The Ministry of Consumer Affairs' vision is well informed consumers, fair trading practices, and safe products used safely.

We provide policy advice to government on consumer law, educate consumers and traders about their rights and responsibilities, and investigate reports of unsafe products, underweight goods, and gas and electrical accidents.

We also work with consumer, industry and government agencies to promote compliance with self-regulatory policies and codes.

The Commerce Commission exists to bring about awareness and acceptance of, and compliance with, the Commerce and Fair Trading Acts, so that consumers and producers benefit from healthy competition.

The Commission is responsible for enforcing the Fair Trading Act and the Commerce Act.

The Fair Trading Act prohibits people in trade from engaging in misleading or deceptive practices or from making false representations.

The Commerce Act prohibits people in trade from engaging in specific anti-competitive practices.

Although the Commission does not investigate every complaint received, it does welcome information about fair trading breaches.

The following information will allow you to contact the consumer protection authorities of New Zealand directly:

Overseas consumer enquiries can be made to:

Ministry of Consumer Affairs
P O Box 1473
Wellington
New Zealand
Phone 64 4 924 3600
Fax 64 4 924 3700
mcainfo@mca.govt.nz

Website:

www.consumer-ministry.govt.nz
(the main site is available in English -- Consumerkids kidsite is available in English and Maori).

For matters regarding misleading or deceptive conduct under the Fair Trading Act, contact:

Commerce Commission
PO Box 2351
Wellington
New Zealand
Phone 64 4 498 0911
Fax 64 4 471 0711
ftenquiries@comcom.govt.nz

Website:

www.comcom.govt.nz