Terms and conditions

By using consumer.org.nz, or signing up for a membership or Digital Pass with Consumer NZ, you agree to accept these terms and conditions. Please read them carefully.

If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, you are not permitted to use consumer.org.nz or sign up for or use a membership or Digital Pass.

You should read these terms and conditions in conjunction with our privacy policy and security policy.

General terms

Your rights of use

You have permission to access and use consumer.org.nz provided you comply with these terms and conditions. If you commit a more than minor breach of these terms and conditions, we reserve the right to cancel your membership or Digital Pass and revoke your access to consumer.org.nz. If we cancel your membership, we may, upon request, provide you with a pro-rata refund of the remaining paid-up period.

Access to consumer.org.nz 

Your access to consumer.org.nz is for your personal use only. You must not share this access with any other person or organisation. Please send all requests for business memberships to info@consumer.org.nz.

No interruption

You agree not to interrupt or attempt to interrupt the operation of consumer.org.nz in any way.

Access to the consumer advice line

The consumer advice line is available to all paying members. The consumer advice line is not available to business members or Digital Pass holders.

You can contact our advice line by phone or email for advice about your consumer issues. Our advisers will explain your rights under consumer law and provide advice on any options you might have. If you do not have any rights under consumer law, we will explain this to you.

No commercial use policy

You may not use our reports, information or ratings in advertising or for any other commercial purposes without our prior written consent.

Copyright

Consumer NZ owns the copyright for all content on consumer.org.nz, unless stated otherwise.

Reproducing material

All consumer.org.nz users are allowed to view and copy free materials from consumer.org.nz for their own personal use. Members and Digital Pass holders 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 prior written consent. Please send 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.

Links to other sites

Links within consumer.org.nz are provided for your information. We do not endorse and have not verified any of the information available through any third party link on consumer.org.nz. We accept no liability for any loss caused as a result of any information or opinion contained in any third party link or your access to third party links on consumer.org.nz.

Linking to consumer.org.nz

If you wish to link to our website, please email us at editor@consumer.org.nz.

No liability for damage

We will use our best efforts to keep consumer.org.nz free from viruses and errors. However, to the maximum extent permitted by law, 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 a Digital Pass, you will need to provide us with some personal information to set up a Consumer NZ account (see the sections on your personal information below). All personal information we collect about you is stored securely.

We do not store credit card details. Credit card details provided online are captured directly by a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliant payment provider.

For more information about how we ensure your information is secure, please read our security policy.

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 info@consumer.org.nz or call Customer Services on 0800 266 786.

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 and conditions at the bottom of every page of consumer.org.nz. If we make substantial changes to these terms and conditions we will notify you of these changes 30 days in advance of such changes taking effect, in writing or by email to the address we currently hold for you.

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 to customer services at info@consumer.org.nz.

Personal membership

Personal membership gives you access to New Zealand’s only independent test and research results on thousands of products and services, our consumer advice line, and the option to receive Consumer magazine for an additional fee.

Prices

All prices are in New Zealand dollars (NZD), and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Price changes

We reserve the right to change the prices for our products and services at any time. We will advise you of any such changes 30 days in advance of such changes taking effect in writing or by email to the address we currently hold for you. We will also publish any price changes on consumer.org.nz and in Consumer magazine.

Promo codes

We may offer promotional discounts which can be redeemed through the use of promo codes. Each promo code is valid for a limited period only and we reserve the right to modify or cancel the promotion at any time.

Each promo code applies only to qualifying membership types, details of which will be specified in the promotion, and are subject to all restrictions set out in the offer.

Each promo code can only be used once per person. Only one promo code can be used per transaction and cannot be combined with other offers.

If you are an existing member and wish to purchase a discounted membership as part of a promotion, payment will be required within the promotional period. The discounted membership will commence at the end of your current paid term.

Promotional discounts will apply to the first payment only. Subsequent payments will continue to be charged at the full price until you cancel your membership in accordance with these terms.

Promo codes cannot be used for corporate memberships.

Methods of payment

If you purchase any products or services online, you must pay by credit or debit card. Your card will be charged in New Zealand dollars.

When you make a purchase by credit or debit card, a temporary $1 charge may appear on your statement. This is a pre-authorisation used as a security check to ensure the card is valid. This $1 charge will not actually be deducted, and will be removed within 1-7 days of appearing on your statement.

Alternative payment methods such as direct debit, bank deposit or cheque are available for memberships paid yearly or 2-yearly. Please contact us to arrange.

First payment

When you sign up for a membership you will choose your payment frequency. If, for example, you choose to pay monthly we will charge your credit or debit card every month. We will process your first payment at the time of joining.

Subsequent payments

We will continue to automatically charge your credit or debit card until you cancel your membership (or we cancel it in accordance with these terms and conditions). If, for example, you pay yearly, we will automatically charge your card on a yearly basis until you cancel your membership.  

Payments will continue to be processed after your card expires if your bank issues you a replacement card that has the same number as the expired card.

We will charge your card for subsequent payments five days before your current paid-up period ends. 

The amount charged will be the same as your first payment unless we have notified you of a price change in accordance with these terms and conditions. 

If you have chosen to pay for a quarterly, yearly, 2-yearly or 3-yearly membership, we will send a reminder, in writing or by email, to the address we currently hold for you, that your next payment is due, at least five days prior to charging your card. We will not send a reminder that your next payment is due if you pay monthly.

Consumer magazine

Not all members receive Consumer magazine. If you choose a membership that includes the magazine, the first magazine you receive will be the next issue we publish.

Consumer magazine is published in February, April, June, August, October and December*. The magazine will be sent to your nominated address.

