In this issue [1. Major Revamp of Consumer Law] [2. The Dismissal Process] [3. The Perils of Effluent Discharge] [4. Relationship Property Developments ] [5. Postscript] Download Entire PDF

FEATURE ARTICLE

MAJOR REVAMP OF CONSUMER LAW

Implications for your business

In December last year the Consumer Law Reform Bill passed into law. The legislation incorporates the most significant developments into New Zealand consumer law in more than 20 years. This article looks at how businesses will need to comply with the changes.

The new laws will strengthen consumers’ rights, simplify business compliance and ensure consumer protections are clear and accessible. The changes are also designed to achieve alignment with Australian consumer law by amending several consumer related acts, the Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA) and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA). Other changes reflect advances in modern business practices and technology, such as internet and credit card transactions, online auctions, increased selling of extended warranties and sales campaigns conducted via social media, telephone and text.