10. Auckland Property Investors Association—Allegations of Improper PracticeMICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsAuckland Property Investors Association—Allegations of Improper Practice10. MICHAEL WOOD (Labour—Mt Roskill) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What action if any has she taken since learning that Ron Hoy Fong and the Auckland Property Investors Association are actively promoting practices such as the use of fake bids and false names by property investors to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners?Hon JACQUI DEAN (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): When made aware of the allegations I publicly stated my concern and said I would take advice from officials and ensure that the Commerce Commission was aware of the issue. The Commerce Commission has now said it is seeking more information and considering the issues further before making a decision on whether to launch an investigation.Michael Wood: Will the Minister join with Labour in condemning the Auckland Property Investors' Association for promoting these unethical practices in its member's packs for over 1 year; and if she will not condemn them why not?Hon JACQUI DEAN: I note to the member that the Commerce Commission is now considering whether or not it is going to take any action on the issue the member raises. I would also note that I cannot direct the Commerce Commission. Sections 105 and 133 of the Crown Entities Act prevent me from doing that and as there is potentially an investigation under way I am unable to comment directly.Michael Wood: If video evidence of Ron Hoy Fong telling people to put forward fake bids and use fake names and boasting about homeowners being set up is not enough for her as the Minister to take a stand on behalf of consumers then what would it take for her to make a stand beyond telling people to make a complaint?Hon JACQUI DEAN: I am always concerned when matters arise where potentially consumers have been misled or deceived. However I cannot direct the Commerce Commission. The Crown Entities Act provides that I should not do that and as there is a complaint under investigation I am not able to comment further.Michael Wood: Is it true that while she knows that the highlighted practices are utterly unethical she feels hamstrung by her party's close association with property speculators and that she is just too afraid to speak up for consumers who are being deceived?Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no ministerial responsibility for a political party's associations.Michael Wood: Has the Minister asked officials to undertake any work to assess the scope of exploitation by property speculators given that Mr Fong's activities have been going on for at least 3 years; if not why not?Hon JACQUI DEAN: I do not think we should reactively change laws based on individual cases. The beauty of the Fair Trading Act is that it encompasses all misleading and deceiving behaviour. However I will be watching this situation as I do with all consumer issues and I would note that as there is an investigation currently being considered by the Commerce Commission I am not prepared to make any further comment.Michael Wood: Supplementary question Mr Speaker.Mr SPEAKER: Labour has used all its supplementary questions today.