Your rights in New Zealand
When you buy from a business in New Zealand, the law gives you automatic guarantees. They apply even after the manufacturer's warranty ends.
General information, not legal advice. For your situation, check Consumer Protection or Community Law.
What every product guarantees
Safe, durable, free of minor faults and acceptable to look at, for what you paid.
Does what it's made for, and what you told the seller you needed it for.
What you get matches the ad, the label or what the seller told you.
Spare parts and repairs should be reasonably available for a reasonable time.
When something goes wrong
They must repair or replace it, free of charge, within a reasonable time. They can choose which.
For example: A dishwasher door seal leaks.
You can reject it and pick a refund or replacement, or keep it and get compensation for the drop in value. A fault is serious if you wouldn't have bought it had you known.
For example: A new TV stops working completely.
Warranty vs the law
A manufacturer's warranty is extra. The Consumer Guarantees Act applies on top of it, and a product should last a reasonable time for its type and price.
Illustration only. How long depends on the product and what you paid.
How to make a claim
Email the shop · drafted by Proofy
Subject: Faulty tv, bought 14 March 2025
Hello,
Our tv (bought 14 March 2025) has developed a fault. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, I’d like to arrange a repair.
I have the original receipt and can send it through with this email.
Original receipt attached
You review and send it yourself
Covered when bought from a business, including dealers. Private sales between individuals aren't covered.
They must be done with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time and for a reasonable price.
Contact the seller anyway and ask what proof they'll accept. Next time, Proofy keeps it.
No fixed number. It depends on the product, its price and how it was used.
Proofy keeps every receipt, so you can always back up a claim.