Fair trading and consumer law

Overview

The Fair Trading Act is integral to ensuring that businesses compete fairly, and consumers can make informed decisions about the products and services they buy.

New Zealand's consumer protection regime is bolstered by the Consumer Guarantees Act, the Sale of Goods Act and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.

We provide a full range of fair trading and consumer law advice on whether conduct or representations are likely to breach fair trading or consumer-related legislation.

Our services include reviewing representations and marketing material for compliance with the Fair Trading Act, advising on the recall of unsafe goods, and vetting competitions and call centre scripts for fair trading law compliance.

We assist clients to help them avoid the consumer law pitfalls that lead to Commerce Commission investigations, and can help clients navigate through a Commerce Commission investigation process. We provide legal representation in criminal and civil proceedings, as well as assisting in relation to complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Authority or Advertising Standards Authority.

We provide fair trading and consumer law compliance training for clients that is customised to clients' particular businesses.

Experience

Sector / Expertise

Work highlights

Acting for a major Trans-Tasman retailer

in a Commerce Commission investigation under the Fair Trading Act

Presenting New Zealand Law Society seminars

on the 2014 reforms to consumer law

Vetting for numerous clients

including SKY Television, a major retail company, a building society and a major petroleum company of direct marketing materials and call centre scripts