Call to extend unfair expiries

How can you possibly resist this absolutely loveable kitty? Her name is Rosie and she is a real sweetie.

Sadly her owner moved and was unable to take her loved puss with her.

All Rosie needs now is for you to visit and fall for her charm and beauty.

TAKE ME HOME

Rosie wants to be adopted.

Do come and meet her at the North Taranaki SPCA on 75 Colson Road in New Plymouth.

The shelter is open from 10am to 4pm on Monday to Saturday.

Contact the shelter by ringing 06 7582053, email np.spca@xtra.co.nz, find North Taranaki Midweek on Facebook, or visit northtaranakispca.org.nz.

Shoppers could be losing millions of dollars each year because of unfair expiry dates on gift cards. Consumer New Zealand’s latest research found more than 70 per cent of shoppers regularly buy and receive gift cards.

‘‘Gift cards are a quick fix for shopping dilemmas,’’ Consumer chief executive Sue Chetwin said.

‘‘But unfair expiry dates mean many consumers are getting stuck with cards they can’t redeem.’’

When a card expires, the retailer keeps any remaining money.

Results of a Consumer NZ survey indicate the amount being lost could add up to millions of dollars.

‘‘We found one in five gift card recipients had been left emptyhanded after the card expired before they could redeem its full value.

‘‘Based on the typical gift card value, we estimate consumers could be losing as much as $10 million annually.’’

Consumer NZ reviewed 60 gift cards and found more than half expired after just 12 months.

‘‘The meanest gift card was Ticketek’s. It runs out after just six months.’’

Consumer NZ is calling for retailers to remove unfair expiry

‘‘One in five gift card recipients had been left empty-handed after the card expired before they could redeem its full value.’’

Sue Chetwin

dates from their gift cards.

Ms Chetwin said most Canadian provinces have banned expiry dates and in the United States gift cards have an expiry date of at least five years.

The majority of Kiwi consumers are in favour of rule changes here.

‘‘Our survey found 54 per cent of those who had a view thought gift cards should have no expiry date.

‘‘Thirteen per cent thought if there was a date, it should be up to five years.’’

Consumer NZ has written to 10 major brands including Paper Plus, Briscoes and Ticketek, asking them to ditch the expiry dates.

Consumer NZ wants to hear from shoppers who have been stuck with an expired card.

Shoppers can also register their support for change at consumer.org.nz.