Consumer Information

Consumers - this section is for you! In this section check through our A to Z list of topics for information and advice on a wide range of consumer issues.

Grouping of major topics

Information on buying a car, faulty vehicles, odometers, and using the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal can be found in the Motor Vehicle Section.

Faulty goods and services information is in the Consumer Guarantees Act Section.

The Credit Issues section includes:

• information on the new credit law – the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act - for loan and credit sale contracts entered into on or after 1 April 2005
• information about cash loans, hire purchase and being a guarantor – for contracts entered into before 1 April 2005
• the rules about repossessing goods or seizing security – these rules apply to credit contracts (loans and credit sales) entered into both before and after 1 April 2005.

You can find information about product safety, such as safe furniture and toys, in the Product Safety Section.

And, Shopping at Home covers Door to Door Sales Act, internet shopping, mail order and receiving Unsolicited Goods.

Current issues

For topical issues, check out A Word of Advice, a fortnightly column on current consumer issues. You can also access A Word of Advice in our Media Centre.

Link to laws

If you want to access consumer laws such as the Fair Trading Act or Consumer Guarantees Act visit New Zealand Legislation. At this government site you can browse through all New Zealand statutes and regulations for free.

Students and teachers?

Visit ACE Consumer, the Ministry's online educational resource for social studies students and teachers.

Can't find what you are looking for?

Try our Search function. Just type in a word like "prices" and you will get a link to the Consumer Info page on pricing of goods and services.