Confused about consumer contracts? Read this
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
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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