Consumer Nz
Consumer NZ calls for end to KiwiSaver loophole in contracts
A KiwiSaver loophole means thousands of dollars are being shaved off some people's take-home pay. Consumer NZ says it is simply not fair. Employers can include what's called a "total remuneration"… Video, Audio
How to prevent Covid from ruining Christmas
Let's face it, this year's silly season is going to be a bit different. What are some of the potential pitfalls to watch out for this festive season as we all try to cope with Covid in the community… Audio
What really grinds your gears? Top five consumer complaints
Gemma Rasmussen from Consumer NZ tells us the top five complaints that come their way from the New Zealand public - including one winter-specific suburban gripe. Audio
Retirement village contracts unfair - Consumer review
A retirement village provider is sure residents know their rights and terms of their contract when they arrive.
A Consumer NZ review into contracts between both partners found they unfairly favour… Audio
Built to last? Consumers frustrated at hard to fix appliances
A new study finds the vast majority of consumers want to get broken electrical appliances fixed, but are frustrated by how difficult and pricey it is to do. According to research conducted by Consumer… Audio
Ellen Heyting: my year of trying to buy nothing
For the whole of 2019, Finland-based Australian teacher Elln Heytin tried not to buy anything apart from vital supplies such as food and toiletries. In the 12 months, she bought just four things – a… Audio
Jon Duffy to take over as Chief Executive at Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ is not a new organisation. The magazine recently celebrated its 50th birthday and the writers and researchers continue to scratch around the New Zealand markets to get the details on how… Audio
Consumer NZ gets dodgey herbal teas pulled from the shelves
Consumer NZ CEO Sue Chetwin talks about their investigation into herbal tea brands which have now been pulled from the shelves because they contain a pharmacy only medicine. Audio
Shoppers warned not to splurge during Boxing Day sales
Consumer New Zealand is urging people to think carefully before going wild at Boxing Day sales.
Paul Smith: obsolescence in appliances and no repairers
Dr Paul Smith, is head of testing at Consumer New Zealand. He says although we live in an age of gadgets and appliances, many don't last. And whole classes of appliances are now uneconomic to repair… Audio
Mechanical insurance under the microscope
Consumer NZ has harshly condemned most types of mechanical insurance, saying they're overly complicated and contain lots of technicalities which allow insurers to absolve themselves from paying up… Audio
Any smoke alarm better than none - Fire and Emergency
Retailers are pulling ionisation alarms from shelves after a Consumer NZ investigation found they do not detect smoke, only actual flames. But does that mean homeowners need to urgently check their… Audio
Calls for smoke alarms to be pulled from shelves
Consumer NZ is calling for a specific type of smoke alarm, which is banned in some countries, to be pulled from shelves. Audio
World customers could take clothing back - Consumer NZ
Customers unhappy about fashion brand World's false labelling of garments as made in New Zealand could take them back, says Consumer New Zealand.
Which are the best fly sprays?
Belinda Castles shares the Consumer NZ findings on fly sprays. Audio
Which is the best olive oil?
Consumer NZ taste-tested 17 extra virgin olive oils from New Zealand, Australia and Europe – and 2 Australian brands have come out on top. Audio
Over the counter: Antihistamine prices in flux
Pharmacies are charging widely varying amounts for antihistamines, with more than $20 differences for the same product within the same city, Consumer NZ has found.
Consumer NZ: Time for clampdown on ticket resellers
Consumer NZ is calling for urgent reform of the ticket resale industry in an investigation released today. The industry is estimated to be worth more than $20 billion globally, but it's beset with… Audio
Fonterra accused of misleading customers with light-proof bottles
Consumer NZ says there's little difference in nutrients, but the dairy giant says taste is what's affected.
Fallout from the media merger knockback
A merger of New Zealand’s two biggest news publishers has been on the table for the past year. This week the competition watchdog pulled the rug out from under it. Mediawatch asks ex-editors if that… Audio
