Feedback sought on airport information disclosure

1 August 2014

Feedback sought on airport information disclosure

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) today released a consultation paper inviting feedback on the regime that requires major airports to make their performance and financial information publicly available.

Iain Cossar, General Manager Commercial & Consumer Environment says the information disclosure regime set out in the Commerce Act allows regulators to monitor Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch airports’ potential use of market power.

“The Act requires that these three airports disclose information such as their financial statements, prices, pricing methodology, customer service and quality indicators,” he says.

The release of the consultation paper, Effectiveness of Information Disclosure Regulation for Major International Airports, follows reports on the three airports, completed last year by the Commerce Commission, which found mixed evidence on the effectiveness of the current information disclosure regime.

“In light of the Commerce Commission reports, it is timely to step back and review how well the regulatory regime for major international airports is doing in promoting outcomes consistent with those in competitive markets,” says Mr Cossar.

This document is being released at the same time as a Ministry of Transport consultation document, the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 Consultation Document.

“These documents are being released together so interested parties can get a picture of the whole regime and comment on the interaction between the Commerce Act with the price setting provisions in the Airport Authorities Act,” he says.

“Feedback will help determine whether the regulatory regime for major international airports is effective or whether further policy work is required,” says Mr Cossar.

The four month consultation ends on 28 November 2014. For more information and to make a submission see: www.med.govt.nz/business/competition-policy/part-4-commerce-act/airport-regulation/effectiveness-information-disclosure-regulation.

ENDS

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