Podcasts about consumer nz

The influence of the New Zealand-made label appears to be decreasing as more consumers prioritise price. Wattie's is ending some of its contracts with Hawke's Bay peach growers and says more people are choosing imported alternatives. It says the demand for New Zealand-grown peaches has seen a steady decline in recent years. Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy Jessica Walker says less and less consumers are prioritising locally-sourced products. "At the same time, we're seeing concerns about price, cost of food and groceries ratchet up...more people are cutting back on fruit and veg altogether, so I'm not surprised." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The influence of the New Zealand-made label appears to be decreasing as more consumers prioritise price. Wattie's is ending some of its contracts with Hawke's Bay peach growers and says more people are choosing imported alternatives. It says the demand for New Zealand-grown peaches has seen a steady decline in recent years. Consumer NZ Acting Head of Research and Advocacy Jessica Walker says less and less consumers are prioritising locally-sourced products. "At the same time, we're seeing concerns about price, cost of food and groceries ratchet up...more people are cutting back on fruit and veg altogether, so I'm not surprised." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dom talks with Alex Johnston, FMG Chief Insurance Officer, about new legislative changes affecting farmers, what farmers need to be aware of and the latest Consumer NZ insurance report. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Longridge Deer park Manager Len Geldenhuys about winning the Lumina Supplier/Finisher of the Year alongside Glen Dene Station in Hawea, how the two farms work in conjunction with each other and what prompted his move to NZ from South Africa nearly a decade ago... He talks with Deer Industry NZ Chief Executive Rhys Griffiths about the new Deer Code of Welfare, the outlook for the upcoming velvet season and the current state of the venison market... And he talks with Alex Johnston, FMG Chief Insurance Officer, about new legislative changes affecting farmers, what farmers need to be aware of and the latest Consumer NZ insurance report. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

The Commerce Commision is taking New Zealand's largest gym chain, City Fitness Group, to court over its contracts. It claims the advertised membership prices were misleading and didn't include a compulsory 3% fee that was dubbed a "transaction fee". City Fitness is facing 16 charges under the Fair Trading Act. Consumer NZ's Sahar Lone spoke to Lisa Owen.

New data from Consumer NZ reveals insurance costs have soared over the last two decades, and there's concerns less households could access it going forward. The report notes the cost of insurance has gone up 916 percent since 2000 - ahead of the increase in the price of cigarettes and tobacco, which went up 608 percent. Insurance Council Chief Executive Kris Faafoi says there's been many high-profile disasters over that timeframe, which have helped drive up premiums. "Inflation affects us too - when it costs more for building costs, then rebuilding a house ends up being more expensive." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If this doesn't convince you that the insurance system in this country is broken, nothing will. Consumer NZ has revealed that in the past 25 years, the cost of insurance has increased by 900%. The largest increase of anything in the Consumer Price Index. If you've bought insurance of any type in the past, maybe that won't surprise you. Because insurance is a necessary evil and with necessary evils, we tend to shrug our shoulders and fork out the money. But here's what makes this news all the more outrageous – and this is the bit that you really need to get your head around. Insurance is 900% more expensive than it was, while cigarettes and tobacco are 600% more expensive – even with the huge taxes that have been put on them to try and get people to quit smoking. Despite all those taxes, insurance costs are still increasing at a much faster rate than tobacco. Which is the absurdity and shows how the insurance market is out of control. Rebecca Styles from Consumer NZ is saying today that they want a review done of house and contents insurance prices to make sure they're fair. I think I can tell her straight away that they're not. Consumer NZ also wants the Government to develop a switching platform to make it easier for us to change insurance companies, like we can do already with electricity companies. It says people have limited ability to change their insurers. But changing insurance companies is one thing, whether you can afford the premiums is another. Rebecca Styles says some people are just dropping it altogether. "The anecdotal feedback we've received is people are making what seem like extreme pragmatic decisions - 'oh my mortgage is paid off, well I'll drop my insurance as soon as that's done'.” She says: “I ask them, 'what will you do if there's a natural hazard or something, you're not covering for that … they're like 'oh well I'll live in a caravan'. Taking big risks with their financial future, really." Are they ever? Reducing insurance cover or getting rid of it altogether would be the absolute last thing I would do. But that doesn't mean I'm happy paying exorbitant prices and that doesn't mean I think the insurance system is in great shape. Because it clearly isn't.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RNZ's money correspondent Susan Edmunds joins Kathryn to look at the discussion this week of what the nation wants out of house prices following new data that shows they're stuck for the most part, despite lower interest rates. And a new report from Consumer NZ shows a big increase in house price insurance - is there a risk some people simply won't be able to insure their homes? Susan Edmunds is RNZ's money correspondent

Bryan Wall, product test writer at Consumer NZ, joins Emile Donovan to explain.

Nine to Noon looks at what's happening in the power sector, as smaller retailers get swallowed by the bigger players in the market. This month Flick said goodbye to its customers, as the company was taken over by Meridian. In June it was announced Frank Energy was being absorbed into its parent company Genesis, and the fate of Ecotricity - also owned by Genesis since last November - is unclear. Both Frank and Flick topped Consumer's power company customer satisfaction survey. Kathryn speaks with Consumer's Jon Duffy about what the changes mean for competition for our power dollar. He'll also talk about what's going with pricing in supermarket aisles, now Consumer's Price it Right petition has been handed over to government.

