Help
FAQs
Answers to some frequently asked questions.
- What is consumer.org.nz? Is it the same as Consumer magazine?
- What's free and what's not?
- How do I access full tests and reports?
- Why does consumer.org.nz charge?
- I receive Consumer magazine - shouldn't I get full access to consumer.org.nz for free?
- How do I find a specific article or test report?
What is consumer.org.nz? Is it the same as Consumer magazine?
Consumer.org.nz features all the major tests and reports from the current issue of Consumer magazine plus a searchable archive of reports from the last 2 years and beyond. It includes our ratings and recommendations for a huge range of products and services.
Our online reports are based on the same research information as reports in Consumer magazine but, wherever possible, make use of the strengths of the internet.
On consumer.org.nz, you'll find:
- Interactive product comparison tools.
- Expanded research information. For example, in our insurance reports we can publish much more detailed information about the policies - there's no way we could fit this into the magazine!
- Up-to-date information on consumer news and issues, product recalls and scams.
- Calculators which allow you to customise information to your own requirements.
- Search and index features so it's quick and easy to find the information you need.
- Useful links to related resources on our site and elsewhere on the web.
- Instant access. We publish reports on consumer.org.nz as soon as they are ready. That means no waiting around for your magazine to arrive!
What's free and what's not?
Resources on our site are divided into 2 groups:
- Free resources:
We'll continue to make a number of high quality information resources available for free. This includes our legal rights reports, our news and resources, the product recall index, Consumer PowerSwitch and our buying checklists, which provide handy buying advice for a wide variety of appliances and products. - Premium resources:
These resources are only available on a fee-for-access basis. They include our full product tests and best-buy recommendations, ratings and advice on services and financial products, and most of our major research articles.
So, how do I access the full tests and reports?
There are 2 ways to access the premium (fee-based) resources on the site.
- Become a consumer.org.nz member:
This gives you full access to all the tests, reports and articles on the site, whenever you need them. Memberships range from 3 months to 3 years. (Consumer magazine members are entitled to discounted access - see below for details.) For more information on becoming a member, click here. - Buy a single report:
You can also buy online access to most of our individual reports without becoming a member. Your access to the report will last for 7 days. To do this, you need to find the report/s you are interested in, then follow the "Buy this report" link.
Why does consumer.org.nz charge?
We rely on memberships to our publications and services to fund our research.
Consumer NZ is a non-profit, membership-based organisation that is totally independent. We receive no money from suppliers or manufacturers, and do not accept advertising in any of our online or print publications.
This means we are totally unbiased and not influenced by commercial interests.
See About Us for more information.
I receive Consumer magazine - shouldn't I get full access to consumer.org.nz for free?
The resources on consumer.org.nz cost money to develop and maintain. Unfortunately, we aren't able to provide this additional service for free.
