Our work
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Who we are
Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation established in 1959 dedicated to getting New Zealanders a fairer deal.
What we do in a nutshell:
- Test products and services, and recommend which we think are best
- Investigate issues we reckon consumers need to know more about
- Mystery shop and survey to keep businesses honest
- Give advice to thousands of consumers about their rights and how to exercise them
- Campaign to get laws and regulations changed to benefit consumers
- Recommend businesses you can trust
How we test: We commission independent laboratories to carry out our product tests. We also belong to Consumers International which means we can draw on the experiences and information from consumer organisations around the world.
How we’re financed: Our work is funded by member fees, business programmes and contract work, mostly with government departments.
Annual reports
Our annual reports provide information on our highlights for each year dating back to 2008.
Media releases
See all the media releases Consumer NZ has sent lately.
Meet the team
Consumer Powerswitch
Powerswitch is provided by Consumer NZ with support from the Electricity Authority and the Gas Industry Company. Powerswitch aims to be an informative tool for consumers and to encourage competition in the electricity market.
The Consumer Foundation
The Consumer Foundation was formed in 2010 and incorporates the Emily Carpenter Consumer Charitable Trust, which was established in 1994 with funds from a bequest by the late Emily Carpenter (CMG BHSc).
The Consumer Foundation is registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 (CC35315).
Ongoing donations: If you wish to make an ongoing donation or bequest to the Foundation, please contact Sue Chetwin (suzanne@consumer.org.nz).
Alternatively, you can contact us to make a one-off donation on (0800 266 786).
Our programmes
We award Consumer Recommends, People’s Choice and Top Brand endorsements, as well as accredit businesses as part of our Consumer Trusted programme.
Member advice line
Our member advice line provides guidance on any consumer-related issue. Our expert advisers can explain your rights or guide you if you have a problem with a retailer or service provider.
Our history
A lot has changed in New Zealand since 1959 but Consumer is still helping Kiwis get a fair deal.
Our rules
Consumer NZ is governed by an elected board of 7 members who hold office for 3 years. View our rules here.
Current vacancies
See what positions are currently available at Consumer NZ.
