Sue Chetwin, Consumer NZ Chief Executive

Hosing down the hysteria and getting as close to the facts as possible is central to what we do at Consumer. 

Not for us the blind acceptance of commercial advertising puffery, or for that matter claims based on so-called “expert overseas” research. We like to look for ourselves: that’s what you expect from us. So last year when questions were raised over the longevity and usefulness of energy-efficient light bulbs, we decided to put them to the test.

We took on board other concerns like can I use them in my chandelier? Do they throw enough light? Can I use them with dimmers? Is there an energy-efficient light that looks like an incandescent bulb? Do they really last much longer than a traditional bulb? The answer to all these questions is yes. But you have to buy the right bulbs and generally the more expensive “brand” products will last longer than lesser known or home-brands.

I was reminded of how useful this information is when chatting with a girlfriend recently who said she had dutifully replaced all the incandescent bulbs in her home with CFLs she bought at the supermarket, but had been disappointed at the result. I inquired as to whether she had bought the right light for the right site. She stared at me blankly then said: “Don’t they all do the same job?” She’s now a Consumer subscriber!

I was again reminded of the importance of our research when last month Consumer magazine won for the second year in a row the Qantas Media Award for Best Trade/Professional Magazine. The judges said content was king in a magazine such as ours.

“Consumer provides well researched information in a form that is easy to digest. It is authoritative and trusted through its independent expert analysis. It also has attitude…Best of all it makes a difference. In these difficult economic times, consumers need a watchdog and advocate, and Consumer delivers.”

Sue Chetwin
Chief Executive
Consumer NZ

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