 206 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 99J (3) (4) (5) (b) (c) the provision of the information or assistance will not be inconsistent with the co-operation arrangement; and the provision of the information or assistance will not significantly prejudice New Zealand’s international trade interests.
If the Commission considers, after consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, that a request for compulsorily acquired information or investigative assistance may have significant trade consequences for New Zea‐ land, the Commission must refer the matter to the Minister of Trade.
If a request is referred to the Minister of Trade, the Commission is deemed to be satisfied for the purpose of subsection (2)(c) only if the Minister of Trade states, in writing, that he or she is satisfied that the provision of the information or assistance will not significantly prejudice New Zealand’s international trade interests.
In considering whether to provide compulsorily acquired information or inves‐ tigative assistance in accordance with a co-operation arrangement, the Com‐ mission must also consider— (a) whether complying with the request will substantially affect the Com‐ mission’s ability to perform its other functions under this Act or any other enactment; and (b) whether the recognised overseas regulator could more conveniently obtain the information or assistance from another source; and (c) whether the request would, in the opinion of the Commission, be more appropriately dealt with under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Mat‐ ters Act 1992.
Section 99I: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-operation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99J Conditions on providing compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance (1) If the Commission provides compulsorily acquired information or investigative assistance to a recognised overseas regulator, the Commission may impose conditions on such provision, including conditions relating to— (a) maintaining the confidentiality of information; and (b) (c) (d) the storage or use of, or access to, anything provided; and the copying, returning, or disposal of copies of anything provided; and the payment of costs incurred by the Commission in providing anything or in otherwise complying with a request for information or investigative assistance.
(2) The Commission must not provide copies of statements made by any person in answer to a question put by or before the Commission that might tend to 207 Part 7 s 99K Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 incriminate the person, unless the recognised overseas regulator gives a written undertaking— (a) that it will not use such statements as evidence— (i) (ii) in criminal proceedings against the person (other than in proceed‐ ings in respect of the falsity of the person’s testimony); or in proceedings against the person for a pecuniary penalty or any equivalent proceedings; and (b) that, to the extent that it is within the ability of the overseas regulator to do so, it will ensure that such statements are not used by any other per‐ son, authority, or agency as evidence in proceedings referred to in para‐ graph (a).
Section 99J: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99K Notice to persons affected by provision of information (1) If the Commission provides any compulsorily acquired information to a recog‐ nised overseas regulator, the Commission must, as soon as practicable after providing the information, notify the following people that the information has been provided: (a) (b) the person from whom the information was acquired: every person to whom the information relates.
(2) However, the Commission need not notify a person as required by subsection (1) if— (a) (b) giving notice might compromise any investigation conducted, or to be conducted, by the Commission or any overseas regulator; or giving notice would prejudice the maintenance of the law (including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences, and the right to a fair trial) in New Zealand or elsewhere; or (c) it is not practicable in the circumstances to give notice to the person.
Section 99K: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99L Reporting on use of co-operation arrangements The Commission’s annual report must report on the use and operation of co- operation arrangements during the period covered by the report, and include information on— (a) (b) the number and general nature of requests for information and investiga‐ tive assistance received from recognised overseas regulators; and the number and general nature of requests for information and investiga‐ tive assistance that the Commission has made to recognised overseas regulators.
208 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 99P Section 99L: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99M Sharing of non-compulsorily acquired information not affected Except to the extent that non-compulsorily acquired information is dealt with in a co-operation arrangement, the ability of the Commission to provide non- compulsorily acquired information to an overseas regulator is not affected by— (a) sections 99B to 99L; or (b) whether or not the overseas regulator is a recognised overseas regulator.
Section 99M: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).

99N Information provided by consent Nothing in sections 99B to 99L or any co-operation arrangement prevents the Commission providing any information to an overseas regulator with the con‐ sent of the person who is the subject of the information.
Section 99N: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).

99O Part 4 information not to be provided The Commission must not provide information to an overseas regulator that the Commission has obtained under, pursuant to, or for the purposes of Part 4, unless the information is already in the public domain.
Section 99O: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
99P Maintenance of privilege (1) (2) (3) If the Commission provides to an overseas regulator, for the purpose of assist‐ ing the overseas regulator to perform its competition law functions, a commu‐ nication or information in respect of which the Commission has any privilege referred to in section 54, 56, or 57 of the Evidence Act 2006, the Commission is not to be taken as having waived its privilege in relation to that communica‐ tion or information merely by providing it to the overseas regulator.
If the Commission receives from an overseas regulator, for the purpose of assisting the Commission to perform its competition law functions under this Act, a communication or information that, under the law of the country of the overseas regulator is subject to a privilege analogous to a privilege of a kind referred to in section 54, 56, or 57 of the Evidence Act 2006, that communica‐ tion or information is subject to the analogous privilege in New Zealand, and the Evidence Act 2006 applies accordingly.
The Commission must not provide a communication or information that is sub‐ ject to the privilege referred to in section 57 of the Evidence Act 2006 (which relates to settlement negotiation and mediation) to an overseas regulator unless every other party that has a privilege in relation to that communication or infor‐ 209 Part 7 s 100 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 mation consents to the Commission providing the communication or informa‐ tion to the overseas regulator.
(4) To avoid doubt, this section applies whether or not a communication or infor‐ mation is provided under a co-operation arrangement.

Section 99P: inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 5 of the Commerce (International Co-oper‐ ation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).

