Meet Ed Herman
After a number of years of resource constraints, the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs now has a dedicated Commissioner, Edward Herman.
The Times spoke with Herman on Friday morning.
Herman reports directly to the Secretary of Internal Affairs and the legislation which applies to his area is: Consumer Guarantees Act 2008, Fair Trading Act 2008 and Control of Prices Act 1966.
Prior to his appointment, an Acting Commissioner, Georgine Nicholas reviewed the applicable legislation.
Herman’s appointment now sees the Division moving ahead not only in regard to policies and procedures but other matters. Herman points out that the Price Tribunal has been reactivated under Terry Hagan, fuel prices have been reviewed and food price controls will soon come under scrutiny as little has happened since 2005.
A promotional document will be done when the policies have been firmed up.
The legislation says Herman, is self regulating. This means private individuals, with complaints, can take their own cases to court. The main objective is to make people aware of how the Consumer Affairs Office operates and to make consumers aware of their rights. People can still approach the Office and make a complaint which will be dealt with in confidence. At present some “word of mouth” complaints are being received by phone and e-mail.
Herman says he is looking to recruit someone to act as the Price Tribunal Secretariat and to assist with inspections such as the checking of fuel pumps.
See media release this issue. -Charles Pitt

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