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2026 Media releases
Support for surcharge ban getting stronger 20 February 2026
Insurance premiums soar, but big savings can still be made 17 February 2026
Power prices predicted to surge 11 February 2026
“Use it or lose it”, warns Consumer NZ as Air New Zealand Covid credits are set to expire if flights aren’t booked in the next 10 days 22 January 2026
Consumer NZ shares four simple ways to save in 2026 2 January 2026
2025 Media releases
Consumer NZ's top boxing day sales tips 23 December 2025
Best and worst booze-free bubbly 22 December 2025
Surcharges should be down and out 15 December 2025
Sunscreen expert busts sunscreen myths 11 December 2025
Stretch your Christmas budget further: Trust the unit price, not the promotion 4 December 2025
Consumer NZ's 3-month study finds many prodcuts were cheaper before Black Friday 28 November 2025
Are the deals real this Black Friday? Possibly not! 25 November 2025
Online dark designs have cost New Zealanders millions 13 November 2025
Pams plasters that don’t stick, HelloFresh subscription traps and Harvey Norman’s non-stop sales: Consumer NZ Yeah, Nah Awards 2025 11 November 2025
How to get a bargain and beat the spin this Black Friday 6 November 2025
Environmental and consumer advocates welcome Z Energy apology 2 November 2025
Spark, 2degrees and One NZ stall on billing transparency 2 October 2025
Get plugged into the best power plan 8 September 2025
New Zealanders' favourite shops revealed 4 September 2025
Consumer NZ welcomes $2.25 million fine against Jetstar 1 September 2025
Rising cost of insurance prompts call for action on affordability and climate risks 27 August 2025
25,000-strong petition for supermarkets to price it right adds weight to Minister Willis' warning 19 August 2025
Consumer NZ is stoked to learn surcharges will be banned 28 July 2025
Consumer NZ reveals the best and worst laundry detergents 24 July 2025
Price it right: Consumer NZ launches campaign to stop misleading supermarket pricing 22 July 2025
11 sunscreens sold in New Zealand didn't meet SPF claims as revealed by an Australian test 12 June 2025
The sale of a top-rated power company signals a shrinking market 4 June 2025
New Zealanders have rising concerns about insurance costs as financial pressures mount 29 May 2025
Consumer NZ finds some car insurance premiums have almost doubled since 2023 15 May 2025
Smaller banks pack a punch: Consumer's best and worst banks in 2025 14 May 2025
This Mother's Day, give the gift of scam protection and digital confidence 7 May 2025
Consumer NZ's annual KiwiSaver survey reveals satisfaction rising but questions remain 6 May 2025
Consumer NZ is seeking nominations for businesses that are the worst of the worst 30 April 2025
Despite low confidence in government efforts, people want urgent action to lower grocery bills 24 April 2025
Watch out for public holiday surcharges on Easter Sunday 16 April 2025
Price hikes are coming - it's time to review your power provider 3 April 2025
Consumer NZ urges Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10 software 31 March 2025
Consumer NZ urges New Zealand to learn from Australia’s supermarket inquiry 28 March 2025
Consumer NZ wants an end to the surcharge swindle 6 March 2025
Consumer NZ backs calls for court action against retirement village operators’ unfair contract terms 27 February 2025
Consumer NZ survey reveals New Zealanders face rising healthcare concerns amid ongoing financial uncertainty 18 February 2025
Consumer NZ Valentine's Day alert: Beware the red flags 14 February 2025
Consumer NZ warns of car rental company's questionable practices 13 February 2025
Consumer NZ reveals the best and worst insurance providers 3 February 2025
Consumer NZ shares 5 simple ways to save money in 2025 13 January 2025
Consumer NZ launches guide to buying second-hand appliances: helping New Zealanders save money and shop sustainably 8 January 2025
2024 Media releases
Consumer NZ’s top tips for crushing the Boxing Day sales this year 18 December 2024
Consumer NZ’s 2024 Sunscreen Database Launches: A Powerful Tool for Safer Sun Protection 11 December 2024
Consumer NZ thanks the public for sharing dodgy supermarket pricing examples, leading to criminal charges 10 December 2024
