Consumer Representation

The Ministry completed research into the nature of effective consumer representation in 2001. The report of this research is available online (see below under Papers and Reports).

As a result of the research Cabinet has agreed to Guidelines for Officials which includes the requirement to identify the consumer constituency when calling for nominations for lay/consumer appointments.

Ministry's role in consumer representation

Consumer representation is an important issue and activity for the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

The Ministry advises government departments and other agencies about:

• the purpose and value of consumer representation
• the value and different perspectives that consumer representatives can bring to the decision-making process
• the qualities of effective consumer representatives; assisting them by making nominations of suitable and appropriate consumer representatives
• the practical difficulties consumer representatives may encounter.

The Ministry also:

• nominates consumer representatives for consumer or lay positions on boards and committees
• provides the opportunity for consumer representatives to network and support each other, and
• provides training for consumer representatives through the Consumer Representative Network.

Contact the Ministry of Consumer Affairs about nominating consumer representatives.

Papers and reports

In 2001 research by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs was completed on effective consumer representation. 

This research identified:

• the qualities of an effective consumer representative
• the purpose of consumer representation
• the value of consumer representation
• the practical difficulties for consumer representatives and their solution
• a Guideline for Chairpersons and
• effective ways to locate consumer representatives.

The report of this research is set out in the Report of Consumer Representation Study 2000-2002. Report of Consumer Representation Study 2000-2002

The guidelines for consumer representation formed an appendix to the printed Report and are presented here as a separate document. Guidelines for Consumer Representation

Publications

The Ministry has released five publications to assist consumer representatives and those wishing to appoint consumer representatives. These publications are available online in this section. 

• Recruiting effective consumer representatives
• Consulting consumers
• Guidelines for Chairpersons
• Applying to be a consumer representative
• Being a consumer representative

These publications are currently under review. Information specific to conflict of interest is being developed.