CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

CAR RELIABILITY

Most reliable: Toyota Yaris/Vitz/Echo. Index: 78% (204 cars) Whether a New Zealand-new Yaris or an imported Vitz or Echo, this Toyota has more trouble-free cars than average (59%), despite the sample having more pre-2010 cars than average. In particular, fewer owners reported trouble with the engine, transmission, drive system or chassis ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

FOOD DEHYDRATORS

Capacity: Round dehydrators tend to have less usable surface area, so you might not be able to dry as much as you could with a rectangular model. Temperature range and settings: Some dehydrators have fixed settings (eg low, medium and high). Others allow you to choose a temperature between 30°C and 70°C, for example.

BUDGETING APPS

Budgeting apps automate a lot of the work a pen-and-paper or spreadsheet budget requires. They also help you be more pro-active in budgeting, because the best apps show how much you’re spending and alert you where you’re going over. Pros: quickly loads your bank transactions. monitor and manage spending from your phone.

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these REVERSE MORTGAGES ADVICE Enter reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage or “home equity release” lets you borrow funds using your home as security. This means you can free up part of the value of your house without having to sell it. The lender gets its money back (plus interest) when your house is sold – which is usually when you go into full-time care or

you die

MOST RELIABLE HEATING AND VENTILATION PRODUCTS Most reliable heating and ventilation products. Electric heaters. Dehumidifiers. Electric blankets. Heat pumps. Smoke alarms. Ventilation systems. Our members have once again told us if their appliances and devices – from expensive cooktops to cheap-as-chips heaters – are reliable and satisfying to own. HOUSEHOLD BATTERY RECYCLING Most schemes accept all 10 types of household batteries, despite the issues with recycling viability. This makes it easier for consumers, so they don’t have to try to tell a non-rechargeable lithium battery from a rechargeable lithium-ion one. There are a few exceptions: Nelson City Council’s service centre and transfer station, Tasman

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

CAR RELIABILITY

Most reliable: Toyota Yaris/Vitz/Echo. Index: 78% (204 cars) Whether a New Zealand-new Yaris or an imported Vitz or Echo, this Toyota has more trouble-free cars than average (59%), despite the sample having more pre-2010 cars than average. In particular, fewer owners reported trouble with the engine, transmission, drive system or chassis ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

FOOD DEHYDRATORS

Capacity: Round dehydrators tend to have less usable surface area, so you might not be able to dry as much as you could with a rectangular model. Temperature range and settings: Some dehydrators have fixed settings (eg low, medium and high). Others allow you to choose a temperature between 30°C and 70°C, for example.

BUDGETING APPS

Budgeting apps automate a lot of the work a pen-and-paper or spreadsheet budget requires. They also help you be more pro-active in budgeting, because the best apps show how much you’re spending and alert you where you’re going over. Pros: quickly loads your bank transactions. monitor and manage spending from your phone.

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these REVERSE MORTGAGES ADVICE Enter reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage or “home equity release” lets you borrow funds using your home as security. This means you can free up part of the value of your house without having to sell it. The lender gets its money back (plus interest) when your house is sold – which is usually when you go into full-time care or

you die

MOST RELIABLE HEATING AND VENTILATION PRODUCTS Most reliable heating and ventilation products. Electric heaters. Dehumidifiers. Electric blankets. Heat pumps. Smoke alarms. Ventilation systems. Our members have once again told us if their appliances and devices – from expensive cooktops to cheap-as-chips heaters – are reliable and satisfying to own. HOUSEHOLD BATTERY RECYCLING Most schemes accept all 10 types of household batteries, despite the issues with recycling viability. This makes it easier for consumers, so they don’t have to try to tell a non-rechargeable lithium battery from a rechargeable lithium-ion one. There are a few exceptions: Nelson City Council’s service centre and transfer station, Tasman

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand COMPUTER SECURITY SOFTWARE However, security software is still needed to remove ransomware and protect your computer from further attacks. Rootkits. Programs that conceal malicious code’s access to files, folders and registry keys (they also make programs, system services, drivers and network connections invisible to the user). Spam. Unsolicited (junk) email

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these WHY NEW ZEALAND NEEDS A MODERN SLAVERY ACT The sad truth is that it’s not an isolated instance of labour exploitation. One of the most notorious cases hit headlines last year when Hastings-based Joseph Matamata was found guilty of 10 charges of people trafficking and 13 charges of dealing in slaves between 1994

and 2019.

