Evaluation of the 2010-2015 consumer law reforms
Between 2010 and 2015, New Zealand’s consumer laws were comprehensively reviewed and updated.
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These consumer law reforms resulted in substantive amendments to the Fair Trading Act 1986, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Weights and Measures Act 1987, the Carriage of Goods Act 1979, the Sale of Goods Act 1908, and the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004, and created a new Auctioneers Act 2013.
Further information on the review of consumer law 2010-2015
MBIE has begun evaluating the effectiveness of these reforms, starting with the release of an evaluation report which focuses on the changes made to the Fair Trading Act as part of the consumer law reforms. The evaluation found that the changes have generally had a positive impact on the outcomes that the reforms were aiming to achieve. However, the evaluation report also identifies some areas where further work may be needed.
The evaluation report is not a review of the entire Fair Trading Act, and is not proposing or seeking feedback on particular policy options. Rather, it is intended to feed into a forthcoming discussion paper which will consider whether additional amendments to the Fair Trading Act are warranted. This discussion paper is likely to be released in the first half of 2020, depending on Government priorities.
In the future, we are also likely to evaluate the changes made to other consumer legislation – including the Consumer Guarantees Act and Auctioneers Act – as resourcing permits.
Review of consumer law: Fair Trading Act evaluation report [PDF 968KB]
How to get in contact with us
We are not formally seeking submissions from stakeholders on the content of the evaluation report. However, MBIE generally welcomes feedback, submissions, and proposals for reform from stakeholders on any aspect of consumer law.
Contact us:
Email: consumer@mbie.govt.nz
Mail: Competition and Consumer Policy
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
PO Box 147
Wellington 6140