Fair Trading Act Stories

Kiwi Stories

Fair Trading Act stories

New Zealand businesses warned over illegal review gating

Pressure from regulators and Google is putting firms at risk of hefty penalties if they screen out unhappy customers before asking for public reviews.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month

Marketing Technologies

ASA tightens rules on therapeutic & health ads for 2026

ASA unveils tougher 2026 rules on health ads, targeting vulnerable audiences, stricter claims, and tighter control of online testimonials.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Wed, 11th Feb 2026

Digital Transformation

Why retailers need to prepare for a rise in AI-generated complaints

AI is making it easier for consumers to file well-crafted complaints, posing new challenges for retailers to manage rising digital grievances effectively.

By Mark Devlin • 9 min read • Thu, 4th Sep 2025

Cybersecurity

New government 'alliance' formed to combat online scammers

New Zealand's government forms 'Anti-Scam Alliance' with banks, police and tech firms to tackle online scams through real-time data sharing.

By Craig McCulloch • 2 min read • Fri, 11th Jul 2025

Unified Communications

Mercury charged by ComCom following complaints of misleading customers

Mercury NZ charged for misleading customers over early termination fees, with ComCom filing seven charges under Fair Trading Act.

By Mitchell Hageman • 3 min read • Tue, 19th Jul 2022

Unified Communications

ComCom appeals $2.25 million fine in Vodafone FibreX case

The Commerce Commission has filed an appeal in the High Court against a $2.25 million fine imposed on Vodafone NZ for its offending under the Fair Trading Act.

By Zach Thompson • 4 min read • Wed, 18th May 2022

Commerce Commission

Vodafone guilty of nine breaches of Fair Trading Act

In a ruling from the Auckland District Court last week, Vodafone NZ was guilty of being 'liable to mislead' consumers about the nature of its FibreX service.

By Nick Forrester • 2 min read • Thu, 29th Apr 2021

Commerce Commission

PB Tech fined $77k by District Court for 'extensive failings'

PB Tech has been fined NZD $77k by the Auckland District Court for selling over 4,000 non-compliant extended warranties, breaching consumer rights laws.

By Ben Moore • 3 min read • Mon, 1st Oct 2018

Apple

Apple warned by ComCom for misleading consumers

Apple is the latest tech company, after Noel Leeming and Smiths City, to get attention from the ComCom for unfair treatment of consumers.

By Ben Moore • 3 min read • Wed, 30th May 2018

Manufacturing

Kiwi clothing brand under fire: ComCom warns businesses about 'Made in NZ' claims

Clothing brand WORLD is under investigation by the Commerce Commission regarding the accuracy of its t-shirt labelling.

By Julia Gabel • 3 min read • Tue, 15th May 2018

Commerce Commission

Air NZ bins automatic travel insurance after warning from ComCom

Air New Zealand, the national carrier, will scrap its pre-selected travel insurance option after receiving a formal warning from the Commerce Commissi.

By Pattrick Smellie • 2 min read • Fri, 6th Mar 2015

Commerce Commission

Supermarket inquiry finds no breaches by Countdown

The Commerce Commission inquiry into anti-competitive behaviour by Countdown supermarkets, alleged by former Labour Party MP Shane Jones, has found.

By Pattrick Smellie • 2 min read • Thu, 20th Nov 2014

Data Privacy

Do Not Knock stickers to deter door-to-door sellers

Consumer NZ fights against dodgy door-to-door sellers with nationwide campaign and free “Do Not Knock” stickers. 70% of members want them to stop calling.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Tue, 4th Nov 2014

Commerce Commission

Auckland car salesman fined $12k over 'dishonest' Trade Me bids

Craig James Rutherford has been fined $12,100 in the Auckland District Court after shill bidding during the sale of cars on the Trade Me auction website.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Fri, 22nd Nov 2013

Global Stories

Fair Trading Act stories

eCommerce

ComCom warns Becextech for breaches against Fair Trading Act

The Commerce Commission has warned Becextech for misleading New Zealand consumers, selling refurbished phones as new, and making false discount claims.

By Sara Barker • 3 min read • Thu, 28th May 2020