Consumer Law And Product Safety

Hon Heather Roy, ACT Deputy Leader
Saturday, June 19 2010

There were two important developments in the area of Consumer Affairs this week, beginning on Monday when I released the 'Consumer Law Reform' discussion document - the result of work the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has been doing for the past year to review and rationalise consumer law in New Zealand.

The release marked the opening of the public consultation phase of 'One Law' - the programme I began upon becoming Minister in 2008 to review and rationalise consumer laws to determine their relevance to today and whether they could be merged into principles-based legislation.

Many of our consumer laws have been overtaken by time and technology, and some have not been reviewed in the past 20 years - the Auctioneers Act became law in 1928 and has never been reviewed. National and ACT in Government are committed to regulatory responsibility, and 'One Law' forms part of the Government's Regulatory Reform Agenda.

The 'Consumer Law Reform' document looks at seven consumer laws dealing with the purchase of goods and services: the Fair Trading Act, Consumer Guarantees Act, Weights and Measures Act, Auctioneers Act, Door to Door Sales Act, Lay-by Sales Act, and the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act. Each law is examined individually, and the document contains questions to assist readers in their consideration of the issues.

Strong and relevant consumer legislation is essential to ensure consumer confidence and participation in the marketplace, and to allow reputable businesses to operate with protection from competitors' inappropriate conduct. It helps foster and nurture a competitive business environment where consumers and business can engage with trust and confidence, and contribute to a productive and innovative economy.

The 'Consumer Law Reform' discussion document can be found at www.roy.org.nz/royters/have-your-say-consumer-law. I invite and welcome comment from consumers and industry on the issues it raises.

The other important development of the week was Friday's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on product safety between the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of the People's Republic of China.

Over time, concerns have been growing internationally about product safety issues and there has been global recognition of the need for better communication and co-operation between regulators.

This has led to the US, the European Union and Canada signing bilateral product safety agreements with China which have laid a foundation for ongoing dialogue and information sharing.

China is now New Zealand's second largest trading partner, after Australia, and this MOU - to increase co-operation on consumer product safety issues - puts us on an equal footing with other jurisdictions with which China has such agreements. It means we will also see stronger collaboration, communication and understanding between consumer product regulators in both New Zealand and China in dealing with, and addressing, issues around product safety.

This, more than any other before, is an age of international trade - which, like domestic trade, can only flourish and succeed if consumers have confidence about the safety of the products they purchase. By signing this MOU, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the AQSIQ show that consumers can have that confidence without creating unnecessary barriers to trade.

Lest We Forget - David Vs Goliath On The World Cup Battlefield
Soccer fever gripped the nation on Tuesday when the All Whites scored their first ever point in a FIFA World Cup final and drew 1-1 against Slovakia.

It has been nearly three decades since New Zealand competed in a FIFA World Cup, the last time being the 1982 tournament in Spain. To qualify then, the All Whites - which included current coach and then Defender Ricki Herbert - had to win the Oceania Qualification group.

Following that, they then had to take on teams from Asia in a five-team round-robin tournament. It was this tournament that saw New Zealand tie with China for a qualification place which the All Whites won after a sudden-death play-off in Singapore.

In Spain, however, New Zealand fared less well. The All Whites played Scotland and, although Steve Sumner and Steve Wooddin scored New Zealand's first ever goals in a World Cup, lost 2-5. The All Whites were also defeated in subsequent matches against USSR, and Brazil.

This time things may go differently. There has been much speculation in international media over how the All Whites will perform in Monday's match against Italy and, while Italy claims the All Whites lack the skill to win, there is also talk that the Kiwis' physicality and resilience is worrying some of the other teams.

New Zealand is an underdog - not just against Italy, but in the entire FIFA World Cup. Defeating Italy would certainly change things and we're all hoping the All Whites will bear their teeth and show the world what New Zealand can do.

ENDS

© Scoop Media