Index of Media Releases

Current Media Releases

2009

• 25 September 2009 - Ban placed on unsafe chainsaws
• 23 September 2009 - Adjudicators Reports Suggest Law Changes - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]
• 22 September 2009 - Consumer Credit Law Being Reviewed - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]
• 22 September 2009 - Financial Summit 2009 - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]
• 25 June 2009 - Bill Signals Improvements To Motor Vehicle Sales Regime  - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]
• 23 June 2009 - Financial Service Dispute Resolution Scheme On Its Way  - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]

• 19 June 2009 - Don't Pay More Than You Have To This Winter - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]

• 6 April 2009 - Mortgage Payment Relief Already Available  - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]

• 27 March 2009 - Seafood company fined for short weight goods

• 6 March 2009 - Keeping tabs on scammers for a decade

• 4 March 2009 - Ministry staff 'win' £1.5 million in lottery
• 2 March 2009 - Scams Target You - Protect Yourself  - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]

Media Release Archives

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

2008

• 23 December 2008 - Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal Adjudicators' Annual Reports  - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]

• 4 December 2008 - Choice & Confidence Best for Consumers - Hon Heather Roy, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 25 September 2008 – Finance sector consumer complainants get redress - Joint release Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Hon Lianne Dalziel, Minister of Commerce [external Link]
• 9 September 2008 – Financial advisers and dispute resolutions bills back  - Joint release Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs and Hon Lianne Dalziel, Minister of Commerce [external Link]
• 3 September 2008 – Shop around for interest rates, 8% pw is appalling  - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 31 July 2008 – Children’s nightwear labelling regulations now effective  - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 31 July 2008 – Minister warns, don't be duped by extended warranties - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 11 July 2008 - Minister welcomes BSA decision on formaldehyde episode  - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 30 May 2008 - Australian consumer law harmonisation welcomed - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 20 May 2008 - Do not get a shock from your next power bill - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 30 April 2008 - Improved information on used cars for sale: When a SIN becomes a CIN - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 16 April 2008 - Children’s nightwear labelling to be changed – Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 3 April 2008 – Ban on unsafe water colour paint sets – Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 10 March 2008 - Hitman scam targets New Zealanders - Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external Link]
• 3 March 2008 - Fraud Awareness Week 3-10 March 2008 - Fight the scammers. Don’t respond.
• 3 March 2008 – Fraud Awareness Week urges no response approach – Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]

2007

• 26 December 2007 – Exchanging or returning gifts after Christmas – Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]
• 17 October 2007 - Formaldehyde tests show no health issue in clothes
• 4 October 2007 - Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal Adjudicators' Annual Reports released
• 19 September 2007 - Government moves on toy safety
• 5 September 2007 - Ministry of Consumer Affairs alerts consumers to Mattel toy recall
• 22 August 2007 - Investigation into formaldehyde in clothing
• 17 August 2007 - Pacific consumers and fringe lending
• 28 June 2007 - New water efficiency labelling in the pipeline
• 13 June 2007 - Scammers carry on phishing for your money
• 1 June 2007 - Ban on unsafe hot water bottles continues
• 15 May 2007 - Are you paying too much for your power?
• 3 April 2007 - Consumer laws apply to all – even real estate agents
• 3 April 2007- Improvements proposed to motor vehicle sales laws
• 27 March 2007 - Fraud Awareness Month - Protect Your Identity
• 22 March 2007 - Minister Welcomes First Unsafe Baby Walker Prosecution
• 20 March 2007 -Fraud Awareness Month - Protect Your Computer
• 19 March 2007 - "Bumped" and Delayed Passengers Can Seek Compensation
• 12 March 2007 - Fraud Awareness Month - Protect Your Phone
• 6 March 2007 - Don't Let a Scammer Walk off with Your Wallet!: Fraud Awareness Month - Protect Your Money
• 5 March 2007 - If It's Too Good to Be True then It's Probably a Scam