Offences, regulations, and administrative provisions Heading: inserted, on 5 May 2022, by section 44 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
100 Powers of Commission to prohibit disclosure of information, documents, and evidence (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Commission may, in relation to any application for, or any notice seeking, any clearance or authorisation under Part 5, or in the course of carrying out any other investigation or inquiry under this Act, make an order prohibiting— (a) (b) the publication or communication of any information or document or evidence which is furnished or given or tendered to, or obtained by, the Commission in connection with the operations of the Commission: the giving of any evidence involving any such information, document, or evidence.
(2) Any order made by the Commission under subsection (1) may be expressed to have effect for such period as is specified in the order, but no such order shall have effect,— (a) where that order was made in connection with any application for, or any notice seeking, any clearance or authorisation under Part 5, after the expiry of 20 working days from the date on which the Commission makes a final determination in respect of that application or notice, or, where that application or notice is withdrawn before any such determin‐ ation is made, after the date on which the application or notice is with‐ drawn: (b) where that order was made in connection with any other investigation or inquiry conducted by the Commission, after the conclusion of that inves‐ tigation or inquiry.
(3) On the expiry of any order made under subsection (1), the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982 shall apply in respect of any information, docu‐ ment, or evidence that was the subject of that order.
Every person who, contrary to any order made by the Commission under sub‐ section (1), publishes or communicates any information or document or evi‐ dence commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $4,000 in the case of a person not being a body corporate, and $12,000 in the case of a body corporate.

(4) 210 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 102 (5) For the purposes of this section, an inquiry includes a competition study (as defined in section 48).
Section 100: substituted, on 1 April 1987, by section 25(1) of the Official Information Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 8).

Section 100(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 100(5): inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 16 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
100A Commission may state case for opinion of High Court (1) (2) (3) The Commission may at any time state a case for the opinion of the court on any question of law arising in any matter before it.

The court may order the removal into the Court of Appeal of any case stated for the opinion of the court under this section.

The court or the Court of Appeal, as the case may be, shall hear and determine the question, and shall remit the case with its opinion to the Commission.
Section 100A: inserted, on 2 September 1996, by section 10 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).
101 Notices (1) Any notice given by the Commission under or for the purposes of this Act shall be sufficiently given if it is in writing under the seal of the Commission or is signed by the chairperson, or by 1 or more of the members of the Commission, or by any person purporting to act by direction of the Commission, and is served in accordance with section 102 on the person or persons primarily con‐ cerned therewith or on any person or organisation deemed by the Commission to represent the person or persons primarily concerned therewith.
(2) All documents purporting to be signed by or on behalf of the Commission or to be sealed with the seal of the Commission shall, in all courts and in all pro‐ ceedings under this Act, be deemed to have been so signed or sealed with due authority unless the contrary is proved.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 120A; 1976 No 67 s 37(1) Section 101(1): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
102 Service of notices (1) A notice or any other document required or authorised to be served on or given to a person for the purposes of this Act may be served or given by— (a) (b) delivering it to the person; or leaving it at the person’s usual or last known place of residence or busi‐ ness or at the address specified by the person in any notice, application, or other document given to the Commission under this Act; or 211 Part 7 s 103 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (c) sending it by post to the person’s usual or last known place of residence or business or to the address specified by the person in any notice, appli‐ cation, or other document given to the Commission under this Act; or (d) emailing it to the person at an email address that is used by the person.
(2) A notice or any other document that is sent to a person by a service that records delivery must, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be treated as received by the person when it would have been delivered in the ordinary course of busi‐ ness for that service, and, in proving the delivery, it is sufficient to prove that the document was properly addressed and provided to the service.
(2A) In the absence of proof to the contrary, a notice or any other document that is emailed to a person must be treated as received by the person on the second working day after the date on which it is emailed, and, in proving that the document was emailed, it is sufficient to prove that the document was properly addressed and sent to the email address.
(3) Where for any purpose under this Act a notice or document is required to be served on an association or body of persons the notice or document may be served on the secretary, executive officer, manager, or other officer holding a similar position in the association or body; and for the purposes of this Act, service on the association or body shall, unless otherwise directed by the Com‐ mission, be deemed to be service on all persons who are members of the asso‐ ciation or body or who are represented on the association or body by those members.
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 121(1)–(3) Section 102(1): replaced, on 16 December 2017, by section 46 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).

Section 102(2): replaced, on 16 December 2017, by section 46 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).

Section 102(2A): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 46 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
103 Offences (1) No person shall— (a) (b) (c) without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to comply with a notice under sections 53B(1)(c), 53N, 53ZD, and 98; or in purported compliance with such a notice, furnish information, or produce a document, or give evidence, knowing it to be false or mislead‐ ing; or resist, obstruct, or delay an employee of the Commission acting pursuant to a warrant issued under section 98A.
(2) No person shall attempt to deceive or knowingly mislead the Commission in relation to any matter before it.
212 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 104 (3) No person, having been required to appear before the Commission pursuant to section 98(c), shall— (a) (b) (c) (d) without reasonable excuse, refuse or fail to appear before the Commis‐ sion to give evidence; or refuse to take an oath or make an affirmation as a witness; or refuse to answer any question; or refuse to produce to the Commission any book or document that that person is required to produce.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1), (2), or (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to,— (a) (b) in the case of an individual, a fine not exceeding $100,000: in any other case, a fine not exceeding $300,000.

(5) Proceedings for an offence against subsection (4) may be commenced within 3 years after the matter giving rise to the contravention was discovered or ought reasonably to have been discovered.
Section 103: substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 37 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 103(1)(a): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 23 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 103(4): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 30(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 103(5): added, on 26 May 2001, by section 25 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32).
Section 103(5): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 30(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

104 Determinations of Commission (1) Any determination, clearance, authorisation, or decision given by the Commis‐ sion under or for the purposes of this Act shall be sufficiently given if it is in writing under the seal of the Commission or is signed by 1 or more members of the Commission or by an employee of the Commission authorised for the pur‐ pose.
(2) A copy of a determination, clearance, authorisation or decision of the Commis‐ sion, certified to be a true copy by an employee of the Commission authorised in that behalf to certify copies of determinations, clearances, authorisations or decisions of the Commission, shall be received in all courts as evidence of the determination, clearance, authorisation or decision.
(3) A document purporting to be a copy of a determination, clearance, authorisa‐ tion or decision of the Commission and to be certified to be a true copy in accordance with subsection (2) shall, unless the contrary is established, be deemed to be such a copy and to be so certified.