A new expert guide helps New Zealanders save power and reduce bills at home 6 December 2024
Is your mobile plan right for you? Telcos could do more to tell you 27 November 2024
Consumer NZ warns: Don’t fall for Black Friday FOMO 21 November 2024
Consumer NZ responds to Commerce Commission’s proposed electricity network revenue increases 21 November 2024
Consumer NZ reveals 2024's best and worst internet providers 20 November 2024
Consumer NZ reveals 2024's best and worst mobile phone providers 13 November 2024
Consumer NZ questions supermarket specials: Are they really saving you money? 6 November 2024
Consumer NZ reveals the best WiFi routers for your home 5 November 2024
Consumer NZ urges government to get domestic aviation market study off the ground 31 October 2024
Consumer NZ questions Foodstuffs’ removal of online price-sorting tool 25 October 2024
The five businesses given a Yeah, Nah Award by Consumer NZ 22 October 2024
Consumer NZ warns scam victims to watch out for recovery scams 27 September 2024
We welcome charges against Jetstar for allegedly misleading passengers about their rights 18 September 2024
Consumer applauds Commission’s first annual grocery report, but pain at the checkout won’t cease for shoppers any time soon 4 September 2024
21,000-strong petition delivered to parliament is a powerful call for repairable products 28 August 2024
The scale of power poverty in New Zealand 19 August 2024
We are concerned the grocery commissioner's response to ongoing supermarket pricing errors leaves shoppers carrying the load 15 August 2024
Unprecedented supermarket fine is a promising sign of grocery sector being held to account 8 August 2024
It's time for Z Energy to really start moving with the times 1 August 2024
Record savings available to people who switch power providers 30 July 2024
We estimate 1 million New Zealanders shut out of the homeowners’ club 29 July 2024
Consumer NZ finds the cost of some Air NZ flights has soared up to 300% in the past 5 years 18 July 2024
Consumer says it’s time to ban sunbeds 4 July 2024
Consumer NZ reveals the best and worst real estate agencies in 2024 27 June 2024
Northland consumers could be in for power outage payouts 25 June 2024
Yeah, Nah Awards: Consumer NZ wants you to dob in products and services that have let you down 20 June 2024
Petition to help stop products going to landfill 18 June 2024
Join Consumer NZ's call to stamp out scams 11 June 2024
Consumer NZ reveals the best and worst power companies 5 June 2024
Decisive calls on Australian grocery sector bring New Zealand's slow progress into the spotlight 8 May 2024
Consumer NZ unpacks the popular payment method that could void your bank protection 8 May 2024
Pump the brakes: Consumer reveals the best and worst cars rated by New Zealanders 7 May 2024
Who can you bank on? Consumer NZ reveals 2024's best and worst banks 2 May 2024
Common consumer myths busted 23 April 2024
Environmentally conscious shoppers at risk of being greenwashed 22 April 2024
Consumer NZ reveals the best and worst KiwiSaver providers 16 April 2024
Happy 30th birthday Consumer Guarantees Act: Consumer NZ urges shoppers to use the act that has their back 11 April 2024
Consumer NZ investigates a suspended dentist 9 April 2024
As power bills surge it pays to change 8 April 2024
Consumer NZ unveils a plethora of poor-performing products 28 March 2024
Cracking into the eggs-traordinary price of Easter chocolate 27 March 2024
Consumer NZ warns supermarket shoppers: Beware of loyalty lure 26 March 2024
New Zealanders deserve much more from banks 21 March 2024
Z Energy continues the business of greenwashing as its emissions rise 20 March 2024
Help us clean up greenwashing 14 March 2024
Retirement village operators in the firing line after Consumer NZ and RVResidents complaints 29 February 2024
The great lapse - New Zealanders are being squeezed out of house and contents insurance due to rising premiums 14 February 2024
People's Choice Winner LG impress their customers for 7 years 9 February 2024
Powerswitch savings increase to an average $409 per year 8 February 2024
Pepsi beats Coke in blind taste test 16 January 2024
2023 Media releases