AMAZON ECHO (4TH GEN) Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

BRABANTIA BBEK1114

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use THE CHILL OF RISING POWER PRICES Low hydro lake levels are also driving up prices on the wholesale electricity market. That’s hitting power retailers trying to gain an edge by selling “spot price” plans to consumers. BOSE SOUNDLINK REVOLVE+ II Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

PANASONIC SD-ZP2000KST Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use JBL GO 3 - CONSUMER NZ Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand

CAR RELIABILITY

Most reliable: Toyota Yaris/Vitz/Echo. Index: 78% (204 cars) Whether a New Zealand-new Yaris or an imported Vitz or Echo, this Toyota has more trouble-free cars than average (59%), despite the sample having more pre-2010 cars than average. In particular, fewer owners reported trouble with the engine, transmission, drive system or chassis

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Fan: A fan is an effective way to break up the layers of cold and warm air in a room. While noisy, you don't have to use them continuously. Just switch them on for a few minutes, to warm up the room. Cord storage: This allows you to stow the cord neatly when the heater is not in use. Controls: The controls should be clearly visible, easy to access and easy to use. ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS 0. 127.94. Some technology products (TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems) cost much less than a dollar each year on standby, no matter the model. A games console will cost you a couple of dollars, regardless of whether you choose an Xbox or PlayStation. However, in the case of some multi-function printers, the power used on standby

CHOOSING A HEATER

Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. A thermostat can save some of this. UNIT TITLES AND BODY CORPORATE A unit title owner owns a defined part of a building such as an apartment or unit. A unit title is a form of multi-unit property ownership. Typically unit title developments are apartment blocks, units, townhouses, office blocks and industrial or retail complexes. Most unit titles are held as residential developments.

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand

CAR RELIABILITY

Most reliable: Toyota Yaris/Vitz/Echo. Index: 78% (204 cars) Whether a New Zealand-new Yaris or an imported Vitz or Echo, this Toyota has more trouble-free cars than average (59%), despite the sample having more pre-2010 cars than average. In particular, fewer owners reported trouble with the engine, transmission, drive system or chassis

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Fan: A fan is an effective way to break up the layers of cold and warm air in a room. While noisy, you don't have to use them continuously. Just switch them on for a few minutes, to warm up the room. Cord storage: This allows you to stow the cord neatly when the heater is not in use. Controls: The controls should be clearly visible, easy to access and easy to use. ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS 0. 127.94. Some technology products (TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems) cost much less than a dollar each year on standby, no matter the model. A games console will cost you a couple of dollars, regardless of whether you choose an Xbox or PlayStation. However, in the case of some multi-function printers, the power used on standby

CHOOSING A HEATER

Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. A thermostat can save some of this. UNIT TITLES AND BODY CORPORATE A unit title owner owns a defined part of a building such as an apartment or unit. A unit title is a form of multi-unit property ownership. Typically unit title developments are apartment blocks, units, townhouses, office blocks and industrial or retail complexes. Most unit titles are held as residential developments.

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

KIWISAVER COMPARISON For each fund, you can view annual fees and five-year returns data (where available). This data is sourced from the Commission for Financial Capability's website smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz. Fees show what you would have paid for the year ended 31 March 2020 if you had $10,000 in the fund. This includes both fixed membership and

percentage fees.

WIRELESS ROUTERS

802.11n supports bandwidths up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz band. 802.11ac supports bandwidths up to approx 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The next wireless standard update is due for release this year. It is called 802.11ad (also named WiGig). It has a claimed bandwidth speed of 7Gbps (gigabits per second).

HOMESTAR RATINGS

Homestar and the cost of achieving it. Last year, BRANZ ran the numbers on the costs associated with going for a Homestar rating for 10 different houses in Hobsonville Point, Auckland. There was a 3% to 4% premium to achieve the minimum rating. Getting the top rating would add a quarter to the final build cost.

