ARTICLE AD BOX
"If an international grocer wanted to set up shop here, land use planning would be a substantial barrier. ... [I]t has taken Woolworths four years to get planning permission for a supermarket in Halswell. Could a new entrant navigate across dozens of councils’ systems when even experienced incumbents have a rough time? ...
"My column ...made the case for a fast-track system for new supermarket entry. ... The government ought to be keen on making sure that kind of entry is possible. ...
"And government definitely should not be doing things that would make New Zealand seem risky, unpredictable, and generally hostile to retailers. ... [The] Grocery Commissioner van Heerden [says] that international food price comparisons that adjust for GST are ‘a bit sort of sneaky.’ ... The Grocery Commissioner’s draft review of the grocery supply code is more worrying. ...
"I still hope the government sets fast-track planning approval for new supermarket entry. But unpredictable regulations give potential entrants one more reason to give New Zealand a miss."
~ Eric Crampton from his column 'The obstacles in place for any new supermarket player'
English (US) ·