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Consumer NZ says supermarkets are still making pricing errors, despite increasing pressure and scrutiny on them.
Charges have been filed and a number of supermarkets have pleaded guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act due to inaccurate pricing and misleading specials.
But Consumer NZ says … View moreConsumer NZ says supermarkets are still making pricing errors, despite increasing pressure and scrutiny on them.
Charges have been filed and a number of supermarkets have pleaded guilty to breaching the Fair Trading Act due to inaccurate pricing and misleading specials.
But Consumer NZ says misleading specials are still costing shoppers tens of millions of dollars a year and has launched a petition calling for tougher penalties for breaches of the ac
It provided examples of a number of ways that people could be caught out by misleading signage in supermarkets.
Dodgy multibuy
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A dodgy multibuy refers to a situation where the individual price and the multibuy price don't add up to a saving.
supermarket price errorsA mince special where a tray of meat was $4 or people could buy three for $20.
Consumer NZ pointed to this mince special where a tray of meat was $4 or people could buy three for $20.
In another case, packaging seemed to be making a confusing difference.
The Gingernuts that were selling for $5 but the club price for a twin-pack was $5.59.
Two individual backs of Gingernuts were selling for $5 but the club price for a 500g twin-pack was $5.59.
Different pricing
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Sometimes the price on the shelf tag does not match what you pay at checkout.
A box of Coca Cola a customer paid more at checkout for than the shelf price tag.
In this case, supplied by Consumer, the price tag on the shelf said $27, but the customer paid more than $35 at the checkout.
Confusing
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Double cream brie with two prices. Consumer provided an example of double cream brie was "reduced" to $10.60 for a quick sale - or was it on sale for $9.80?
Mismatches
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Sometimes it seems as though there are multiple labels for the same item.
In this case, two signs had two different prices for a single avocado.
Another sign at the same supermarket saying a single avocado is $1.69.
"One said $1.69. The other said $1.99," Consumer NZ spokesperson Abby Damen said.
"The customer was charged $1.99. She returned two days later to ask what could be done about the pricing error. She was offered a refund of the price difference but after pointing out the supermarket's new refund policy, she was refunded $2 and also kept her avocado."
Chief executive at Consumer Jon Duffy said anyone who was charged more than the shelf price was entitled by law to a refund of the difference.
He said both supermarket chains promised a full refund in that scenario, but consumers sometimes had to know that was what was available.
A Foodstuffs spokesperson said with more than 14,000 products in a typical supermarket, and prices changing frequently due to supplier costs, promotions or new product liens, pricing was a complex job.
"But for our customers, it's simple. They rightly expect the price on the shelf to match what they pay at the checkout," he said.
"We take pricing accuracy as seriously as health and safety, aiming for zero errors.
"Across our local, family-owned stores, we manage tens of thousands of price labels and process millions of transactions every week, and we've invested in better systems, daily checks and electronic shelf labels to help get it right.
"If we do get it wrong, our policy is that the customer gets a refund and keeps the product. We've also strengthened staff training and store processes to make sure pricing is clear and accurate."
Woolworths said it had more 3.5 million transactions in our stores each week "and sometimes errors do occur".
"When they do, we try to make things right, through our long-standing and market-leading refund policy. Under that policy, if a customer is charged more than the advertised price for a product, they get a full refund and can keep the product."
Duffy said Consumer had received 20 complaints about supermarket pricing since Tuesday. A normal rate would be two a day, he said.
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Come and join us at Blockhouse Bay Community Market , SUPPORT local people, buy NZ MADE, bag a bargain, something for everyone! Free parking opposite at Medical Centre or behind Community Centre itself. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
The Government is making a “significant, but necessary change” to New Zealand’s electoral laws to address “strain on the system”.
Among the changes being proposed is stopping same-day enrolment for voters in a general election. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said allowing late … View moreThe Government is making a “significant, but necessary change” to New Zealand’s electoral laws to address “strain on the system”.
Among the changes being proposed is stopping same-day enrolment for voters in a general election. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said allowing late enrolments was “well intentioned” but had placed pressure on the system.
