
We’ve launched a mobile version of our website for members to use when out shopping or wanting a snapshot of our latest recommendations.
The mobile site, consumer.org.nz/mobile, focuses on the most popular areas of the main site including appliances, electronics, home and leisure. Rather than a full list of products tested under each report, the mobile site provides only the recommended models and those worth considering.
Increasingly members have been asking for easy access to recommendations while they’re shopping. A recent survey showed visits to consumer.org.nz from mobiles had jumped 50 percent in three months.
The mobile site lists all available reports in alphabetical order under categories. On accessing a report, a list of recommended and worth considering products is displayed. Members can click on individual products to access a score, image, indicative price, summary rating guide and simple need-to-know commentary.
The mobile application has been designed for use on high-end devices like the iPhone, iPod touch and Android.
We partnered with software developers 3months to build the mobile site. 3months also made significant upgrades to consumer.org.nz last year.
3months principal Mark Pascall said opting for a web-based application cut through the clutter and expense of developing for competing mobile applications. “Instead we were able to use a modern framework (Ruby on Rails) coupled with powerful front-end tools (AJAX) to build a slick mobile interface in a matter of days.”
In-depth research, product reviews and extensive databases can still be found on consumer.org.nz and through Consumer magazine.
More from consumer.org.nz
- We’ve gone mobile – CEO Sue Chetwin’s blog
- Consumer Mobile FAQs - answers to common questions
Member Comments
Got a question or comment on this topic? Share your views and experiences with other Consumer members...
To add a comment you need to be a member of consumer.org.nz. Login or Join.
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal




Please consider adding the following:
A members sign in - with additional info provided.
Search option - when you sign in.
I needed to find freeview box's and it took a while.
Date of the review as some are now out of date. eg: Freeview showed 2007 models.
I agree with Keith
Hi Consumer
Great that you've got a mobile version up but why didn't you make it a mobile version of the existing website e.g. like NZ Herald m.nzherald.co.nz which is my one stop website for news? Then ALL consumers can browse your website and if they want specific information then they can login - I think this would dramatically increase your online membership!
Also how about an iPhone App that only requires a one time login and thereafter you're logged permanently.
Cheers
Keith
Hi Consumer team,
I am pleased to see that you have implemented the mobile site. This gives consumers access to the important info where they need it: At POP.
I also think that you have focused on the right info, i.e. listing recommended models and those worth considering.
Well done.
Best regards,
Bodo Lang
Senior Lecturer - Marketing
MIT