Law changes wide

At the Citizens Advice Bureau in Porirua, 14 per cent of interviews or questions we receive are to do with consumer inquiries such as things that we buy (goods) or contracts we enter into to have something done (a service such as painting).

There has been a major reform in consumer law this year around purchasing goods and entering into contracts. The most significant changes are: Extended warranties – consumers will have the right to cancel an extended warranty within five working days of purchasing it. Businesses will have to explain, before consumers buy the warranty, what extra protections an extended warranty provides over the rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Buying from an auction – consumers are now protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act when buying goods or services from a business by tender or at auction. This includes online sales through websites such as Trade Me.

Layby sales – businesses must now provide in writing information about the terms of the layby.

Online purchases – consumers will be protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act when they buy online within New Zealand.

Uninvited direct sales – consumers will be able to cancel a contract for goods or services within five working days if approached by a business uninvited.

Unsolicited goods and services (formerly door to door sales) businesses won’t be able to demand payment for goods or services consumers have not requested.

It is important to keep the receipt and any paperwork that you received at the time of purchase.