Compare: 1975 No 113 s 120A; 1976 No 67 s 37(1) 213 Part 7 s 105 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 104(1): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 104(2): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

105 Restriction on delegation (1) (2) (3) The Commission may not delegate its powers to grant, revoke, or vary an authorisation under this Act.

[Repealed] [Repealed] Section 105: substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 105(1): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 24(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
Section 105(2): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 24(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 105(3): repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 24(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
106 Proceedings privileged (1) No proceedings, civil or criminal, shall lie against the Commission for any‐ thing it may do or fail to do in the course of the exercise or intended exercise of its functions, unless it is shown that the Commission acted without reasonable care or in bad faith.
(2) No proceedings, civil or criminal, lie against any member of the Commission, or any officer or employee of the Commission, or any member of a committee of the Commission, for anything that person may do or say or fail to do or say in the course of the operations of the Commission, unless it is shown that the person acted in bad faith.
(3) Nothing in subsections (1) and (2) applies in respect of proceedings for— (a) (b) (c) an offence against section 78 or section 78A or section 105 or section 105A of the Crimes Act 1961; or the offence of conspiring to commit an offence against section 78 or sec‐ tion 78A or section 105 or section 105A of the Crimes Act 1961; or the offence of attempting to commit an offence against section 78 or sec‐ tion 78A or section 105 or section 105A of the Crimes Act 1961.
(3A) Section 59(3) of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (which provides that a statutory entity may bring an action against a member for breach of an individual duty) does not apply, unless it is shown by the Commission that the person acted in bad faith.

(3B) Sections 122 to 126 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 apply as if the conduct for which a person may be indemnified or insured under those sections were con‐ duct that is covered by the protection from liability in this section.
214 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 106 (3C) This section contains an exception to section 121 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.

(4) A person shall not be excused from complying with any requirement to furnish information, produce documents, or give evidence under this Act, or, on appearing before the Commission, from answering any question or producing any document, on the ground that to do so might tend to incriminate that per‐ son.
(5) A statement made by a person in answer to a question put by or before the Commission shall not in criminal proceedings or in proceedings for pecuniary penalties, be admissible against that person.

(6) Nothing in subsection (5) applies in respect of— (a) (b) proceedings on a charge of perjury against the maker of the statement; or proceedings on a charge of an offence against section 103.
(7) No court or other person shall be entitled to require any member of the Com‐ mission, or any employee of the Commission or any other person present at any meeting of the Commission, to divulge or communicate any information furnished or obtained, documents produced, obtained or tendered, or evidence given, in connection with the operations of the Commission.
(8) Nothing in subsection (7) applies in respect of— (a) (b) any proceedings referred to in subsection (3) or subsection (6); or any proceedings to which the Commission is a party.

(9) Anything said, or any information furnished, or any document produced or ten‐ dered, or any evidence given by any person to the Commission, shall be privil‐ eged in the same manner as if that statement, information, document, or evi‐ dence were made, furnished, produced, or given in proceedings in a court.
(10) For the purposes of clause 3 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Defamation Act 1992, any statement, document, determination, clearance, authorisation, or decision made by the Commission in the exercise or intended exercise of any of its functions or powers shall be deemed to be an official report made by a person holding an inquiry under the authority of the Parliament of New Zea‐ land.
Compare: 1975 No 113 ss 17(1), (3), (4), 130B; 1976 No 67 ss 9, 23(3); 1983 No 144 s 45 Section 106(2): substituted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 106(3A): inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 106(3B): inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 106(3C): inserted, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 106(4): substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 39 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

215 Part 7 s 106A Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Section 106(4): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 25(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 106(5): substituted, on 1 July 1990, by section 39 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
Section 106(5): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 25(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 106(5): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 25(3) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 106(6)(b): amended, on 14 October 2008, by section 25(4) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

Section 106(7): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 106(10): substituted, on 1 February 1993, by section 56(1) of the Defamation Act 1992 (1992 No 105).
106A Judicial notice For the purposes of this Act, judicial notice shall be taken in all courts and for all purposes of— (a) (b) (c) (d) the common seal of the Commission: the signature of any person holding, or who has held, office as the chair‐ person, deputy chairperson, or a member of the Commission on a docu‐ ment that appears to be a document made on behalf of the Commission: the official seal of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commis‐ sion: the official signature of any person holding, or who has held, office as the chairperson, deputy chairperson, or a member, of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on a document that appears to be a document made on behalf of that Commission.
Section 106A: inserted, on 1 July 1990, by section 40 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

Section 106A(b): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).

Section 106A(c): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).

Section 106A(d): amended, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
Section 106A(d): amended, on 2 September 1996, by section 12 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113).

107 Cartel prosecutors panel The Solicitor-General must appoint a cartel prosecutors panel for the purpose of enabling prosecutions under section 82B to be taken speedily.

The Solicitor-General must consult with the chairperson before appointing the panel.
(1) (2) 216 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 108 (3) The panel must consist of those lawyers that the Solicitor-General considers appropriate.

(4) Only members of the panel may conduct prosecutions under section 82B on behalf of the Crown.

