Gemma Rasmussen
Terror under the tree - the toys that can kill
Between the high cost of living and a slew of toys failing safety tests, buying Christmas presents for kids is fraught. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 25 November 2025
Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report; An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand staff going on strike could have a severe impact throughout Oceania; About 70% of the 50,000 plus… Audio
Are Black Friday sales worth the hype?
Consumer NZ has spent 12-weeks tracking the prices of products from four big box retailers, to see if the bargains are all they're cracked up to be. Head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, Gemma… Audio
Product safety rules for toys not fit for purpose - Consumer NZ
Product safety rules for kids toys and craft materials are not fit for purpose, with the rise in giant e-commerce retailers according to Consumer NZ. The safety of children's play things is centre… Audio
Parents taking kids out of school to get cheaper airfares
Parents say it's time airlines stopped sending airfare prices sky high during the school holidays so they don't have to take their kids out of school to nab cheaper fares. It's the first week of the… Audio
Woolworths Disney card scheme relied on 'pester power of kids'
Supermarket promotions have proved popular over the years - but not everybody is keen on collecting and just want cheaper prices - Mahvash Ikram went to find out more. Audio
Consumer news: Localised grocery pricing, costly domestic
Consumer NZ's head of research and advocacy Gemma Rasmussen joins Kathryn to look at the issue of localised pricing in the supermarket sector. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Friday 16 August 2024
On today's episode, the consumer watchdog says the grocery commissioner has failed to address supermarkets' pricing discrepancies, instead leaving it up to shoppers to police, the Disability Rights… Audio
Consumer NZ on supermarket price discrepancies
The consumer watchdog says the grocery commissioner has failed to address supermarkets' pricing discrepancies, instead leaving it up to shoppers to police. Consumer NZ head of research and advocacy… Audio
Butter prices in some lower socio-economic areas
Whether you spread it on your toast, drop a dollop into the frying pan or use it for baking - butter is considered a must have in the pantry for many of us. But some shoppers in South Auckland said… Audio
Tuesday money tips
It's Afternoon's new fortnightly spot helping you spend your money better. If you're selling your house, one of the biggest decisions you can make is which real estate agency to go with. Membership… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 20 June
On today's episode, almost all of Northland is without power. The Finance Minister says it will be a long slow slog for people struggling in the current economy. The PSA says the Department of… Audio
Inaugural "Yeah Nah" awards
Have you ever bought something, only to get it home and think " yeah, nah this doesn't work". Consumer New Zealand is looking for nominations for its inaugural Yeah, Nah Awards to highlight the the… Audio
Consumer news: Grocery basket wars + repairability labeling
A new report from an Australian Senate committee on supermarket pricing has made some pretty bold recommendations - should New Zealand be looking closely at what they are? Audio
Some loyalty programmes more expensive than regular prices
Loyalty could cost you when it comes to the supermarket shop; that's despite customer programmes designed to keep you coming back. A comparative shop by Consumer NZ has revealed some pretty lack… Audio
Trying to battle the ongoing problem of 'greenwashing'
More and more consumers are looking for the products they buy to align with their environmental and sustainability concerns. Mark speaks to Consumer's head of advocacy and research Gemma Rasmussen. Audio
Supermarket spotlight: Consumer's Gemma Rasmussen
It's been a big year already for the supermarket sector. Woolworths has rolled out a new loyalty programme, while Foodstuffs is embarking on a trial of facial recognition technology. And across the… Audio
Woolworths NZ reports 42 percent drop in pre-tax earnings
Woolworths New Zealand has reported a 42 percent drop in pre-tax earnings to $71 million in the 6 months ending in December.
The result came the same day as the company's Australia-based chief… Audio
Buyer beware: Consumer NZ warns of short expiry date on xmas gift cards
Buyer beware of gift cards with short expiry dates this festive season, that warning from Consumer NZ. An estimated $10 million in unspent vouchers go unspent each year. Consumer NZ says that makes… Video, Audio
Consumer watchdogs warn of fake sales during Black Friday
With Black Friday sales in full-swing, consumer watchdogs are warning shopper to beware of 'fake sales'.
Research from PriceSpy and Consumer NZ has found the prevalence of so-called 'fake sales' are… Audio