Consumer & Fair Trading Law
Consumer and fair trading laws apply to any commercial conduct that takes place in New Zealand. Businesses need a strong understanding of their obligations when it comes to interactions with consumers and other businesses.
Our leading team of consumer and fair trading law specialists provide practical, commercial advice on the full spectrum of consumer and fair trading law matters.
We combine our litigation expertise with specialist knowledge across the consumer and fair trading legislative space to strive for the best possible outcome for our clients.
Our experienced team regularly assists clients in reviewing marketing material, fielding customer complaints under the Fair Trading or Consumer Guarantees Act, navigating product recalls and implementing practical compliance systems.
We have significant experience representing clients in contentious matters, including advising on full-scale regulatory investigations, prosecutions and civil proceedings brought by the New Zealand Commerce Commission or competitors.
We also advise on compliance with the ever-developing regulatory landscape.
Work Highlights
DoorDash
We advised DoorDash in relation to its New Zealand launch, including advertising, sale and delivery of medicines, food products and alcohol products, as well as proposed anti-slavery legislation and consumer law issues.
Fair Trading Act
We regularly review marketing material and advise clients in the banking, pet food, and FMCG industries (among others) on compliance with the Fair Trading Act.
Kmart NZ Holdings
We advised Kmart in an investigation by the New Zealand Commerce Commission regarding toy safety standards in the Fair Trading Act.
Harmoney
We represented Harmoney in proceedings brought by the New Zealand Commerce Commission under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act in relation to peer-to-peer lending platforms.
Moola.co.nz
We acted for Moola.co.nz Limited in proceedings brought by the New Zealand Commerce Commission in relation to lender responsibility principles in the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.
Bike Barn
We advised Bike Barn throughout an investigation and proceedings brought by the New Zealand Commerce Commission regarding promotional pricing under the Fair Trading Act.
Unfair Contract Terms
We advised a printing services business on whether its contract terms with small businesses are in compliance with the Unfair Contract Terms regime.