(5) In this section, lawyer has the meaning given in section 6 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

Section 107: inserted, on 8 April 2021, by section 12 of the Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
107 Annual report [Repealed] Section 107: repealed, on 25 January 2005, by section 200 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115).
108 Regulations (1) The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes: (a) (b) (c) (ca) (cb) (cc) prescribing the procedure to be followed under this Act in respect of applications and notices to, and proceedings of, the Commission: prescribing forms of applications, notices, and other documents required for the purposes of this Act, and requiring the use of such forms: prescribing fees to be paid for the purposes of this Act: authorising the Commission, in its discretion or on any grounds that are prescribed, to refund any part of a prescribed fee paid by a person in connection with an application under Part 5 for an authorisation or a clearance: [Repealed] requiring the Commission to refund, within a prescribed time, all or any part of a fee paid in respect of an application under section 58 or 65A, or in respect of a notice under section 66(1) or 67(1), that is more than the cost to the Commission of determining that application or notice: (cd) prescribing a class or classes of persons who are exempt from the requirement to pay any fee prescribed for an application under section 58 or 65A or for a notice under section 66(1) or 67(1): (d) providing for such other matters as are contemplated by or necessary for giving full effect to the provisions of this Act and for its due administra‐ tion.
(2) Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1975 No 113 s 132 217 Part 7 s 109 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section LA19 s 69(1)(c) PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify Publication it in the Gazette The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Presentation Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
Section 108(1)(ca): replaced, on 15 August 2017, by section 31(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 108(1)(cb): repealed, on 15 August 2017, by section 31(1) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 108(1)(cc): inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 7 of the Commerce (International Co- operation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).
Section 108(1)(cc): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 31(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

Section 108(1)(cd): inserted, on 24 October 2012, by section 7 of the Commerce (International Co- operation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84).

Section 108(1)(cd): amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 31(2) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
Section 108(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

109 Commission may prescribe forms For the purposes of this Act, the Commission may from time to time prescribe forms of applications, notices, and other documents required for the purposes of this Act.

Section 109: amended, on 15 August 2017, by section 32(2)(d) of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).
110 Repeals, revocations, savings, and consequential amendments (1) (2) (3) The enactments specified in Schedule 2 are hereby amended in the manner indicated in that schedule.

The enactments specified in Schedule 3 are hereby repealed.

The regulations and orders specified in Schedule 4 are hereby revoked.
(4) Without limiting any provision of this Act, it is hereby expressly declared that every order, approval, authorisation, notice, decision, consent, or any other act of authority that orginated under or was deemed to have originated under any enactment, regulations, or order repealed or revoked by this section (not being a consent granted in respect of a merger or takeover proposal under the Com‐ merce Act 1975) and subsisting or in force at the commencement of this Act, shall cease to have effect on that commencement.
The repeal of the enactments, and the revocation of the regulations and orders, by this section shall not affect the liability of any person for any offence that was committed before the commencement of this Act, and any proceedings for any such offence may be taken as if this Act had not been passed.
(5) 218 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Part 7 s 112 (6) Unless the context otherwise requires, in any other enactment a reference to the Examiner of Trade Practices and Prices appointed under section 10 of the Trade Practices Act 1958 shall be read as a reference to the Secretary of Trade and Industry.
111 Transitional provisions in respect of certain contracts, arrangements, or understandings (1) Nothing in sections 27 and 29 and sections 80 to 82 shall have any application before 1 March 1987 to the giving effect to a provision of a contract entered into on or before 11 June 1985.

(2) Nothing in section 28 and sections 80 to 82 shall have any application before 1 March 1987 to the carrying out or enforcing of the terms of a covenant given before 11 June 1985.
(3) (4) [Repealed] [Repealed] (5) Nothing in sections 27 and 29 and sections 80 to 82 shall have any application before 1 March 1987 to the giving effect to a provision of a contract, arrange‐ ment, or understanding which immediately before the commencement of this Act— (a) (b) constituted a trade practice in respect of which an approval granted by the Commerce Commission under section 29 of the Commerce Act 1975 was in force (being a trade practice to which section 27(1) of that Act applied); or constituted a trade practice deemed to have been approved, or deemed to have been approved subject to conditions, under section 29 of the Com‐ merce Act 1975 pursuant to subsection (10) of that section (being a trade practice to which section 18A of the Trade Practices Act 1958 applied); or (c) constituted a collective pricing practice to which section 30 of the Com‐ merce Act 1975 applied.
(6) Nothing in this section limits or affects the application of the provisions of Part 5 and the provisions of Part 6 (except sections 80 to 82).

Section 111(3): repealed, on 1 March 1987, by section 2(3) of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 12).

Section 111(4): repealed, on 1 March 1987, by section 2(3) of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 12).
112 Transitional provisions in respect of goods and services subject to price control under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Section 112: repealed, on 1 July 1990, by section 43(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
219 Part 7 s 113 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 113 Transitional provisions in respect of goods and services subject to price restraint under regulations made under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Section 113: repealed, on 1 July 1990, by section 43(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

114 Transitional provisions in respect of milk pricing [Repealed] Section 114: repealed, on 1 July 1990, by section 43(1) of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).
115 Savings in respect of certain provisions of Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Section 115: repealed, on 1 March 1987, by section 49(2) of the Fair Trading Act 1986 (1986 No 121).

116 Winding up of Commerce Commission established under Commerce Act 1975 [Repealed] Section 116: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 27 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
117 Members of Commerce Commission established under Commerce Act 1975 deemed to be members of Commission [Repealed] Section 117: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 27 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).

