Photo: Google Maps
Foodstuffs North Island has been hit with a $3.25 million fine for deliberate and serious blocking of competitors.
A High Court judge ruled the supermarket company, which runs the chains New World and Pak N Save, deliberately used covenants on land to hinder rivals.
The practice came to light in a Commerce Commission market study in 2022.
Justice Paul James Radich said the practice was to hinder rivals opening in three locations – Newtown and Petone in Wellington and Tamatea in South Napier.
The Commerce Commission said the penalty shows the seriousness of the conduct.
More to come.