Terms and conditions
These terms and conditions form a legal contract between you and Consumer NZ for your use of consumer.org.nz.
They cover:
- General terms of use of consumer.org.nz
- Online memberships
- Premium memberships (combined online and magazine)
- Magazine memberships
- Individual article and report purchases
- Purchase of our other products (books and binders)
- Community contributions
- Powerswitch terms and conditions
- The 'Consumer testimonial' competition
- Which car? - Auto Information Ltd (Red Book)
By using consumer.org.nz, you accept these terms and conditions. When you purchase memberships, reports or other products from us, you accept the general terms of use, and the specific conditions that apply to that purchase. You may wish to print this page for your reference.
You should read these terms and conditions in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
1. GENERAL TERMS OF USE
Your rights of use
You have the right to access and use consumer.org.nz provided you comply with these terms and conditions. If you breach any part of these terms and conditions, we reserve the right to cancel your access to consumer.org.nz.
The content of consumer.org.nz is for your personal use only. You must not share this service with any other person or organisation. Special conditions apply for organisations that wish to provide access to consumer.org.nz to their members or employees. Please address all requests for corporate memberships to onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
You agree not to interrupt or attempt to interrupt the operation of consumer.org.nz in any way.
No commercial use policy
Our reports, information and ratings may not be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose.
Copyright
Consumer NZ owns the copyright for all content on consumer.org.nz, unless stated otherwise.
Reproducing material
All users are allowed to view and copy free materials from consumer.org.nz for their own personal use. Online memberships are also allowed to view and copy member-only material for their own personal use.
Any other reproduction (including by electronic means) of consumer.org.nz or any of our other publications, in whole or in part, is forbidden without our written permission. Please address requests to editor@consumer.org.nz.
Errors and updates
We reserve the right to add or remove material, and correct errors. If you find any errors on any part of consumer.org.nz, please report them to editor@consumer.org.nz.
Newsletters
All consumer.org.nz members will automatically receive our "Site Update" newsletter. You can also choose to receive our “Product Recall” newsletter.
To remove yourself from any of the newsletters, click on the link at the end of each newsletter and follow the instructions.
Links to other sites
Links within consumer.org.nz are provided for your information. We do not endorse and have not necessarily verified any of the information available through the use of any link found within consumer.org.nz. We accept no liability for any loss caused as a result of any information or opinion contained in any link found within consumer.org.nz.
Linking to consumer.org.nz
If you wish to link to our website, you must comply with certain requirements. For a list of these requirements, and to request a link to consumer.org.nz, please email us at editor@consumer.org.nz.
Viewing content
Consumer.org.nz is designed for optimal use on Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7 and Mozilla Firefox version 3, or better.
We accept no responsibility for your inability to access consumer.org.nz.
No liability for damage
We will use our best efforts to keep consumer.org.nz free from viruses and errors. However, we do not accept liability for any damage or loss caused to your computer hardware, software, Internet connections or other peripherals as a result of your use of consumer.org.nz.
Privacy and Security
When you become a member of consumer.org.nz or purchase one of our products, you will be set up with a Consumer account. All personal information we collect about you, including your credit card information, passes through our secure server. To read more about our security system, read our Security Policy.
We will keep all your personal information confidential. We will not sell or give any of your personal information to a third party without your permission. For more information about how we use and store your personal information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Complaints
If you have any complaints about the consumer.org.nz service, please contact us at onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
Changes to terms and conditions
We may change these terms and conditions at any time. Each time you use consumer.org.nz you are agreeing to the terms and conditions applicable at that time. We provide a link to these Terms & Conditions at the bottom of every page of the website.
Jurisdiction
The laws of New Zealand apply to these terms and conditions. Any dispute arising in relation to these terms and conditions will be resolved in accordance with New Zealand law.