SURVEY TEST

This site uses cookies to help us understand how visitors engage with our website. By using Consumer NZ, you accept our use of cookies. WHY NEW ZEALAND NEEDS A MODERN SLAVERY ACT The sad truth is that it’s not an isolated instance of labour exploitation. One of the most notorious cases hit headlines last year when Hastings-based Joseph Matamata was found guilty of 10 charges of people trafficking and 13 charges of dealing in slaves between 1994

and 2019.

B&O BEOLIT 20

Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

AMAZON ECHO (4TH GEN) Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

THE CHILL OF RISING POWER PRICES Low hydro lake levels are also driving up prices on the wholesale electricity market. That’s hitting power retailers trying to gain an edge by selling “spot price” plans to consumers.

BRABANTIA BBEK1114

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use

BREVILLE LBM200

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand

CAR RELIABILITY

Most reliable: Toyota Yaris/Vitz/Echo. Index: 78% (204 cars) Whether a New Zealand-new Yaris or an imported Vitz or Echo, this Toyota has more trouble-free cars than average (59%), despite the sample having more pre-2010 cars than average. In particular, fewer owners reported trouble with the engine, transmission, drive system or chassis

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Fan: A fan is an effective way to break up the layers of cold and warm air in a room. While noisy, you don't have to use them continuously. Just switch them on for a few minutes, to warm up the room. Cord storage: This allows you to stow the cord neatly when the heater is not in use. Controls: The controls should be clearly visible, easy to access and easy to use. ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS 0. 127.94. Some technology products (TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems) cost much less than a dollar each year on standby, no matter the model. A games console will cost you a couple of dollars, regardless of whether you choose an Xbox or PlayStation. However, in the case of some multi-function printers, the power used on standby

CHOOSING A HEATER

Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. A thermostat can save some of this. UNIT TITLES AND BODY CORPORATE A unit title owner owns a defined part of a building such as an apartment or unit. A unit title is a form of multi-unit property ownership. Typically unit title developments are apartment blocks, units, townhouses, office blocks and industrial or retail complexes. Most unit titles are held as residential developments.

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand

CAR RELIABILITY

Most reliable: Toyota Yaris/Vitz/Echo. Index: 78% (204 cars) Whether a New Zealand-new Yaris or an imported Vitz or Echo, this Toyota has more trouble-free cars than average (59%), despite the sample having more pre-2010 cars than average. In particular, fewer owners reported trouble with the engine, transmission, drive system or chassis

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Fan: A fan is an effective way to break up the layers of cold and warm air in a room. While noisy, you don't have to use them continuously. Just switch them on for a few minutes, to warm up the room. Cord storage: This allows you to stow the cord neatly when the heater is not in use. Controls: The controls should be clearly visible, easy to access and easy to use. ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS 0. 127.94. Some technology products (TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems) cost much less than a dollar each year on standby, no matter the model. A games console will cost you a couple of dollars, regardless of whether you choose an Xbox or PlayStation. However, in the case of some multi-function printers, the power used on standby

CHOOSING A HEATER

Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. A thermostat can save some of this. UNIT TITLES AND BODY CORPORATE A unit title owner owns a defined part of a building such as an apartment or unit. A unit title is a form of multi-unit property ownership. Typically unit title developments are apartment blocks, units, townhouses, office blocks and industrial or retail complexes. Most unit titles are held as residential developments.

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

KIWISAVER COMPARISON For each fund, you can view annual fees and five-year returns data (where available). This data is sourced from the Commission for Financial Capability's website smartinvestor.sorted.org.nz. Fees show what you would have paid for the year ended 31 March 2020 if you had $10,000 in the fund. This includes both fixed membership and

percentage fees.

WIRELESS ROUTERS

802.11n supports bandwidths up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz band. 802.11ac supports bandwidths up to approx 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The next wireless standard update is due for release this year. It is called 802.11ad (also named WiGig). It has a claimed bandwidth speed of 7Gbps (gigabits per second).

HOMESTAR RATINGS

Homestar and the cost of achieving it. Last year, BRANZ ran the numbers on the costs associated with going for a Homestar rating for 10 different houses in Hobsonville Point, Auckland. There was a 3% to 4% premium to achieve the minimum rating. Getting the top rating would add a quarter to the final build cost.

