Latest from Consumer Information

Power prices falling as switching climbs

Switching power companies has hit a record and new figures show Kiwis could be better off if they change suppliers.

Ryf Quail: Consumer expectations

COMMENT: Today's consumer often has conflicting expectations.

Are you heating your home wrong?

How to make sure you're not blowing precious warmth and money out the window.

Builders payments stolen by scammers

At least two people have found themselves out of pocket to a combined amount of $20,600, after hackers accessed builders' billing details.

The truth about pricey appliances

You may have bought a fancy, expensive new appliance. But it doesn't mean it's any good.

Chilled coffee is tomorrow's 'hot' drink

Major players such as Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Illy are betting that high-end chilled bottled and canned coffee will give beverage industry a jolt.

E-cigarette smokers may be getting ripped off

Firms making e-cigarettes could be ripping off customers.

Tommy Tippee cups 'full of mould'

Sippy cups are under the spotlight as concerned parents share images of grimy discoveries.

Burger ads: Not quite what you see on TV

Highly stylised burgers look little like the real thing from the counter.

21,491 users download Kiwi's app

James Brown, an Auckland dad, built a free game to download called wOmp.

Dominoes famine: Countdown confirms stocks are low

Countdown shoppers could in for a shock if they've beefed up their grocery buy to get more Disney dominoes.

Pixar domino swap turns feral

Reports of pushing, swearing and underhand tactics by desperate parents wanting to get their hands on full set for their children.

Company culture key issue

It's the stuff of nightmares - staring down the lens of a camera and apologising on prime time television. That's where Bruce Gordon, head of home ventilation firm HRV, found himself three years ago.

Crackers v chips: What's best?

Kiwis who consider crackers to be a healthy snack may be shocked to hear some of their crunchy favourites are higher in salt and fat than certain potato chips.

'Rewards can be less than impressive'

A new study says the glitz and glamour some credit card reward schemes promise is often unrealistic.

Peter Lyons: We should appreciate what banks have done for us

If Mr Shearer is wise he should buy some shares in these businesses once he has sorted his overdraft problems. Better to be the predator than the prey, writes Peter Lyons.

Apparel spend bounces back

A surge in apparel spending has boosted New Zealand's total electronic card sales figures for the third month in a row, however this growth is likely to slow, according to economists.

Hardship relief: $450k wiped

More than $450,000 of hardship relief in water bills has been granted in the three years since radical changes to the way Aucklanders pay for water.