Fair trading and consumer law

We understand the consumer law environment and legislation

Consumer law is integral to ensuring that businesses compete fairly, and consumers can make informed decisions about the products and services they buy.

We have detailed knowledge of New Zealand's consumer protection regime, including the Fair Trading Act, Consumer Guarantees Act, and Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.

We provide a full range of fair trading and consumer law advice

Our advice includes:

• Managing complaints about misleading and unsubstantiated representations, including pricing, origin, environmental, and health claims
• Reviewing marketing material to help clients ensure that they are able to compete vigorously based on accurate claims and representations
• Giving advice on consumer guarantees and complaints, and extended warranties
• Advising on product safety and consumer information standard issues, and product recalls
• Vetting competitions and promotions for compliance with the Fair Trading Act and Gambling Act
• Reviewing unfair contract terms and providing guidance on the unconscionable conduct prohibition
• Managing bait advertising risk.

We also provide customised fair trading and consumer law compliance programmes and training.

We guide clients through complaints and investigations

We help clients avoid common consumer law issues that lead to customer and competitor complaints. Our team also helps clients navigate Commerce Commission investigations when necessary.

We provide legal representation in criminal and civil proceedings, and support clients with Broadcasting Standards Authority and Advertising Standards Authority complaints.