New Zealand Consumers and Internet Purchases

Abstract

New Zealanders are increasingly turning to the internet to purchase products and services. This article reviews current regulatory initiatives to protect consumers who participate in the new world of ecommerce. In particular, the article focuses on the protection of the New Zealand consumer. The article argues that the New Zealand consumer is currently significantly less protected by their territorial authorities than their American and European counterparts. Redress of the imbalance is advocated, and mechanisms, particularly chargebacks, for actioning this are discussed in light of their use in other jurisdictions.