Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, 1st April 2008

Copeland seeks inquiry into milk prices

Independent MP Gordon Copeland revealed today that he has forwarded a letter to the Chair of the Commerce Commission, formerly requesting an investigation into the price of milk in New Zealand.

Mr Copeland recently released figures showing that at $3.25 ($2.89 net of GST) for two litres, milk is now more expensive here than it is in some overseas countries, including Australia, the UK, the USA, and Canada (Vancouver).

He believes that New Zealand prices should be significantly below those charged in milk importing countries when account is taken of freight, insurance and tariffs.

“In any event, since it is clear that the rapid increase in the price of milk is now putting a great deal of pressure on family budgets, I believe that an approved mechanism should exist to ensure that the New Zealand consumer is paying a fair price for milk,” said Mr Copeland.

“The goal of the investigation would be two fold. Firstly, to ensure that milk is currently correctly priced and secondly that future price increases are able to be justified against objective criteria and in a transparent manner.”

“Given all of the complexities involved, I can see no other way to give the necessary price assurance to consumers as day by day they buy milk at their local supermarket.”

ENDS

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