2006

• 26 December 2006 - Exchanging or Returning Lemons after Christmas
• 21 December 2006 - KISS @ Christmas
• 14 December 2006 - 30 Years of the Metric System
• 17 November 2006 - Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal Resolving Consumers' Complaints
• 16 November 2006 - Credit Law Shows It Has Teeth
• 31 October 2006 - Motor Vehicle Law Working for Consumers
• 19 May 2006 - Car "Window Card" Information to Be Revisited
• 12 May 2006 - Magnetix Building Sets - Voluntary Recall
• 11 May 2006 - Myths and Confusion around Motor Vehicle Sales Legislation
• 2 May 2006 - Submissions Called for on Consumer Protection Laws
• 30 March 2006 - Protect Your PIN
• 27 March 2006 - Car Buyers the Winner
• 23 March 2006 - Car Buyers Better Protected
• 17 March 2006 - Thank U 2 Promoters
• 17 March 2006 - Phishing for Your Funds
• 13 March 2006 - Why a "Get Rich Quick" Scheme Will Only Ever Cost You Money
• 2 March 2006 - Won a Prize in a Lottery You Didn't Enter? It's a Scam
• 22 February 2006 - Trans-Tasman Taskforce Takes up the Fight against Scams
• 10 February 2006 - Unsafe Flaming Gel Recalled

2005

• 15 December 2005 - Some festive season tips for consumers – exchanges, returns and gift vouchers
• 9 December 2005 - Unsafe 'No Holes Tongue Stud' banned
• 29 November 2005 - Minister urges people to stop using 'No Holes Tongue Stud'
• 25 November 2005 - Court ruling on misleading advertising welcomed
• 15 November 2005 - Research shows consumers confident in New Zealand marketplace
• 15 August 2005- New product safety standards approved
• 2 August 2005 - Checking personal credit information
• 28 July 2005 - Effective Industry-Led Regulation
• 4 July 2005 - Unsafe goods notices revoked
• 6 May 2005 - Winter heating and keeping children safe
• 6 May 2005 - What to look for when buying hot water bottles
• 21 April 2005 - Ministry of Consumer Affairs works with business for good measure - The Ministry of Consumer Affairs Measurement and Product Safety Service approves a new one cubic metre (1m³) bin to measure mulch, bark chip and soil.
• 1 April 2005 - Watching out for loan and credit traps
• 21 March 2005 - New credit law ten days away
• 15 March 2005 - Consumer credit survey released
• 10 March 2005 - Working to improve internet and phone banking security

2004

• 22 December 2004 - Exchanges and returns - some festive season tips for consumers
• 17 December 2004 - Giving gift vouchers for Christmas
• 3 December 2004 - Scamsters keep up with international news- Yasser Arafat scam
• 25 November 2004 - Unsafe hot water bottles banned
• 15 October 2004 - Improved credit disclosure benefits consumers and business
• 15 September 2004 - Low fire-risk doesn't mean no fire-risk
• 15 September 2004 - Discussion paper on GM-labelling welcomed
• 13 September 2004 - NZ to comment on Australian product safety review
• 31 August 2004 - Consumers burnt over hot water bottles
• 25 August 2004 - Consumers' rights after Takou Bay electricity incident
• 13 August 2004 - New credit regulations good for consumers and business
• 3 August 2004 - Government strengthens partnership with Citizens Advice Bureaux
• 22 June 2004 - Housing buy-backs scheme Update
• 4 June 2004 - Consumers benefit from increased funding
• 14 March 2004 - Consumers' rights recognised around the world
• 2 February 2004 - Motor Vehicle Traders registering in droves
• 14 January 2004 - New law aims to reduce compliance costs for business

