‘Consumer’ turns 21

Press, 14 July 1980, Page 25

‘Consumer’ turns 21

To mark its twenty-first anniversary of service to the New Zealand public, the Consumers’ Institute is running a campaign for greater awareness of consumer rights.

A number of events are being held in the four main centres, including the visit of the world president of the International Organisation of Consumers Unions, Mr Anwar Fazal.

The international organisation aims to promote worldwide co-operation in consumer protection, information, and education. It has

links with 110 consumer organisations in 46 countries. Mr Fazal, who conies from Malaysia, was elected president " of the international organisation in 1978. The institute’s director, Mr R. J. Smithies, says the campaign is emphasising “practical issues, telling consumers their rights and distributing information on such issues as bankcards, price competition and restrictive trade practices.” The institute had helped to reshape the New Zealand marketplace in the last 21 years, he said.