Consumer Guarantees Act
Nothing in these terms and conditions limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Contacting us
Please address any questions or complaints to our Customer Services team at onlineservice@consumer.org.nz
Buying products online
The following can be purchased online at consumer.org.nz:
- Online memberships, which give you full access to consumer.org.nz for the term of your memberships;
- Premium memberships, which give you full access to consumer.org.nz for the term of your membership, plus a membership to Consumer magazine;
- Magazine memberships, which give you Consumer magazine delivered to your door for the term of your membership;
- Individual articles and reports, on a pay-per-view basis. Your access lasts for 7 days from the time you buy access to the report;
- Other products, such as books and magazine binders.
Prices
All prices are stated in New Zealand dollars (NZ$), and include Goods and Services Tax (GST). If you require a currency converter, click here.
Price changes
We reserve the right to increase fees or to introduce new prices for our products and services at any time. Any such changes will be published in advance on consumer.org.nz.
Methods of payment
Payment for all purchases made online is by credit card only.
2. ONLINE MEMBERSHIPS
Payment
Payment for the selected Online membership term is processed at the time of purchase.
Your personal information
You agree to provide us with accurate and complete personal information necessary to activate your Online membership. This includes:
- Your name
- Email address
- Credit card number, type, the name on your card, and the expiry date
- Postal address
- Contact telephone number
To read more about how we use and store your personal information, read our Privacy Policy.
Your obligations
You agree not to sell, assign or transfer your rights as a consumer.org.nz member.
You agree to pay the membership fee published on consumer.org.nz, and any other charges (including Internet connection charges) you incur in order to access consumer.org.nz.
Your username and password
As part of the registration process, you will use your email address as a username and select a password. You will use your username and password to gain access to consumer.org.nz.
When your Online membership begins
When your membership has been processed and your payment has been received, we will confirm by:
- A Confirmation of Order message displaying on your computer screen, which you should print out; and
- A Confirmation of Order email message sent to the email address you have supplied.
Your access to consumer.org.nz begins from the date on this Confirmation of Order message.
Security and unauthorised use
You must keep your username and password confidential. You are responsible for ensuring there is no unauthorised use of consumer.org.nz under your username and password.
You agree to notify us promptly if:
- You suspect unauthorised use of your consumer.org.nz access or;
- Know or suspect loss or disclosure of your username or password.
You are liable for any unauthorised use of your online membership until you notify us and update your username and password.
Updating your personal information
If any of your personal information changes, you agree to notify us promptly, either by logging into consumer.org.nz and updating your account, or by contacting us at onlineservice@consumer.org.nz
Contacting you
You agree that we may contact you to notify you about:
- Your online access
- Your use of consumer.org.nz
- Changes to the consumer.org.nz service
- Changes to these terms and conditions
- New Consumer NZ products, services and promotions; and
- Any other information necessary for the operation and security of consumer.org.nz.
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after your membership has ceased from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
Renewing your Online membership
All our memberships are auto-renewing by credit card. We will send you an email reminder before your membership is due to automatically renew. If you do not wish to renew your Online membership, click on the link in the reminder email and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can cancel online by accessing "My Consumer" on consumer.org.nz, by calling Freephone 0800 266 786 or emailing onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
The renewal fees will be the current published rates for the term of your Online membership.
Cancelling your Online membership
You may cancel your Online membership at any time.
To do this, access "My Consumer" on consumer.org.nz and follow the cancellation instructions, call Freephone 0800 266 786 or email onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
Except where required by the Consumer Guarantees Act, we do not give refunds for cancelled Online memberships. When you cancel, your access to consumer.org.nz continues until the end of your current paid up period.
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after you have cancelled your Online membership from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
Problems with payments
If we cannot charge your credit card account or do not receive payment owing from you, we will contact you at your most recently updated email address.
If we are unable to contact you by email, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to consumer.org.nz.
3. PREMIUM MEMBERSHIPS
Payment
Payment for the selected Premium membership term is processed at the time of purchase.
Your personal information
You agree to provide us with accurate and complete personal information necessary to activate your Online membership. This includes:
- Your name
- Email address;
- Credit card number, type, the name on your card, and the expiry date;
- Postal address;
- Contact telephone number.
To read more about how we use and store your personal information, read our Privacy Policy.
Your obligations
You agree not to sell, assign or transfer your rights as a consumer.org.nz member.
