The decision to not proceed with a section 56G inquiry into airport regulation has been welcomed by the New Zealand Airports Association.
The New Zealand Airports Association has welcomed the Commerce Commission’s decision this morning not to proceed with a section 56G inquiry into airport regulation, issuing a statement which said that the current framework has promoted transparency, accountability and long-term investment.
The Commission has confirmed it will instead direct its attention on consulting next year on refinements to information disclosure requirements to improve its ability to monitor major capital projects.
Chief Executive of the New Zealand Airports Association, Billie Moore, said airports around the country 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 any changes to Part four of the Commerce Act, which was outlined in a statement by Commerce Minister Hon Scott Simpson earlier 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,” the statement said.
Minister Simpson said airports are already among New Zealand’s best-performing infrastructure assets, and that Ipsos research has showed 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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