Consumer Information
[ Last Updated 11 November 2005 ]
The Ministry of Economic Development provides access to information on consumer issues via the Ministry of Consumer Affairs' website. It provides information for New Zealand consumers on how to make smart purchasing decisions, and information on consumer rights and remedies both before and after making a purchase or entering into a transaction.
The Consumer Affairs' Website
In the Consumer Information [link to MCA website] section of its website the Ministry has an A to Z list of topics providing information and advice on a wide range of consumer issues.
Grouping of Major Topics
Information for consumers is also grouped under major topic headings in the site. 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.
Information about product safety, such as safe furniture and toys can be found in the Product Safety section.
The Shopping at Home section covers the Door to Door Sales Act, internet shopping, mail order and receiving unsolicited goods.
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