Media Releases

Chrisco fined $175,000 for misleading customers about cancellations

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Christmas hamper company Chrisco Hampers Limited was fined $175,000 in the Manukau District Court today after pleading guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act by misleading customers about their cancellation rights under the Layby Sales Act.

Commerce Commission issues advice to alternative allergy treatment providers

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

The Commerce Commission is urging alternative health providers to review their claims about diagnosing and curing allergies, particularly to food, to ensure they do not breach the Fair Trading Act.

Commerce Commission dealing with daily deal sites at the source

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

The Commerce Commission has stemmed a growing tide of complaints about daily deal and group buying websites with a proactive approach to educating the websites about consumer law.

Second electricity company to refund customers after Fair Trading Act breaches

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A second electricity company this year has admitted breaching the Fair Trading Act and will refund customers who weren’t given a prompt payment discount with their final bills.

Mobile monitoring report shows continuation of early trends

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The Commerce Commission’s second mobile monitoring report released today shows a continued narrowing of the difference between the costs of on-net and off-net calls and text messages. This has resulted in an increase in calling and text messaging between mobile networks.

GE Money settles with Commerce Commission on Fair Trading Act breach

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

A settlement between the Commerce Commission and GE Money today will result in GE Money paying a $60,000 donation to the New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Services after admitting it breached the Fair Trading Act.

“Outrageous” conduct leads to indefinite banning order for lender

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The Commerce Commission has welcomed a banning order, the first of its kind issued under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act, which indefinitely prevents bankrupt and convicted fraudster Trevor Allan Ludlow from setting up, operating or working in the consumer finance industry.

Vodafone fined almost $82K for misleading mobile phone $1 a day customers

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Vodafone New Zealand Limited was fined $81,900 in the Auckland District Court today after being found guilty of breaching the Fair Trading Act in relation to its $1 a day mobile phone internet data charges.

Second phone card company fined for misleading marketing

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Misleading consumers about the cost of using their prepaid phone card today earned an Auckland-based company a fine of $140,000 in the Auckland District Court before Judge Cunningham.

Commerce Commission settles timber claim against Carter Holt Harvey

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The Commerce Commission has agreed to a settlement with Carter Holt Harvey Limited (CHH) which ends civil proceedings brought by the Commission under the Fair Trading Act.