Where to go for more support
Legal information and support groups
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 To read consumer rights in different languages: comcom.govt.nz/consumers/read-about-your-consumer-rights-and-business-responsibilities-in-another-language |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Insolvency and Trustee Service (ITS) |
The ITS deals with bankruptcies, no-asset procedures, summary instalment orders and some company liquidations. Information about those processes is available on its website. The ITS is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Website: www.insolvency.govt.nz |
|
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. 1. Financial Services Complaints Website: fscl.org.nz 2. Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Website: www.ifso.nz 3. Banking Ombudsman Website: www.bankomb.org.nz 4. Financial Dispute Resolution Service Website: www.fdrs.org.nz |
Credit Reporting
|
Your credit record |
There are three credit reporting companies that operate nationally in New Zealand. To check your record or correct any information, you’ll need to contact them all. You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit record. You should make sure you choose the free option when you contact each company. 1. Centrix – www.centrix.co.nz – 0800 236 874 |
|
Personal Properties Securities Register (PPSR) |
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 |
|
Privacy Commissioner |
The Privacy Commissioner has information on your rights in relation to credit reporting and how to complain if you feel your rights have been breached. Website: www.privacy.org.nz To make a complaint online: go to the website above and select “Your rights tab” then “Complaining to the Privacy Commissioner” |
