In July of 2021, the Commerce Commission of New Zealand investigated super market giants. They found a duopoly existed between Foodstuffs (owner of Pak N Save, New World and Four Square) and Woolworths (owner of Countdown)

This is problematic because food is non-cyclical from an economic perspective. That is, regardless of economic position, the demand for food remains. This issue is exacerbated due to a lack of competition in the market (duopoly) meaning market leaders can mark-up the cost of items sold without fear of demand repercussions - as New Zealanders cannot shop elsewhere for a reasonable price. 

The New Zealand Government has worsened the issue by prohibiting smaller competition (Sunday farmer's markets, local butcheries etc) from operating during a time of already general financial hardship brought about by another lockdown. 

It is imperative rising costs at supermarkets are addressed swiftly to prevent suffering, crime and restricted means of investment to other sectors important to the economy.