What is the primary piece of legislation governing consumer law in New Zealand?

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 is indeed the primary piece of legislation that governs consumer law in New Zealand. This Act provides a framework that sets out the rights and obligations of consumers and suppliers in terms of the quality and suitability of goods and services. It ensures that consumers are entitled to certain guarantees, such as that goods must be of acceptable quality, fit for the purpose intended, and match any description or sample provided.

In addition to these guarantees, the Consumer Guarantees Act establishes specific remedies available to consumers when goods or services fail to meet these standards, which reinforces consumer protection in the marketplace. The Act applies to transactions involving both goods and services, offering a comprehensive consumer protection regime.

The other options, while relevant to consumer law, serve different functions. The Sale of Goods Act 1908 primarily deals with the legal considerations of selling goods rather than the broader scope of consumer rights covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. The Commerce Act 1975 focuses on competition law and prevents anti-competitive practices in the marketplace, ensuring fair trading but not directly addressing consumer guarantees. The Fair Trading Act 1986 protects consumers against misleading and deceptive conduct and unfair trading practices, but it operates alongside the Consumer Guarantees Act rather than superseding it.

Therefore