A fair go for families – Labour

Labour’s Fair Go Law will stop companies from heaping on extra fees, trapping people in subscriptions, and pushing unnecessary costs onto New Zealanders.

 

“This election is about the cost of living, and New Zealanders are being hit by hidden fees they never saw coming. Labour will make sure New Zealanders get a fair go at the checkout,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

 

“We’ve all been there before. The gym membership with surprise fees. The meal kit subscription that’s impossible to cancel. The worthless insurance on your new car.

 

“It’s more than just frustrating, it’s a real burden on families who are already struggling with the high cost of living. Labour will put a stop to it,” Chris Hipkins said.

 

Labour will:

• Ban junk car insurance, like paint insurance and mechanical breakdown cover that excludes almost everything
• Stop the hard sell of extended warranties on electronics and whiteware at the checkout
• Require all mandatory fees, including on ticket sales, to be included in the price upfront
• Make every subscription service and gym membership as easy to cancel as it was to sign up
• Ban unfair exit fees on phone and internet contracts, show the full price upfront, plus excessive notice periods and unclear auto-renewals

 

“Our rule is simple. Don’t make money by tricking hardworking people,” Labour Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said.

 

“Labour’s Fair Go Law will bring in new rules for cars, electronics, phones, subscriptions, ticket sales, and gyms.

 

“People aren’t asking for much. Just tell them the real price upfront and make it as easy to leave a subscription or membership as it was to join.

 

“And those extended warranties? In many cases, what they cover is already your right under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

 

“This policy builds on our price gouging ban. Whether it’s the price on the shelf or the fees piled on top, too many Kiwis are being ripped off.

 

“You deserve a fair go. Christopher Luxon is too out of touch to see how hidden fees quickly add up, but Labour will act.

 

“It’s all part of our plan to make life better and more affordable for families. New Zealand can’t afford another three years of National. Better starts now,” Arena Williams said.