124 days ago

Confused about consumer contracts? Read this

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

A standard form consumer contract is an agreement where the terms and conditions are already written out for you to sign, and you don’t negotiate what the terms and conditions will be.

The terms can be in a separate document, or on the back of things like tickets, quotes, terms of trade or invoices.

Examples of such contracts are rental car agreements, gym memberships, gas and electricity contracts, finance agreements, and retirement home contracts.

Normally you cannot cancel a standard form consumer contract if you change your mind part way through, but there are some situations where you may be able to e.g. where there is a ‘termination’ clause in the contract giving you the right to cancel with notice for certain reasons, if the other party agrees to accept your cancellation or where they breach an important term or condition of the contract.

Under the Fair Trading Act (FTA), businesses must not include unfair terms in consumer contracts e.g. allowing them to cancel or renew the contract, or to vary the goods or services they provide you, or to change the price payable without giving you the right to end the contract.
If you think your rights have been breached either under the Fair Trading Act or the Consumer Guarantees Act, you can seek a remedy.

✅To learn more about a standard form consumer contract, unfair contract terms, and how you can find help, visit cab.org.nz/article/KB00000040

Original post credit: Citizens Advice Bureau NZ/www.cab.org.nz

[Image description: A person exercising in a gym with equipment. Text reads “What is a standard consumer contract and what are my rights when a contract is unfair or if I change my mind?]

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3 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 25.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.4% Complete
  • 15.3% ... It is complicated
    15.3% Complete
733 votes
4 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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1 day ago

Night-time chipsealing works on SH2

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

From 9 to 17 February, stop/go traffic management will be in place on SH2 between McPherson Road and Dimmock Road on multiple nights between 9pm and 5am (Sundays to Thursdays).

During the day, all lanes will be open, but speed restrictions will apply to allow the chipseal to set and to protect vehicles travelling over the newly laid surface.

There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. This is weather dependent so check NZTA Journey Planner before you travel.
Click to find out more

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