SURVEY TEST

This site uses cookies to help us understand how visitors engage with our website. By using Consumer NZ, you accept our use of cookies. WHY NEW ZEALAND NEEDS A MODERN SLAVERY ACT The sad truth is that it’s not an isolated instance of labour exploitation. One of the most notorious cases hit headlines last year when Hastings-based Joseph Matamata was found guilty of 10 charges of people trafficking and 13 charges of dealing in slaves between 1994

and 2019.

B&O BEOLIT 20

Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

AMAZON ECHO (4TH GEN) Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

THE CHILL OF RISING POWER PRICES Low hydro lake levels are also driving up prices on the wholesale electricity market. That’s hitting power retailers trying to gain an edge by selling “spot price” plans to consumers.

BRABANTIA BBEK1114

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use

BREVILLE LBM200

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand TELEMARKETING AND COLD CALLING If a telemarketing company "cold calls", there's a chance it got your number from the phone book. But there are a host of other sources. Marketing companies trawl through public registers – such as the local council's list of building consents – looking for personal information to help their sales pitch. MOBILE PHONES AND SMARTPHONES We recommend looking at phones that are slightly higher specced than you think you might need. This helps future-proof your new purchase and it’s also likely that you’ll start using your phone differently if the device is capable. For example, a phone with a better camera might mean you start taking more photos.

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

CHOOSING A HEATER

Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. A thermostat can save some of this.

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Fan: A fan is an effective way to break up the layers of cold and warm air in a room. While noisy, you don't have to use them continuously. Just switch them on for a few minutes, to warm up the room. Cord storage: This allows you to stow the cord neatly when the heater is not in use. Controls: The controls should be clearly visible, easy to access and easy to use. ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS 0. 127.94. Some technology products (TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems) cost much less than a dollar each year on standby, no matter the model. A games console will cost you a couple of dollars, regardless of whether you choose an Xbox or PlayStation. However, in the case of some multi-function printers, the power used on standby STICK VACUUM CLEANERS Charging/runtime: stick vacuum battery life isn’t great: they run for an average of 15 minutes and take about 5 hours to charge. Weigh up the charge time compared to runtime for models you like. A way to get the most out of your stick vacuum is buying one that has a charging dock. Variable power: most stick vacuums come with 2 or 3

power

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

CONSUMER NZ

Consumer magazine. The April-May issue of Consumer magazine is out now. Consumer magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand TELEMARKETING AND COLD CALLING If a telemarketing company "cold calls", there's a chance it got your number from the phone book. But there are a host of other sources. Marketing companies trawl through public registers – such as the local council's list of building consents – looking for personal information to help their sales pitch. MOBILE PHONES AND SMARTPHONES We recommend looking at phones that are slightly higher specced than you think you might need. This helps future-proof your new purchase and it’s also likely that you’ll start using your phone differently if the device is capable. For example, a phone with a better camera might mean you start taking more photos.

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

CHOOSING A HEATER

Electricity for plug-in heaters costs from 23 to 31 cents per kWh depending on your power supplier and tariff plan. Example: If you run a 2kW heater on high setting for 5 hours per day at a cost of 25 cents per kWh, this will amount to $2.50 per day or about $75 per month. A thermostat can save some of this.

ELECTRIC HEATERS

Fan: A fan is an effective way to break up the layers of cold and warm air in a room. While noisy, you don't have to use them continuously. Just switch them on for a few minutes, to warm up the room. Cord storage: This allows you to stow the cord neatly when the heater is not in use. Controls: The controls should be clearly visible, easy to access and easy to use. ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

APPLIANCE RUNNING COSTS 0. 127.94. Some technology products (TVs, Blu-ray players and home theatre systems) cost much less than a dollar each year on standby, no matter the model. A games console will cost you a couple of dollars, regardless of whether you choose an Xbox or PlayStation. However, in the case of some multi-function printers, the power used on standby STICK VACUUM CLEANERS Charging/runtime: stick vacuum battery life isn’t great: they run for an average of 15 minutes and take about 5 hours to charge. Weigh up the charge time compared to runtime for models you like. A way to get the most out of your stick vacuum is buying one that has a charging dock. Variable power: most stick vacuums come with 2 or 3

power

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

WIRELESS ROUTERS

802.11n supports bandwidths up to 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz band. 802.11ac supports bandwidths up to approx 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band. The next wireless standard update is due for release this year. It is called 802.11ad (also named WiGig). It has a claimed bandwidth speed of 7Gbps (gigabits per second).