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] Section 118: repealed, on 14 October 2008, by section 27 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
220 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 1AA Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions Schedule 1AA: inserted, on 15 August 2017, by section 36 of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Mat‐ ters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40).

s 6C Part 1 Provisions relating to Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 1 (1) Interpretation In this Part, Amendment Act 2017 means the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017.
(2) In this Part,— (a) (b) a reference to section 30, section 58A, section 65A, or section 80A (or a provision of that section) is a reference to that section (or provision) as amended, inserted, or substituted by the Amendment Act 2017 (subject to paragraph (b)); and a reference to a former section (for example, former section 30) is a ref‐ erence to that section as in force immediately before the commencement of this clause.
2 (1) (2) (3) Transitional provisions for cartel prohibition under section 30 Section 30(1)(a) (which relates to entering into a contract or an arrangement, or arriving at an understanding, that contains a cartel provision) applies only to contracts, arrangements, or understandings that are entered into or arrived at after section 30 comes into force.
Section 30(1)(b) (which relates to giving effect to a cartel provision in a con‐ tract, arrangement, or understanding) applies only to conduct occurring after section 30 comes into force, but applies whether the contract, arrangement, or understanding is entered into or arrived at before or after section 30 comes into force, and whether or not the contract, arrangement, or understanding has been suspended at any time.
Subclauses (4) to (6) apply to a contract, arrangement, or understanding that was entered into or arrived at before the commencement of section 30 and that, at the time of that commencement, contained or may have contained a cartel provision.

(4) Despite subclause (2), no proceedings under section 80, 80B, 80C, 81, or 82 may be commenced for a contravention of section 30(1)(b) or 80A occurring during the transitional period.
(5) However,— 221 Schedule 1AA Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (a) proceedings under former section 80 or 80C, or section 81 or 82, may be commenced in relation to conduct occurring during the transitional period as if former sections 30 to 33 were still in force during the transi‐ tional period; and (b) proceedings under section 80B may be commenced for a contravention of former section 80A occurring during the transitional period.
(6) Former sections 30 to 33, 80, 80A, and 80C continue to have effect as if those sections had not been repealed or amended by the Amendment Act 2017, and section 89 continues to apply, for the purpose of— (a) (b) (c) investigating a contravention to which subclause (5) applies: commencing or completing proceedings to which subclause (5) applies: imposing a penalty or other remedy or making an order in proceedings to which subclause (5) applies.
(7) In this section, transitional period means the 9-month period starting on the commencement of section 30.

Schedule 1AA clause 2(1): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 13(1) of the Commerce (Criminali‐ sation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Schedule 1AA clause 2(2): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 13(2) of the Commerce (Criminali‐ sation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).
Schedule 1AA clause 2(3): amended, on 8 April 2021, by section 13(3) of the Commerce (Criminali‐ sation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9).

Transitional provision for authorisations under section 58 Section 58A(1) and (2) applies to an authorisation that is given either before or after section 12 of the Amendment Act 2017 comes into force.
Transitional provision relating to amendments to Shipping Act 1987 [Repealed] Schedule 1AA clause 4: repealed, on the close of 13 August 2019, by Schedule 1AA clause 4(3).

Transitional provision for offences and contraventions under repealed or amended provisions This clause applies to an offence committed under, or a contravention of, any provision of this Act repealed or amended by the Amendment Act 2017 before the commencement of the provision that repealed or amended that provision.
The provisions repealed or amended by the Amendment Act 2017 continue to have effect as if they had not been repealed or amended for the purpose of— (a) (b) (c) investigating an offence or a contravention to which this clause applies: commencing or completing proceedings for an offence or a contraven‐ tion to which this clause applies: imposing a penalty, or making an order, in relation to an offence or a contravention to which this clause applies.
3 4 5 (1) (2) 222 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 1AA Part 2 Provisions relating to Commerce Amendment Act 2018 Schedule 1AA Part 2: inserted, on 26 October 2018, by section 21 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42).
6 (1) Interpretation In this Part,— Amendment Act 2018 means the Commerce Amendment Act 2018 commencement date means the date on which section 12 of the Amendment Act 2018 comes into force Commissioner has the meaning given in former section 2(1) outstanding application means an application for a cease and desist order under former section 74B(b) that was— (a) made by an employee of the Commission before the commencement date; but (b) not determined by a Commissioner (either by making, or declining to make, an order) before the commencement date.
In this Part, a reference to a former section (for example, former section 74B(b)) is a reference to that section as in force immediately before the com‐ mencement date.

Cease and desist orders Term of appointment of cease and desist Commissioners If there are no outstanding applications, the Commissioners cease to hold office on the commencement date.

If there are 1 or more outstanding applications, the Commissioners continue in office under the notice of appointment made under former section 74AA.
(2) 7 (1) (2) 8 Applications for cease and desist orders made before commencement Former sections 74A to 74C remain in force for the purposes of allowing a Commissioner to consider and determine an outstanding application.

9 (1) Cease and desist orders continued The following continue in force on and from the commencement date: (a) (b) cease and desist orders made before the commencement date: cease and desist orders made on or after the commencement date in accordance with clause 8.
(2) Former section 74D continues to apply in relation to the orders described in subclause (1).

223 Schedule 1AA Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (3) 10 (1) The High Court, on an application by the Commission or a person subject to a cease and desist order, may amend or revoke an order continued by subclause (1).
Entitlement to appeal cease and desist order Former section 92(f) remains in force for the purpose of allowing a person to appeal against a determination of a Commissioner under former section 74A.

(2) Subclause (1) applies irrespective of whether the determination was made— (a) (b) before the commencement date; or in accordance with clause 8, on or after the commencement date.
11 (1) Court may not refer appeals back for reconsideration This clause applies if— (a) (b) the Commissioners have ceased to hold office, either under clause 7(1) or because the term of appointment referred to in former section 74AA(3)(a)(ii) has expired; but an appeal against a determination of a Commissioner under former sec‐ tion 74A is being considered by the High Court.
(2) The High Court— (a) must determine the appeal under section 93; and (b) despite section 94, must not refer any matter relating to the appeal back to the Commissioners to reconsider.

