Its work includes comparative tests and surveys of consumer goods and services, research into and advice on financial, food, health, safety, welfare and environmental matters, representation at parliamentary committees and public enquiries and interest in consumer education and complaints advisory work.
[3][4] Consumer commissions independent laboratories to carry out product tests.
The organization does not permit any marketer to use its test results to promote their products.
[6] The organization has been criticized for emphasizing shortcomings in nursing homes, with health care workers saying that Consumers NZ demands more from health care services than it is reasonable to expect.
[7] Consumer NZ is governed by an elected board of seven members who hold office for three years.