The Government is updating the Commerce Act for the first time in nearly two decades, aiming to create fairer markets and give both consumers and businesses more certainty.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the changes are about “certainty and reliability for businesses,” while ensuring competition drives growth and sharper prices.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson adds that the reforms will strengthen the Commerce Commission, separating its governance and regulatory functions so it can make faster, more transparent decisions.

Key updates include stopping unfair tactics like creeping acquisitions and predatory pricing, clearer merger rules, and giving the Commission new tools such as pausing or calling in risky mergers before they’re completed.

Businesses will also be able to commit to limiting their market power as part of merger applications, helping resolve competition concerns without lengthy disputes.

The reforms are set to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas and passed by mid-2026.

For Coasties, this could mean more choice on shop shelves, stronger protections against big players squeezing out smaller competitors, and ultimately a fairer go for local businesses trying to grow in competitive markets.

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