According to the Consumer Guarantees Act, how is a consumer defined?

The definition of a consumer under the Consumer Guarantees Act is crucial as it establishes the scope of protection provided by the legislation. A consumer is identified specifically as a person who acquires goods or services for personal use or consumption. This definition differentiates consumers from businesses, which are typically involved in commercial transactions aimed at reselling or utilizing goods or services for operational purposes.

By specifying that the acquisition must be for personal use, the Act ensures that protections are afforded to individuals who are not engaged in a commercial context, thus preventing exploitation by suppliers. This consumer-focused definition is a foundation of consumer rights legislation, acknowledging that personal consumers are often at a disadvantage in terms of power and information compared to businesses.

The other options do not align with this definition. Businesses purchasing goods or services are excluded as they operate under different protections. The idea of a consumer being merely a resident of New Zealand does not capture the purpose of the legislation, which is aimed at the nature of the transaction rather than the consumer's residency. Lastly, the notion of anyone using a product long-term does not satisfy the criteria of acquisition for personal use, as it could include various non-consumer transactions. Therefore, the correct understanding of a consumer as one who acquires goods or services for personal