The Commerce Commission of New Zealand has issued a final determination allowing HP New Zealand (HPNZ) to engage in resale price maintenance (RPM) for a period of ten years. This authorization enables HPNZ to control the prices at which its products are sold through its HP-branded Online Stores, although it does not impact pricing through other retail channels.

HPNZ operates its online stores in New Zealand but sells products through a local third-party distributor. The Commission previously authorized this RPM arrangement in 2021 for five years, allowing time to assess its benefits and detriments. The recent review found no significant detriments and some small benefits from the arrangement.

Commerce Commission Chair Dr. John Small stated that the small market share of sales through HP Online Stores and the strong competition HPNZ faces justifies the ten-year authorization. The Commission's decision is based on the belief that the arrangement will not harm competition and will provide public benefits.

HPNZ's parent company, HP Inc., manufactures a range of technology products and distributes them through various channels in New Zealand. The Commission's guidelines allow for the authorization of agreements that may breach the Commerce Act if they result in public benefits.