How long does a consumer typically have to raise a claim under the Consumer Guarantees Act?

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) in New Zealand, a consumer has the right to raise a claim within a reasonable timeframe after the goods or services have been provided. This is crucial because the CGA does not specify an exact duration for all situations, recognizing that the timeframe can vary depending on the nature of the product or service and the circumstances of the issue.

For instance, if a consumer has purchased a product and it develops a fault, the reasonable timeframe allows for variations based on the expected lifespan of the product, the potential for damage, and the consumer's reliance on that product. This flexibility ensures that consumers are protected and can seek redress without being tied to an arbitrary period.

In contrast, other options suggest specific time frames that don't fully account for the unique context of each purchase or issue, which the CGA aims to accommodate by allowing claims to be raised within a reasonable timeframe instead.