Where to go for more support
Legal information and support groups
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Community Law |
Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice. Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres |
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Consumer Protection |
The Consumer Protection website has useful information on a range of consumer topics. Consumer Protection is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE). Website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz |
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Consumer NZ |
The Consumer NZ website provides a wide range of information on consumer issues and template letters you can use to write to traders to enforce your rights. Website: www.consumer.org.nz |
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Commerce Commission |
The Commerce Commission enforces the laws against misleading and deceptive conduct by traders (the Fair Trading Act) and the consumer credit legislation (the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act). The Commission provides information on these areas on its website. Website: www.comcom.govt.nz To make a complaint online: comcom.govt.nz/make-a-complaint |
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Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) |
CAB provides free, confidential and independent information and advice. See CAB’s website for valuable information on a range of topics. Website: www.cab.org.nz Find your local CAB office: www.cab.org.nz/find-a-cab |
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Product safety |
This agency oversees the safety of consumer products that are not food, medicines or road vehicles. Their website has information for consumers about safety standards, product recalls and using products safely. Website: www.productsafety.govt.nz Products recalled: www.productsafety.govt.nz/recalls |
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FinCap and Money Talks |
FinCap is a non-government organisation providing free financial mentoring services. Website: www.fincap.org.nz MoneyTalks is a financial capability helpline operated by FinCap. The Financial Mentors offer free, confidential advice by phone, text, email and live chat. Email: help@moneytalks.co.nz |
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Motor Vehicle Traders Register |
Before purchasing off a motor vehicle trader, check if they are registered. Website: www.motortraders.med.govt.nz |
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Buying a car privately |
Search the PPSR register to see if there is any security interest registered against a vehicle. This can be done for a small fee by registering to check online Website: www.ppsr.companiesoffice.govt.nz Check to make sure a car that you’re considering buying hasn’t been listed with the police as stolen. Website: www.police.govt.nz/stolenwanted/stolen-vehicles Other tips for buying a car privately from YouthLaw: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK8irFAn1as |
Complaints
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Disputes Tribunal |
The Disputes Tribunal can deal with claims up to the value of $30,000. It is less formal than a court and cheaper. Website: www.disputestribunal.govt.nz/about-2 |
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Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal |
The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal can deal with claims up to the value of $100,000. It can only deal with disputes relating to registered traders (or those that should be registered). Website: www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/motor-vehicle-dealer-disputes |
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Dispute Resolution Schemes |
There are four dispute resolution schemes for consumers dealing with lenders and other credit providers. Contact the scheme your service provider has registered with.
Website: fscl.org.nz
Website: www.ifso.nz
Website: www.bankomb.org.nz
Website: www.fdrs.org.nz |
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Utilities Disputes Commissioner |
The Commissions helps with complaints about electricity, gas, water and some fibre services. Website: www.udl.co.nz Participants list: www.udl.co.nz/making-a-complaint/complaint-form |
