Hamilton businesses to meet Commerce Commission and Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Published11 Oct 1999
The Commerce Commission is throwing off its enforcement hat this week in favour of friendly visits to educate Hamilton traders. They will be joined by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
The two consumer protection agencies regularly visit centres around New Zealand to raise awareness of and compliance with consumer laws.
"While we continue to ensure that traders comply with the law by taking enforcement action, we also, through a programme such as this, help them to operate within the law to protect themselves and their customers," said Janet Whiteside, the Chief Investigator in the Commission's Auckland office.
"The Ministry and the Commission are particularly concerned about compliance by certain business sectors", said Jeanette Harris, Advisor with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, "Issues regarding the following types of businesses have arisen nationwide and are equally of concern in Hamilton:
-motor vehicle dealers
-businesses selling food and nutritional products, especially those products which make weight loss or health claims
-sellers of products covered by mandatory product safety standards - ie, toys, children's nightclothes, bicycle and cigarette lighters
-real estate agencies
-rental car offices".
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is also interested in refund policies used by retailers. The Ministry and Commerce Commission have produced a free refund sign for retailers to ensure that they comply with the law.
"We will be bringing copies of this sign on the visit for traders who wish to use it," said Jeanette Harris.
"Free TV, No Refunds, Liquidation Sale, Money Back Guarantee, No Hidden Extras - traders who are wondering when and how they should using these signs can find out at a presentation on the Fair Trading and Consumer Guarantees Acts", said Janet Whiteside. This will be held at Quality Hotel on the evening of October 13 and will complete the visit programme for this year.
Commision staff in Hamilton October 11-13
Chief Investigator Janet Whiteside, Projects Officer Estelle le Lievre, Investigator Fa'amoana Pa'o and Projects Officer Boris van Beusekom.
Ministry staff in Hamilton October 11-13
Advisors Jeanette Harris, Carl Mika, Hoki-mai Chong and Trading Standards Officer, Ron Arnold.
Media contacts
Commerce Commission
Chief Investigator Janet Whiteside
Phone work (09) 377 7311, cellphone 021 650 476
Communications Officer Vincent Cholewa
Phone work (04) 498 0920
Ministry of Consumer Affairs Advisor Jeanette Harris