Part 3 Provision relating to COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 Schedule 1AA Part 3: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).
12 Application of provisions after repeal For the purposes of an application that is made during the epidemic period, sec‐ tions 65AA to 65AD continue to apply as if they remained in force, despite their repeal by section 65AE, to the application including in relation to— (a) (b) any authorisation or provisional authorisation granted on the application: any appeal in relation to a determination of the Commission on the application.
Schedule 1AA clause 12: inserted, on 16 May 2020, by section 3 of the COVID-19 Response (Fur‐ ther Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13).

224 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 1AA Part 4 Provisions relating to Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 Schedule 1AA Part 4: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 5 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Cov‐ enants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).
13 Interpretation In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires,— Amendment Act means the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amend‐ ment Act 2022 commencement date means the day after the date on which the Amendment Act receives the Royal assent covenant has the same meaning as in section 28A designation date, in relation to a person that becomes a designated grocery retailer after the commencement date, means the day on which that person becomes a designated grocery retailer (for example, if the person is designated as a designated grocery retailer under section 28C, the designation date is the day on which the Order in Council making the designation comes into force).
Schedule 1AA clause 13: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 5 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).

Amendment Act applies to existing covenants Section 28A applies in relation to any action referred to in section 27 or 28 that is taken on or after the commencement date, whether the covenant was given before, on, or after the commencement date.
If a person becomes a designated grocery retailer after the commencement date, section 28A applies in relation to any action referred to in section 27 or 28 that is taken on or after the person’s designation date, whether the covenant was given before, on, or after the designation date.

Schedule 1AA clause 14: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 5 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).
Transitional arrangements for voluntary removal of grocery-related covenant initiated before repeal of section 28B This clause applies to a revocation or modification that is initiated under sec‐ tion 28B before the date specified in section 28B(5) (the repeal date).

Section 28B, as it was immediately before the repeal date, continues to apply in relation to that revocation or modification on and after the repeal date.
Schedule 1AA clause 15: inserted, on 30 June 2022, by section 5 of the Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35).

14 (1) (2) 15 (1) (2) 225 Schedule 1AA Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Part 5 Provisions relating to Commerce Amendment Act 2022 Schedule 1AA Part 5: inserted, on 5 October 2022, by section 48(2) of the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
16 (1) Interpretation In this Part,— 1-year transitional period means the period that starts on the commencement date and ends at the close of the first anniversary of the commencement date Amendment Act means the Commerce Amendment Act 2022 commencement date means the first anniversary of Royal assent for the Amendment Act.
(2) In this Part,— (a) (b) a reference to a section or Part (for example, section 36) is a reference to that section as in force on and from the commencement date; and a reference to a former section or Part (for example, former Part 2) is a reference to that section or Part as in force immediately before the com‐ mencement date.

Schedule 1AA clause 16: inserted, on 5 October 2022, by section 48(2) of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
17 Authorisation under new section 58(6A) to (6D) may be granted before that section comes into force (1) This clause applies— (a) (b) before the commencement date; but as if sections 30, 36, 36A, 58(6A) to (6D), 58B, 59, 59A, and 61 were in force.

(2) A person may apply to the Commission under section 58(6A) to (6D) for an (3) (4) authorisation.

The Commission may grant the authorisation.

Sections 58B, 59, 59A, and 61 apply in relation to an application made under this clause.
(5) An authorisation granted under this clause may only take effect on or after the commencement date.

Schedule 1AA clause 17: inserted, on 5 October 2022, by section 48(2) of the Commerce Amend‐ ment Act 2022 (2022 No 11).
226 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 2 Schedule 1 Classes of merger or takeover proposals requiring prior clearance or authorisation by the Commission [Repealed] Schedule 1: repealed, on 1 January 1991, by section 44 of the Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41).

s 50 Schedule 2 Enactments amended s 110(1) Air Services Licensing Act 1983 (1983 No 36) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Milk Act 1967 (1967 No 53) (RS Vol 18, p 451) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Ministry of Energy Act 1977 (1977 No 33) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Official Information Act 1982 (1982 No 156) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Real Estate Agents Act 1976 (1976 No 9) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Sharebrokers Amendment Act 1981 (1981 No 43) (RS Vol 11, p 344) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Social Security Act 1964 (1964 No 136) (RS Vol 13, p 403) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Transport Act 1962 (1962 No 135) (RS Vol 16, p 659) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Trustee Banks Act 1983 (1983 No 116) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
227 Schedule 3 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 3 Enactments repealed Version as at 24 January 2023 s 110(2) Commerce Act 1975 (1975 No 113) (RS Vol 7, p 1) Commerce Amendment Act 1976 (1976 No 67) (RS Vol 7, p 148) Commerce Amendment Act 1979 (1979 No 42) (RS Vol 7, p 155) Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 1979 (1979 No 140) (RS Vol 7, p 155) Commerce Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 105) (RS Vol 7, p 159) Commerce Amendment Act 1983 (1983 No 144) Commerce Amendment Act 1985 (1985 No 7) Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 1985 (1985 No 67) Milk Amendment Act 1980 (1980 No 60) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Amendment Act 1976 (1976 No 102) 228 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 4 Schedule 4 Orders and notices revoked s 110(3) Commerce Act Commencement Order 1975 (SR 1975/247) Commerce Regulations 1984 (SR 1984/68) Natural Gas (Price Restraint) Regulations 1981 (SR 1981/335) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981 (SR 1981/37) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 1 (SR 1981/156) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 2 (SR 1981/166) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 3 (SR 1981/173) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 4 (SR 1981/348) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 5 (SR 1982/42) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 6 (SR 1982/121) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 7 (SR 1983/122) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 8 (SR 1984/29) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 9 (SR 1984/327) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 10 (SR 1985/56) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 11 (SR 1985/64) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 12 (SR 1985/165) 229 Schedule 4 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 13 (SR 1985/191) Positive
 List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 14 (SR 1985/218) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 15 (SR 1985/303) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 16 (SR 1986/30) Positive List of Controlled Goods and Services 1981, Amendment No 17 (SR 1986/56) 230 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 5 Schedule 5 Material incorporated by reference Schedule 5: added, on 14 October 2008, by section 28 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
s 53ZF 1 Definitions In this schedule, unless the context otherwise requires,— material means written material that is set out in a document other than a Part 4 determination Part 4 determination means either of the following: (a) (b) a determination made under section 52P; or an input methodology published as referred to in section 52W.

