SoI released for Rafting JV Co's application to acquire three Rotorua rafting operators

The Statement of Issues outlines the Commission's potential competition issues with the acquisition following its initial investigation. The Statement of Issues is not a final decision and does not mean that the Commission intends to decline or clear the merger.

The Commission is seeking submissions from Rotorua Rafting, Kaitiaki Adventures, Kaituna Cascades and other interested parties on the issues raised in the Statement of Issues.

The Statement of Issues can be found on our case register.

Submissions can be sent by email to [email protected] with the reference "Rafting JV Co/Rotorua rafting operators" in the subject line.

Submissions are due by close of business on Friday, 20 February 2026, with cross-submissions due by close of business on 3 March 2026.

The Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the application by 14 April 2026. However, this date may be extended with the agreement of the applicant(s) if the material before the Commission at that time does not allow it to be satisfied that the proposed acquisition will not have, or would not be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market in New Zealand.

Background

We will only give clearance to a proposed merger if we are satisfied that the merger is unlikely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

Further information explaining how the Commission assesses a merger application is available.