Podcasts about consumer nz

The government is introducing bigger fines for businesses that mislead shoppers. Non-compliant businesses will face penalties of up to $5million. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Aged Care Assn CEO responds to PMs immigration comments; Consumer NZ discusses new fines for misleading shoppers; Most Kiwis support cutting nicotine in cigarettes; Youth left in limbo after school, taskforce warns; New local initiative improving school attendance

Questions to Ministers Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister for Infrastructure: What updates has he seen on the fast-track approvals scheme? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? CAMERON LUXTON to the Associate Minister for the Environment: What recent announcements has he made regarding voluntary nature markets? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she stand by her statement, "The steps we are taking will put New Zealand and young New Zealanders on a better path"; if so, why? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Justice: What action is the Government taking to bring certainty to climate change tort law? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister for Economic Growth: Are there more or fewer people in work now compared to when she took office? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Conservation: What progress has he made towards modernising the Conservation Act 1987? INGRID LEARY to the Associate Minister of Housing: Does he agree with Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy's reported statement that the Government has "got it wrong" regarding proposed changes to retirement village capital repayment laws? 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? TIM COSTLEY to the Minister of Local Government: What recent announcement has he made about simplifying local government? DAN ROSEWARNE to the Minister for Rural Communities: What recent advice, if any, has he received regarding changes to funding levels and eligibility criteria under the Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs programme for rural communities? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions?

It might have been a hot buttery topic of debate around the water cooler as to whether people are a fan of the beige butter from the U.S or the golden variety of New Zealand. But the "which butter's best" debate has now taken a bit more of a serious turn, with complaints now reported to Consumer NZ. Some customers have reported concerns through their "play fair" line, saying they were mislead by the packaging of the imported butter because it looked similar to local brands. Dr Milind Mandlik, a senior lecturer in Marketing at AUT spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Consumer NZ is calling for a law change to speed up the return of retirement village payments if a resident leaves. The lobby group says retirement villages can be expensive, and when someone leaves they get their money back - minus management fees of up to 30 percent. But currently there's no timeframe set down for that repayment to happen, and that can leave residents and their families in a tough position financially. The government is planning changes to the Retirement Villages Act that would reduce wait times to no more than 12 months. But Consumer NZ says that can be too long for some. It's launched a petition this morning - Consumer's CEO Jon Duffy talks about why it's needed.

According to new data from Consumer NZ, there is a big difference in how much you pay for power depending on where you live. It has analysed the April 1st electricity price rises and discovered that the Far North will have annual cost increases in the range of $140 to $420, while in Wellington, the same household can expect an annual increase of between $102 and $305. Kerikeri currently has amongst the highest average electricity prices in the country, which was about 20 percent above the national average. So, why is the cost of electricity increasing a lot more in some regions than others? Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge is with Jesse.

New Zealand First is heading into the election with a plan to break up the supermarket duopoly. If re-elected, the party's promising to split Foodstuffs into two nationwide co-operatives - one for New World and Four Square, and the other for Pak'nSave. Consumer NZ says the current Government's efforts to encourage a third player into the market have largely been unsuccessful. Head of Advocacy and Research, Gemma Rasmussen, has raised questions over this plan - and indicated it might not be the best solution to rising food prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First is heading into the election with a plan to break up the supermarket duopoly. If re-elected, the party's promising to split Foodstuffs into two nationwide co-operatives - one for New World and Four Square, and the other for Pak'nSave. Consumer NZ says the current Government's efforts to encourage a third player into the market have largely been unsuccessful. Head of Advocacy and Research, Gemma Rasmussen, has raised questions over this plan - and indicated it might not be the best solution to rising food prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ says ongoing mechanical problems put Fords to the top of its list of the worst cars to own. The US brand produced the two least reliable cars - in its survey of almost 6,000 owners. The Focus and Escape Models won the top spots. Product test journalist, Bryan Wall, says out of all cars, they had the most major faults reported. "Their cars were off-road for, probably, an extended period of time, because the engine wasn't working or the gearbox had failed or there's an electrical problem." Volkswagen's Tiguan and BMW three series make up the top four. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author of the Consumer NZ report, Bryan Wall joins Emile Donnovan.

