Halswell Woolworths saga why consenting policy needed

“After an eleven year battle with consenting process and regulations rivalling the Odyssey, a new Woolworths has finally opened in Halswell today,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“The consent alone took four years and cost more than $3 million. If you wonder why grocery prices are high, this case gives you a hint.

“It shouldn’t be this hard. If we want more supermarkets built here, our planning system needs to support that. More red tape only means fewer people willing or able to navigate it.

“That’s why ACT would create a one stop consenting shop. This would mean new entrants have a single point where they can get their consents, liquor licenses and approvals in months, not years.

“A business would no longer be facing down millions of dollars and years of waiting before seeing any ground broken.

“The Halswell example shows why new entrants would be hesitant to enter the supermarket competition as it is. The last thing we need is further policies that destroy investor confidence by proposing break-ups, price controls, or state-run alternatives.

“ACT will focus on the barriers that make it hard for new competitors to enter the New Zealand market.

“To keep prices low at checkout and save future businesses from the nightmare Halswell’s new Woolworths had to endure, ACT’s policy is to make it easier for new businesses to come here, compete, and expand.”