SURVEY TEST

This site uses cookies to help us understand how visitors engage with our website. By using Consumer NZ, you accept our use of cookies. WHY NEW ZEALAND NEEDS A MODERN SLAVERY ACT The sad truth is that it’s not an isolated instance of labour exploitation. One of the most notorious cases hit headlines last year when Hastings-based Joseph Matamata was found guilty of 10 charges of people trafficking and 13 charges of dealing in slaves between 1994

and 2019.

AMAZON ECHO (4TH GEN) Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

B&O BEOLIT 20

Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

APPLE HOMEPOD MINI

Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

BRABANTIA BBEK1114

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use THE CHILL OF RISING POWER PRICES Low hydro lake levels are also driving up prices on the wholesale electricity market. That’s hitting power retailers trying to gain an edge by selling “spot price” plans to consumers.

BREVILLE LBM200

Overall score includes:. Multigrain: from scratch using the manufacturer's recipe (25%) Multigrain: premix (25%) Wholemeal gluten-free: premix (25%) Ease of use JBL GO 3 - CONSUMER NZ Overall score is based on:. Sound (45%): Scored by our panel of experts.A variety of audio tracks, including music and spoken word, are judged on each device. Ease of use (30%): Considers the clarity and accuracy of the manuals supplied and the ease of setting up the speaker, as well as connecting it to a device and sending music to the

speaker.

RESTAURANT RIGHTS

Corkage is a fee to help cover the costs of glasses, service, cleaning, the BYO licence and so on. If this charge is shown on the menu, then you must pay what's listed. If it isn't, you're required to pay only what's reasonable. We think $7 per bottle is probably too

high; and $7

ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

TOWAWAY RIGHTS

The cost of the infringement fee varies depending on the infringement but is generally $40-$60. If your car is towed from a clearway, for example, the infringement fee will be $60. Councils do not tow indiscriminately and will usually only issue an infringement notice. There are some exceptions: cars parked in clearways or otherwise

creating a

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

TELEMARKETING AND COLD CALLING If a telemarketing company "cold calls", there's a chance it got your number from the phone book. But there are a host of other sources. Marketing companies trawl through public registers – such as the local council's list of building consents – looking for personal information to help their sales pitch. MOST RELIABLE HEATING AND VENTILATION PRODUCTS Most reliable heating and ventilation products. Electric heaters. Dehumidifiers. Electric blankets. Heat pumps. Smoke alarms. Ventilation systems. Our members have once again told us if their appliances and devices – from expensive cooktops to cheap-as-chips heaters – are reliable and satisfying to own.

FLOOR CLEANERS

Spot test. Spot test. Spot test. When using a cleaner for the first time, check it’s safe for your surfaces. Follow the instructions on the label and spray a coin-sized amount on to the surface you want to clean (do this in an area where it won’t matter if it gets damaged).

Wait

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

ELECTRIC BIKES

Many European bikes can only assist up to 25km/h. The higher assist-speed of 32km/h on some e-bikes made a difference – our testers found 25km/h to 30km/h was the sweet spot for speed vs comfort. If you have a long, flat commute, it could pay to choose a bike that assists to 40km/h or more.

MEDICAL ALARMS

As a condition of accreditation, companies are required to provide their services at a reasonable cost – between $13 and $15 a week. Both St John and Red Wolf offer a 30-day trial with their alarms. ADT and Freedom provide 7 days. These trial periods can be useful

