Willis defends Foodstuffs split plan as price debate continues
Nicola Willis has rejected criticism of National's plan to break up Foodstuffs, saying opponents want to protect high supermarket profits.
The finance spokesperson was speaking after a joint announcement with leader Christopher Luxon. National says, if it is re-elected, it would split Pak'nSave and New World into separate, competing operations — but only if a Commerce Commission review finds that is the best option. The commission is the independent body that monitors competition. RNZ
Supermarkets and business groups warned the plan could put off investment. Foodstuffs North Island chair Dean Waddell said the company was "gutted and concerned". He said a break-up would push prices higher.
Willis rejected that. She called the claim "extraordinary". She said New Zealanders had a choice between those with a stake in high profits and independent experts who say more competition would lower prices.
She said opposition from BusinessNZ was no surprise because Foodstuffs is one of its major members. She said store owners would still own their stores, keep their brands and keep access to national distribution chains.
Willis said the National caucus was "fully on board" with the policy. She declined to answer an anonymous report that a senior MP had called it "bonkers".
The proposal follows earlier grocery regulation. Willis has said more competition needs a stronger Grocery Supply Code, the rules for how supermarkets deal with suppliers, and a new Wholesale Code to cover bulk grocery supply to rivals. RNZ has reported shoppers are split over the break-up plan. RNZ
The broader context here is National is trying to make a large intervention easier to manage. By making the split conditional on the commission, ministers keep the promise on prices but leave the final decision to an independent review. The detail to watch is the terms of that review and what test would trigger action.
Looking at party management, the wording matters. Saying "fully on board" closes down public dissent without answering the anonymous criticism. Not engaging with the "bonkers" remark avoids a second story. Calling BusinessNZ conflicted may appeal to shoppers, but it risks friction with an organised business voice during the campaign.
