Podcasts about consumer nz

Research out of Australia has revealed that 16 out of 20 sunscreens, many of them sold in New Zealand, do not meet their SPF claims. One product, which sells in New Zealand for around $50, claimed to provide SPF 50 protection, but was found to have an SPF of just four. Aussie consumer group Choice tested 20 sunscreen products from household brands, including Banana Boat, Nivea and Neutrogena. Their research tallies with previous testing carried out by Consumer NZ. Consumer NZ research writer Belinda Castles spoke to Lisa Owen.

I love this idea the Commerce Commission and the Grocery Commissioner have come up with, of supermarkets giving us everyday low prices instead of the ever-changing, so-called “special prices”. The supermarket specials that really brass me off are the ones where you might see meat in one of the fridges, and they'll have a sign showing the price per kilo. That means absolutely nothing to me. Maybe there are some shoppers who know all the ins-and-outs of prices per kilo, but I'm not one of them. The other thing about specials is that, most of the time, it feels like the supermarkets are yelling “special special special” at me, but it doesn't look like much of a special. I'll be the first to say that I'm in the lucky position of not having to rely on supermarket specials. That's a financial thing, but it's also because I'm no longer at a stage of life where there are three kids at home and where it's not unusual to kiss goodbye to $400+ a week at the check-out. But I've never been one of those people who buy their bananas at one place because they're cheap and my mandarins somewhere else because their cheaper. And, when I see and hear the ads about specials, they pretty much don't register with me. And it's not just because I can afford to pay what I have to pay. And it's not just because the supermarket shops are cheaper these days because there aren't three kids living at home. It's also because I see supermarket specials in the same way I see cafes with signs outside saying “great coffee”. They can tell me what they want as much as they like, but whether I believe it or not is another thing. The other week I went into Pak 'n Save and when I hit the fruit and veg section there was a sign telling me that the 99 cent broccoli heads were an amazing special. I wasn't that convinced because they seemed pretty small to me, but I grabbed a couple anyway. But as I kept moving around the fruit and veg section, I saw another bin of broccoli heads —again with the sign saying 99 cents a head and “amazing special”— but these things were about twice the size of the smaller ones at the start of the fruit and veg section. What was that all about? And it's little examples like that —as well as the one I mentioned earlier about specials being based on price per kilo— that demonstrate how much of a rort this whole “special” thing is. So I agree with Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden who is saying that doing away with specials and having everyday low prices instead would be more straightforward and transparent. He also thinks it would allow any new operators coming into the market to put real pressure on the existing supermarkets. I'm not as sold on that bit, because I don't think there are any foreign supermarket companies interested in coming here. But if he thinks that, that's fine. The only problem I've got with this idea is that it's going to be voluntary —for now, anyway— whereas I think it should be compulsory. The Commissioner says they'll give the supermarkets a year or so to get with the programme, but I want to see this happening ASAP. So does Consumer NZ. Its boss, Jon Duffy, says: “We know New Zealanders love a special. We also know there's not much that's special about supermarket specials.” He's spot on there. He says: “Everyday low prices would benefit all shoppers, so would price transparency. Right now, it's so hard to know what's a fair price because the prices of certain goods fluctuate so much.” And that's the nub of it right there. If you go to the supermarket today and see all these signs saying special here, special there, all you can do is take their word that it somehow is a special. And like the sheep most of us are, we think ‘aww, on special…I'll get a few of those”. But how do we know we are actually getting the best deal? We don't. Which is why the Grocery Commissioner and the Commerce Commission think the days of the supermarket special should be numbered. I think so too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is proposing changes to the Grocery Supply Code but Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy believes the changes don't go far enough. Duffy spoke to Corin Dann.

