Consumer NZ Warns Against Misleading Easter Sunday Surcharges

Consumer NZ has issued a reminder to businesses regarding the application of surcharges during the Easter period. While Good Friday and Easter Monday are recognized public holidays, Easter Sunday is not. Therefore, businesses should not impose surcharges on Easter Sunday under the pretense of covering public holiday costs.

Jessica Walker, acting head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, emphasized the importance of transparency: "In the past, we've seen eateries claim they're applying a surcharge because it's a public holiday when it's not actually a public holiday."

The Commerce Commission also underscores that any surcharges applied must be clearly disclosed and accurately described to avoid misleading consumers.

Consumers who believe they have been misled about a surcharge are encouraged to report the matter to the Commerce Commission or Consumer NZ.