Ensuring Kiwis have access to fairly priced building materials is a driving factor in Government’s decision to review
the residential building supply market, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, David Clark, announced today.
“We’re looking at how we can lay the foundations for a more competitive building sector,” David Clark said.
“We are delivering this manifesto commitment because good housing underpins a range of social, economic and health
outcomes. Therefore, it’s critical Kiwis have access to fairly priced building supplies.
“Understanding any market barriers could play a key role in supporting New Zealanders achieve home ownership, so I’m
pleased the Commerce Commission will be getting this work underway.
“It’s clear a significant portion of the costs associated with building residential housing is tied to building
supplies. As New Zealand’s population has increased over the last decade, residential building consents have more than
tripled. Alongside that, current demand for renovations and extensions to existing homes is at the highest it’s been in
15 years.”
The study will allow the Commerce Commission to investigate any factors that may affect competition for the supply or
acquisition of key building supplies. This includes: the foundation, flooring, roof, walls and insulation.
“There have been long-standing concerns about potential competition issues, particularly due to the highly concentrated
nature of some markets in the supply chain,” David Clark said.
This is the third market study of its kind in New Zealand. It follows a similar piece of work into the retail fuel
sector completed in December 2019 which found that motorists were paying higher petrol prices due to a lack of
competition, and led to the Fuel Industry Act. The second market study into the retail grocery sector is ongoing, with
the final report due in March 2022.
The Commerce Commission will present its final report on residential building supplies in December 2022.