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Mr Speaker, I move that the Consumer Law Reform Bill be now read a second time.

I would like to thank the Commerce Select Committee for its consideration of this complex and significant reform.

The Committee has considered changes to ten Acts and reflected on more than 90 submissions covering a wide range of views. Their changes reflect a fair and robust process, and I am very pleased that the Committee was unanimous in their support for this significant update of consumer law in New Zealand. Ideally, law reform such as this should receive cross-party support.

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges has announced a ban on multi-purpose ladders that do not meet Australia and New Zealand safety standards.

The ban comes after an investigation by Consumer Affairs which found that multi-purpose ladders sold on Trade Me collapsed well below their advertised weight limit.

“The metal in one of these ladders buckled and split, collapsing only seconds after a man climbed on it.  The ladder was supposed to hold up to 150kg and the man was only 90kgs,” Mr Bridges says.

A campaign aimed at empowering vulnerable communities in New Zealand by helping them to know their rights when borrowing money kicks off from today, says Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges.

The new campaign, which builds on the success of the Loan Stress campaign run earlier this year, partners Consumer Affairs with the Federation of Family Budgeting Services, to help guide consumers through the disputes resolution service and offer budgeting advice.

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges has today welcomed a select committee report on the Consumer Law Reform Bill.

“I want to acknowledge the Commerce Select Committee which has done a comprehensive job of reviewing the complex draft legislation and considering a wide range of views on the proposed changes to our consumer laws.

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges has today welcomed the signing of the voluntary wheel clamping code of conduct.

“This code clearly sets out what people can expect from the parking enforcement industry. It includes strong requirements for clear signage, a cap on fees and details the situations when clamping can and cannot occur.”

Comprise Group, Egmont Security, Tournament Parking, Valley Parking and Wilson Parking have all signed up to the code.

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges says good progress is being made towards a wheel clamping code of conduct, following a meeting with industry operators today.

Mr Bridges says the key operators in the New Zealand parking enforcement industry have agreed on a draft set of minimum standards and best practices. 

Key provisions in the draft code include:

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges has welcomed the Law Commission’s report on repossession laws.

The Law Commission has recommended a range of changes to the Credit (Repossession) Act. It has also suggested incorporating changes to repossession law in the Government’s current review of credit legislation.

“An overhaul of credit laws is a top priority and this timely and thorough analysis of repossession laws is an invaluable contribution to that.”

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges will begin a series of meetings on Monday to discuss tougher loan shark laws.

The Minister will meet with community and industry groups in Wellington on Monday, followed by meetings in Auckland and Christchurch on 7 May, to discuss the draft Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill.

Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges has announced a new wheel clamping code of conduct is in development.

Mr Bridges met with key leaders in the New Zealand parking enforcement industry in Auckland yesterday.

“This new voluntary code of conduct will set out the minimum standards and good practice that these wheel clamping companies will abide by.

“It will continue to protect the rights of private landowners while giving clarity to consumers about what they can expect from these wheel clamping operators.”

The Crown today initialled a Deed of Settlement for all historical Treaty claims of Ngāti Ranginui, the first of three Tauranga iwi. Initialling a deed of settlement signals the end of substantive negotiations.

The deed was initialled in a ceremony at Huria Marae in Tauranga, with Kingi Tuheitia attending. The Crown was represented by Minister of Consumer Affairs Simon Bridges, who is also Member of Parliament for Tauranga.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today released draft consumer credit legislation to better protect consumers from irresponsible lenders.

Over the next six weeks the Minister will visit community and industry groups around the country to discuss the draft Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Bill.

“The Government is getting tough on loan sharks and lenders who don’t play fair. Money lenders should not be able to prey on desperate people, leaving them and their families trapped in a spiral of debt,” says Mr Tremain.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says a new cross-agency group will help to raise awareness of scams so that people can protect themselves from being misled.

“Today marks the beginning of Fraud Awareness Week, so this is a timely occasion to highlight the importance of vigilance in the fight against scams,” says Mr Tremain.

“One in 10 New Zealanders approached by scammers will hand over money, with the average victim losing almost $5000.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain opened a brand new weights, measures and product safety testing facility in Auckland today.

The new building and laboratory will support testing of petrol pumps, supermarket scales, and other measuring devices to ensure they are accurate. It will also be used to test whether products meet safety standards, and to help monitor fuel quality.

“The work done in this building will affect every single New Zealander,” says Mr Tremain.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain is pleased that the Consumer Law Reform Bill passed its first reading today.

“The Consumer Law Reform Bill is a vital update to New Zealand’s consumer laws and another step towards implementing the Government’s 120-point Economic Development Action Plan,” says Mr Tremain.

“The Fair Trading Act, Consumer Guarantees Act, and other consumer laws are relevant to everyone in daily life. These laws are sound, but have not been updated in over 20 years.

Mr Speaker, I move that the Consumer Law Reform Bill now be read a first time.

I nominate that the Consumer Law Reform Bill be referred to the Commerce Committee.

The National Government is committed to a brighter future for New Zealanders. This includes a strong commitment to strengthening and building our economy.

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says a new freephone number will help empower and protect consumers from being preyed on by unscrupulous loan companies.

The freephone number 0800 LOAN STRESS was launched today. It will give consumers better access to services to help them clearly understand their rights and resolve disputes with finance companies.

“Too many consumers are being treated unfairly by their loan providers,” says Mr Tremain.