KEY POINTS:
A row has erupted over sales of uniforms for a school in Papakura
A retailer claims an exclusive deal with a competitor is pushing up the price, adding to parents' costs.
Uniform Shoppe managing director Janet Igrisan said her company had sold Rosehill College uniforms since 1995 but was being locked out in favour of an appointed retailer.
She has started a petition, run an advertisement voicing her objection in a local newspaper and contacted the Commerce Commission.
"We know there are many parents annoyed with their school over this," said Ms Igrisan.
The commission told the Herald it had not ruled on a specific case, but it had investigated exclusive arrangements for school uniform supply after receiving about eight complaints from parents, manufacturers and retailers in the past two years.
The director of the commission's competition branch, Deborah Battell, said guidelines were expected to be issued this month.
She said the arrangements could be beneficial to schools - which made money from the deals - but the interests of the buyers had to be considered.
"There a number of ways this can be achieved - for example, by ensuring a competitive tender process."
Ms Battell said the commission would eventually expect to see a change in industry practice as a result of the guidelines.
Rosehill College acting principal David Ormandy said he did not want to comment.
Mr Ormandy said the school had had a sole-supplier arrangement for its uniforms for years, and the items were available for purchase at outlets on-site and in central Auckland.
The school website warns that uniforms from other retailers "may not meet our specifications".
And it reminded parents that buying from the on-site School Uniform Shop supported the school, as part of the profit from each item sold went to Rosehill College.
NON-UNIFORM PRICES
Rosehill College
* Jacket - $102
* Jnr girls skirt (size 72) - $90
* Boys shorts (80cm) - $48.50
The Uniform Shoppe
* Jacket - $89.90
* Jnr girls skirt (size 72) - $79.90
* Boys shorts (80cm) - $44.90
