Tuesday, 8 May 2007

UF backs telemarketing “Do not call” registry

United Future deputy leader Judy Turner is backing the call of Marketing Professor Janet Hoek, who says it is time for New Zealand to follow Australia's lead to enact a law enabling people to ban telephone marketers from calling them at home.

“There should be a national ‘do not call’ registry that people can simply ring up and place their name and phone number on to stop telemarketers hassling them at home,” says Mrs Turner.

“It should apply to all for-profit companies and ensure that they update their calling lists at least monthly to keep up to date.

“We could penalise companies who breach the ‘Do not call’ list by allowing damages to be awarded to folks if they are disturbed by telemarketers even after putting their names on the list. That would soon ensure compliance.

“These businesses target times of the day that New Zealanders are enjoying much needed rest and family time. We should be able to be free from advertising in our own home in the evenings, and a ‘do not call’ list would allow this to happen.

“Telemarketing is a pesky problem with a simple solution. We are bombarded with enough adverting every day of our lives. I think people would enjoy being able to stop telemarketers harassing them during dinner time to sell them things they don’t want or need,” says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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