Trainer predicts mass business prosecutions before World Cup

Media release

April 20, 2011

Trainer predicts mass business prosecutions before World Cup

Many businesses will be prosecuted for breaching sales compliance laws before the Rugby World Cup this year, according to an online sales trainer.

"The Commerce Commission has said it will toughen up on compliance issues during this period, and lots of businesses are breaching the rules without even knowing it," says Anya Anderson, Managing Director of RedSeed, a Christchurch-based, national sales training company.

She says that's why it's vital that anyone selling goods and services understands sales compliance law before they find themselves unknowingly in breach.

"Most sales breaches covered by the media show business people willingly breaking the law, but many are unaware they are doing this."

Mrs Anderson says there are already lots of prosecutions under the Fair Trading Act (FTA) and most are due to ignorance. One common trap is a failure to clearly state that a quote or advertised price does not include GST, she says.

It is not just small companies that have been bitten by the FTA. The Warehouse pleaded guilty to multiple breaches in 2009 and was fined $209,600.

"The Consumer Guarantees Act is also misunderstood. For example, if a customer asked an assistant for a bathroom heater and was sold one that short-circuited and caused a fire, the shop could be liable for the fire damage. Not many people realise that," says Mrs Anderson.

"By digging beneath the surface, the Commerce Commission will find masses of breaches, and the businesses they prosecute will be ignorant of their crimes."

For more information

Anya Anderson: Mobile 0274 890 967 Email Anya@redseed.co.nz

Lighting Design

Media release

April 25, 2011

Christchurch can become world's best lit city at night

A Christchurch-based lighting designer has returned from Europe believing the city can rebuild itself to become the world's best lit city at night, rivaling Europe's finest.

Kevin Cawley visited Dusseldorf, Amsterdam and Eindhoven in search of the latest cutting edge technology and see how those cities have married it to create the breathtaking ambience they are known for.

He says Christchurch can learn from the many European cities that had to rebuild after the devastation caused by World War Two.

"The way they use lighting to highlight their beautiful architecture that's a mix of what survived the War and what's new is phenomenal. So is their use of lighting to create a warm and safe feel at night," he says.

Mr Cawley believes now is a great opportunity for Christchurch to become the world's best lit city.

"If we coordinate the city's rebuild with its lighting, we can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at night that is unmatched in this part of the world," he says.

Mr Cawley was also impressed by the technology that is now available.

"For example, I saw a tulip fitting in the Phillips direct market research Department at an Eindhoven design University that opens during the day to gather the sun's rays and closes at night, using the solar energy it has absorbed," he says.

"Everything is now focused on energy efficiency and conservation. By following this approach, Christchurch could not only become the best lit city in the world, but also save millions in power bills and help the environment at the same time."

Kevin Cawley has won major lighting design awards throughout the globe. His design of the Christchurch Airport Control Tower is the latest of many.

ends

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