Does she agree with David Seymour that the Government has “led a horse to water, but not made them drink just yet” when it comes to new supermarket chains in New Zealand?

Answer

Yes. Investing in the grocery sector and opening new supermarkets are commercial decisions for businesses. The Government has focused on reducing barriers to entry and expansion in the sector, to make it more attractive for businesses to make these investments. This includes clarifying that supermarket developments can access the fact track approvals process, streamlining building consenting processes, expanding access to MultiProof building consents, and speeding up Overseas Investment Act approvals processes.