Commerce Commission investigators visiting Palmerston North, Napier and Hastings were pleased with business people's willingness to learn about the Fair Trading Act, especially as some of them had a lot to learn.

"We've given them a lot of information about what they can and can't do, and it was received very well," Chief Investigator Rachel Leamy said. "They are in a better position now to make sure they comply with the law and we expect some of them to change their practices to ensure sure they do.

"We will be keeping in touch with some businesses who needed more information than others."

A particular concern for the Commission was that many people had poor knowledge of product safety standards.

"Any possible breaches of product safety standards are a worry because they put people, usually children, at risk. We always keep that in mind when looking at how to follow up complaints and what action to take after an investigation."

Product safety standards are enforced through the Fair Trading Act and cover the size of toys for children aged under three years, the flammability of children's night clothes and general safety of bicycles.

The Commission is organising a series of seminars about product safety and consumer information standards. These will be held in May in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Investigators visited 80 shops in Palmerston North, Napier and Hastings, and Ms Leamy spoke at seven meetings to a total of more than 300 people.

Media contact: Rachel Leamy, Senior Investigator

work (04) 471 0180

Vince Cholewa, Communications Officer

work (04) 471 0180, home (04) 479 1432

Background information

Anyone, be they the Commission, rival traders, customers or people not affected by the practice, can take legal action under the Fair Trading Act.

Courts can impose fines of up to $100,000 on a company and up to $30,000 on an individual. They can also impose a wide range of orders and injunctions.

As well as court action, other enforcement action the Commission can take is to negotiate settlements or issue warnings.

People can also take matters involving up to $3,000 to the Disputes Tribunal (or up to $5,000 if all parties agree).

Seminars

May 3-4, Wellington

May 8-9, Auckland

May 15-16, Christchurch

Programmes and registration: Estelle Le Lievre, Commerce Commission, PO Box 2351, Wellington, phone (04) 471 0180