Four out of five trampolines failed the majority of safety tests run by Consumer NZ - but the Government warns that tighter standards may not make any difference.

It helps to dress up for movie premieres, dinner at a fine restaurant - or even visits to the petrol station.

Contest entrants deceived by the lure of rewards that don't exist as flashy contests are in the gun for offering prizes no one is guaranteed to win.

Some ladders that do not meet New Zealand safety standards have been banned after one bought on Trade Me collapsed, injuring a man.

But whiteware is no longer white: a pretty colour seduces male shoppers.

There are 18 food additives allowed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand that are banned in other countries.

The average Kiwi is buying more goods and services than in the past- and nearly 40 per cent more than when Shortland Street first appeared on our TV sets in 1992.

Consumer advocates say proposals for change should be a lot tougher.

Auckland bars are forcing customers to have their picture identification scanned and a separate picture taken before they are allowed entry on busy weekend nights.

US officials have shut down a series of so-called tech support scams, mostly operating from India, which targeted English-speaking consumers, including New Zealanders.

New Zealanders are collectively paying more than $600 million a year in interest on personal credit card debt, according to figures from the Reserve Bank.

A carpet cleaner caught on camera doing lewd acts at a woman's house has won permanent name suppression.

A carpet cleaner caught on camera apparently doing lewd acts at a woman's house will keep his name secret - at least for the rest of the week.

The Automobile Association says complaints back claims used-car dealers are illegally putting worn parts back into vehicles before selling them on.