Consumer advocate calling it a day

David Russell

New Zealand's leading consumer advocate, Consumer chief executive David Russell, is to leave the organisation in March next year.

The move comes after more than 30 years spent fighting for the rights of Kiwi consumers.

The announcement comes in a year that has seen considerable change for the privately-run institute. Earlier in the year the organisation rebranded itself as Consumer and launched revamped versions of Consumer magazine and its website.

Chairman Mark Bedford described Mr Russell as a "living legend".

"Consumer enjoys a brand reputation second to none, and a large part of that is David's remarkable integrity and commitment to New Zealand consumers," said Mr Bedford.

"For 30 years David has fought the fight of the good against shonky salespeople, bureaucratic government agencies and slippery corporates."

Mr Russell will be joining internet book trader, New Zealand Books Abroad, as its development manager.