Complain about your utility provider

Make a complaint if you have a problem with your electricity, gas, water, phone, internet or an issue with access to shared property for broadband installations.

How to make a complaint

Many providers have their complaints process on their website. Use that or follow these next steps.

  1. 1

    Get advice before contacting the utility provider

    If you want some help before approaching your utility provider, you can contact Tautohetohe Whaipainga — Utilities Disputes (UDL) for guidance:

    Both UDL’s advice and resolution service are free and independent.

  2. 2

    Complain to your utility provider

    Talk to your utility provider if you’re having a problem with their service. If you cannot find your provider’s complaints process, use their ‘contact us’ information.

    Your provider has to resolve your complaint.

  3. 3

    If your problem is not resolved — use UDL’s free service

    If you’re not happy with the resolution offered by your utility provider, you can make a complaint with UDL. Check UDL’s website for their:

  4. 4

    If you’re still not happy

    The UDL Toihau (Commissioner) can make a recommendation that is binding.

    Complaints process: the Commissioner can make a recommendation — UDL

Other ways to make a complaint

If they fit your situation, consider using either the:

  • Telecommunications Dispute Resolution (TDR) service — for internet and phone complaints
  • Disputes Tribunal at the Ministry of Justice.

Use the TDR — a free service

Find out the steps TDR takes with a complaint and which phone and internet issues they can consider:

Make a complaint or get advice

If it looks like they can help with your situation, either:

Apply to the Disputes Tribunal — the cost depends on your claim

It might fit your situation to make a claim to the Disputes Tribunal at the Ministry of Justice. You can check by learning:

Make a claim with the Disputes Tribunal

If applying to the Disputes Tribunal fits your situation, follow their application process.

How to make a claim — Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand

How much it costs to make a claim

The amount you pay depends on how much you’re claiming.

Forms and fees for filing a claim — Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand

If your complaint is about a privacy issue

Complain about a privacy breach

More information about utilities complaints

Utility links and page information

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