Sue Chetwin today called on the Commerce Select Committee to decide tomorrow, when it meets, to commence a formal inquiry into dairy prices in New Zealand.
Consumer NZ leads a coalition of community groups seeking an inquiry into dairy pricing.
The Committee will consider whether to launch such an inquiry tomorrow morning in a public hearing to be held from 9:10 to 9:25 in Parliament Buildings. At that time the Committee will receive a briefing from officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
"New Zealanders were promised a competitive milk market when Fonterra was set up in 2001. After ten years of rising milk prices, it is time for the Committee to hold an inquiry into what has gone wrong," said Ms Chetwin.
Ms Chetwin said that the legislation establishing Fonterra may need to be changed if it has failed to ensure that milk markets are competitive and protect New Zealanders from monopoly milk prices.
"It is outrageous that milk and cheese are so expensive in New Zealand, when this country is one of the biggest producers of dairy produce in the world," said Ms Chetwin.
Ms Chetwin said that the Committee needed to hold an inquiry into dairy markets in New Zealand urgently.
"If there is something wrong with the regulatory framework for milk markets, it needs to be identified and fixed as soon as possible. Kiwis shouldn't have to scrimp and save to buy milk and cheese."
Parliament will be rising in October, said Ms Chetwin, so there is no time to waste.
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
And who do you work for Daniel? Fonterra?
Like Mark and many others, I see no reason why we in NZ should be subsidizing any country for any of our products!
The way things are going, our jobs are up for grabs to China because heaven forbid we cost to much to pay! Oh right, so thats why many of us are struggling to pay the everyday necessarys!
The sunday roast hasnt graced our table in months it is so over priced and on it goes.
There is nothing wrong with paying the international price for milk - I came back from aus this week and in Coles and Woolworths paid AU$2 for 2 litres of storebrand milk (and also noted that 10 litres of skim milk powder cost AU$5.95 when not on special).
While 2 litres here may cost NZ$3.50 compared to the NZ $2.60 the aussies pay, it is important that the New Zealand consumer continue to subsidise the international price in order that the NZ industry remains efficient and cost competitive overseas.
I get so sick of hearing the argument that NZ has to pay the international price for dairy products. I don't know of any large Middle Eastern oil producing nations that have to pay international prices for oil.