Introduction
1. The Commerce Act 1986 (the Commerce Act) is an Act to promote competition in markets for the long-term benefit of consumers within New Zealand. Where markets fail to deliver competitive outcomes and fail to operate efficiently, Parts IV and V of the Commerce Act contain provisions providing for the control of the prices, revenues and quality standards of goods and services. The Commerce Act is enforced by the Commerce Commission (the Commission).
2. Part IV of the Commerce Act provides for the imposition of control. Section 53 of the Commerce Act provides for the Governor-General to impose control over the supply of goods or services on the recommendation of the Minister of Commerce (the Minister). In considering whether to make a recommendation that goods or services be controlled, the Minister can seek advice from the Commission under sections 54 and 56 of the Commerce Act.
3. The administration of control is covered in Part V of the Commerce Act. Controlled goods or services can only be supplied in compliance with an authorisation made by (or undertaking accepted by) the Commission under Part V.
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