46467 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

46467 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Does the Minister agree with Simon Bridges who said on 30 July 2025, in relation to the surcharge ban, "If the Government wants to make a real difference for consumers and small business, it should focus on the merchant fees charged by banks and payment providers”?

Hon Scott Simpson: Yes. The surcharge ban is part of a package of reforms, which will move New Zealand closer to a modern, internationally comparable retail payment system. The Commerce Commission has acted to further reduce interchange fees – the major component of the merchant service fee businesses are charged – from 1 December 2025. The Commission is also monitoring other components of the merchant service fee and has the power to intervene if these charges increase.