Schedule 5 clause 1 Part 4 determination paragraph (b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
2 (1) Material incorporated by reference into Part 4 determinations The Commission may incorporate by reference any material into a Part 4 deter‐ mination if— (a) (b) the material deals with technical matters; and it is impractical to include it in, or publish it as part of, the determin‐ ation.

(2) Material may be incorporated by reference into a Part 4 determination— (a) in whole or in part; and (b) with any modifications, additions, or variations specified in the Part 4 determination.
(3) Material incorporated by reference— (a) (b) is the material as it exists at the time the Part 4 determination is pub‐ lished; and has legal effect as part of the Part 4 determination for all purposes, except as provided in clauses 8 and 9.

3 Proof of material incorporated by reference (1) A copy of any material incorporated by reference in a Part 4 determination must be— (a) (b) certified by the chairperson as a correct copy of the material; and retained by the chairperson.
(2) The production in proceedings of a certified copy of the material is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, sufficient evidence of the incorporation of the material into the Part 4 determination.
231 Schedule 5 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 4 (1) Access to material incorporated by reference The Commission— (a) must make copies of all material incorporated by reference in a Part 4 determination available for inspection during normal working hours at the head office of the Commission; and (b) must make copies of the material available for purchase at a reasonable price from the head office of the Commission; and (c) may make copies of the material available in any other way that the chairperson considers appropriate in the circumstances (such as on an Internet site); and (d) must give notice in the Gazette of how the material is available for inspection and purchase.
(2) Subclause (1) applies to material when it is first incorporated into a Part 4 determination, and to any subsequent amendment or replacement of the mater‐ ial that is incorporated into the determination.

(3) A failure to comply with this clause does not invalidate a Part 4 determination.
5 Effect of amendments to, or replacements of, material incorporated by reference (1) An amendment to, or replacement of, material incorporated by reference in a Part 4 determination has legal effect as part of the determination only if— (a) (b) the amendment or replacement material is made by the person or organ‐ isation that made the original material; and the amendment or replacement material is of the same general character as the original material; and (c) either— (i) (ii) a subsequent Part 4 determination states that the particular amend‐ ment or replacement material has legal effect as part of the deter‐ mination; or the chairperson, by notice, adopts the amendment or replacement material as having legal effect as part of the determination.
(2) A notice under subclause (1)(c)(ii) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
232 LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 5 Schedule 5 clause 5(1)(c)(ii): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legis‐ lation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Schedule 5 clause 5(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
6 Effect of expiry of material incorporated by reference (1) Material incorporated by reference in a Part 4 determination that expires, is revoked, or ceases to have effect, ceases to have legal effect as part of the Part 4 determination only if— (a) (b) a subsequent Part 4 determination states that the material ceases to have that legal effect; or the chairperson, by notice, states that the material ceases to have that legal effect.
(2) A notice under subclause (1)(b) is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause Publication The maker must publish it in the Gazette Presentation It is not required to be presented to the House of Representatives because a transitional exemption applies under Schedule 1 of the Legislation Act 2019 It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives Disallowance This note is not part of the Act.
LA19 ss 73, 74(1)(a), Sch 1 cl 14 LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) LA19 ss 115, 116 Schedule 5 clause 6(1)(b): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

Schedule 5 clause 6(2): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
7 (1) Consultation before material incorporated by reference This clause applies if— (a) (b) (c) the Commission proposes to incorporate material by reference into any Part 4 determination; or the Commission proposes to make a Part 4 determination adopting amended or replacement material; or the chairperson proposes to make a notice adopting amended or replace‐ ment material.
(2) If any of the things referred to in subclause (1) are proposed, the Commis‐ sion— (a) must make copies of the material (which in this subclause includes any amended or replacement material) proposed to be incorporated by refer‐ ence available for inspection during normal working hours at the head office of the Commission; and 233 Schedule 5 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 (b) must make copies of the material available for purchase at a reasonable price from the head office of the Commission; and (c) may make copies of the material available in any other way that the chairperson considers appropriate in the circumstances (such as on an Internet site); and (d) must give notice in the Gazette of how copies of the material may be inspected and purchased, and how people may make comments on the proposal; and (e) must allow a reasonable opportunity for people to comment on the pro‐ posal; and (f) must consider any comments made within the time allowed.
(3) A failure to comply with this clause does not invalidate a Part 4 determination.

Schedule 5 clause 7(1)(c): amended, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

8 Application of Legislation Act 2019 to material incorporated by reference Subpart 1 of Part 3 and section 114 of the Legislation Act 2019 do not apply to material that is incorporated by reference in a Part 4 determination merely because it is incorporated.
Schedule 5 clause 8: replaced, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).

