David Seymour Rejects Supermarket Break-up Plans for Regulatory Reform

ACT leader David Seymour condemned proposals to break up New Zealand's supermarket duopoly, describing such plans as unethical and a betrayal of free enterprise. Speaking at the firm Aurecon in Auckland on September 28, 2026, Seymour argued that dismantling the logistics networks of Foodstuffs and Woolworths would destroy essential economies of scale, potentially raising prices and discouraging foreign investment.

Seymour criticized coalition partners, including the National Party, as well as the Labour, Green, and New Zealand First parties for supporting various forms of market intervention. While other parties have proposed a state-run competitor, price gouging bans, or forced break-ups, Seymour attributed the cost-of-living crisis to a long-term lack of productivity growth, pandemic over-spending, and global conflicts rather than corporate greed.

As an alternative to direct intervention, the ACT Party proposed reducing taxes and regulatory barriers to encourage new market entrants. Central to this plan is the creation of a one-stop consenting shop to streamline approvals and liquor licenses. Seymour also advocated for updating product labeling laws to accept standards from the United Kingdom, European Union, and United States, asserting that government regulation is the primary obstacle to competition.