5 ways to save money in 2024 28 December 2023
Five tips for shopping the 2023 Boxing Day sales 26 December 2023
Consumer NZ’s sunscreen database provides New Zealanders with a new layer of protection 18 December 2023
Best and worst mobile and internet providers 13 December 2023
International consumer groups unite - tech companies need to provide greater scam protections 12 December 2023
Don’t waste your money on gift cards with short expiry dates – Consumer NZ reveals 2023’s best and worst vouchers 1 December 2023
Consumer NZ and others seek High Court declaration that Z Energy has misled New Zealanders 30 November 2023
Consumer NZ study finds phony Black Friday deals 24 November 2023
Consumer NZ reveals the four stores New Zealanders adore 23 November 2023
Stop the surcharge swindle 16 November 2023
Black Friday tips – top price doesn't always mean top performance 15 November 2023
Car insurance premiums up as much as 38% since 2021 14 November 2023
Don't buy these duds: 4 Kmart products to avoid 2 November 2023
Budget vs premium kettles – the price of repairability 30 October 2023
Best quick brew for your buck? Consumer NZ finds price doesn’t always equate to quality when it comes to instant coffee 27 October 2023
Telco providers fail to improve their billing apps for the second year in a row 26 October 2023
The first step to keeping e-waste out of landfill? Make products repairable 3 October 2023
Consumer ranks salt and vinegar chips from best to worst 29 September 2023
New Zealand bank customers missing out on basic banking protections 21 September 2023
Consumer NZ makes noise about the hearing aid industry 20 September 2023
Consumer NZ reveals how long your appliances should last 8 September 2023
Profits surge for New Zealand’s gentailers 31 August 2023
Half of New Zealanders are deeply anxious about savings, or have nothing tucked away 24 August 2023
Savvy Powerswitch users save over $5 million on their power bills 1 August 2023
Banks need to do better in NZ's financial cybercrime avalanche 25 July 2023
Want to buy a phone that lasts? Consumer NZ introduces new repairability score 13 July 2023
Consumer NZ calls on Sky to help its flood-impacted customers 12 July 2023
Consumer NZ welcomes Grocery Commissioner appointment 11 July 2023
AI-powered advertising targeting shoppers in New Zealand malls 4 July 2023
Budget buys that beat premium brands 30 June 2023
Last chance to dob in a dodgy deal: Consumer NZ's final call for examples of misleading supermarket pricing 26 June 2023
Prepay customers paying much more for power 22 June 2023
Problematic pricing perseveres in a cost-of-living crisis 6 June 2023
Grounded by greenwashing: green claims on Air NZ compostable cups 2 June 2023
Smaller power providers lead the pack 1 June 2023
Simple ways to save money this winter 25 May 2023
Consumer NZ: Trust in banks diving sharply amid soaring profit announcements 12 May 2023
Consumer NZ warning about dodgy car finance deals 9 May 2023
Smaller banks are outperforming larger players when it comes to customer satisfaction 19 April 2023
Consumer NZ: So-called supermarket 'specials'uncovered 6 April 2023
Consumer NZ finds supermarket aisles awash with dubious green claims 28 March 2023
Consumer NZ – New Zealand renters are now more concerned about paying for food than rent 14 March 2023
Ultra-processed foods pack a sodium punch 14 March 2023
Consumer NZ reveals who is top of the shops 9 March 2023
Buyer beware - hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles fail to meet fuel efficiency claims 8 March 2023
Consumer NZ: TV shop customers beware 1 March 2023
Consumer NZ lodges Cook Strait ferries complaint with the Commerce Commission 27 February 2023
Consumer NZ: Our Cook Strait ferry operators need to up their game 23 February 2023
Consumer NZ: Affected by Cyclone Gabrielle? Know your rights 21 February 2023
Consumer NZ: Watch out for second-rate sunnies 10 February 2023
Consumer NZ: Affected by flooding? Know your rights 31 January 2023
Kmart saucepan: top of the pots 25 January 2023
Consumer NZ: So-called supermarket 'specials' uncovered 19 January 2023
Customers in HelloFresh Hell 17 January 2023
Use – don’t lose – your gift card credit 5 January 2023
2022 Media releases