Consumer NZ says ongoing mechanical problems put Fords to the top of its list of the worst cars to own. The US brand produced the two least reliable cars - in its survey of almost 6,000 owners. The Focus and Escape Models won the top spots. Product test journalist, Bryan Wall, says out of all cars, they had the most major faults reported. "Their cars were off-road for, probably, an extended period of time, because the engine wasn't working or the gearbox had failed or there's an electrical problem." Volkswagen's Tiguan and BMW three series make up the top four. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hard times is there room for haggling over price? It's a question Checkpoint was keen to answer when it feels like absolutely everything is going up. Food, power and fuel. According to Gaspy the national average price for 91 is $3.42. It's gone up 34 percent in the past 28 days. Jon Duffy from Consumer NZ spoke to Lisa Owen.

Power bills are set to go up from tomorrow, from as high as 5 to 10 percent. Electricity lines charges are set to go up, following an earlier Commerce Commission decision to allow for the charges to go up. Consumer NZ's Paul Fuge explained that these increases will vary across households, with some seeing higher increases and some seeing lower ones. "Because it is so convoluted and so complex and the maths is so hard, we have to run the service we've been running for 25 years now to try and help people make heads or tails of this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power bills are set to go up from tomorrow, from as high as 5 to 10 percent. Electricity lines charges are set to go up, following an earlier Commerce Commission decision to allow for the charges to go up. Consumer NZ's Paul Fuge explained that these increases will vary across households, with some seeing higher increases and some seeing lower ones. "Because it is so convoluted and so complex and the maths is so hard, we have to run the service we've been running for 25 years now to try and help people make heads or tails of this." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catch up on the full show now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When times are tight financially, every outgoing cost gets examined and for many of you that includes insurance payments. In February, it was revealed that the Government's going to do a review into insurance - that's after Treasury said that home insurance premiums had grown at three times the rate of the consumer price index since 2011 and been a 40 percent rise in the past two years. That's a lot of money spent hoping the worst doesn't happen. Here to talk insurance is Consumer NZ's expert on the topic, Rebecca Styles

All gift cards sold or given out with a purchase now have a minimum expiry date of three years as yesterday the government has amended the Fair Trading (gift card expiry) Act. Why is it not longer or unlimited? Nick speaks to Consumer NZ spokesperson Jessica Walker discusses the changes and how they will affect customers. Walker says they have been campaigning on the amendments for 10 years, as they estimate $10 million in wasted gift cards goes unspent every year in NZ. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The organisation behind the barcode standards used by retailers worldwide, says digital labelling will give people more information about products. However, Consumer NZ has warned key health information could be harder to access for some shoppers. Peter Stevens, Chief Executive of GS1 New Zealand spoke to Corin Dann.

The Government will be trialling digital labels on food products, where customers scan a QR code to get nutritional information. Consumer NZ's Researcher Belinda Castles spoke to Corin Dann.

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the plans of many travellers, who may be in for more bad luck by insurers. Much of the region's airspace has been shut after the US and Israeli attack on Iran and its retaliatory strikes in the region - and travel insurance companies have invoked the war clause in their policies. Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says it's important for Kiwi travellers to check their policies, as there could be a way through this. "Insurance policies do cover cancellations if it's due to an airspace closure...but because it's hostilities and military action - typically, cover is excluded." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Power companies have been reporting big profits in their latest half-year results. But now Consumer NZ is asking whether that's fair. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Corin Dann.

A consumer advocacy group is urging the government to stay the course and ban card surcharges. Surcharges on credit card and contactless payments are estimated to cost New Zealand shoppers up to 65 million dollars a year. The government had pledged to scrap them, but the proposed law is stalled. Consumer NZ's campaign manager Jessica Walker spoke to Lisa Owen.

