The Government’s Select Committee inquiry into the price of milk is underway and it is calling for the public's submissions.

Select Committee chair Lianne Dalziel says the investigation aims to find out why New Zealanders pay so much for milk, when the country makes its living off dairying. 

However, Ms Dalziel says because it is an in-depth inquiry, it is unlikely it would report back before this year’s election.

"I think it will take longer than we have available before the election unfortunately. It’s quite a broad ranging inquiry but we do want to get as much into the public arena before the election as we possibly can.

"I think the public are a little bit surprised that a country, you know, which produces milk is an area where you pay so much for it. I think that’s what surprises people the most."

The inquiry will consider all of milk’s pricing points from farmgate to retail level.

It will also investigate whether the current dairy industry regulations are adequate and how the practices of retailers and wholesalers affect the prices Kiwi consumers must pay for their milk. 

Public submissions close on September 13 at 5pm – to find out more about making a submission visit www.parliament.nz