You agree to pay the membership fee published on consumer.org.nz, and any other charges (including internet connection charges) you incur in order to access consumer.org.nz.
Your username and password
As part of the registration process, you will use your email address as a username and select a password. You will use your username and password to gain access to consumer.org.nz.
When your Premium membership begins
When your Premium membership has been processed and your payment has been received, we will confirm by:
- A Confirmation of Order message displaying on your computer screen, which you should print out; and
- A Confirmation of Order email message sent to the email address you have supplied.
Your access to consumer.org.nz begins from the date on this Confirmation of Order message.
Your first magazine to be delivered will be the next published issue of Consumer magazine.
Security and unauthorised use
You must keep your username and password confidential. You are responsible for ensuring there is no unauthorised use of consumer.org.nz under your username and password.
You agree to notify us promptly if:
- You suspect unauthorised use of your consumer.org.nz access or;
- Know or suspect loss or disclosure of your username or password.
You are liable for any unauthorised use of your online membership until you notify us and update your username and password.
Updating your personal information
If any of your personal information changes, you agree to notify us promptly, either by logging into consumer.org.nz and updating your account, or by contacting us at onlineservice@consumer.org.nz
Contacting you
You agree that we may contact you to notify you about:
- Your online access
- Use of consumer.org.nz
- Changes to the consumer.org.nz service
- Changes to these terms and conditions
- New Consumer NZ products, services and promotions; and
- Any other information necessary for the operation and security of consumer.org.nz.
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after your membership has ceased from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
Renewing your Premium membership
All our memberships are auto-renewing by credit card. We will send you an e-mail reminder before your membership is due to automatically renew. If you do not wish to renew your Premium membership, click on the link in the reminder email and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can cancel online by accessing "My Consumer" on consumer.org.nz, by calling Freephone 0800 266 786 or email onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
The renewal fees will be the current published rates for the term of your Premium membership.
Cancelling your Premium membership
You may cancel your Premium membership at any time.
To do this, access "My Consumer" on consumer.org.nz and follow the cancellation instructions, call Freephone 0800 266 786 or email onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
Except where required by the Consumer Guarantees Act, we do not give refunds for cancelled premium memberships. When you cancel, your access to consumer.org.nz and your magazine delivery continues until the end of your current paid up period.
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after you have cancelled your Online membership from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
Problems with payments
If we cannot charge your credit card account or do not receive payment owing from you, we will contact you at your most recently updated email address.
If we are unable to contact you by email, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to consumer.org.nz.
4. MAGAZINE MEMBERSHIPS
Payment
Payment for the selected Magazine membership term is processed at the time of purchase.
Your personal information
You agree to provide us with accurate and complete personal information necessary to activate your Magazine membership. This includes:
- Your name;
- Email address
- Credit card number, type, the name on your card, and the expiry date
- Postal address;
- Contact telephone number.
To read more about how we use and store your personal information, read our Privacy Policy.
When your Magazine membership begins
When your Magazine membership has been processed and your payment has been received, we will confirm by:
- A Confirmation of Order message displaying on your computer screen, which you should print out; and
- A Confirmation of Order email message sent to the email address you have supplied.
Your first magazine to be delivered will be the next published issue of Consumer magazine.
Updating your personal information
If any of your personal information changes, you agree to notify us promptly, by calling us at Freephone 0800 266 786 or emailing onlineservice@consumer.org.nz
Contacting you
You agree that we may contact you to notify you about:
- Your magazine membership
- Changes to these terms and conditions
- New Consumer NZ products, services and promotions; and
- Any other information necessary for the operation of Consumer NZ
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after your membership has ceased from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
Renewing your Magazine membership
All our memberships are auto-renewing by credit card. We will send you a reminder letter before your membership is due to automatically renew. If you do not wish to renew your Magazine membership you can notify us by noting and returning the remittance slip in the freepost envelope provided, by calling Freephone 0800 266 786 or by emailing onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
The renewal fees will be the current published rates for the term of your Magazine membership as per the reminder letter.
Cancelling your Magazine membership
You may cancel your Magazine membership at any time.
To do this call Freephone 0800 266 786 or email onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.
