New Zealand · Consumer law and remedies
HouseSmile sentence applies New Zealand’s unconscionable-conduct prohibition
The District Court imposed a fine and emotional-harm payment after a guilty outcome involving repeated pressure and sales to a known vulnerable consumer.
What this means
Understand the practical effect.
The District Court imposed a fine and emotional-harm payment after a guilty outcome involving repeated pressure and sales to a known vulnerable consumer.
What to do
Turn the update into action.
Build vulnerability, affordability, comprehension and stop-contact safeguards into sales and collections, and ensure incentive structures do not reward bypassing them.
Official source
Check the controlling material.
Practical support
Apply this update to your business.
Confirm the products, customer journeys, claims, suppliers or processes affected, then identify the evidence, ownership and timing needed for a defensible response.
Watchdog can assess the update against your circumstances and recommend the most useful next step.
Important information
Check the current position.
This update is general information, not legal advice. Laws, official guidance and proceedings can change. Check the current source and your specific facts before acting.