The Government has made key decisions on the design of a new regime for economic regulation and consumer protection under Local Water Done Well.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment consulted on proposed changes to how financial products and services are regulated in 3 key areas: consumer credit, financial services conduct and financial dispute resolution.

The government is progressing the development of a ‘consumer data right’ to give individuals and businesses greater choice and control over their data. This is done through the Customer and Product Data Bill, which has been introduced to Parliament and is now before the Economic Development, Science and Innovation Committee.

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Andrew Bayly has now sent a compulsory recall notice to Serene Industries Ltd, requiring it to recall Serene S2068 Bathroom Heaters imported, sold or installed since 16 June 2018.

The Government decided to amend section 99(1A) of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA).

The Government is reviewing consumer credit law as part of a wider reform process for financial services. This section also includes information about previous reviews of consumer credit law.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback on the introduction of a general certificate of approval, which will cover most measures of length that are in use for trade.

Last month the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) published a voluntary recall of Serene S2068 heaters with specific serial numbers. After further investigations by WorkSafe’s Energy Safety team, all Serene S2068 heaters that were imported, sold or installed after 16 June 2018, regardless of serial number are no longer able to be used, sold or installed in New Zealand.

The Consumer Protection team conducts biennial New Zealand Consumer Surveys (NZCS) to find out what adult New Zealanders know about consumer laws and it explores how they behave when they experience problems with products and services. The surveys provide national level insights on the health of the Consumer & Commercial regulatory system, and enable changes to be monitored.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reminds New Zealanders to check their bathrooms for a potentially dangerous recalled heater.