19 Feb 2014

Jones makes more supermarket claims

10:19 pm on 19 February 2014

Labour Party MP Shane Jones has used parliamentary privilege to accuse Woolworths of trying to discourage its New Zealand suppliers from cooperating with the Commerce Commission.

Shane Jones.

Shane Jones. Photo: RNZ

Mr Jones wrote to the commission last week accusing Countdown of extortion and anti-competitive behaviour. The commission is still considering whether to investigate his complaint.

Woolworths has rejected Mr Jones' claim that it has forced suppliers to pay it retrospective payments.

But the MP has continued to criticise the supermarket chain in Parliament, saying he is speaking on behalf of suppliers who are too afraid to complain.

On Wednesday, Mr Jones asked Commerce Minister Craig Foss whether he thought it helped the Commerce Commission process if Woolworths Australia chairperson Ralph Waters was ringing suppliers to encourage them not to co-operate.

The Australian company owns 166 Countdown stores and 56 Supervalue and Fresh Choice franchises in New Zealand.

Ralph Waters said he completely rejects Mr Jones' allegations, finds them highly offensive and is disappointed with the MP's behaviour.