Except where required by the Consumer Guarantees Act, we do not give refunds for cancelled Magazine memberships. When you cancel, your membership continues until the end of your current paid up period.
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after you have cancelled your membership from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
Problems with payments
If we cannot charge your credit card account or do not receive payment owing from you, we will contact you at your most recently updated phone number or email address.
If we are unable to contact you, we reserve the right to terminate your Magazine membership.
Upgrading to a Premium membership
You may upgrade your Consumer magazine membership to a Premium membership at any time during your magazine membership term. You agree to pay an initial upgrade fee (the "upgrade fee"), as advertised on this website at that time. When the upgrade fee has been paid, you will become a Premium member and have full access to consumer.org.nz for the remainder of your existing membership term.
5. INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES AND REPORTS
Purchasing an individual report gives you access to the specific report for 7 days. Payment must be received in full when you order. After 5 days we will contact you to remind you your access to the report will be running out.
Your username and password
As part of the registration process, you will use your email address as a username and select a password. You will use your username and password to gain access to the individual report you purchased.
When your access begins
When your order has been processed and your payment has been received, we will confirm your order by:
- A Confirmation of Order message displaying on your computer screen, which you should print out; and
- A Confirmation of Order email message sent to the email address you have supplied.
Your access to the individual report begins from the date on this Confirmation of Order message.
Contacting you
You agree that we may contact you to notify you about:
- Your individual report
- Use of consumer.org.nz
- Changes to the consumer.org.nz service
- Changes to these terms and conditions
- New Consumer NZ products, services and promotions; and
- Any other information necessary for the operation and security of consumer.org.nz.
You agree that we may contact you within a reasonable timeframe after you have purchased a single report from time to time to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions until you let us know you wish to opt out of these notifications.
6. OTHER PRODUCTS
Delivery
Books and binders ordered online should be received within 10 working days of your order.
Returns Policy
If you are not satisfied with books or binders ordered from us, simply return your order within 10 working days from the date of delivery and your payment will be refunded in full.
7. COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Consumer NZ may make available to site users the ability to comment on reports and new items, forums, or other interactive communication facilities by means of the Site (such facilities collectively referred to here as "Community contributions").
Consumer NZ cannot review all communications made on or through the site. However, Consumer NZ reserve the right, but has no obligation, to monitor Community contributions and edit, modify or delete any materials which Consumer NZ in its sole discretion determines to violate this Agreement, the Community guidelines, or to be in any other way offensive or contrary to any Consumer NZ policy.
Consumer NZ reserves the right to remove member access rights to Community contributions when necessary.
The messages you post in Community contributions may be used by Consumer NZ as part of our research and publication, and we reserve the right to copy or quote them.
Consumer NZ does not endorse or accept any communications made in the Community contributions as its own or representative of its views.
You are solely responsible for the content of any transmissions you make to the Site or any materials you add to the Site, including to any Community contributions (the "Communications"). You shall not upload to, or distribute to, or otherwise publish through the Community contributions any Communication which:
- Is for commercial purposes or otherwise advertises or solicits for the sale of goods or services
- Is obscene, indecent, pornographic, profane, sexually explicit, or abusive
- Constitutes or contains false or misleading indications of origin or statements of fact
- Slanders, libels, defames, disparages, or otherwise violates the legal rights of any third party
- Causes injury of any kind to any person or entity
- Infringes or violates the intellectual property rights, contract rights, or any other rights of any third party
- Violates any applicable laws, rules, or regulations
- Contains software viruses or any other malicious code designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment
Furthermore, you acknowledge that conduct prohibited in connection with the Community contributions includes, but is not limited to, impersonation of other people and breaching or attempting to breach the security of the site.
8. POWERSWITCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS
These terms and conditions form a legal contract between yourself and Powerswitch a website owned and operated by Consumer NZ.
By using Powerswitch, you accept these terms and conditions. You may wish to print this page for your reference.
You should read these terms and conditions in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.
Your rights of use
You have the right to access and use Powerswitch provided you comply with these terms and conditions.
No commercial use policy
Our reports, information and ratings may not be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose.
