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Latest reports from Consumer Online

Thursday, 5 August 2004, 9:24 am
Press Release: Consumer Online

STORES ONLINE

Utah-based StoresOnline uses seminars to sell overpriced websites that have left New Zealanders feeling ripped off.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=1930&category=News

AIR NEW ZEALAND LOYALTY SCHEME

Frequent flyer points are a never-ending cause of frustration. But that's about to change for Air New Zealand customers, when a new loyalty scheme is launched.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=1931&category=News

DISHWASHERS

We tested another four models: two Simpsons, a Miele and a Dishlex, bringing the total number to 19.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Dishwashers

WALL OVENS

Looking for a perfectly-cooked roast chicken, or an immaculate batch of scones? We put six electric wall ovens to the test, and found two to recommend.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Wall%20ovens

INSURANCE DISCLOSURES

Every year, some people have their insurance policies scrapped because they didn't tell all when they first applied for cover. Could this happen to you?

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Insurance%20disclosures

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EXTENDED WARRANTIES If you're buying a home appliance and the retailer offers you an extended warranty, don't be tempted. In most cases, they're trying to make you pay for protection you already have.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Extended%20warranties

* * CONSUMER ONLINE TURNS 3 * *

It's our birthday, and you get the presents ...

30% OFF ALL BOOKS!

We're having a BIG BOOK SALE - with 30% off all our books and binders! Be in quick - Sale ends 31 August 2004. For a full list of available titles, see

http://www.consumer.org.nz/books

PLUS, BE IN TO WIN!

All current members on 31 August will automatically be in to WIN one of 3 DVD players and The Lord of the Rings DVD movie trilogy sets! For more information, see:

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=1930&category=News

* * CAN YOU HELP? * *

Your chance to help us research topics for upcoming reports and articles.

HEAT PUMPS If you own a heat pump, are you satisfied with its performance? Has it ever frozen up? Have you noticed a signficant decrease in your heating costs, enough to justify the price?

ELECTRICITY VS GAS Do you use gas to cook, or heat your house or hot water? Are you satisfied with the cost and convenience? Have you switched from gas to electricity recently or vice versa. If so, why?

HOME LOAN LENDERS Have you had a particularly good or bad experience with a non-bank home loan lender (not a broker)? How did you choose them, and how do you rate the service you received?

BUILDING HOUSES Have you recently built or renovated? What energy conservation features did you use? Did you choose any other features for a specific purpose, such as types of flooring, roofing or wallboard?

INTERNET SHOPPING Do you shop online? If so, which stores do you regularly visit, and what sorts of things do you buy? Have you had any issues with customer service, or tried to return any products?

ONLINE SURVEYS Have you, or has someone you know signed up to participate in paid online surveys?

To comment on any of these topics, use our online form: http://www.consumer.org.nz/about/helpus.asp?category=Can%20You%20Help

* * COMING SOON TO CONSUMER ONLINE * *

GSM mobile phones - our database will include test results and specifications for 40 models!

Plus: Household savings, pain relief, chiropractors, artificial sweeteners. Tests of printers, water blasters, photo editing software, and more ...

* * ABOUT THIS UPDATE * *

This update was brought to you by Consumer Online, New Zealand's trusted source of independent consumer advice. For more articles, test reports and best buy recommendations, go to Consumer Online. http://www.consumer.org.nz

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Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

BUSINESS, SCIENCE & TECH

Federated Farmers: Government Ends War On Farming

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University of Auckland: NZ Researchers Drive Work On International AI Framework

Sir Peter Gluckman, director of think tank Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, and Hema Sridhar, Koi Tū strategic adviser for technological futures, are the lead authors of an international report being released by the International Science Council to inform the multiple global and national discussions taking place related to AI.

Woolworths: Rolling Out Team Safety Cameras To All Stores As Critical Tool For De-escalating Conflict

Woolworths New Zealand is introducing team safety cameras to all of its 191 stores this week, following positive feedback from team members who have been involved in a 17 store trial of the safety initiative. The retailer has listened to team members who have said the team safety cameras not only help with de-escalating conflict situations as they arise, but make them feel safer as they work.

Consumer NZ: Environmentally Conscious Shoppers At Risk Of Being Greenwashed

According to Consumer, more than 75% of New Zealanders place some importance on a product’s green claims being verified before it’s sold. Despite this, there is no independent vetting or checking required before products making green claims hit New Zealand’s shelves.

Hugh Grant: Facing The Future - The Use Of Biometric Tech

New Zealand is far from unique in deploying biometric tools to solve major social challenges. As the technology has matured and improved in recent years, facial recognition has been increasingly deployed to take advantage of the increased speed, safety, and security it can provide for users.

John Mazenier: Gaffer Tape And Glue Delivering New Zealand’s Mission Critical Services

Every debt, eventually, has to be repaid. Right now, the day of reckoning is fast approaching for one of the most crippling, but least discussed, debts burdening government across New Zealand – technical debt. Technical debt is the cost of generations of incremental investments in legacy technologies to tease additional functionality or life from them.

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