Consumer & Fair Trading Claims

Managing consumer law risk and protecting your reputation.

Consumers are watching. The media is watching. Regulators are watching.

If you are a provider of goods or services, compliance with consumer legislation is not optional. A single misstep can expose your business to financial risk, reputational damage, and regulatory action. Getting clear, practical advice on your consumer law obligations is essential to protecting your business and operating with confidence.

McVeagh Fleming’s consumer law specialists advise on terms of trade, warranties, advertising and marketing practices, and statutory obligations under the Fair Trading Act, Consumer Guarantees Act, Contract and Commercial Law Act, and Commerce Act.

It is equally important for consumers to understand the standards they are entitled to expect. Early advice can help clarify rights and obligations, resolve disputes efficiently, and avoid unnecessary escalation.

All aspects of Consumer Law

McVeagh Fleming specialises in advising businesses and consumers of their rights and obligations under consumer legislation. Talk to one of our specialists about cost-effective guidance on all aspects of Consumer Law, including:

  • Analysis of marketing, advertising and promotional materials and campaigns
  • Drafting and review of commercial contracts
  • Customer complaint advice
  • Terms of trade
  • Compliance with various New Zealand consumer legislation
  • Advertising codes of practice
  • Representation under compliance proceedings.

It all starts with a conversation

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Our latest insights

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Small Business Contracts and Unfair Terms - It's Time to Review Your Contracts!
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Small Business Contracts and Unfair Terms - It's Time to Review Your Contracts!

The Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 ("Amendment Act") has made recent amendments of the Fair Trading Act 1986 with some terms being extended to small business contracts that will come into force on 16 August 2022.
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Unfair Contract Terms
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Unfair Contract Terms

A recent decision in the High Court of New Zealand has provided the first instance of the Courts using the Fair Trading Act 1986 ("FTA") to declare specific terms in a standard form consumer contract unfair, and therefore unenforceable. The decision in Commerce Commission v Home Direct Limited1 was made pursuant to sections in the FTA which were introduced in 2013 and give the Commerce Commission power to apply to the District Court or High Court for a declaration that a term in a standard form consumer contract is unfair.
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Consumer Affairs Lawyer, Retailers Fined, Misleading Claims. Protect yourself and do not fall foul of the law. Seek advice. Call 377 9966 for a chat.
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Heavy Fines Given to Retailers for Misleading Consumers

Recent decisions of the District Court highlight the need for businesses to adhere to the Fair Trading Act 1986 ("FTA") and not mislead their customers, particularly if their customers are 'consumers' under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 ("CGA"). Both decisions involved prosecutions by the Commerce Commission against high profile retailers and resulted in substantial fines being awarded against these retailers.
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Team leadership

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Headshot of Craig Andrews, Partner at McVeagh Fleming, professional style photo against a neutral background.
Craig Andrews
Partner
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
DDI:
09 306 6745
MOB:  
E:
candrews@mcveaghfleming.co.nz
Email
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Headshot of James Turner, Partner at McVeagh Fleming, professional style photo against light background.
James Turner
Partner
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
DDI:
09 966 3603
MOB:  
E:
jturner@mcveaghfleming.co.nz
Email
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It all starts with a conversation

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