Election 2026: Green Party to campaign on banning supermarket price gouging

New Zealand's Green Party is set to campaign on a new policy designed to combat alleged price gouging by the country's duopoly of supermarkets. Co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick unveiled the initiative, which centers on a member's bill aimed at making it illegal to charge "unreasonable" prices for groceries.

The proposed legislation seeks to regulate pricing within the supermarket sector, which is dominated by two major players. The Green Party argues that this duopoly has led to excessive pricing, and their bill intends to introduce a legal framework to prevent such practices. The policy is being presented as a key component of their platform for the 2026 election, signaling their commitment to addressing consumer concerns about the cost of essential goods.

Details regarding the specific criteria for what constitutes an "unreasonable" price and the enforcement mechanisms of the proposed bill were not fully elaborated in the initial announcement. However, the party's stance indicates a focus on consumer protection and fair market practices within the grocery industry. The announcement comes as the Green Party prepares its campaign strategy, aiming to differentiate itself by addressing economic issues that directly impact New Zealand households.