Mastercard has recently released a survey showing a significant amount of Kiwis want credit card surcharges banned. The data shows 61 percent of respondents would support a ban and 75 percent don't believe surcharges are fair - and 44 percent feel retailers should absorb the costs. Consumer NZ's Acting Head of Research and Advocacy, Jessica Walker, says the surcharge debate is a complicated topic. "Businesses are charged a fee for using these payment networks - and of course, Visa and Mastercard are going to benefit from surcharges being banned, because it means more people will use Visa and Mastercard." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mastercard has recently released a survey showing a significant amount of Kiwis want credit card surcharges banned. The data shows 61 percent of respondents would support a ban and 75 percent don't believe surcharges are fair - and 44 percent feel retailers should absorb the costs. Consumer NZ's Acting Head of Research and Advocacy, Jessica Walker, says the surcharge debate is a complicated topic. "Businesses are charged a fee for using these payment networks - and of course, Visa and Mastercard are going to benefit from surcharges being banned, because it means more people will use Visa and Mastercard." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Australia Bunnings is rated the most trusted brand in the country. But it's now being accused of misleading consumers with its pricing promise to beat the same stoked item found elsewhere by 10 percent in Australia and 15 percent in New Zealand. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Corin Dann.

So, after all the handwringing, the complaints, the stomping of feet, the Commerce Commission's shooting down talk of an investigation into domestic airfares. Greg Foran and Co. will see this as vindication - validation that, despite the headlines and Consumer NZ's claim the market is quote broken, the reality is their costs have gone up and, surprise surprise, it's expensive to run routes with high fixed costs to small places with few people. So they conclude doing a market study —which is easy politics, it scratches the itch— won't actually achieve anything. And they say it won't lead to consumers getting a better deal. Refreshing honesty. Could the same refreshing honesty not have been applied to the claims about banking/supermarkets/petrol stations, etc, etc, etc? Like most things post-Covid, costs have gone sky high. Airport landing charges - up. Air traffic control - up. Security levies - up. And when you're a business, one owning to the tune of 51% remember, you recoup those costs by putting your own prices up. We don't want them subsidies flights and crashing our business, right? We sold off the national carrier in 1989. We re-nationalised it in 2001after Ansett went bust - that cost us close to a billion bucks. Ansett's problem was high costs and regulation changes - when airlines fail, it gets expensive for taxpayers. Now I don't want to defend an airline charging me $400 to fly for 40 minutes anymore than the next guy. But this is the crux of most of the complaints we hear about through the media. Short flights, regional flights are expensive right now and people don't use them often enough. They use more fuel as a proportion of total flight time because take-off and climbing is when you burn through it - it takes a bit of gas to lift us into the sky. The cost of fuel is a third of operating cost —something Foran can't control— that's more the purview of a Putin or a Sultan. Planes spend way too long sitting on the ground, your costs are higher, and you've got fewer passengers to spread those costs over. Using jets would be more efficient but, again, we don't have the people to fill them. Which is why I said the other day —and it's true but doesn't make it palatable— we're a small country, we pay a price for sparsely populated, beautiful and untouched landscapes. The ComCom does say there's room for improvement, but on the whole, the real enemy here is the politician or talking head who tells us by simply bashing Air New Zealand's head into a wall, they can make Kiwis fly on the cheap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Money Made Simple, Jennie chats with Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy about the real pressures New Zealanders are facing in today's challenging economy – and what we can ALL do about it. From overpriced groceries to big power bills, Jon breaks down the biggest consumer issues and gives practical tips for navigating your way to smarter spending habits. This episode covers: Why supermarket prices are so high and what's stopping real competitionHow power pricing works (AKA why it's often unfair for everyday Kiwis)Your personal rights under the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Guarantees ActHow to switch providers and negotiate better deals, especially for power!The "right to repair" movement and how it could reduce waste (and save you dollars)Why lodging complaints matters - and how it can lead to real changeResources mentioned in this episode:Consumer NZ – Independent consumer info, product reviews, and advicePowerswitch.org.nz – Compare electricity plans and providersRight to Repair Bill – Advocacy for better product longevityCommerce Commission – Government regulator for competition and consumer protectionLife can be bloody expensive right now – but we know that knowledge is power. So tune in to learn your rights and get practical tips to stretch your dollar further.---Please help us share the good word (and make Kiwis richer and smarter with money) - the more we grow, the more good we can do %) Don't forget to follow, subscribe and rate the podcast if you found it useful!Find us: InstagramFacebookLinkedInDisclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.