9 Regulations (Disallowance) Act 1989 not applicable [Repealed] Schedule 5 clause 9: repealed, on 5 August 2013, by section 77(3) of the Legislation Act 2012 (2012 No 119).
234 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Schedule 6 Schedule 6 Exemptions from Part 4 in respect of specific pipelines Schedule 6: added, on 14 October 2008, by section 28 of the Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70).
s 55A(2)(c), (4) Pipeline owner Todd Taranaki Limited Swift Energy New Zealand Limited Methanex New Zealand Limited Energy and Petroleum Limited Infrastructure Limited Infrastructure Vector Limited Nova Gas Limited Origin Energy Resources NZ (Rimu) Ltd TAG Oil (NZ) Limited Cheal Petroleum Limited Contact Energy Limited Pipeline McKee Production Station—Tikorangi gas pipelines Waihapa—New Plymouth gas pipeline • • • • Bertrand Road—Waitara Valley Plant gas pipeline (via Faull Road Mixing Station) Tikorangi—Faull Road Mixing Station gas pipeline Faull Road Mixing Station—Motunui Plant main process gas pipeline Faull Road Mixing Station—Waitara Valley Plant minor gas pipeline The 032 pipeline running from the T-junction on the Maui Pipeline at Ngatimaru Road to the Pohokura Pro‐ duction Station and the Methanex Motunui Methanol Plant Kapuni—Faull Road Mixing Station low temperature separator gas pipeline All gas pipelines Rimu Production Station—Mokoia Mixing station gas pipeline Sidewinder Production Station—Vector 300 Line at Dur‐ ham Road Upper Cheal Gas Export Pipeline Ahuroa Gas Storage Facility—Taranaki Combined Cycle and Stratford Peaker power stations gas pipeline Schedule 6: amended, on 21 February 2014, by clause 3 of the Commerce (Part 4 Regulation—Gas Pipeline Services) Order 2014 (LI 2014/19).
Schedule 6: amended, on 13 June 2013, by clause 3 of the Commerce (Part 4 Regulation—Gas Pipe‐ line Services) Order 2013 (SR 2013/145).

Schedule 6: amended, on 15 September 2011, by clause 3 of the Commerce (Part 4 Regulation—Gas Pipeline Services) Order 2011 (SR 2011/274).

235 Notes Notes 1 2 Commerce Act 1986 Version as at 24 January 2023 General This is a consolidation of the Commerce Act 1986 that incorporates the amend‐ ments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
Legal status A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments.

This presump‐ tion applies unless the contrary is shown.

Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, pub‐ lished as an electronic version, is an official version.

A printed version of legis‐ lation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to con‐ solidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 (2022 No 61): section 159 Electricity Industry Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 46): section 52 Data and Statistics Act 2022 (2022 No 39): section 107(1) Commerce (Grocery Sector Covenants) Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 35) Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki 2022/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 (2022 No 14): wehenga 7/section 7 Commerce Amendment Act 2022 (2022 No 11) Legislation Act (Amendments to Legislation) Regulations 2021 (LI 2021/247): regulations 42, 43 Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7): section 3 COVID-19 Response (Further Management Measures) Legislation Act 2020 (2020 No 13): section 3 Commerce (Criminalisation of Cartels) Amendment Act 2019 (2019 No 9) Commerce Amendment Act 2018 (2018 No 42) Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50): Part 3 subpart 1 Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 40) Regulatory Systems (Commercial Matters) Amendment Act 2017 (2017 No 12): Part 1 subpart 2 Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (2017 No 5): section 347 Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48): section 183(b) Standards and Accreditation Act 2015 (2015 No 91): section 45(1) Commerce (Part 4 Regulation—Gas Pipeline Services) Order 2014 (LI 2014/19) Companies Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 111): section 14 Financial Reporting (Amendments to Other Enactments) Act 2013 (2013 No 102): section 126 236 Version as at 24 January 2023 Commerce Act 1986 Notes Financial Markets
 (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2013 (2013 No 70): section 150 Patents Act 2013 (2013 No 68): section 249 Commerce (Part 4 Regulation—Gas Pipeline Services) Order 2013 (SR 2013/145) Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 19): section 8 Legislation Act 2012 (2012 No 119): section 77(3) Commerce (International Co-operation, and Fees) Amendment Act 2012 (2012 No 84) Search and Surveillance Act 2012 (2012 No 24): section 313 Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81): section
 413 Commerce (Part 4 Regulation—Gas Pipeline Services) Order 2011 (SR 2011/274) Electricity Industry Act 2010 (2010 No 116): sections 146–156 Commerce Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 70) Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2005 (2005 No 95) Crown Entities Act 2004 (2004 No 115): section 200 Employment Relations Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 86): section 72 Commerce Amendment Act (No 2) 2004 (2004 No 82) Commerce Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 23) Supreme Court Act 2003 (2003 No 53): section 48(1) Commerce Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 32) Trade Marks Act 2002 (2002 No 49): section 201 Human Rights Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 96): section 70(1) Commerce Amendment Act 2001 (2001 No 32) New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 (2000 No 91): section 107 Commerce Amendment Act 1996 (1996 No 113) Copyright Act 1994 (1994 No 143): section 236(1) Layout Designs Act 1994 (1994 No 116): section 42(1) Company Law Reform (Transitional Provisions) Act 1994 (1994 No 16): section 2 Defamation Act 1992 (1992 No 105): section 56(1) Judicature Amendment Act 1991 (1991 No 60): section 3(4) National Provident Fund Restructuring Act 1990 (1990 No 126): section 80 Commerce Amendment Act 1990 (1990 No 41) Civil Aviation Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 12): section 2(3) Official Information Amendment Act 1987 (1987 No 8): section 25(1) Fair Trading Act 1986 (1986 No 121): section 49(2) Commerce Act 1986 (1986 No 5): Schedule 1AA clause 4 Wellington, New Zealand: Published under the
 authority of the New Zealand Government—2023 237