Copyright
Copyright for all content on Powerswitch is owned by Consumer NZ.
Reproducing material
All users are allowed to view and copy free materials from Powerswitch for their own personal use. Any other reproduction (including by electronic means) of Powerswitch or any of our other publications, in whole or in part, is forbidden without our written permission. Please address requests to feedback@consumer.org.nz.
Errors and updates
We reserve the right to add or remove material, and correct errors. If you find any errors on any part of Powerswitch, please report them to feedback@consumer.org.nz. While every effort is made to ensure that information is correct and accurate on Powerswitch, new plans (or changes to existing plans) can be announced prior to information on those plans being received by Powerswitch. This may mean that the latest plans (or updated plans) are not available on Powerswitch. Clear dates are provided on the site as to when it was last updated.
Links to other sites
Links within Powerswitch are provided for your information. We do not endorse and have not necessarily verified any of the information available through the use of any link found within Powerswitch. We accept no liability for any loss caused as a result of any information or opinion contained in any link found within Powerswitch.
Linking to Powerswitch
If you wish to link to our website, you must comply with certain requirements. For a list of these requirements, and to request a link to Powerswitch, please email us at feedback@consumer.org.nz.
Viewing content
Powerswitch is designed for optimal use on Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7 or better, Mozilla Firefox version 3 or better, and other modern web browsers. We accept no responsibility for your inability to access Powerswitch.
No liability for damage
We will use our best efforts to keep Powerswitch free from viruses and errors. However, we do not accept liability for any damage or loss caused to your computer hardware, software, Internet connections or other peripherals as a result of your use of Powerswitch.
Privacy and Security
We will keep all your personal information confidential. We will not sell or give any of your personal information to a third party without your permission. For more information about how we use and store your personal information, please read our Privacy Policy.
Complaints
If you have any complaints about the Powerswitch service, please contact us at feedback@consumer.org.nz.
Changes to terms and conditions
We may change these terms and conditions at any time. Each time you use Powerswitch you are agreeing to the terms and conditions applicable at that time. We provide a link to these terms and conditions at the bottom of every page of the website.
Jurisdiction
The laws of New Zealand apply to these terms and conditions. Any dispute arising in relation to these terms and conditions will be resolved in accordance with New Zealand law.
Consumer Guarantees Act
Nothing in these terms and conditions limits your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
Prices
All prices are stated in New Zealand dollars (NZ$), and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
9. WHICH CAR? - AUTO INFORMATION LTD (RED BOOK)
Auto Information Ltd (Red Book) has prepared the data and valuations for the "Which Car?" report from information gathered from a variety of sources. Whilst all care is taken in producing the data and valuations, Red Book cannot guarantee or make any representations regarding the use of, or reliance, on it. Red Book is not responsible for all the information provided to it and you should not rely on the data or valuations without making your own independent assessment of the vehicle and other sources of information. Red Book is not liable for any loss or damages (other than in respect of any liability which may not lawfully be excluded) relating to your use of, or reliance on, this valuation and data.
Competitions
'Consumer testimonial competition' terms and conditions
By submitting a testimonial to Consumer NZ’s email address online@consumer.org.nz the entrant is agreeing to these promotional terms and conditions. Your entry into the draw to win a Consumer-recommended camcorder will be automatic assuming it meets the guidelines provided below.
To enter the competition you need to provide a brief on outline how Consumer helped you - whether it was with a purchasing decision, saving on an expensive purchase, purchasing a Consumer-recommended product that you absolutely can’t do without, or advice on a consumer issue. The prize draw is open only to current Consumer members and New Zealand Residents. The prize draw starts on 1 December 2011 and closes at 11.59pm on 16 January 2012.
Only one entry into the draw per member will be accepted. The prize winner will be picked at random. The draw will take place on Tuesday 17 January 2012 at noon. The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. If the winner is not contactable within 3 days, the prize will be redrawn. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash.
If your testimonial is picked by Consumer NZ for use in the promotional campaign you will be contacted and will receive a 6-month membership to give to a family member or friend, along with entry into the prize draw.
