Luxon: Supermarket competition helps keeps prices down

• By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister and MP for Botany

Big news for shoppers is also a strong vote of confidence in New Zealand’s economy.
United States supermarket giant Costco is planning a second store in South Auckland, showing international investors see New Zealand as a stable and attractive place to grow their money.

This isn’t just about more choice at the checkout. Developments like Costco’s bring real economic benefits – billions of dollars of investment over the next decade, thousands of construction and services jobs, and new opportunities for local food producers. More competition in the supermarket sector also helps keep prices down, which is good news for Kiwi families.

Government reforms are helping unlock this growth. Projects that boost grocery competition now qualify for faster approvals. A single nationwide building consenting authority is being put in place, and standardised designs mean new stores can get built sooner. Less red tape delivers more jobs, more investment, and more economic activity across the regions.

These changes sit alongside broader support, such as tax relief and falling interest rates, which help businesses invest and families manage costs. Fast-tracking supermarkets, housing, energy, and ports is part of the plan to create more homes, more jobs, more exports, and more opportunities for Kiwis everywhere.

Families are also benefiting directly. The expansion of FamilyBoost means thousands more households are receiving at least $150 a fortnight to help with childcare costs. More than 78,000 families received payments last quarter, with the average payment nearly doubling – putting more money in parents’ pockets and supporting spending.

Strong infrastructure underpins a strong economy. The latest Infrastructure Commission update shows nearly 12,000 projects worth $275 billion in the National Infrastructure Pipeline, with $61 billion already under construction. This certainty gives the construction sector confidence to plan, retain staff, and invest in capability.

Cutting red tape, supporting families, and encouraging investment is how we build a stronger, more dynamic economy that benefits every Kiwi and every region.