Airports Welcome Constructive Path Forward On Regulation

The New Zealand Airports Association has welcomed the Commerce Commission’s decision today not to proceed with a section 56G inquiry into airport regulation, saying the current framework promotes transparency, accountability and long-term investment.

The Commission has confirmed it will instead focus on consulting next year on refinements to information disclosure requirements to improve its ability to monitor major capital projects.

Chief Executive Billie Moore said airports will participate constructively in that consultation process.

“We’re ready to engage in good faith on refinements to information disclosure where they genuinely add value for the travelling public,” Moore said.

“Any changes must be practical, proportionate, and based on evidence. The current framework already promotes transparency and accountability while giving airports the flexibility to invest for the long term. Refinements should build on those strengths.”

Moore also welcomed the Government’s confirmation that it is not considering changes to Part 4 of the Commerce Act, as outlined in a statement by Commerce Minister Hon Scott Simpson today.

“The Government’s position provides much-needed regulatory certainty. A stable and transparent regulatory environment is vital to New Zealand’s economic growth agenda.

“Airports are already among New Zealand’s best-performing infrastructure assets – Ipsos research shows they are rated the most trusted and highest-performing sector by the public. That’s because airports invest for the long term, in capacity, resilience, and sustainability.”

Moore said it was now important that regulatory energy is focused on the right priorities.

“We need the Commission to focus on what really matters to New Zealanders. Domestic airfares have risen by 40 percent since 2019, and only more capacity and competition from airlines will address that.”

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