Also being dealt to is offering treats to voters. A new offence will be created prohibiting the provision of free food, drink and entertainment within 100 metres of a voting place while voting is occurring. Offenders could be punished with a fine of up to $10,000.
“There has been some confusion in the past around what is and isn’t ‘treating’. This will make the rules crystal clear,” Goldsmith said.
The list of key changes includes:
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Closing enrolment 13 days before election day to reduce pressure on post-election timeframes.
Requiring 12 days of advance voting at each election.
Introducing automatic enrolment updates so the Electoral Commission can update people’s enrolment details using data from other government agencies.
Enabling greater use of digital communication by removing postal requirements for enrolment.
Creating a new offence that prohibits the provision of free food, drink or entertainment within 100m of a voting place while voting is taking place. It will be punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.
Reinstating a total ban on prisoner voting.
“The donation threshold for reporting the names of party donors is also being adjusted from $5000 to $6000, to account for inflation.”
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Goldsmith said late enrolments had “placed too much strain on the system”.
“The final vote count used to take two weeks, last election it took three,” he said.
“If we leave things as they are, it could well take even longer in future elections. The 20-day timeframe for a final result will likely already be challenging to achieve at the next election without changes.
“Therefore, the Government has agreed to close enrolment before advance voting begins. People will need to make sure they enrol or update their enrolment details by midnight on the Sunday, before advance voting opens on Monday morning.
“This is a significant, but necessary change. The Electoral Commission will have plenty of time to run an education campaign to ensure people understand the new requirements.
“For Australia’s federal election earlier this year, the enrolment deadline was 26 days before election day. I have every confidence New Zealand can manage within the 13-day deadline.”
Act justice spokesman Todd Stephenson welcomed the reforms, saying it was “outrageous” that someone “completely disengaged and lazy can rock up to the voting booth, get registered there and then, and then vote to tax other people’s money away”.
“People who want to pull the levers of democracy ought to get organised, look at the policies, and register well in advance,” he said.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins called it “draconian”.
“Preventing people from enrolling to vote during advance voting is a draconian measure that could rob tens of thousands of Kiwis of their democratic right to vote, and there is no good reason for it. It’s anti-democratic.”
The Greens’ spokeswoman for democracy and electoral reform, Celia Wade Brown, said the Government was “weakening our democracy”.
“What we do with our democracy matters; who we shut out and who we afford special privileges shapes the decisions made in Parliament and the direction this country is taken in.”
The Herald reported last year that the Government was looking to overturn the 2020 decision to allow same-day enrolment after a report from the Auditor-General exposed a series of problems with counting votes at the most recent election.
The report noted that none of the problems found with the most recent election would have changed the national result or the result in any individual electorate.
The report did not recommend changing the Electoral Act to prohibit election-day enrolments, but it found that the 2020 change had put immense pressure on the Electoral Commission because same-day enrolments must be counted as special votes, meaning they take 10 times longer to process than ordinary votes.
Hipkins said at the time that the changes should be kept, given that 100,000 people took up the opportunity to enrol on election day.
“I think in a fiscally constrained time, and particularly where there are so many issues that are being hotly contested, it’s important that we ensure that everybody has the right to vote and that everybody’s vote gets counted. The Government’s simply saying, ‘Hey, we’re going to cancel 100,000 people’s votes.’ That’s not democratic,” Hipkins said.
Other changes being made, according to Goldsmith, include allowing special vote processing earlier, increasing the number of members on the Electoral Commission board, and setting a single deadline for candidate nominations.
“The Government is progressing a separate bill to amend the Constitution Act 1986 to ensure the continuity of executive government in the post-election period,” a statement said.
This will address an issue where ministers may remain in office after an election for 28 days while the final count is completed. However, if there is a delay to the election results (for example, due to a recount), then the 28 days can expire before new MPs are appointed. This happened at the 2023 election.
The bill will allow for ministers to remain in office until all successful electorate and list MPs have been declared.
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Transform an old window into a handy cold frame decorated in Resene Kwila Timber Stain and Resene Lustacryl that you can move around the garden to extend your growing season. Find out how to make and finish your own with these easy step by step instructions.
The Neighbourly Team came across the third installment of 'Work, Interrupted', an article series looking at the job struggles different generations face, and we thought it would resonate with our Neighbourly community.
