Cold Calls in New Zealand: Know Your Rights as a New Arrival

When you move to New Zealand, you might get random phone calls trying to sell you solar panels, insurance, or financial advice like UK pension transfers. These cold calls can be a nuisance—or even dodgy. I had my own strange run-in with one, so I’ll share it to explain what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to handle them, including when follow-up appointments get too pushy.

My Strange Cold-Call Moment

A while ago, my phone rang, and someone asked if I knew about the “4-year transitional tax rule” for UK pensions. As someone who helps UK expats with pension transfers, I wasn’t after advice—I just wanted to know how they got my number. When I asked, “How did you get my phone number?” they mumbled, got flustered, and hung up quick. It felt like they knew they shouldn’t have my details. This happens to plenty of people settling in New Zealand, so here’s the rundown.

Are Cold Calls Legal in New Zealand?

Cold-calling isn’t banned, but there are strict rules:

• They Need Your Permission: The Privacy Act 2020 says companies can only call if they got your number fairly—e.g., you gave it to them (on a website or at an expat event), let a third party share it for marketing, or listed it publicly for calls (rare). If you’ve no idea how they got it, like me, it’s likely not legal. Buying phone number lists without consent is against the law.

• No Dodgy Tactics: The Fair Trading Act 1986 bans lying or high-pressure sales. If they use the “4-year rule” (a tax break for new residents’ foreign income, like UK pensions) to rush you, that’s not on. If you sign up for a service worth $100 or more, you get 5 working days to cancel and get a refund.

• Financial Advice Rules: Calls about pensions or investments are regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Advisers must be registered, act fairly, and be clear about fees. My caller’s quick exit wasn’t exactly professional.

• Telemarketing Standards: The New Zealand Marketing Association (NZMA) says calls should be between 8 AM and 9 PM, avoid Sundays and holidays, and stop if you say no. If you’re on the Do Not Call Register, they shouldn’t call without permission.

What If an Appointment Gets Pushy?

If a cold call leads to an appointment with an adviser (e.g., about pensions), and they get aggressive—pressuring you to sign up fast, calling repeatedly after you say no, or even turning up uninvited at your workplace—that’s over the line. Your rights include:

• Say No: You can refuse advice or further contact. Advisers must respect this (FMA rules).

• Cooling-Off Period: If you sign up for a service worth $100+, you have 5 working days to cancel (FTA).

• Report It: Pushy tactics or uninvited visits can be reported to the FMA (fma.govt.nz, 0800 434 566) for financial advice issues or the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz, 0800 943 600) for unfair sales.

How to Handle Cold Calls

If you get a random call, here’s what to do:

• Ask for Identification and Number Source
  You have the right to ask, “What’s your name and company?” and “How did you get my phone number?” They should provide at least a first name and company (e.g., “Tom from XYZ Financial”). If they refuse, dodge, or hang up, like my caller, it’s a sign they might not be legit. You can legally record the call without telling them to document this, as it’s your word against theirs without evidence. Recordings can support reports of dodgy behavior.

• Say “Stop Calling”
  Tell them to remove you from their list. They have to comply. Note the date, caller’s name, and company for records.

• Join the Do Not Call Register
  Sign up at marketing.org.nz to block marketing calls. It’s free, but renew it periodically.

• Know Your Cancellation Rights
  For services worth $100 or more agreed over the phone, you have 5 working days to cancel (FTA). Get agreements in writing.

• Report Dodgy Calls

• If they got your number without permission, contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (privacy.org.nz, 0800 803 909).

• For financial advice that’s off, report to the FMA.

• For lies or pressure, tell the Commerce Commission.

• Be Careful with Big Decisions
  Cold calls about UK pension transfers or solar panels or anything can lead to costly choices. For pensions, check advisers on the Financial Service Providers Register (fspr.govt.nz) and get a second opinion.

Why This Matters for Newcomers

Moving to New Zealand has enough challenges without random callers or pushy advisers making it harder. When you are in an uncomfortable situation, you can stay in control by asking for identification, recording calls for proof, saying no, or reporting them. 

For UK expats with pension questions or other financial needs, I’m here to help…..without the aggressive follow up!