Aotearoa/New Zealand consumer law

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The corner stone of Aotearoa/New Zealand consumer law is the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

This act guarantees consumers five basic rights when buying goods.

Goods must be - of acceptable quality

             - fit for a particular purpose
             - matched the description 
             - reasonably priced 
             - delivered in a reasonable time, and in good order

Like many laws there are exceptions

If the consumer - changes their mind

               - if you knew product/good was faulty before buying 
               - private sale/s between individuals
               - business buying from business (this is covered by the Fair Trading Act 1986) 
               - damaged after purchase
               - intentional misuse 

All the above are not covered by the act.

What are the remedies one can seek if they fit the criteria?

Ask the company to repair or replace or refund the product. If a reasonable time frame is not offered you can get the good repaired yourself

What happens if a company does not follow the act?

Then you must go on a evidence gather process - which should included the following

- date time and place of product and or service

- the issues with the product/service in relation to the act - ie: it not being fit for the purpose intended

- list all interactions with the business you dealt with

Once the information is gathered then you must write a letter to the business and give then 10 working days to respond.

Failure to respond you may then apply to the disputes tribunal to get the case sorted before this court.

YOU and Only You can uphold your consumer rights - if you do not take a stand - the law will not act independently of you the consumer.

Places to reach out to to help you with a consumer dispute.

Citizens Advise Bureau

or you local

Community Law Centre