Latest from Consumer Information

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.

The foreign food in our freezers

Frozen vegetables and berries sold in New Zealand can come from as far away as China, Belgium and Peru, a Consumer NZ survey found.

New timepieces reach Pinnacle

Unable to decide between a classic Swiss timepiece and the allure of an Apple Watch? Try the Pinnacle range from watchmaker Nico Gerard.

Credit fight will help set rules

The Commerce Commission says its ongoing consumer credit dispute with Motor Trade Finance is its most significant case for establishing rules on what fees lenders can charge.

Paint job is always a winner

In the booming Auckland property market, most money put into renovations will add to a house's value. But spend well and you could get up to $4 back for every $1 spent.

Tobacco tax edges out deflation

Were it not for the annual increase in the tax on tobacco the consumers price index would have recorded outright deflation for the year to March.

Safety net to curb loan sharks

Upmarket stores sold alcohol to minors

The two branches of upmarket supermarket chain Farro Fresh that had their liquor licences suspended had sold alcohol to minors.

Consumers happier with gas station competition

Petrol stations have taken a big jump up in consumers' esteem in the past year.

Consumers flash cards as spending rises

For the March quarter as a whole core retail sales paid for by credit, debit or charge cards were up 2.7 per cent - the fastest quarterly growth since December 2006.

Farro stores cop alcohol ban

Grey Lynn and Mt Wellington residents will have to cope with buying their posh nosh separately from their booze this week if they plan to shop at Farro Fresh.

New rules for natural health

Claims made about the benefits of natural health products such as vitamins will need to be backed by evidence under a new system.