2003

• 18 December 2003 - Be Safe this Christmas
• 15 December 2003 - New SINS become law – Hon Judith Tizard, Minister of Consumer Affairs [external link]
• 8 December 2003 - Set a Christmas budget - and stick to it
• 24 November 2003 - How loud is too loud for children's toys?
• 31 October 2003 - Motor Vehicle Sales Act likely to come into effect mid-December
• 7 October 2003 - Greater protection for consumers in new legislation
• 9 September 2003 - Second-hand bike issue resolved for consumers
• 14 August 2003 - Amendment to deal with "buy-back" schemes
• 21 July 2003 - Time running out for people in "buy back" schemes
• 10 July 2003 - More warnings about buy-back loans
• 4 July 2003 - Are you in a buy-back scheme? Call the hotline
• 3 July 2003 - Tougher penalties to protect consumers
• 3 July 2003 - Utilities now covered by consumer protection law
• 24 June 2003 - Toll-free phone for buy-back concerns
• 30 May 2003 - Carbon Monoxide – the silent killer
• 19 May 2003 - Yo-Yo Ball safety in doubt
• 6 May 2003 - Refunds for Recalled Pan Pharmaceuticals' Products
• 16 April 2003 - Free Electricity Information and Power-saving Advice for Consumers
• 11 April 2003 - Discussion Paper on GM-free Labelling System
• 3 April 2003 - New Regime for Motor Vehicle Trading
• 9 January 2003 - Scam Operators Very busy Post-Christmas

2002

• 23 December 2002 - Festive shopping and post-Christmas tips for consumers
• 11 December 2002 - Christmas Tree Lights and Nightlight Prohibited
• 13 November 2002 - KFC Underweight Again
• 18 September 2002 - New Credit Legislation to Give Consumers More Clout
• 28 August 2002 - Consumers play an active role in the economy
• 19 April 2002 - Appointment of New General Manager of Consumer Affairs [external Link]

2001

• 15 November 2001 - Consumer PowerSwitch - Easier Price Comparisons for Electricity
• 9 November 2001 - New Zealand Hosts International Weights and Measures Conference
• 8 November 2001 - Anderton Weighs-in on Behalf of Consumers
• 13 October 2001 - Consumers to Get Electricity Redress Under New Legislation
• 9 October 2001 - Baby Walkers to be Made Safer
• 22 September 2001 - Government Targets Pyramid Schemes
• 8 August 2001 - Consumer Credit Laws to be Overhauled
• 20 July 2001 - Customer Complaint More Than a Drop in the Bucket
• 26 June 2001 - MVDA Changes Drive Better Deal for Consumers
• 25 April 2001 - New International Website Helps Protect Internet Shoppers
• 28 March 2001 - New Laws Sought to Fix Credit Law Loopholes
• 19 March 2001 - NZ Web Retailers not All User Friendly
• 15 February 2001 - Internet Shopping Sites Under Scrutiny
• 3 February 2001 - Dangerous Blowpipes to be Restricted

2000

• 4 December 2000 - Layby for Christmas With Confidence
• 30 November 2000 - Mandatory Standard on Baby Walkers Proposed
• 1 October 2000 - New Website Helps Kids Become Smart Shoppers
• 19 September 2000 - Government Agencies and Consumer Groups Meet to Share Ideas
• 17 September 2000 - Food Safety Consumer Forum
• 30 August 2000 - New Mandatory Standard for Cots
• 22 August 2000 - Credit Law Paper Released
• 27 July 2000 - Banks Need to Do Better
• 14 July 2000 - Measuring Up to Standards
• 5 July 2000 - Minister Launches Banking Hotline
• 30 June 2000 - Truck and Tanker Fire Extinguisher Brackets Faulty
• 24 June 2000 - Poisonous Candles Banned
• 28 March 2000 - Ministry Presents Powerline Findings to Electricity Submission
• 28 February 2000 - The Power Line Gives Electricity Consumers a Say