A new poll suggests the public's on board with the Government's proposed ban on card surcharges, just as the proposed law has been put on hold. The Government announced plans to ban all credit card and contactless surcharges last year, but faced criticism from businesses who'd be forced to stump the cost. Consumer NZ Campaign Manager Jessica Walker told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there is a middle-ground for both parties to settle on. "Too many surcharges are excessive or just not disclosed or unavoidable. So there would need to be some really firm caps in place to stop consumers being ripped off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer says insurance premiums have dropped in Auckland- but there's not such good news for people in Wellington and Christchurch. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds has been looking into it and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

RNZ's Susan Edmunds looks at why the economic recovery has been so slow to take off. She also looks at warnings from Consumer NZ that power prices are likely to rise by about 5 percent this year - on top of the rises that have already occurred due through increases to lines charges. Susan Edmunds is RNZ's Money Correspondent

Tower has become the 5th major player to drop these multi-party discount deals, for both new and renewing customers. The company says it's shifting focus to 'personalised pricing.' However, Consumer NZ Investigative Team Lead Rebecca Styles told Mike Hosking that this is more likely to be a reaction to recent penalties that the company received for not charging customers the correct amount. "They are moving to personalised pricing so at a health level they can tell what the risks are at your place and price accordingly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ is calling for scam protection to apply to online marketplaces, after a man lost $35,000 buying a car that turned out to be stolen. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

How do you get the best deal to keep your power bill down. Consumer NZ's Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In part two, beauty gurus are decrying a major retailer over freebies from its loyalty scheme. Make up store MECCA offered an extra gift labelled a 'beauty treat' to its members which turned out to be a tote bag of questionable quality. Consumer NZ explains why some rewards schemes are not all their cracked up to be. Then, Australian local council member Mark Dal Bon from Griffith City talks about the councils' decision to allow workers to wear flannel shirts in the office. Is business casual getting too casual?

2.5 million passengers will travel through Auckland Airport in its busiest five weeks of the year. Travel can be a great joy but also a legal minefield; who covers costs with a cancellation, what if you get bumped from a flight that is over booked, and what's the deal if the replacement flight is more expensive. Jessica Walker from Consumer NZ spoke to Lisa Owen with tips for travellers.

Consumer NZ says travellers could struggle to get a refund - after revelations two Jetstar baggage scales at Wellington Airport may not have been accurate. Checks after a complaint in September, revealed the portable scales were uneven and below approval standards. Jetstar's been told to pull them out until they're re-verified. Consumer NZ Advocacy Head, Jessica Walker, says if Jetstar charged too much, people could be entitled to repayment. "If they can prove that they were overcharged, then that would be ideal. But the fact that Jetstar is saying that people weren't overcharged absolutely makes this trickier." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shoppers who look beyond the cheapest price tag might be able to save on their Christmas groceries, Consumer NZ says. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds explains, talking to Corin Dann.

A three-month long investigation has revealed that many of the offers available this Black Friday are not the bargain they may seem to be. Consumer NZ conducted an investigation into Briscoes, Noel Leeming, Farmers and Harvey Norman, and found that customers could have picked up the same items at a similar or lower price over the three-month investigation. Consumer NZ's Head of Research Gemma Rasmussen told Heather duPlessis-Allan that, 'there's so much hype around Black Friday, but the deals are a little dubious.' She said that it's important consumers do their research before hitting the shops. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 28 November 2025, police have arrested more people in relation to a huge drug smuggling ring at Auckland Airport. A trial to only collect rubbish from Aucklanders every two weeks is off to a bad start. The council has revealed that almost 80% of the feedback has been negative. Consumer NZ has revealed the worst deals you can buy for Black Friday. After years of being mothballed, Waiwera Thermal Springs is getting revamped - the man behind the redevelopment explains the vision. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates what the heck is going on at Cricket NZ and whether the proposed new T20 competition would save or ruin the local game. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the cost of insurance rises, Consumer NZ sees worrying signs that more people are dropping their house insuranceFrom house insurance to health insurance, mortgage to pet to funeral, the list of what can be insured seems to be growing. Insurance experts list the ones you can cancel.Guests:Rebecca Styles - Consumer NZ head of investigationsBianca Russell - North Shore office managerChris Walsh - MoneyHub founderLearn More:Insurance Council of New Zealand's survey reveals Kiwis are concerned about natural hazards driving up consumer costsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Jon Duffy, head of Consumer NZ, joins Kathryn to discuss what's being proposed as part of planned changes to the Fair Trading Act.