Boxing Day tips for bargain hunters 26 December 2022
Consumer NZ investigates: Which mince pies slay this Christmas? 16 December 2022
Half of New Zealanders are saving less than 5% of their income 15 December 2022
House and contents insurance costs are a growing concern 13 December 2022
Slip, slop - slapped on the wrist 30 November 2022
Device repairability is expensive or non-existent – Consumer NZ has the solution 29 November 2022
Is your local supermarket scanning your face as well as your food? 24 November 2022
Information about repairability and reliability lacking at big-box retailers 18 November 2022
Beware of Black Friday 'bargains' 16 November 2022
Some electricity retailers need to sharpen their pencils when it comes to price 4 November 2022
Add-on car insurance products offer meagre benefits to consumers 25 October 2022
Consumer NZ: Jetstar leaving passengers out of pocket 20 October 2022
Consumer NZ: Smaller providers delivering higher levels of mobile and internet customer satisfaction 17 October 2022
Consumer NZ: Jetstar misleading passengers about their rights under the Civil Aviation Act 13 October 2022
Significant power savings available for savvy shoppers 4 October 2022
Prospective tenants encouraged to swap private information for a place to call home 27 September 2022
Consumer NZ wants supermarkets to stop dodgy ‘specials’ 22 September 2022
Unfair terms and conditions ruining residents’ golden years 21 September 2022
Flight cancelled or delayed? Consumer NZ wants airlines to be upfront about passenger rights 15 September 2022
How consumer-friendly is your telco provider? 13 September 2022
Misleading delivery fees at Nando's 2 September 2022
Consumer NZ welcomes push to ensure duopoly opens up wholesale access to groceries 24 August 2022
It's now illegal to ignore 'Do Not Knock' stickers 16 August 2022
Media release: Consumer NZ survey finds struggling New Zealanders are turning to prepay 8 August 2022
Media release: Freedom Furniture fails to deliver 26 July 2022
Media release: Restaurants’ hidden delivery fees risk breaching the Fair Trading Act 15 July 2022
Media release: Online travel agent eDreams causing nightmares 14 July 2022
Consumer NZ welcomes swift moves from the Government to address lack of supermarket competition 6 July 2022
Consumer NZ welcomes bold steps by Government to address competition issues in the supermarket sector 30 May 2022
New Zealanders now trust the supermarkets less than the banking industry 27 May 2022
Consumer NZ launches petition to end super-sized supermarket profits 10 May 2022
Check gift card expiry dates to avoid giving Mum a dud this Mother's Day 5 May 2022
The Bank of Mum and Dad is the fifth biggest owner-occupier lender in New Zealand 28 April 2022
Teenager takes dodgy reseller to disputes tribunal and wins 21 April 2022
'A systemic failure' – Consumer NZ mystery shop of insurance points to an outdated approach to mental health 14 April 2022
Consumer NZ names best supermarket hot cross buns this Easter 8 April 2022
Consumer NZ - Unfair KiwiSaver loophole could see thousands shaved off your pay packet 7 April 2022
Over $1000? April power price rises are a shock for some customers 1 April 2022
Global pressure to rein in buy now pay later services 24 March 2022
The majority of New Zealanders are driving less to counter costly fuel prices 22 March 2022
Dud detergents: some powder dishwasher detergents clean only marginally better than water 15 March 2022
Plastic not so fantastic: Consumer NZ reveals top five worst packaging offenders 10 March 2022
Consumer NZ feels supermarket report recommendations should go further 8 March 2022
Cost of living is New Zealanders’ top concern 7 March 2022
Consumer NZ finds big price differences on Rapid Antigen Tests for sale 2 March 2022
Consumer NZ finds controlled and prescription drugs in sports supplements 24 February 2022
Beware of the energy vampire – the humble garage fridge could be driving up your power bill 11 February 2022
Over thirty? You could be paying more to swipe right 8 February 2022
New year, new me: revamping your finances for 2022 1 January 2022
2021
Unfashionable: NZ clothing labels risk misleading consumers about their sustainability claims 22 December 2021