RESTAURANT RIGHTS

Corkage is a fee to help cover the costs of glasses, service, cleaning, the BYO licence and so on. If this charge is shown on the menu, then you must pay what's listed. If it isn't, you're required to pay only what's reasonable. We think $7 per bottle is probably too

high; and $7

ASSISTED DYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW LAW To request assisted dying you need to: be 18 years or over. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. have an illness that’s likely to end your life within six months. be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical health. have unbearable suffering

that can’t be

TOWAWAY RIGHTS

The cost of the infringement fee varies depending on the infringement but is generally $40-$60. If your car is towed from a clearway, for example, the infringement fee will be $60. Councils do not tow indiscriminately and will usually only issue an infringement notice. There are some exceptions: cars parked in clearways or otherwise

creating a

VENTILATION SYSTEMS

TELEMARKETING AND COLD CALLING If a telemarketing company "cold calls", there's a chance it got your number from the phone book. But there are a host of other sources. Marketing companies trawl through public registers – such as the local council's list of building consents – looking for personal information to help their sales pitch. MOST RELIABLE HEATING AND VENTILATION PRODUCTS Most reliable heating and ventilation products. Electric heaters. Dehumidifiers. Electric blankets. Heat pumps. Smoke alarms. Ventilation systems. Our members have once again told us if their appliances and devices – from expensive cooktops to cheap-as-chips heaters – are reliable and satisfying to own.

FLOOR CLEANERS

Spot test. Spot test. Spot test. When using a cleaner for the first time, check it’s safe for your surfaces. Follow the instructions on the label and spray a coin-sized amount on to the surface you want to clean (do this in an area where it won’t matter if it gets damaged).

Wait

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these

ELECTRIC BIKES

Many European bikes can only assist up to 25km/h. The higher assist-speed of 32km/h on some e-bikes made a difference – our testers found 25km/h to 30km/h was the sweet spot for speed vs comfort. If you have a long, flat commute, it could pay to choose a bike that assists to 40km/h or more.

MEDICAL ALARMS

As a condition of accreditation, companies are required to provide their services at a reasonable cost – between $13 and $15 a week. Both St John and Red Wolf offer a 30-day trial with their alarms. ADT and Freedom provide 7 days. These trial periods can be useful TELEMARKETING AND COLD CALLING If a telemarketing company "cold calls", there's a chance it got your number from the phone book. But there are a host of other sources. Marketing companies trawl through public registers – such as the local council's list of building consents – looking for personal information to help their sales pitch. COMPUTER SECURITY SOFTWARE However, security software is still needed to remove ransomware and protect your computer from further attacks. Rootkits. Programs that conceal malicious code’s access to files, folders and registry keys (they also make programs, system services, drivers and network connections invisible to the user). Spam. Unsolicited (junk) email

BUILDING GUARANTEES

Unlike car or home and contents insurers, providers of building guarantees aren’t required to be licensed, which means their financial stability doesn’t always come under the scrutiny of regulators.. Three building guarantees we reviewed are backed by a licensed insurer: Builtin, Halo and Stamford. These insurers must have a current financial strength rating, an indication of their ability KIWISAVER COMPARISON Our provider satisfaction ratings are based on a February and March 2020 nationally representative survey of 2114 New Zealanders, aged 18 and over. The ratings show the proportion of respondents who scored their KiwiSaver provider 8, 9 or 10 on a scale from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). Ratings are for providers that

had 30 or

WOODBURNERS

It’s a 2-stage process. First, if the wood is hot enough, the combustible creosotes and resins will evaporate out of the timber and will be burnt as gases (if these FREEZERS | BUYING GUIDE The energy consumption figure is in kWh and can be used to compare with any other fridge or freezer. You can use this figure and the kWh cost from your latest power bill to calculate how much this model will cost to run. The average cost of power for a kWh in New Zealand is 25¢. Lower kWh = cheaper to run. PRINTERS | BUYING GUIDE Colour or mono: All inkjet printers can print colour, while less than half of lasers can. Resolution: This is measured in dots per inch (dpi). Quality can be limited by low resolution, but high resolution doesn’t guarantee good results. Tray size: Most home printers hold 150 to 250 A4 sheets. If you want to print in larger quantities or a different paper size, make sure the printer has a

RIDE-ON MOWERS

We’ve also explained when you should test drive a mower before you buy. Size. Only pay for as much mower as you need. As a rule of thumb: Up to 4000m² (1 acre) of grass = a cutting-width of 1100mm (42”) and a 16-20HP (horse power) engine. 4000m² to 1 hectare = HOUSEHOLD BATTERY RECYCLING Most schemes accept all 10 types of household batteries, despite the issues with recycling viability. This makes it easier for consumers, so they don’t have to try to tell a non-rechargeable lithium battery from a rechargeable lithium-ion one. There are a few exceptions: Nelson City Council’s service centre and transfer station, Tasman

EMAIL TEMPLATES

How to ask for a repair on a car outside warranty. On I bought the above vehicle from you. On it developed serious defects . The warranty has expired but I believe I am still entitled to a free repair because the existence of such a serious defect in a car which

has only

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Best and worst power companies revealed Contact Energy has been rated as the worst performer in our latest electricity satisfaction survey.