Consumer New Zealand wants an inquiry into expensive domestic airfares. Consumer Chief Executive Jon Duffy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

CEO of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy joins Kathryn to detail some wins the organisation has had with the Commerce Commission over some issues it's raised

Concerns have been raised over the punishments NZ-based companies could face for greenwashing - and whether or not it's a suitable deterrent. An Australian court has ordered Glad owner Clorox Australia to pay A$8.25 million ($8.87m) for false or misleading representations about bags partly made of recycled 'ocean plastic'. Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead Rebecca Styles joined the Afternoons team to explain how greenwashing violates the Fair Trading Act - and the disciplinary action Kiwi companies could face for rule-breaking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised over the punishments NZ-based companies could face for greenwashing - and whether or not it's a suitable deterrent. An Australian court has ordered Glad owner Clorox Australia to pay A$8.25 million ($8.87m) for false or misleading representations about bags partly made of recycled 'ocean plastic'. Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead Rebecca Styles joined the Afternoons team to explain how greenwashing violates the Fair Trading Act - and the disciplinary action Kiwi companies could face for rule-breaking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers are likely to see a big bump on their energy bills this month, up to a 10 percent rise for some. Consumer NZ's head of Powerswitch Paul Fuge spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about Finance Minister, Nicola Willis' plans to combat Aotearoa's supermarket duopoly, Green MP, Tamatha Paul's comments about police, and Te Pāti Māori's recent calls for mandatory police body cameras. For our weekly catch up with The ACT Party's Simon Court, Joel speaks to him about the Resource Management Act, or RMA reforms and concerns about the country's health and police system, following an 11-year old being misidentified as a 20-year old by police, and administered antipsychotic drugs. On Friday, they spoke to the spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa and Criminology Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Dr Emmy Rākete, about Tamatha Paul's comments about police practices in the country, the reaction they have received, and whether the reaction has been justified. They speak to the Chief Executive Officer of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy, about Nicola Willis' plans to combat the supermarket duopoly and how the organisation are feeling about these developments. On Friday, they also spoke to a Senior Politics and International Relations Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Tim Fadgen, about US President Donald Trump's ‘overreach' in American universities, and if we should expect similar occurrences at New Zealand universities. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins Joel in studio to continue our discussion around the Netflix series ‘Adolescence,'  fandoms, and exploring the role of soft power. Whakarongo mai

As briefly touched on earlier, changes to how the supermarket duopoly in the country have been put forward by Finance Minister, Nicola Willis. Currently there are only two major supermarket chains in the country: Woolworths and Foodstuffs, with this move aiming to establish alternative options to how these companies operate. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Chief Executive of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy, about these developments, and how the organisation are feeling about them. They started off by asking him how much of a concern the current duopoly is.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about Finance Minister, Nicola Willis' plans to combat Aotearoa's supermarket duopoly, Green MP, Tamatha Paul's comments about police, and Te Pāti Māori's recent calls for mandatory police body cameras. For our weekly catch up with The ACT Party's Simon Court, Joel speaks to him about the Resource Management Act, or RMA reforms and concerns about the country's health and police system, following an 11-year old being misidentified as a 20-year old by police, and administered antipsychotic drugs. On Friday, they spoke to the spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa and Criminology Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Dr Emmy Rākete, about Tamatha Paul's comments about police practices in the country, the reaction they have received, and whether the reaction has been justified. They speak to the Chief Executive Officer of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy, about Nicola Willis' plans to combat the supermarket duopoly and how the organisation are feeling about these developments. On Friday, they also spoke to a Senior Politics and International Relations Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Tim Fadgen, about US President Donald Trump's ‘overreach' in American universities, and if we should expect similar occurrences at New Zealand universities. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins Joel in studio to continue our discussion around the Netflix series ‘Adolescence,'  fandoms, and exploring the role of soft power. Whakarongo mai

As briefly touched on earlier, changes to how the supermarket duopoly in the country have been put forward by Finance Minister, Nicola Willis. Currently there are only two major supermarket chains in the country: Woolworths and Foodstuffs, with this move aiming to establish alternative options to how these companies operate. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Chief Executive of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy, about these developments, and how the organisation are feeling about them. They started off by asking him how much of a concern the current duopoly is.

Sky Sport is increasing the price of its sports package by about 12 percent. From May, a Sky Sport subscription will go up five dollars to $47 dollars a month. The price of the broadcaster's streaming service, Sky Sport Now, is also increasing - the monthly pass goes up by $5 a month to $54.99, and the Annual Pass by $50 to $549.99. The broadcaster said the price increase allows it to continue delivering an "unrivalled sporting line up." Jon Duffy from Consumer NZ spoke to Lisa Owen.

