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2566 days ago

Re: Goods Must be of Acceptable Quality

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Goods you buy must be of “acceptable quality”

“A lot of people don’t realise what protections they have when they buy consumer goods from a New Zealand business” says Neil Lancaster of Citizens Advice Bureau Christchurch Area. “According to the Consumer Guarantees Act, those goods must be of acceptable quality. This means that the product must do what you would expect it to, and last a reasonable length of time.”

Neil Lancaster says “The product must be fit for its normal purpose and in good working order, have an acceptable finish and appearance, no minor defects, be safe to use and durable. For example, if you buy a new vacuum cleaner and it doesn’t clean the floor very well, overheats easily or needs repairs not long after the purchase, then it is not of acceptable quality. Also, if you’ve arranged for the business to deliver the product to you, they are responsible for ensuring that it arrives in good working order.”

“Second hand consumer goods that are sold by businesses must also be of acceptable quality, though of course you shouldn’t expect a second hand product to last as long as a brand new one, nor that it will be free of dents or scratches. You do need to take into consideration the age and price of the item.”

“If something you’ve bought from a business is of unacceptable quality, you can go back to the business and the business must put it right”. They have to get it repaired at their own cost, or if it can’t be easily fixed they have to replace the item or give you a refund. The business can’t simply refer you to the manufacturer, require you to return the item in its original packaging, or offer you store credit instead of a refund.”
“Some people think that once the warranty expires then that’s the end of the story, but in fact even if something is out of warranty you still have the same rights under the law. You should expect what you’ve bought to last a reasonable length of time, regardless of the warranty.”

“If you do strike any problems with getting a remedy for goods of unacceptable quality, we can help” says Neil Lancaster “Just pop into one of our three Christchurch locations; Ara (CPIT), Fendalton Library or Hornby Library or call 0800 367 222 (free to call from a prepaid cell phone).

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2 days ago

Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).

Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.

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Should employees be able to work from home?
  • 70.1% Yes
    70.1% Complete
  • 26.8% No
    26.8% Complete
  • 3.1% Other - I'll share below
    3.1% Complete
1261 votes
11 days ago

Hero

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.

I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.

I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.

It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.

One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.

I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.

I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?

Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.

I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”

- Hero

View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......

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