An investigation by Consumer NZ has found the price of rapid antigen tests varied greatly at different retailers.
Consumer NZ reached out to a number of pharmacies and retailers regarding the pricing of the tests. Prices ranged from $6.50 to $19 per test.
The consumer group said it had received "some concerns about price gouging after exorbitant markups on protective face masks such as the N95", and it expected the prices of RATs to be a topic of concern too with the wide range in pricing.
"If you do find extremely expensive tests for sale, you are entitled to ask a retailer why pricing is so high," said Consumer NZ Head of Content Caitlin Cherry.
"In New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment runs Price Watch to keep an eye on prices. The Fair Trading Act also prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct, meaning a business needs to give a reason for a price increase, otherwise it could be breaching the law."