We'll be chewing through the power in the south this week with the frosty weather. Which is the "ideal time" for Transpower to reveal that the budget for a major upgrade of electricity transmission lines in the South Island has increased again and that South Islanders will be paying for it. Which raises the question: Is this taking user-pays too far? And I think it is. What's happened, is Transpower is upgrading its lines north of Twizel. Because, the way things are going, they won't be able to cope with increased demand for power in the next few years. But it's going to mean higher power prices for those of us in the south. Because Transpower says we're the ones who are going to benefit the most. This is at the same time as new data from Statistics NZ shows power prices have gone up 6.2 percent in the past year and Consumer NZ says one-in-five people have had difficulty paying their power bill in the last 12 months. Transpower's original budget for the upgrade project was $77 million; earlier this year it increased to $164 million; and today we're finding out that it's sitting at $193 million. The project is being driven by growing electricity demand because of population growth, electrification of industry and transport, and new developments in Christchurch and Selwyn. If nothing's done, the grid won't cope and we could see the system overloading within the next five-or-so years. But I'm with the likes of Westpower's Mark Blandford, who supports the project but isn't happy at how costs are being allocated to South Islanders, which he says penalises the regions. John Harbord, from the Major Electricity Users Group, supports the need to invest in the country's electricity grid but is worried about the impact on power bills. He says some businesses are finding electricity price rises so expensive that they're struggling to operate. Which backs up the case for everyone around the country to be carrying the cost of these upgrades. Tell that to Transpower, though.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers HANA-RAWHITI MAIPI-CLARKE to the Minister of Education: What Maori education providers has she consulted with, if any, regarding the impact her proposed education changes will have on Maori learners across Aotearoa? NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What reports has she seen on New Zealand's fiscal policy and tax settings? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? GRANT McCALLUM to the Minister of Immigration: What recent announcements has she made about supporting businesses to access seasonal workers? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister for Energy: Does he agree with the chief executive officer of Consumer NZ and the managing director of Simplicity, in the Protecting industry, jobs and household budgets as the gas runs out report, that accelerating heat pump adoption will reduce reliance on gas, protect jobs, improve public health, and lower energy costs for New Zealand families and businesses? LAURA McCLURE to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made about improving the experiences of Oranga Tamariki caregivers? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement about unemployment that "I'm really confident our approach is working"; if so, why is unemployment worse than this time last year, with 16,000 more people unemployed? Hon MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Conservation: What recent announcements has he made about the Conservation Act 1987? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he agree with Hon Chris Bishop that homelessness has "potentially ticked up a little bit, up a little bit more in the last couple of years"? GREG FLEMING to the Minister for Mental Health: What recent reports has he seen on growth in the mental health workforce?

New World customers are struggling to get their hands on Smeg kitchenware, available under a 12-week promotion. They can collect one sticker for every $20 spent. But the highest-value option, the braiser, is running out - and New World says there won't be any extra deliveries. Consumer NZ, CEO Jon Duffy, says New World has specified this is 'while stocks last'. But he says it's also required by law to have appropriate stocks. "With these promotions, this is not their first rodeo, they've done these over the years - so they do know that these promotions are popular." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New World customers are struggling to get their hands on Smeg kitchenware, available under a 12-week promotion. They can collect one sticker for every $20 spent. But the highest-value option, the braiser, is running out - and New World says there won't be any extra deliveries. Consumer NZ, CEO Jon Duffy, says New World has specified this is 'while stocks last'. But he says it's also required by law to have appropriate stocks. "With these promotions, this is not their first rodeo, they've done these over the years - so they do know that these promotions are popular." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surcharges - the fees we pay when we use PayWave or a credit card - have been labelled our "national embarrassment" by Consumer NZ and now the government is going to stop retailers from passing on the costs to consumers. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand’s energy sector is broken. That’s according to an open letter calling for the Government to do more to keep our power prices down. Soaring power costs is always a concern – but, we now live in a country where for some it’s a privilege to have power. We've heard too many stories about businesses closing due to the rising cost of just keeping the lights on, and everyday Kiwis are struggling as well... tens of thousands of households are cut off from basic, essential services, just because they can’t afford to pay their bills. So, what can we actually do to keep prices down over winter - and can we ever get them to stay down permanently? Today on The Front Page, as part of the Herald’s Power to the People campaign, we speak to the manager of Consumer NZ’s Powerswitch, Paul Fuge. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When did you overreact? Producer Sara got towed in a dodgy situation last week, so we talk to Consumer NZ to check if what happened was legal! What did your partner unexpectedly come home with? When did you get the address wrong? The People's Poll: If someone has stayed in your spare room for only one night, do you bother changing the sheets? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Please note that nothing in this podcast is personalised financial advice or recommendations. We recommend that people seek independent financial advice when it comes to making decisions around their mortgages, insurances and/or general financial situation.*As the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze Kiwi wallets, Jennie and Liv are back with practical, real-world ideas to help you save money without sacrificing everything you love. From tackling big-ticket expenses like housing and insurance, to finding creative ways to earn a little extra or make the most of what you already have, this episode is packed with ways to help you think bigger and smarter when it comes to saving.This episode covers:Ideas around reviewing and renegotiating big costs like your mortgage, rent and insuranceThe benefits of switching providers for power, internet and mobile to save moneyWays to cut down on your transport costsMaking use of your home space to offset expensesThe benefits of micro-saving tools and building an emergency fundThe role of side hustles and time-based spending swapsResources mentioned in this episode:- Sorted.org.nz's Guide to saving and investing- Sorted.org.nz's  KiwiSaver calculator- MoneyHub's Guide to saving money in NZ- MoneyHub's Insurance comparison guide- Consumer NZ's PowerSwitch tool- The changes being made to KiwiSaver announced in Budget 2025This episode is all about empowering you to make smart, intentional, enduring change - whether that's trimming unnecessary costs or finding small, creative ways to save more in the long-term. With a little effort and some fresh thinking, you may just find that it's possible to spend less without feeling like you're missing out!---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 NZ says supermarkets are still making pricing errors, despite increasing pressure and scrutiny on them. This week the consumer watchdog has been calling for harsher penalties for breaches of the Fair Trading Act. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