More consumers are falling into subscription traps - prompting warnings from advocacy groups. The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against HelloFresh. It's accusing the meal company of reactivating subscriptions without clearly seeking customers' permission - during cold calls between February 2022 and July 2023. Consumer NZ's Sahar Lone says it's important to check your bank account regularly to offload anything you don't need - and to check the terms and conditions of any new subscription. "There's also reading the T&C's before signing up to make sure there's no hidden costs or cancellation fees - you can diarise renewal dates...you can make sure that doesn't keep rolling on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 March 2025, is the free school lunch programme at breaking point? One of the providers has been tipped into liquidation. The Minister responsible, David Seymour, speaks to Ryan. Should it be easier to cancel your subscriptions? Consumer NZ says yes! It's official. Women are better at money than men. But EnableMe financial advisor Shelley Palman they're not as confident as men when it comes to their financial decisions. Plus, why swearing is good for you and what is on King Charles' personal playlist? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Consumer NZ says the Commerce Commission's considering lowering interchange fees, but there's no guarantee it'll reduce what consumers pay. It says a proper ban would be more consistent and fairer for buyers and merchants. Research Acting Head Jessica Walker says there's been adjustments to interchange fees in the past - and there's doubt this latest change will be different. "What we're calling for is for the Commerce Commission to make this a priority - and at least consider putting surcharge bans on the table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 6 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Jessica Walker - Head of research at Consumer NZ about calling for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the Government's announcement on lowering the age for free bowel cancer testing. Winston Peters has given Phil Goff the flick as the High Commissioner to the UK - was he wrong to comment on Trump? Plus, the Huddle discusses yet another significant resignation with Greg Foran standing down as Air NZ CEO. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Consumer NZ says the Commerce Commission's considering lowering interchange fees, but there's no guarantee it'll reduce what consumers pay. It says a proper ban would be more consistent and fairer for buyers and merchants. Research Acting Head Jessica Walker says there's been adjustments to interchange fees in the past - and there's doubt this latest change will be different. "What we're calling for is for the Commerce Commission to make this a priority - and at least consider putting surcharge bans on the table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power company Mercury says it expects residential power prices to rise by an average of almost ten percent from April. Consumer NZ's head of Powerswitch Paul Fuge spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

How do you promote sustainability effectively? Do you sugarcoat the bad news? Or scare them with the facts? When does green marketing become greenwashing or the reverse, greenhushing? The way we talk about sustainability can make a massive difference in its adoption. Especially in this febrile atmosphere of anti-woke, techbro, climate-denying toxicity. To get some insight on how to hold our tongues better, Vincent was joined by Rebecca Styles, who leads the investigations team at Consumer NZ and Fiona Stephenson, who leads comms at the Sustainable Business Network - both of whom are speaking at the Communicating Sustainability Masterclass in March 2025.

If you or your bags are off-loaded because the plane you're on is too heavy to take off what exactly are your rights? Sahar Lone from Consumer NZ spoke to Lisa Owen.

Consumer NZ says it's crucial that the Commerce Commission continues to take action against safety standards breaches. Chief Executive of Consumer NZ Jon Duffy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A reminder to concert-goers to prepare for cancellations and date changes. Canadian rapper Drake is the latest artist to push out his New Zealand shows by two weeks, a month out from the original dates. It follows the cancellations of Juicy Fest, the Timeless Tour, and Paradise Rock festival. Consumer NZ senior investigative journalist Chris Schulz told Mike Hosking paying $10 dollars for insurance on a ticket can be worthwhile He says it's a good idea for shows a year away, as a lot can happen in that time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV's ageing satellite is causing signal issues for customers. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

More and more Kiwi households have noticed an increase in broadcasting issues and disruptions - and the provider has offered up an explanation. In a recent update for investors, Sky confirmed it had accelerated plans to move from its current Optus D2 satellite to a new satellite after Optus revealed it would die earlier than previously thought. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says they've seen a significant number of customer complaints as a result of these disruptions. "What we're seeing causing frustration is - people are contacting Sky, they either can't get through or they can't get a reasonable answer to their questions, and that is just doubling down on the pain that they're feeling." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, Labour leader Chris Hipkins fires back at National's plan for asset sales after the next election. Ryan Bridge grills activist John Minto about his hotline to dob in Israeli soldiers on holiday which has been slammed as antisemitic. Consumer NZ says it's been fielding heaps of complaints from Sky TV customers over its ageing satellite. Plus, the Huddle debates the diplomatic stoush that's developed between New Zealand and Kiribati. How risky is Winston Peters' threat to withhold aid funding? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a staple of any good Kiwi summer, but there's lots to talk about when it comes to BBQs. Between the BBQ itself and all the accessories you need it can be an expensive hobby, plus there's lots to keep in mind with maintenance and safety. Jesse chats with Consumer NZ's product test manager and BBQ expert James Le Page.