*Please note from 2023, Consumer magazine will be published four times a year in March, June, September and December. For more information, please read our 2023 Terms and Conditions update.

Delivery of the magazine to an overseas address will incur an additional fee to cover international postage. If you live outside New Zealand and wish to receive the magazine, you will need to contact us directly to purchase your membership.

Your personal information

You agree to provide us with accurate and complete personal information necessary to activate your personal membership. This includes:

• Your name;
• Your email address;
• Credit or debit card number, name on your card, card verification code (CVC) and expiry date;
• Residential or postal address (if you receive Consumer magazine);

To read more about how we use and store your personal information, please 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 fees published on consumer.org.nz.

You agree that you are responsible for any other charges (including internet connection charges) you incur in order to access consumer.org.nz.

Your username and password

You will need a username and password to gain access to consumer.org.nz. Your email address will be your username and you will select a password during registration.

When your membership begins

We will confirm your membership by email when your membership has been processed and your first payment has been received.

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 account; or
  
• Know or suspect loss or disclosure of your username or 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 details in your account profile, or by contacting us at info@consumer.org.nz.

Contacting you

We may contact you to:

• Clarify details about your membership;
• Advise you of changes to our terms and conditions or services;
• Respond to any enquiries you make; or
• Provide any information necessary for the operation and security of our site.

Email communications

All new members will be automatically signed up to receive email marketing communications. You can remove yourself from any email marketing communications by following the "unsubscribe" prompt at the bottom of each email.

Cancelling your membership

You may cancel your membership at any time. To do this go to the Membership section in your account profile on consumer.org.nz and follow the cancellation instructions, call 0800 266 786 or email info@consumer.org.nz.

When you cancel, your membership benefits will continue until the end of your paid-up period. We may, upon request, provide a pro-rata refund of the remaining paid-up period of a membership paid quarterly, yearly, 2-yearly or 3-yearly.

You agree we may contact you after you have cancelled your membership to notify you about new Consumer NZ products, services and promotions we think may be of interest to you. You can remove yourself from email marketing communications by following the "unsubscribe" prompt at the bottom of each email.

Problems with payments

If we cannot charge your credit or debit card or do not receive payment owing from you, we will send an email to your most recent email address.

If we are unable to contact you by email, or any other means, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to consumer.org.nz and cancel your membership.

Digital Pass

If you only wish to obtain access to our website for a short time, you can purchase a Digital Pass. This will give you 7-days’ access to consumer.org.nz.

Prices

All prices are in NZD, and include GST.

Price changes

We reserve the right to change the price of a Digital Pass at any time. We will publish any price changes on consumer.org.nz and in Consumer magazine.

Method of payment

You must pay for your Digital Pass by credit or debit card. Your card will be charged in NZD.

Payment

We will process the payment for your 7-day Digital Pass at the time of purchase. This will be a one-off payment.

Your personal information

You agree to provide us with accurate and complete personal information necessary to activate your Digital Pass. This includes:

• Your name;
• Your email address;
• Credit or debit card number, name on your card, card verification code (CVC) and expiry date;

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 Digital Pass holder.

You agree to pay the Digital Pass fee published on consumer.org.nz.

You agree that you are responsible for any other charges (including internet connection charges) you incur in order to access consumer.org.nz.

Your username and password

You will need a username and password to gain access to consumer.org.nz. Your email address will be your username and you will select a password during registration.

When your Digital Pass starts and ends

You can start using your Digital Pass as soon as we have processed your payment.

Your seven days will be calculated from the day after your payment is processed. This is your first day, even if you access our website on the day your payment is processed.

Your seven day access ends at midnight on the eighth day.

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 account; or
• Know or suspect loss or disclosure of your username or password.

Contacting you

We may contact you to:

• Clarify details about your Digital Pass;
• Respond to any enquiries you make; or
• Provide any information necessary for the operation and security of our site.

Email communications

All new Digital Pass holders will be automatically signed up to receive email marketing communications. You can remove yourself from any email marketing communications by following the "unsubscribe" prompt at the bottom of each email.

Cancelling your Digital Pass

Your Digital Pass will automatically expire after 7 days. You cannot cancel your Digital Pass.

Community contributions

We may provide facilities to allow website users to comment on the content of research reports or to review products or provide other interactive communication facilities (such facilities collectively referred to as "community contributions").

We cannot review all communications made on or through consumer.org.nz. However, Consumer NZ reserves the right, but has no obligation, to monitor community contributions and to edit, modify or delete any materials which we consider, in our sole discretion, violates these terms and conditions, our community guidelines policy, or to be in any other way offensive or contrary to any Consumer NZ policy.

See our community guidelines policy for more information.

Prize draws

Prize draws are governed by a separate set of terms and conditions.

Technical support

Use of JavaScript

Like many modern websites, consumer.org.nz requires JavaScript to be turned on for the site to function correctly.

Consumer uses JavaScript to do the following:

• Hide parts of a page within tabs;
• Launch specialty content in 'lightbox'-style pop-ups; and
• Instantly update the search results when you change one of the filters.

How to turn on JavaScript

If you do not have JavaScript turned on, you will see a message on the screen advising you to turn it on.

To turn on JavaScript:

• Check which browser you are using (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Chrome); and
• Search your browser help for instructions, or go to enable-javascript.com for a visual guide to enabling JavaScript in the most commonly used browsers.

Consumer.org.nz is designed for modern versions of internet browsers running on current operating systems.

This includes Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari on Apple devices. If you are using Windows XP or Windows Vista, we recommend upgrading your operating system. Both these systems are no longer being supported by Microsoft, which means your system is much more vulnerable to malicious software. If you are unable to upgrade, we recommend ensuring your anti-virus program and Chrome browser are up to date.