Lifestyle
How to find the best electricity deal in NZ - and why price comparison sites differ
Here’s why – and what consumers should do with that information.
Latest from Consumer NZ
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Grocery watchdog pushes for tough penalties over Pak’nSave price breaches, fake specials
The two supermarkets admit 18 charges over misleading pricing.
Why this region pays more for power – and why many don't get a rebate
'TECT cheques' of $500 go out to thousands a year, but there's a downside for competition.
How unhealthy ultra‑processed foods are designed and marketed to make us crave them
OPINION: Unhealthy diets and excess weight cause 18% of preventable early deaths here.
Rat poison found in baby food jar in Austria as products recalled
Police say a seized jar of HiPP carrot and potato puree tested for rat poison.
Ford hybrid owners ‘could ask for compensation’
Ford has told affected owners to cap charging at 80% and use auto EV mode only.
Consumer reveals its 'most unreliable' vehicles
The survey of 5791 owners found nearly half had cars with at least one fault.
Easter surcharges: Consumer NZ says Sunday diners should not be misled
Easter Sunday isn't a statutory holiday – such surcharges are unjustified, watchdog says.
ChargeNet hikes pricing: What it means for the cost of an Auckland-Tauranga EV roadtrip
Auckland–Tauranga in a Tesla could soon cost nearly as much as driving a petrol car.
ACT and Retail NZ claim paywave surcharge ban 'dead', but National says that's wrong
Act and New Zealand First say the bill lacks the support to pass this term.
Why a mysterious AI voice with a NZ accent has been cold-calling Kiwis
Many people said they "swiftly blocked" the number after receiving a call from "Ben".
Nadine Higgins: Why I quit a secure job in a tough market – and what you should weigh up
OPINION: The questions to ask before you resign from your job.
Tesco walked away from talks to take on supermarket duopoly, documents show
Aldi and Lidl also declined to engage, leaving the supermarket duopoly intact.
What to pack in emergency ‘grab and go’ bags
Nema urges a personalised grab bag for every person in your household.
Customers upset as NZ designer stops making plus-sized clothes
Some long-time customers say they feel excluded and are unsure how to use their vouchers.
'Even less reason to be loyal': Multi-policy discounts even harder to come by
In the past week, a fifth major insurer has started phasing out the discount scheme.
Editorial: Are we trading away human connection for late-night convenience?
OPINION: Online shopping in New Zealand grew 5% in 2024, with eight million more buys.
Woman stranded for 15 hours after Air NZ flight diverted
She paid for a new ticket home after being told flights were full for the next two days.
EB Games proposes shutting down all NZ stores, ending local operations
Under the proposal, all 38 New Zealand stores and the distribution centre would shut.
Why fat jabs could help you give up alcohol
Some patients report a reduced desire to drink and feeling dizzy after drinking.
Boxing Day starts early – Briscoes sale kicks off before Christmas
Briscoes is touting a $70m 'Boxing Day' sale running through to December 29.
More than 10,000 homes a month cut off from power, new data shows
Prepay users make up 35% of customers and this group has 27,000 disconnections a month.
Bruce Curtis: How lawyers turn routine legal work into a luxury few can afford
OPINION: Many contracts force disputes into private arbitration, keeping rulings secret.
Wedding ring feud: Woman triumphs over Michael Hill Jeweller in gold and diamond dispute
The company argued wedding rings in NZ are worn an average of 12 years due to divorce.
Microsoft’s NZ data centre operation powers up profits
The threat of a digital services tax has melted away.
Microsoft New Zealand sees strong revenue growth – turnover now double its 2021 level
The threat of a digital services tax has melted away.
House cleaning bill shock: 'Will cost x2' written at bottom of quote
Consumer NZ has issued a reminder to companies around best practices for quoting.
The NZ charity that takes joy in being 'inconvenient and annoying to businesses'
Consumer CEO Jon Duffy says legal threats from big businesses an 'occupational hazard'.
'Dark patterns': Manipulative tactics tricking shoppers into spending more online
Consumer says Kiwis are being swayed into spending more and cancelling less.
ASB’s latest legal fight adds to mounting regulatory troubles
The Commerce Commission alleges ASB has breached lending laws.