Effective Markets Branch
[ Last Updated 26 October 2006 ]
Deputy Secretary: Liz MacPherson
Overview
The Effective Markets branch aims to ensure that markets work for businesses and consumers leading to more globally competitive firms and an environment in which consumers and business are able to transact with confidence. While other parts of the Ministry of Economic Development take responsibility for focussing on specific markets such as those for telecommunications, electricity, financial services or intellectual property, the Effective Markets Branch provides advice and guidance on the impact of market design and the way it is implemented on consumers, business (particularly small business) and the economy as a whole.
The branch incorporates the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has been involved in significant reform of consumer law in New Zealand over the last five years. This came to fruition in 2003 with the passage of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act [link to MCA website], which came into effect on 1 April 2005. The passage of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act also occurred in 2003 along with significant amendments to the Fair Trading Act [link to MCA website] and the Consumer Guarantees Act [link to MCA website].
Consumer Policy Group
The Consumer Policy group provides policy advice to government on consumer-related issues and best practice market design with the aim of creating an environment in which consumers can transact with confidence.
The team provides commentary on all policy proposals in Cabinet papers with the potential to have an impact on the economic well-being of consumers.
The team also provides advice to the government on energy safety related issues.
Regulatory Policy Team
The Regulatory Policy team promotes effective regulatory (market) design that achieves its objectives through sharing knowledge on best practice regulatory design across government to ensure effective design, implementation and ongoing maintenance of regulation and other interventions.The team provides advice on ways of improving the quality of regulatory (market) design and the strengthening of the growth focus of the regulatory environment.
The Regulatory Impact Analysis Unit (RIAU) which is part of the Regulatory Policy Team reviews and provides guidance on Regulatory Impact Statements and Business Compliance Cost Statements that accompany new proposals for regulation.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Policy Team
This team promotes markets that work for business through providing government with advice on the creation of an economic and regulatory environment which promotes the development and success of small and medium term enterprises.
The SME Policy team provides secretariat services for the Ministerial Group for Small Business, the Small Business Advisory Group, and the SME Senior Officials Group. This role provides access for small business and government to engage in effective communication and dialogue.
Environmental Regulation and HSNO Team
This team administers a number of environmental controls for imports and exports of ozone depleting substances and the movement of hazardous waste across borders. These controls are designed to ensure that while working for businesses and consumers, environmental sustainability is also considered. The team also leads work on the Hazardous Substances and New Organisations Act.
Research, Information and Capability (RIC) Group
The RIC group undertakes research and monitoring (including evaluation of impacts of specific legislation) and data analysis to build an understanding of consumer and business behaviour and emerging issues in order to facilitate more effective market design and implementation.
The group undertakes capability building activities, including developing relationships with community agencies, which support the participation of consumers in decision-making where the outcomes are likely to impact on them. Such stakeholder engagement is fed into improving consumer policy and programmes.
The group also develops and manages consumer education and awareness programmes, including the delivery of print and online information about consumer and business rights, responsibilities and avenues for redress and remedies.
Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS)
The Measurement and Product Safety Service undertakes enforcement and conformance operational activity designed to ensure that goods that are traded by weight or measure are traded accurately and that products sold are safe.
The service undertakes two major functions: trade measurement and product safety.
Trade Measurement
MAPSS administers and enforces the Weights and Measures Act and works to make sure traders are aware of, and obey, the laws regarding weight and measurement.
MAPSS can:
- carry out spot checks of weighing and measuring equipment;
- check the weight of packaged goods; and
- investigate complaints from the public.
From 1 October 2006 the MAPSS team has also taken responsibility for fuel quality monitoring.
Product Safety
MAPSS seeks to support and promote an environment that ensures safe goods are supplied in the market and that consumers use them safely.
MAPSS can:
- investigate unsafe products;
- suggest modifications to make a product safe;
- request that unsafe products be removed from sale;
- give advice to companies recalling unsafe products; and
- help develop self-regulation options.
Where circumstances require this, MAPSS can recommend that the Minister of Consumer Affairs:
- recall unsafe products;
- ban an unsafe product; and
- make mandatory standards.
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