What we don't do and who can help
Information about other agencies that can help you with your consumer problem.
Investigations
We don’t investigate breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act. This Act is self-enforcing and you must take action to resolve these problems yourself. Before you start, read our information about how to make a customer complaint. If approaching the trader does not resolve the problem consider taking your complaint further.
The Commerce Commission is responsible for enforcing the Fair Trading Act and investigating breaches of the Fair Trading Act but does not give advice or take civil actions on behalf of the public for compensation. Consumers or businesses can contact the Commerce Commission to inform them about unfair or misleading trading practices, or anti-competitive behaviour by business.
Visit the Commerce Commission's website.
Consumers or businesses can seek compensation for a breach of the Fair Trading Act by taking a civil action through the Disputes Tribunal or the District Court.
We investigate all product safety issues except those relating to food, medicines, energy or vehicles. For more information and complaints about those issues see:
New Zealand Food Safety Authority
Advice on consumer problems
Citizens Advice Bureaux
The Citizens Advice Bureaux is an independent community organisation which provides a free, confidential and impartial service of information and advice to any member of the public with any query or problem. If you have a consumer problem:
- you can go to your local bureau for assistance (details in your White Pages)
- call their free phone number - 0800 367 222
Consumer NZ
Consumer Magazine is published by Consumer NZ.
![[link to problem solver]](http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/for-consumers/images/prob-solve-2.jpg/image)