3 June 2021

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Breadmakers

Find out which two models get our tick.

Updated June 2021

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Clothes dryers

Choosing the right clothes dryer pays off in the long run.

Updated May 2021

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Dishwashers

We've tested 42 compact and standard dishwashers.

Updated May 2021

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WiFi and Bluetooth speakers We've tested 61 speakers.

Updated May 2021

Test

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Butter or margarine: which table spreads are best? Finding the best spread for your bread.

20 May 2021

Research report

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CBD products: what you need to know Use of CBD products has tripled in the past year. We look at the evidence supporting the health claims.

21 May 2021

Research report

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Why New Zealand needs a Modern Slavery Act Do you know if you’re buying products made by slave labour?

27 May 2021

Research report

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COULD YOU BE SAVING ON POWER? Powerswitch is a free and independent service that helps you work out which power company and pricing plan is the cheapest for you. Using our comprehensive database of electricity and gas prices, it is easy to compare plans and find the cheapest deal in your area. See how much you could save. NEWS AND INVESTIGATIONS Weed killer found in compost Compost pulled from sale after our testing finds it contains weed

killer.

7 May 2021

News

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Credit card fees to be reined in New rules to clamp down on fees for paying by credit card.

12 May 2021

News

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Four food fads to question "Collagen-infused drinks". "Grass-fed beef". We lift the lid on the

latest claims.

14 May 2021

News

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Trans-Tasman bubble: your rights if things go wrong What you need to know if the trans-Tasman bubble pops.

23 April 2021

News

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New Zealand packaging recycling second-worst in global trial Aotearoa’s clean green reputation takes a hit in our global packaging recycling assessment.

23 April 2021

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Major sunscreen fraud exposed A sunscreen test lab schemed for decades to defraud customers by cooking up false results.

14 May 2021

News

TESTS AND REVIEWS

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Slow cookers and multi-cookers We put 33 slow cookers and multi-cookers through their paces.

Updated May 2021

Test

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Heat pumps

We've assessed 256 models.

Updated April 2021

Test

*

Irons and steam stations De-crease the burden of ironing.

Updated May 2021

Test

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Which trampolines are safest? We put four trampolines through expert testing to find the models that are safe, durable and easy to use.

Updated March 2021

Test

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Gas cooktops

We've tested 33 models.

Updated May 2021

Test

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Pellet burners

The cleaner, more convenient alternative to a woodburner.

Updated May 2021

Test

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Rangehoods

A rangehood can help rid your kitchen of steam and cooking smells. We've tested 70 models.

Updated May 2021

Test

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Electric blankets

Dreading the thought of getting into a cold bed tonight?

Updated April 2021

Test

Laptops

Find out what to look for in a laptop – from the pros and cons of hybrids to the most important technical specs – so you can buy with

confidence.

Updated April 2021

Test

_CONSUMER_ MAGAZINE

THE JUNE-JULY ISSUE OF _CONSUMER_ MAGAZINE IS OUT NOW. _Consumer_  magazine brings you consumer research, best-buy recommendations and advice six times a year. From private sales to auction houses, learn your rights when buying second-hand with our latest issue.

See what's inside

GOT A PROBLEM WITH A RETAILER OR A SERVICE PROVIDER? CONSUMER ADVICE LINE If you're a member with a consumer issue, our expert advisers are here to help. They can explain your rights and help resolve your problem.

Get in touch

SHOPPING RIGHTS AND ADVICE Learn what your rights are under the Consumer Guarantees Act, and what to do if they've been breached.

Read our guide

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sticker today.

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SUPERMARKETS

Support our campaign for fair supermarket prices.

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WHY SUNSCREENS SHOULD BE REGULATED Nearly half the sunscreens in our latest test didn’t provide the

claimed protection.

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BUILT TO LAST

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