1999

• 17 December 1999 - Wise up to Y2K Says Ministry
• 16 December 1999 - Warnings for Christmas Shoppers
• 12 December 1999 - On-Line Shopping Guidelines Developed
• 7 December 1999 - Hawk Hand Puller Tool Recalled
• 29 November 1999 - Baby Accident a Reminder About Safety
• 1 November 1999 - Scams Targeting Retired People
• 12 October 1999 - Internet Shopping Sites Provide Poor Customer Protection
• 22 September 1999 - New Safety Standard for Cots
• 16 September 1999 - Candles that Poison
• 25 August 1999 - Winners Can Be Losers
• 23 July 1999 - Toy Guns That Injure
• 21 July 1999 - Look Before You Leap, Warns Ministry
• 15 July 1999 - Telecom Should Rethink Its Position on Phone Cards
• 1 July 1999 - Consumer Credit Law to be Reviewed
• 28 June 1999 - Don't Hug the Heater!
• 14 May 1999 - Cigarette Lighters Given the Flick
• 13 April 1999 - Sewing Machine to be Recalled
• 24 March 1999 - Unsafe Pompom on Toy Musical Clown
• 9 March 1999 - Minister Criticises Telecom for Phone Cards
• 29 January 1999 - Ministry Investigating Telecom Phone Cards Issue
• 12 January 1999 - Unsafe Candle Recall
• 11 January 1999 - Glass Doors and Windows: Think Safe, Play Safe

1998

• 21 December 1998 - Watch Where You Put Lighters
• 30 November 1998 - Flammable Keyring Hazard
• 30 November 1998 - Pram Model to be Modified
• 23 November 1998 - "The Wood Lady" Convicted
• 10 November 1998 - Government to Ban Dangerous Lighters
• 30 October 1998 - Electricity Companies Respond to Pressure
• 22 October 1998 - Ministry Searches for Miracle Cure
• 6 October 1998 - Novelty Cigarette Lighters in the Line of Fire
• 28 September 1998 - Ministry Measures Up to Quality
• 1 July 1998 - Ministry Celebrates Improvements for Consumers
• 12 June 1998 - Parallel Importing and Rights to Redress
• 26 May 1998 - Ministry Acts to Provide Better Information for Car Buyers
• 6 May 1998 - Outstanding Faulty Car Fuel Pumps A Serious Concern
• 5 May 1998 - Ministry Announces Odometer Campaign
• 1 May 1998 - Toy Cigarette Lighters - Training for the Real Thing?
• 24 April 1998 - Ministry Re-Issues Warning
• 21 April 1998 - Warning to Check Diving Cylinders
• 17 April 1998 - Pram and Cot Safety Under Review
• 10 April 1998 - Firescreens Give False Sense of Security
• 11 March 1998 - Fast Money Too Good to Be True
• 6 March 1998 - Danger - Lead in Balancing Bird Toy
• 20 February 1998 - Matamata Wood Merchant Fined
• 15 January 1998 - Call for Voluntary Restriction on Laser Pointers
• 12 January 1998 - Blenheim Wood Merchant Fined

1997

• 17 December 1997 - Aerosol Strings and Streamers Warning
• 17 December 1997 - Pre-Christmas Inspections Find Breaches
• 13 December 1997 - Portable Cot Safety Enhancement Welcomed
• 11 December 1997 - International Internet Sweep Day
• 26 November 1997 - Watching the Weight This Christmas
• 26 November 1997 - Check the Cupboard, Says Ministry
• 25 November 1997 - Laloli Cot Safety Warning - Three Models Recalled
• 17 November 1997 - Shopping in the Electronic Age
• 14 November 1997 - Ministry Welcomes DUMBBELL Rattle Recall
• 3 November 1997 - Consumer Rights in Levene's Receivership
• 3 November 1997 - Keep Fit - But Check Your Rider
• 31 October 1997 - Ministry Supports Continued Consumer Safety Standards
• 31 October 1997 - Portable Wooden Cot Warning
• 30 October 1997 - Stolen Pram Faulty
• 16 October 1997 - Ministry Sweeps Net for Scams
• 23 September 1997 - Year 2000 Warning
• 17 September 1997 - Technology Creates New Risks for Shoppers
• 15 September 1997 - Baby Bouncer Injury - Advice to Parents
• 14 September 1997 - Safety Hazards for Infant Products
• 11 September 1997 - Genuine Mileage - Or Is It?
• 25 August 1997 - Electronic Commerce Discussion Paper Released
• 13 August 1997 - Shrimps Caught Short Weight

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