The Commerce Commission is responsible for the enforcement of a number of Acts, including the Fair Trading Act, the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, the Telecommunications Act and the Commerce Act.
The Commission investigates alleged breaches of these Acts brought to our notice by the public, competitors and through our own market surveillance.
Step 1 – Establish that it is the Commerce Commission you should be contacting
Find out about the Commerce Commission’s mandate and responsibilities on the About us pages.
What the Commerce Commission can do for you
- record your complaint to assist current or future investigations;
- provide you with publications or website links where you can learn more about the Fair Trading Act and other legislation enforced by the Commission;
- suggest possible courses of action you might take; or
- refer you to the correct agency.
Matters the Commission does not deal with, but frequently receives enquiries about, are set out with information on who else may be able to help you.
Step 2 – Understand how we handle reports of potential breaches
The Commerce Commission receives a very large number of complaints about potential breaches and is not able to investigate all of them. The Commission assesses all matters that suggest a breach of any of its Acts before reaching a decision on whether to investigate. Enforcement criteria assist the Commission when making decisions on whether to open an investigation, and what enforcement action it will take at the end of an investigation.
The Commission cannot give legal advice and recommends that a solicitor is the most appropriate person from whom to seek such advice. The Commission also does not act on behalf of individuals; however, it is possible to take your own legal action against businesses.
Step 3 – Make a complaint to us
Prepare your complaint with as much relevant detail as possible – including your contact details, information about the trader or individual, and evidence of any suspected breach.
How to submit your information:
- Make a complaint online and fill out our online form.
- Telephone our Contact Centre during office hours on 0800 94 3600
- Write to us at Contact Centre, PO Box 2351, Wellington 6140, or
- Email us at contact@comcom.govt.nz