In this article, Amelia Wade reports on what it’s like to seek … View moreThe Neighbourly Team came across the third installment of 'Work, Interrupted', an article series looking at the job struggles different generations face, and we thought it would resonate with our Neighbourly community.
In this article, Amelia Wade reports on what it’s like to seek employment when you’re 50+. Many factors - from financial to social pressures - are keeping people in the workforce longer. The reality is that times are tough, even for our most experienced workers: of those receiving Jobseeker benefit, a third are 50-64 years old.
We want to know: Have you felt overlooked in the job market?
Do you have advice for your community on how to stand out in an increasingly crowded job seeker market?
Share your experience below!
📖 Want to read more from the 'Work, Interrupted' series?
Work, Interrupted: The kids, the mortgage, but no job. What next?
Young and shut out: Gen Z face the harshest job market in years
Work, Interrupted: Is 50 the new 60? Older workers battling algorithms to get CVs seen
Are you concerned about pest wasps?
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz...
The pests are introduced species, NOT our native wasps. There are five species who are giving the others a bad name. The survey being undertaken by the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust as they have real concerns about our … View moreAre you concerned about pest wasps?
www.nzbutterflies.org.nz...
The pests are introduced species, NOT our native wasps. There are five species who are giving the others a bad name. The survey being undertaken by the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust as they have real concerns about our environment.
Agile workshop- for those who want to get the work done in a smarter way, and those who want to grow their skills or change careers. You don't have to be IT person to understand this.
02 August: Titirangi Community House.
9.30-11am.
This is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in… View moreThis is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in any service, sector or field.
Take a moment to nominate the deserving individuals in your life who are making a difference every day, either in our villages or in the wider community.
Follow the link below, and let’s make their stories known!
WHEN: Thursday 14 August 2025, 7:00pm to 9:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
WHERE: All Blacks Changing Rooms, Eden Park, Kingsland
Step into the legendary All Blacks changing rooms for a night of creativity, connection, and community at ‘Brushstrokes of Impact’, a fundraising event hosted by … View moreWHEN: Thursday 14 August 2025, 7:00pm to 9:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
WHERE: All Blacks Changing Rooms, Eden Park, Kingsland
Step into the legendary All Blacks changing rooms for a night of creativity, connection, and community at ‘Brushstrokes of Impact’, a fundraising event hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland. This exclusive paint-and-sip experience offers you the chance to find your inner artist inside one our most iconic sporting spaces. Whether you’re a rugby fan, art enthusiast, or just someone who believes in the power of mentoring, there’s something for you.
Hosted by Matilda Green, guests can enjoy a guided painting session with Kiwi artist Andrew J Steel – known for thought-provoking murals and street art – alongside a fundraising auction with some enticing prizes up for grabs (hello private Eden Park tour!) Nibbles will be provided, with all proceeds from the event going directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters Auckland!
Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a date, rallying your workmates, or catching up with friends, Brushstrokes of Impact promises a memorable night blending art, sport, and generosity. Spots are limited, so get your tickets!
If you missed our announcement last year, come check us out at 28 Clark Street – we’re open 7 days!
Discover preloved clothing, homewares, and unique treasures, all while supporting animals in need. Tell your friends, bring the family, or make it a shopping date – our team would love to … View moreIf you missed our announcement last year, come check us out at 28 Clark Street – we’re open 7 days!
Discover preloved clothing, homewares, and unique treasures, all while supporting animals in need. Tell your friends, bring the family, or make it a shopping date – our team would love to see you this week 👋
📍 28 Clark Street, New Lynn
🕘 Monday to Sunday, 9am–5pm
KiwiSaver provider Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the increase started in 2023 and the reasons were easy to understand - the recession and cost-of-living crisis were putting ongoing pressure on people's budgets.
"But some context - the number of hardship withdrawals were… View moreKiwiSaver provider Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the increase started in 2023 and the reasons were easy to understand - the recession and cost-of-living crisis were putting ongoing pressure on people's budgets.
"But some context - the number of hardship withdrawals were 1.6 percent members, and 0.3 percent of savings. The hardship, as is true for the wider society, is concentrated pain among a few," Eaqub said.
