Our writers

Product Test Writer

Erin is a self-confessed geek who loves sci-fi, particularly Doctor Who. She has a background in web usability and e-learning systems. Erin’s content areas include computing, such as laptops, PCs, software, printers, hard drives and kitchen whiteware. Her mission is to help people understand the key information they need to be informed and confident consumers. Erin’s personal interests include reading and Taiko (Japanese) drumming.

Investigative Writer

Nikki-Lee has a background in financial writing in New York City. She returned to New Zealand a few years ago and recently completed a doctorate. She is interested in data privacy and protection, financial advocacy and breaking down economic myths.

Research & Test Writer

Belinda is our food and health writer. She studied nutrition and marketing and in her many years at Consumer she’s analysed more food labels than she cares to count. Since becoming a mum, Belinda is passionate about restricting the marketing of food to children and educating parents to make healthier choices for their kids. Belinda also writes about sunscreens and sunbeds, plus small kitchen appliances such as juicers, blenders and food mixers.

Consumer Advocate

Aneleise was a lawyer in a previous life. After having children, she realised there was more to life than law so she took on the role of Consumer Advocate at Consumer NZ. Aneleise spends most of her time at Consumer co-ordinating campaigns and writing submissions on behalf of Consumer NZ. The highlight of her career at Consumer NZ so far has been the launch of the very successful “Do Not Knock” campaign.

Product Test Writer

Nick can’t decide if he prefers words or numbers, but he’s a big fan of both. He helps consumers understand technological products, so they don’t get swindled when buying a new computer or camera. When he’s not looking at a screen, Nick loves theatre and live music. Kei te ako ia i Te Reo Māori.

Product Test Writer

Amy has a long-standing passion for researching and comparing products to provide helpful buying advice for others. She did it for fun prior to joining Consumer NZ, with a particular interest in outdoors adventure equipment. She appreciates functional design, and likes to see products performing their primary functions well rather than having excessive features that underperform. Amy loves to get outdoors – mountain biking, tramping and taking her dog out on local adventures – and she’s been a karate practitioner since 2001.

Test Content Team Leader

James has a background in running civil construction laboratories, which fostered an enquiring mind and a passion for producing quality results. This work, along with a childhood being raised on lifestyle blocks, has also given him the idea that he can swing a hammer and use anything that plugs in or has a motor. On his off days, James is a keen mountain biker and loves to travel.

Test Manager

Paul manages Consumer’s product test programme. He has spent most of his career pushing user-focused quality into the design and manufacture of cars in the UK, and educating design engineers of the future in New Zealand. Paul wants Consumer’s independent tests to empower people to make informed purchase decisions. He’ll only be satisfied when he rids the world (or at least New Zealand) of underperforming, poorly designed products.

Investigative Writer

Antoinette is a journalism graduate. She is passionate about consumer issues, human rights, and the environment. Antoinette has experience volunteering in communications roles in the non-profit sector, both in New Zealand and overseas. In her free time, she enjoys running, recently completing her first half marathon.

Investigative Writer

Joining the Consumer team has combined Rebecca’s love of research, writing and helping people. She’s worked in public and research libraries, communications and studied creative writing. Her mission is to research topics that matter to consumers, helping them tell a real deal from a fake and make sustainable choices. Outside of work, she’s a New Zealand literature geek, writes the odd book review and walks her dog on local tracks.