Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

ecomes predatory when it‟s carried out unethically by „loan sharks‟, pay day lenders, mobile
shops, and used car dealers.
Labour will conclude the review of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act
and introduce legislation to implement the review‟s findings.
Labour will pass legislation within twelve months that deals with issues around loan
sharks including exorbitant interest rates, irresponsible lending provisions, celebrity
endorsements, and disclosure by lenders of the fees, charges and interest rates that
make up the costs of loans.
Labour will investigate what role the government can play in the development of
social lending schemes.
Some consumers may be more vulnerable than others due to a number of factors, including
poverty, low literacy or language difficulties, age, and disability. Vulnerable consumers are
at risk from rip-offs or poor decision making.
Labour will recognise the special needs of vulnerable consumers by requiring useful
information be provided in alternative languages to such groups.
Labour will increase access to advice and advocacy (in taking up
complaints/disputes). Consideration will be given to whether this should be provided
by existing NGOs or the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Labour will extend the provision of accessible education about budgeting, financial
literacy and consumer rights.
Labour supports the efforts of community budgeting services, citizens advice bureaux,
community law centres, and others to improve the financial literacy and awareness of Pacific
communities, and access to more sustainable financial and credit options.
For more information, see Labour‟s Consumer Affairs policy.
Interfaith
Labour has established the portfolio of Interfaith Dialogue in recognition of the
unprecedented plurality of faiths and religious beliefs that exist today, and the significant role
faith plays in the lives of many New Zealanders.
Labour is committed to building peace and the promotion of harmonious relations amongst
diverse groups and greater appreciation between faith communities and all New Zealanders.
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