Sorted's personal finance lead Tom Hartmann told Nine to Noon, it was likely the ability to withdraw from KiwiSaver was giving people "peace of mind" that if their situation worsened they could draw on their savings.
He said the average withdrawal was $8800.
For someone in their 30s, earning $75,000 a year, a withdrawal of that size in a year could reduce their not-inflation-adjusted final balance by about $40,000.
Hartmann said there had not been an increase in savings suspensions, which indicated that the withdrawal was a temporary stop gap for people who would get back to making contributions.
People can opt to stop contributing to KiwiSaver for a year at a time, and can renew the suspension at the end of the 12 months.
The number of people on a savings suspension had dropped from 89,000 a year ago to 85,000.
Hartmann said the key thing for people considering a withdrawal was to make it a last resort.
"Typically there are other sources of support that need to be explored first."
Financial helpline MoneyTalks was one option, he said.
"The team there have reporting seeing an increase in even middle-income people exploring their options."
Eaqub said for people making a withdrawal, it was often a choice between "certain hardship today versus more savings later in life".
But he said the situation was worse for those without KiwiSaver.
"Many low-income people do not contribute to KiwiSaver, because the employee contribution lowers their take home pay. But they also miss out on the employer contribution and government subsidies. It means when non-contributors face hardship, they do not have this fallback."
But Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura KiwiSaver, said people on lower incomes could build up good balances.
"Someone earning $60,000 contributing 3 percent will end be putting in [about] $3500 per year, so over 10 years plus returns that really adds up.
"You can easily see a $60,000 salary becoming a $45,000 balance over 10 years. That is the power of KiwiSaver, we are often encouraging people to save that would not otherwise do it."
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Supermarket pricing errors are widespread and yet another blow to people’s budgets. We need clear rules, stronger penalties and automatic compensation for shoppers when supermarkets get it wrong. It’s time to force supermarkets to get their pricing right.
Tell the government to introduce a … View moreSupermarket pricing errors are widespread and yet another blow to people’s budgets. We need clear rules, stronger penalties and automatic compensation for shoppers when supermarkets get it wrong. It’s time to force supermarkets to get their pricing right.
Tell the government to introduce a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code:
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***with clear pricing rules
***requiring supermarkets to automatically compensate consumers when pricing errors occur. For example, by requiring products be provided free of charge if the shelf price is cheaper than the scanned price, there is a special that doesn’t offer a genuine saving, or incorrect unit pricing.
***requiring your rights to be clearly disclosed both instore and online
***with infringement notice powers and much higher penalties (similar to those in Australia) for misleading pricing and promotions.
Time for action
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Recent Consumer NZ research found that 62% of New Zealanders noticed a pricing inaccuracy at the supermarket in the last year. And thanks to hundreds of examples you shared with us, in 2023 we laid a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission about Woolworths and Foodstuffs over misleading pricing and promotional practices. That complaint led to criminal charges being filed against Woolworths NZ and two Pak’nSave stores.
But the problem is these pricing issues haven’t stopped. And they won’t, unless the supermarkets face serious consequences.
We know that all the problems in the supermarket sector won’t be fixed overnight, but new rules will help stop dodgy pricing and promotional tactics, put money back in your pockets and send a strong signal to supermarkets to sort it out.
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Inviting families and children to visit Kelston Art Exhibition at Kelston Community Centre, Sunnyvale presented by Community Artists of Blockhouse Bay and New Lynn - a massive collection of diverse creations - Buy Arts - Order Arts - Live Painting - Children Corner - Have a Chat with Artists … View moreInviting families and children to visit Kelston Art Exhibition at Kelston Community Centre, Sunnyvale presented by Community Artists of Blockhouse Bay and New Lynn - a massive collection of diverse creations - Buy Arts - Order Arts - Live Painting - Children Corner - Have a Chat with Artists sharing Snack and Drinks open for public on 23rd Saturday August from 10am to 3.30pm - Entrance fees $5.00 applies, Children free entry - This event is co-funded by Whau Local Board and Arts Sale has a contribution to Child Cancer Foundation.
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