11. Question No. 11—Commerce and Consumer AffairsTERISA NGOBI (Labour—Ōtaki) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 11—Commerce and Consumer Affairs11. TERISA NGOBI (Labour—Ōtaki) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What progress has the Government made for Kiwi consumers this week?Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): A lot. This week we have made three big steps for consumers. First I have initiated a Commerce Commission study into retail banking to ensure Kiwis can have faith in banking services and that bank profits are appropriate and justified. Secondly the Grocery Industry Competition Bill passed through the House last night. The bill advances the interests of Kiwis at the checkout and it supports local suppliers in the face of a supermarket duopoly that has been making profits well over the odds for years. Thirdly today we take a big stride in consumer choice as we publish a draft bill on consumer data rights. This framework will ultimately allow people to shop around for goods and services including banking at the touch of a button. It's been a big week for New Zealand consumers. I am incredibly proud of the progress that this Government is making.Terisa Ngobi: How have you prioritised your efforts?Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB: On this side of the House we prioritise making the most difference for the many not the few and in particular for those that need it most. That's why we focused on things like fuel groceries building supplies and now personal banking services. We found market studies to be a powerful tool to get to the bottom of competition issues and that's why we've asked the Commerce Commission to shine its spotlight on markets that have the greatest effect on the most people.Terisa Ngobi: What are some signs of progress?Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB: There are lots of signs of progress. The green shoots of competition are visible and major legislation only passed yesterday. Over 140 pieces of prime land have had their anti-competitive arrangements removed by the supermarket duopoly. Two major supermarket chains have announced they've set up wholesale business units international supermarkets are entering the country new online Kiwi grocery retailers are growing fast other retail chains are expanding into groceries and there are new price innovations like a winter grocery price freeze. This Government addresses long-term problems in a bold and meaningful way not one that looks for quick political wins—and this makes all the difference.Terisa Ngobi: What else is the Government doing for consumers?Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB: Oh but wait there's more—and this one's for free: this week we made progress on the consumer data right to help Kiwis compare and switch banks and other services at the touch of a button. The draft bill was released today and we're on track to introduce that legislation this year. The Government is well advanced on the code for supermarket suppliers and on a system of unit pricing for groceries and on the appointment of the new Grocery Commissioner. We are progressing on the issue of anti-competitive land agreements in the rest of the economy and ensuring an affordable pricing regime for water. This Government is doing everything it can to get New Zealand markets working. We're the only ones who can be trusted to keep doing this come October this year.