How to complain

Advice and resources to help you complain about your consumer problem.

You are more likely to get what you want if you complain effectively and to the right person.

Most consumer issues can be dealt with at the Disputes Tribunal, there is a small cost for making a claim.
Find out how the Disputes Tribunal works.

Complaint schemes

These are free services set up especially to deal with specific complaints:

Financial services – banks, credit unions – finance companies – credit providers – financial advisers – insurance companies	Financial service provider disputes resolution
Telecommunications – internet – mobile phones	Telecommunications Disputes Resolution
Electricity and gas	Electricity and Gas Complaints
Motor vehicles sold by traders (not private sales)	Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal
Incorrect measures - eg, 900g when you paid for 1kg	Ministry of Consumer Affairs – Contact us
Unsafe products	Ministry of Consumer Affairs – Contact us
Unsafe food	New Zealand Food Safety Authority
Unsafe electrical and gas products	Energy Safety
Unsafe vehicles	NZ Transport Agency
Unsafe medicines	Medsafe
Privacy – credit records	Privacy Commissioner
Complaints about government agencies	Office of the Ombudsmen
Advertising	Advertising Standards Authority
Medical treatment	Health and Disabilities Commissioner