Consumer rights
What does the Fair Trading Act protect me from?
The Fair Trading Act is about honest dealing — misleading pricing, advertising, and statements by businesses in trade.
While the Consumer Guarantees Act focuses on product and service quality after you buy, the Fair Trading Act sits beside it and targets misleading or deceptive conduct by traders. Think false price claims, unfair representations, or advertising that steers you the wrong way.
Together, these laws are the backbone of everyday consumer protection in New Zealand. Consumer Protection explains both in plain language; the Commerce Commission enforces parts of the Fair Trading Act.
If something feels misleading, gather the ads or quotes you relied on, then use the official complaint pathways. Educational signposting here does not replace a formal complaint or legal advice.
Official resources
Always confirm details on the official site — laws and processes can change.
Educational signposting only from the Resilience Programme. Not legal, financial, or medical advice. Updated 2026-07-10.