This business with the supermarkets and their pricing... Consumer NZ has launched a petition. They want change to stop prices being incorrectly labelled. So you go to checkout and scan receipts, something's different to what you expected. Then we would get a refund on the product, and the product for free. The idea is that if you make the punishment more than fit the crime, they'll stop doing it. Which I get. But the supermarkets reckon —and Consumer NZ calls this spin— that there's just too many products and they honestly make mistakes. More often than not the prices are out by a few cents - so $5.99 instead $5.95. The key question here is whether we think the supermarkets are doing this on purpose, or whether they're just large organisation that occasionally get small things wrong. And correct the errors when spotted. Refunds where necessary. If we're saying they are deliberately doing this, that's a whole other thing. I'm not saying the supermarkets should be given a Hall Pass here, but if we're talking about a few million dollars a year spread over a population of five million, plus the free products on top of refunds they'd have to fund... You've got to ask if the potential payoff is worth the cost of pushing a policy like this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says complaints against Noel Leeming go beyond its price-matching policy. The tech retailer is facing criminal charges brought by the Commerce Commission - accusing it of making misleading promises. Noel Leeming's strongly rejecting the claim, and says it will vigorously defend its stance. But Consumer NZ chief executive, Jon Duffy, says the company's also charged with misleading people about their consumer rights. "If people are taking things back to the store and getting mislead about their rights to a refund or a replacement, that's very concerning". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says complaints against Noel Leeming go beyond its price-matching policy. The tech retailer is facing criminal charges brought by the Commerce Commission - accusing it of making misleading promises. Noel Leeming's strongly rejecting the claim, and says it will vigorously defend its stance. But Consumer NZ chief executive, Jon Duffy, says the company's also charged with misleading people about their consumer rights. "If people are taking things back to the store and getting mislead about their rights to a refund or a replacement, that's very concerning". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being suggested we need to generate more power if we want to fix our electricity market. Major power companies will soon be required to charge less for power during off-peak periods and pay more for solar and battery power during peak periods. The Electricity Authority hopes the measures will drive down power prices over time. But Paul Fuge —the manager of Consumer NZ's Powerswitch website— told Andrew Dickens the ultimate driver of price is supply. He says the market is not delivering the amount of electricity needed for New Zealand's growth, and the country needs more power stations being built. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ball is now in the Government's court following calls for bold action to fix a broken energy market. An open letter, signed by several influential groups including Consumer NZ and Auckland Business Chamber, has been sent to the Prime Minister. Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Heather du Plessis-Allan an independent review is also now with Energy Minister Simon Watts. She says there are lots of underlying issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible, such as increasing prices, market power issues, and the lack of an energy strategy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, a group of well-known organizations published an open letter to the Prime Minister. Organizations like the EMA, 2degrees and Consumer New Zealand all signed the letter calling for the government to reform the energy sector. Chief Executive of Consumer New Zealand John Duffy said that the government needs to have a fast, but measured response. He said, ‘[We don't] want the minister to rush into a knee-jerk reaction.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning a group of organisations have published an open letter to the Prime Minster in the Herald on Sunday. The letter calls for the Government to make comprehensive reforms of the energy market. Consumer NZ and the Employers and Manufactures Association are two of the organisations behind the letter. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy and EMAs Alan McDonald join Francesca Rudkin to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A photo of a pound of butter being sold for more than $18 has proved a lightening rod for shoppers concerns about food prices. The Consumer NZ post about the mainland semi soft butter in a tub has got more than 3,500 comments in the past 24 hours, with many people asking if that the price was accurate. Consumer NZ is about to launch a campaign looking at pricing and promotional practices of supermarkets - as well as penalties for breaches under the Fair Trading Act. Consumer NZ chief executive, Jon Duffy spoke to Lisa Owen.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.