David Seymour warns against supermarket sector interventions
Monday 28 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Labour Party, National Party, ACT Party, David Seymour, NZ First, Green Party
ACT leader David Seymour claims politicians are panicking over cost-of-living issues and risking investor confidence through proposed supermarket interventions. He suggested that businesses have become targets for public frustration. Seymour also announced a proposed 'one-stop shop' for consenting new supermarkets.
Key facts
3 facts
- David Seymour addressed the Aurecon engineering consultancy group in Newmarket.
- ACT proposes a one-stop consenting shop to help new businesses enter the market.
- National's Foodstuffs policy requires Commerce Commission approval to ensure benefits outweigh costs.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
ACT leader David Seymour claims politicians are in a "state of panic" regarding cost-of-living issues. He argues that proposed interventions in the supermarket sector risk destroying investor confidence in New Zealand.
Seymour criticised various party policies, including National and NZ First's plan for the structural separation of Foodstuffs, Labour's price-gouging ban, and the Greens' proposal for a state-run supermarket. He stated he does not accept the premise that the current market is not competitive.
The ACT leader suggested that businesses like supermarkets and banks have become targets for public frustration. He noted that people feel poorer due to high prices, inflation, and productivity problems.
ACT's election focus involves making it easier for new businesses to enter the market. Proposed policies include a "one-stop consenting shop" to streamline entry and changes to product labelling laws to reduce red tape.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Stuff.