Consumer NZ says inaccurate pricing and misleading specials could collectively cost customers millions of dollars. The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against Woolworths NZ and two individual Pak'n Saves - accusing them of breaching the Fair Trading Act. It says investigations are ongoing. Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy says minor amounts for individual shoppers are significant when it's nationwide and happening every day. "If every shopper's going to one of the other supermarkets that's been charged 50 cents extra that they shouldn't have been charged for their baked beans - actually, that really adds up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 December 2024, Racing Minister Winston Peters has called time on the Greyhound Racing Industry. Winston Peters tells Ryan Bridge why he decided to make the move now but Greyhound Racing CEO Edward Rennell says the industry has been blindsided. Consumer NZ is celebrating news that the Commerce Commission will file charges against three supermarkets accusing them of displaying inaccurate pricing. Plus the Huddle debates news from the Reserve Bank that the vast majority of Kiwis still want to keep using cash. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ boss Jon Duffy joins Kathryn to highlight his organisation's concerns over the recently completed FRT trial in Foodstuffs stores.

ON THE SHOW TODAY: Ben's painfully awkward winking encounter... Will Coast end the Mariah game? What do I do with a Bee in my car! Megan is HATING on baldies... Ben is too woke for health and safety We chat to Abbey from Consumer NZ on wether Black Friday is a hoax! Facebook: The Hits Breakfast with Jono and Ben Instagram: THEHITSBREAKFASTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American tradition of Thanksgiving sales is now well embedded in New Zealand retail culture, but Consumer said people should be wary of pressure tactics particularly used online, like a countdown clock, subscription traps or claims there's only one left. Some banks have also sent out alerts to remind customers to be wary of using the CVV number on the back of their credit cards. An OECD study published in October, found 9 out of 10 shoppers have been affected by "dark commercial patterns" or manipulative tactics. Consumer NZ Communications and Campaigns Adviser Abby Damen spoke to Lisa Owen.

This week is Fraud Awareness Week, bringing to light the issue of scamming in Aotearoa and what the government can do about it. Commerce and Consumer Affairs minister Andrew Bayly announced yesterday that the government is looking into addressing the issue with a coordinated response.  This response will focus on improving relationships between industries and international partners, however Consumer NZ sez this may not be enough. Tuesday Wire host Castor spoke to acting head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, Jessica Walker, about scamming in general and what more can be done. You can check out Consumer NZ's scams and how to avoid them page here.

This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman chats to us about how mining old data from NASA's Voyager two has solved a variety of mysteries about Uranus, lizard spit being able to detect a rare pancreatic tumour, and elephants turning a hose into a showering tool, thanks to MOTAT. For our weekly catchup with the National Party, News and Editorial Director, Joel, spoke to MP Tom Rutherford about the Treaty Principles Bill passing its first reading in Parliament, the haka in protest of this, and Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon considering joining Pillar 2 of the AUKUS agreement. Tuesday Wire Host, Castor, spoke to acting head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, Jessica Walker, about scamming in New Zealand for Fraud Awareness Week. Producer Athena spoke to Professor of Law at the University of Auckland, Alexandra Andhov, about frameworks being implimented to combat scamming, also in light of Fraud Awareness Week. And Athena spoke to Buy NZ Made Executive Director, Dane Ambler, about the concerns regarding overconsumption during the upcoming Black Friday shopping season, and how consumers can be mindful during this period. Whakarongo mai!

Consumer NZ is releasing results from its survey looking for the best and worst mobile phone providers. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Alexa Cook.

