The Commerce Commission has filed proceedings against Wilson Parking, alleging New Zealand's biggest parking company substantially lessened competition for the supply of car parking in the Boulcott Street area in central Wellington when it acquired the rights to operate the Capital car park.
The antitrust regulator today filed papers in the High Court in Wellington, accusing Wilson Parking of breaching Section 47 of the Commerce Act, which prohibits acquisitions that are likely to substantially lessen competition.
Wilson Parking, a privately owned company ultimately controlled by Hong Kong's Kwok family, is part of Wilson Group which operates parking sites throughout Australia and Asia.
In 2015, the commission granted clearance for Wilson Parking to acquire the lease for the Plimmer Towers car park on Boulcott Street, the regulator said in a statement.
In doing so, the commission noted the competitive constraint on Wilson Parking in this area would primarily arise from the competing provider operating the Capital car park, a large multi-level car park at 50-60 Boulcott Street.