Consumer guarantees disputes now face eight-month tribunal delays as case volumes surge 40% nationwide. Businesses are exploiting the backlog to avoid quick resolutions while consumers struggle with inaccessible justice.
The Consumer Guarantees Act is getting its biggest overhaul in three decades, with sweeping changes taking effect from July 2026. From hefty new penalties to expanded coverage of digital goods, NZ businesses face a fundamental shift in consumer protection laws.
New Consumer Guarantees Act amendments force online retailers to provide clearer refund policies for digital products and subscriptions. The changes target streaming services, gaming platforms, and software after complaints surged 340% since 2022.