A Christchurch woman believed she was going to die when a car wash malfunctioned while she was in it. The brushes hit her car so hard that the bonnet, roof and sides were crumpled and scratched, and her spoiler was completely ripped off. After making it out of the car wash, staff gave the woman a flyer with an 0800 number she never heard back from. The car wash was back in service later that night. Acting Head of Research and Advocacy at Consumer NZ, Jessica Walker tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the Consumer Guarantees Act requires reasonable care and skill is provided for a service, and this case clearly did not meet that standard. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A probe of aviation competition could bring New Zealanders better prices. Consumer NZ has asked the Government to direct the Commerce Commission to investigate aviation in its next market study. It says Air New Zealand has a virtual monopoly on many domestic routes - and it's affecting regional airfares. Consumer CEO Jon Duffy says a probe would reveal why prices are so high, and how to change things. "It allows for a reasoned and evidence-based debate on what the next best options are, and then you can hand it back to the Government and say - alright, you know what you could do to fix things. It's up to you whether you do it or not." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour has called for funding to be pulled from Mike King's Gumboot Friday charity following King's comments that alcohol can be a solution for people struggling with depression. Is this a step too far? Consumer NZ is calling on the Commerce Commission to investigate New Zealand's aviation industry. Do we agree with this? Last night's Travis Scott concert broke out in huge brawls while fans waited for him to appear on stage. Is this the promoter's fault for not lining up more entertainment - or are the fans in the wrong? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 31 October 2024, Interislander boss Duncan Roy speaks to Heather after an investigation found the people in charge of the Aratere ferry had no idea how to stop the autopilot when the ferry grounded in June. Labour is calling for funding to Gumboot Friday to be paused after Mike King suggested on the show yesterday that alcohol is the solution for people with mental health problems. Consumer NZ wants a Government inquiry into Air New Zealand's prices. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on brawling fans at the Travis Scott concert. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two major supermarket chains have taken away some online customers ability to sort grocery items by price. The change quietly happened on New World and Pak'n Save's websites in early October. The move makes it harder for shoppers to find the cheapest item. Although the "sort by price" options is still available on the their apps. Consumer NZ spokesperson Sahar Lone spoke to Lisa Owen.

On Thursday's programme we reported that an Australian insurer has been told to scrap a whopping 60 percent hike of a home insurance premium after a customer raised a complaint. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority deemed the premium increase unjustified and unfair. We spoke to Rebecca Styles from Consumer NZ, who said New Zealand's Insurance and Financial Ombudsman is not able to consider such cases - and that there's limited action policyholders here can take when premiums dramatically increase. We also said the Insurance Council of New Zealand had declined to come on the programme. This was incorrect, and we apologise for the error. Insurance Council of New Zealand chief executive Kris Faafoi spoke to Corin Dann.

Consumer NZ tracked a series of return flights for a family of 4 over 18 weeks to see what happened to prices during school holidays. Turns out, according to Consumer, flights in the school holidays were up to 167 percent more expensive than in the 3 weeks prior. Compared to Qantas prices during the same periods, Air New Zealand came off second best. Consumer NZ CEO, Jon Duffy spoke to Lisa Owen.

An Australian insurer has been told to unwind a jaw-dropping 60 percent premium hike after a customer raised a complaint. The Australian Financial Complaints Authority deemed the premium increase unjustified and unfair. In contrast, New Zealand's Insurance and Financial Ombudsman is not able to consider such cases. Consumer NZ insurance specialist Rebecca Styles spoke to Corin Dann.

Consumer NZ is challenging Meridian Energy's claim that the proportion of households' expenses going on the power bill has dropped because electricity prices haven't been rising as fast as other costs. Kate Green reports.

Retirement village operators say they're open to the idea of an ombudsman scheme to deal with complaints from residents. Over 53,000 New Zealanders currently live in retirement villages, with around 130 people move in to one each week. A new nationwide campaign, "Unite for Seniors," backed by the Retirement Village Residents Members Association, is calling for a radical overhaul of what is described as unfair laws governing retirement villages. A review of the 20-year-old Retirement Villages Act by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is underway and over 11,000 submissions have been made. Residents who do not own their units and only have rights to reside, must cover maintenance costs, and lose out when licences to occupy are resold when they leave. Consumer NZ has been campaigning for a law change for some time. Paddy speaks to Consumer's investigative team leader Rebecca Styles and also the Retirement Village Association's executive director John Collyns.