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report; An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand staff going on strike could have a severe impact throughout Oceania; About 70% of the 50,000 plus rock fans attending the concert were from outside the city; The number of university students earning A's is on the up - and could soon be the most common grade; Consumer NZ has spent 12-weeks tracking the prices of products from four big box retailers, to see if the bargains are all they're cracked up to be.

Consumer NZ has spent 12-weeks tracking the prices of products from four big box retailers, to see if the bargains are all they're cracked up to be. Head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, Gemma Rasmussen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season in the US and is the busiest shopping day of the year there. Over the years, retailers here have embraced the promotion, and we are now bombarded by offers of specials and discounts for Black Friday. But are these discounts really specials? And what do we need to look out to make sure we don't get end up getting sucked into the hype. Abby Damen from Consumer NZ chats to Jesse.

Product safety rules for kids toys and craft materials are not fit for purpose, with the rise in giant e-commerce retailers according to Consumer NZ. The safety of children's play things is centre stage after a recall of several coloured sand products due to an asbestos scare. Several schools that use the products closed while they worked out what cleanup is required. Meanwhile Consumer NZ says the changing way people shop and the sheer volume of products is making safety tough to police. Head of research and advocacy Gemma Rasmussen spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Government is planning to increase fines for breaching the Fair Trading Act - from 600-thousand dollars to five-million. It is announcing a swathe of changes to crack down on businesses and individuals breaking consumer laws. The cases could also be moved from the criminal court to the Civil Court to make prosecution easier. Consumer NZ Chief Executive Jon Duffy told Mike Hosking that it is one of the most consequential changes to the act in a generation. He says it will be a deterrent for many companies - but $5million is a drop-in-the-bucket for large multi-nationals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer NZ is urging shoppers to approach the flood of Black Friday discounts with a healthy dose of skepticism, warning that some bargains may not be as good as they seem. Consumer communications and campaigns adviser Abby Damen spoke to Corin Dann.

Consumer NZ has released the results of its latest "Yeah Nah" awards, which are designed to highlight consumer problems such as confusing messaging or products that don't do the job they are meant to. Among the non-winners are plasters that don't stick and meal kits that won't let you go. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Corin Dann.

Z Energy is apologising for any confusion caused by aspects of a 2022 advertising campaign. In 2022 and 2023, the company ran a 'Moving With The Times' campaign - illustrating its commitments to being more environmentally friendly. Consumer NZ, Lawyers for Climate Action, and the Environmental Law Initiative later took legal action against Z Energy, claiming it was misleading New Zealanders. Z Energy chief executive Lindis Jones says the ad was designed to be 'bold and provocative' "That statement was made alongside a whole lot of other information that contextualised it and provided background. So it's a case of - we've agreed to disagree." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annual electricity prices have risen at their fastest rate since the late 1980s, pushing inflation to 3 percent. Consumer NZ's Powerswitch Manager, Paul Fuge spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Almost two dozen sunscreens in Australia have been recalled, paused or are under review because of concerns over their SPF ratings. Some of them are available in New Zealand or can be bought online. In Australia Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ was voluntarily recalled following inconsistencies in its sun protection factor. Tests showed it had SPF results rating anywhere from four to 64. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration says the base formula is used in numerous sunscreens and further tests show it is unlikely to have an SPF greater than 21. It's also raised concerns about a testing lab used by a number of sunscreen makers. Consumer NZ senior research and test writer, Belinda Castles spoke to Lisa Owen.

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.

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

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.

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.