In a major shift, Consumer NZ will only recommend appliances that last 9 December 2021
House and contents insurance premiums more expensive than ever, so it pays to shop around 2 December 2021
Financial stress makes Christmas not so jolly for two out of five New Zealanders 30 November 2021
Consumer NZ - Nearly one in five New Zealanders get sunburnt most years 26 November 2021
How a tax accountant was swindled out of $100k 16 November 2021
Consumer NZ weighs up budget buys vs pricey presents 11 November 2021
Consumer NZ questions ‘specials’ at big box retailers 4 November 2021
Consume This tackles the big consumer issues 2 November 2021
Rogue ride-shares costing customers more than expected 30 September 2021
Buy-now, pay-later raking in $10m+ in late fees annually 24 September 2021
Catastrophe! Cattery blunder leads to death of beloved pet 23 September 2021
Shocking stuff: consumers in lower income areas paying more for powers 19 September 2021
Consumer NZ lodges complaint over retirement villages’ care claims 15 September 2021
More than 50% of telco customers report problems 14 September 2021
Consumer NZ: New Zealanders getting a raw deal when it comes to gift cards 27 August 2021
Consumer NZ: Younger consumers more focused on right to repair 26 August 2021
Consumer NZ’s crowdfunding campaign means more sunscreens will be tested this summer 24 August 2021
Money down the drain! Consumer NZ test finds majority of multi-purpose cleaners perform only slightly better than water 9 August 2021
New Zealand’s safest trampoline gains the Consumer Trusted tick. 2 August 2021
Consumer NZ product tests find that lower price doesn't always equal lower quality 30 July 2021
Consumer NZ: Kmart’s Anko window vacuum sucks, for all the wrong reasons 8 July 2021
ASB KiwiSaver ranks last for customer satisfaction, Consumer NZ survey finds 1 July 2021
Media release: Melanoma in her twenties, Alyssa wants sunscreen she can trust 30 June 2021
Bank complaints on the rise, Consumer NZ’s survey shows 17 June 2021
Best and worst power companies revealed in Consumer NZ survey 3 June 2021
Clothing store Shekou risks misleading shoppers about refund rights 28 May 2021
$63 million fraud committed by sunscreen test lab 11 May 2021
Consumer NZ introduces repairability scores for mobile phones 10 May 2021
New Zealand ranks second to last in international packaging recyclability trial 23 April 2021
NZ households could save $388 on average by switching energy plans 21 April 2021
Consumer NZ put a $29 Kmart blender to test, and it did not go well 24 March 2021
Media alert: Sunscreen Bill highlights need for mandatory standard 12 March 2021
Consumer NZ: Time for telcos to come clean on consumer bills 9 March 2021
Consumer NZ: Your rights to refunds for cancelled events 4 March 2021
Dicey terms and conditions leave some candlelight concertgoers in the dark 3 March 2021
Consumer NZ: Review of the Retirement Villages Act is overdue 25 February 2021
Two out of three Kiwis support clampdown on unhealthy food marketing to kids 10 February 2021
Consumer NZ testing finds induction cooktops trump gas 2 February 2021
Consumer NZ calls out unfair terms in retirement village contracts 2 February 2021
Consumer NZ finds the Instachill Evaporative Cooler to be a stone-cold failure 21 January 2021
2020
Airbnb and Bachcare cancellation terms risk breaching Fair Trading Act 24 November 2020
We’re calling out Airbnb and Bachcare for their unfair cancellation policies.Consumer NZ welcomes supermarket investigation 17 November 2020
Commerce Commission to undertake market study of supermarket industry.Consumers struggling with hard-to-fix appliances 24 September 2020
Survey finds less than half of Kiwis think it's easy to find someone to fix an appliance.Consumers paying millions too much for mobile phone plans 17 September 2020
Investigation finds some consumers are significantly overpaying for mobile plans.New research finds the durability of stick vacuum cleaners sucks 3 September 2020
A recent survey shows Kiwis are let down by how long their stick vacuum cleaners are lasting.78% of Kiwis willing to pay more for appliances built to last, but lack information they need 26 August 2020
