Good you buy must be of "acceptable quality"
If you buy consumer goods from a New Zealand business, you are protected by law. The Consumer Guarantees Act says that those goods must be of “acceptable quality” under the law. But what does this actually mean?
Basically it means that anything you buy from a business should do what you would expect it to, and last a reasonable length of time.
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) a product is of acceptable quality if it:
is fit for its normal purpose (eg a vacuum cleaner should clean the floor well),
is in good working order (eg a vacuum cleaner should work reliably),
has an acceptable finish and appearance (eg a new vacuum cleaner should not have dents or scratches),
has no minor defects (eg a vacuum cleaner hose should be securely attached not loose),
is safe to use (eg a vacuum cleaner should not overheat) and
is durable (eg a vacuum cleaner should last a reasonable amount of time before breaking down).
If you arrange for the business to deliver the product to you, they are responsible for ensuring that it arrives in good working order.
You do need to take into consideration the age and price of the item. For example, you would not expect a very cheap item to last as long as a more expensive version; and you might expect to see some wear and tear on a secondhand item but not on a brand new one.
Another thing to remember is that if the business points out any faults with an item before you buy it, you can’t claim for those faults later.
If the goods are not of acceptable quality, you can go back to the business as soon as you find a problem with it and they have to do something to put it right. Keep a record of problems you have had with it, such as when it has inexplicably stopped working, and receipts for any repairs you’ve had to get done to it.
Depending on what the problem is, the business must:
repair it at no cost to you, or
replace the item or give you a refund if it can’t easily be fixed.
The business can’t simply refer you to the manufacturer, require you to return the item in its original packaging, or offer you store credit instead of a refund. Don’t be put off if the warranty has expired - if you reasonably expect something to last several years, then you can go back to the business if there’s a problem with it.
If the product is faulty and caused damage to your property, you may be entitled to compensation for that.
If you do strike any problems getting the problem fixed just give your local CAB a call or visit.
For more information, visit our Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act page or the Consumer Protection page on faulty products.
Poll: Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?
I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.
What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?
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13.7% It's fine!
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77% It's questionable
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9.3% Other - I'll share below
Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
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72.4% Yes
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24.6% No
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3% Other - I'll share below
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