Govt launches revamped consumer protection website

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin has welcomed the new website.

A new consumer self-help website has been launched today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The new consumer protection website provides information for consumers in New Zealand covering everything from scams and identity theft to mortgages, parking and solving complaints.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith officially launched the redeveloped Consumer Protection website today at a forum in Wellington.

"The new website makes things easier for consumers," said Goldsmith. "All New Zealanders can use this website to access straight-forward content about what needs to be done before, during and after purchasing a product or service."

The website also includes guides to credit and finance, online safety, policies, the Consumer Guarantees Act, Fair Trading Act and contract and sales agreements.

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Sue Chetwin, chief executive of Consumer NZ said the new website was "great, and has taken into account where the most queries come from."

In the past financial year the Commerce Commission received 4,283 complaints under the Fair Trading Act.

"It is important for consumers to know what their rights are when buying products or services. This new resource will assist everyone to become more familiar with those rights," said Goldsmith.