A recent survey of consumers shows New Zealanders want better information on which products are built to last.Supermarket “specials” risk misleading shoppers 5 August 2020
Consumer NZ’s latest supermarket survey found products can be on “special” so often shoppers risk being misled about the savings they’re getting.Consumer NZ survey reveals best and worst power companies 17 Jun 2020
Trustpower rated as the worst performer in Consumer NZ’s latest survey of satisfaction with power companies.Air NZ sitting on millions of dollars from cancelled flights 28 May 2020
Just six percent of Air New Zealand customers in our survey had been given refunds for cancelled flights.Consumer NZ calls out Air New Zealand over refund practices 18 May 2020
Air New Zealand's refusal to provide refunds for cancelled flights may breach Fair Trading Act.Power costs a big worry for one in three Kiwis, Consumer NZ finds 23 Apr 2020
Household power costs are a major concern for a third of Kiwis, Consumer NZ’s latest electricity survey shows.New CEO for Consumer NZ 3 February 2020
The Consumer NZ Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Jon Duffy, Assistant Privacy Commissioner, as the new Chief Executive of Consumer NZ.Consumer NZ reveals best and worst ways to buy insurance 22 Jan 2020
Buy insurance from a bank or insurance broker and you’re much less likely to be a satisfied customer, Consumer NZ’s annual insurance survey shows.
2019
Consumer NZ Board announces CEO Sue Chetwin resignation 13 Nov 2019
The Board of Consumer NZ has accepted, with great regret, the resignation of its chief executive officer Sue Chetwin.Christchurch funeral directors Lamb & Hayward achieve Consumer Trusted accreditation 30 Jul 2019
Christchurch-based funeral home first to achieve Consumer Trusted recognition.Shoe Clinic first to five years with Consumer Trusted accreditation 25 Jul 2019
Consistently high standards of customer care earn retailer Consumer Trusted recognition.Best curtains & blinds for keeping warm revealed 6 Jun 2019
Consumer NZ testing reveals the right curtains and blinds can keep your home warm and comfortable this winter.Don’t fall for retailers’ “out of warranty” excuses 23 May 2019
Consumer rights don’t end when the product warranty does.Consumer launches guide to chemical disposal 1 Feb 2019
Consumer NZ compiles a free council-by-council guide to disposing of unwanted household chemicals.
2018
Country-of-origin labelling finally passed 29 Nov 2018
Kiwis will finally be able to identify where their fruit and vege come from after the Consumers’ Right to Know (Country of Origin of Food) Act passed its third reading in parliament yesterday.Cost of power leaves many consumers in the cold 11 Sep 2018
The Electricity Price Review’s initial report, released today, backs up Consumer NZ’s research that shows rising power prices are leaving many households struggling to pay their bills.Rest home breaches care contract 17 Aug 2018
More shortfalls have been found at St Kilda Care Home, less than a year since it was ordered to refund $10,000 for failing to provide reasonable care to a 92-year-old resident.Kiwis top for skin cancer rates 31 Jul 2018
A new study which shows New Zealand has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world confirmed the need to ban sunbeds and make sunscreen standards mandatory, Consumer NZ says.Renters getting raw deal from property managers 04 Apr 2018
Tenants who rent through a property management company are significantly more likely to experience problems, a Consumer NZ survey has found.Would-be mums upsold expensive pregnancy multivitamins 16 Mar 2018
Pharmacies are promoting pregnancy multivitamins with overblown claims, a Consumer NZ mystery shop has found.
2017
Rest home ordered to pay $10,000 for law breaches 08 Nov 2017
Major rest home provider Bupa Care Services has been ordered to pay $10,000 by the Disputes Tribunal after failing to deliver reasonable standards of care to a 92-year-old woman who resided at its St Kilda Care Home in Cambridge.Consumer investigating ticket resellers 20 Apr 2017
Consumer NZ is joining forces with consumer groups in Australia and the UK to investigate complaints about ticket reselling sites such as Viagogo and Ticketmaster Resale.