The New Zealand Press Association today reports that presiding judge Justice Alan MacKenzie ruled he was not satisfied the lines companies had met the onus of proof that there were grounds for believing internal Commercee Commission documents were relevant and of such signifiance to make public disclosure necessary.

The network companies had sought to see internal documents used in the commission’s 2004 report to the government that recommended price control on the gas pipeline businesses of both firms.

The Wellington-headquartered commission had opposed their application, saying the requested material did not relate to the report and it was subject to “public interest immunity”. In other words, the information was privileged.

The commission took direct control of both businesses late last year – following complaints that their gas charges were excessive and that the firms were abusing their monopoly positions - ordering Vector to drop its average prices by 9.5% and Powerco to cut its charges by 9%.