Consumer Rights in New Zealand
Understanding your rights as a consumer and how to protect them
Consumer Guarantees
- â Right to goods that are fit for purpose
- â Right to goods of acceptable quality
- â Right to goods that match description
- â Right to goods that match sample
- â Right to services performed with reasonable care
Fair Trading Rights
- â Protection from misleading advertising
- â Right to accurate product information
- â Protection from unfair contract terms
- â Right to fair pricing practices
- â Protection from deceptive conduct
Remedies Available
- â Right to refund for faulty goods
- â Right to repair or replacement
- â Right to compensation for losses
- â Right to cancel contracts
- â Right to seek damages
Faulty Products
When goods don't work as expected or break down
Available Remedies:
- âĸ Request repair or replacement
- âĸ Seek full or partial refund
- âĸ Claim compensation for losses
- âĸ Report to Commerce Commission
Misleading Advertising
When businesses make false or misleading claims
Available Remedies:
- âĸ Report to Commerce Commission
- âĸ Seek compensation for losses
- âĸ Request corrective advertising
- âĸ Consider legal action
Unfair Contract Terms
Contract terms that are unreasonably unfavorable
Available Remedies:
- âĸ Challenge unfair terms
- âĸ Seek contract variation
- âĸ Apply to Disputes Tribunal
- âĸ Get legal advice
Consumer Protection Laws
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993
Provides automatic guarantees for goods and services
- âĸ Acceptable quality guarantee
- âĸ Fitness for purpose guarantee
- âĸ Compliance with description
- âĸ Service performance standards
Fair Trading Act 1986
Protects consumers from misleading and deceptive conduct
- âĸ Misleading advertising prohibition
- âĸ False representation protection
- âĸ Unfair trading practices
- âĸ Product safety standards
Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003
Regulates consumer credit and finance
- âĸ Responsible lending requirements
- âĸ Disclosure obligations
- âĸ Interest rate regulations
- âĸ Hardship provisions
Key Consumer Rights
Automatic Guarantees
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, you automatically get guarantees that:
- Goods are of acceptable quality
- Goods are fit for the purpose you bought them for
- Goods match their description
- Services are performed with reasonable care and skill
When Things Go Wrong
If goods or services don't meet the guarantees, you can:
- Get a refund, repair, or replacement
- Claim compensation for any losses
- Cancel the contract in serious cases
- Seek damages for consequential losses
Where to Get Help
If you have consumer issues, you can:
- Contact the Commerce Commission
- Apply to the Disputes Tribunal
- Seek legal advice
- Contact Consumer NZ
Need Help with Consumer Issues?
Our lawyers can help you understand and enforce your consumer rights.