Scheme aims to protect poor

Press, 8 March 1989, Page 7

Scheme aims to protect poor

By

SARONA IOSEFA

A pilot scheme which is “unabashed and unashamedly prejudiced” towards disadvantaged consumers has been given more resources. The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Austin, yesterday opened a Consumer Affairs Regional Office at 33 Lichfield Street, Christchurch. A new liaison officer would target the disadvantaged, she said. “By this I mean Maori and Pacific people, women, low-income earners and youth.” The Ministry’s commitment recognised that those most disadvantaged in society by barriers of race, language, culture, sex, and age were accordingly disadvantaged as consumers. The Ministry would .continue its campaigning for plain English contracts and the translation of information and education materials into Maori and other Pacific Island languages, she said. The introduction of liaison workers to run education programmes and identify the needs of disadvantaged groups was another step in the process of teaching them their rights and how to deal with problems. The liaison arm of the regional office was an extension of an existing complaints service recently taken over by the Ministry from the Consumers’ Institute. The complaints officer, Mr Bob Hillier of Christchurch, would continue to advise and assist consumers with problems. His background as former coordinator of the Christchurch Community Law Centre would help, Mrs Austin said. The liaison officer, Ms Wikitoria Martin, would visit groups at work, on the marae, at church and schools.