The New Zealand Commerce Commission has vowed to crack down on unscrupulous car hire organisations. The move follows two separate instances where local rental companies were prosecuted for ripping off visitors, prompting authorities to keep a closer eye on the tourism sector in accordance with consumer protection laws.

Two companies in the South Island city of Christchurch have been ordered to pay fines and reparations of NZD$43,710 (£18,000) to foreign tourists after they were found guilty of a range of offences including Levying charges not disclosed, advising customers they had damaged their hire cars when they had not, making up rental repairs, promising the latest model vehicles then providing dated cars, and stating that vehicles belonged to the Qualmark program for quality vehicles, even after membership had lapsed.

The two companies, Euro Car Rental New Zealand and Affinity Car Rental New Zealand, both run by Kylee and Gary Harris, pleaded guilty to 18 separate charges of breaches of the Fair Trading Act. The Commerce Commission, which brought the charges against the companies, has vowed to keep a closer watch on the tourism industry in the lead-up to next year’s Rugby World Cup, where tens of thousands of visitors are expected. They claim that websites in particular will come under scrutiny, as many travellers used the internet to make decisions relating to transport before arrival.

The Commerce Commission is committed to protecting the international image New Zealand has of being a safe and trustworthy destination, with its tourism reputation critical to the overall success of the rental industry.