Sue Chetwin resigns as chief executive of Consumer New Zealand
Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Consumer New Zealand's chief executive Sue Chetwin has resigned after 13 years at the helm of the consumer watchdog.
Chetwin's departure was announced by the Consumer New Zealand's board chair Jon Duffy on Wednesday.
Duffy said Chetwin had been a strong advocate for consumer rights and would be greatly missed.
'During her time, she has successfully campaigned for many important consumer law reforms including prohibitions on unfair contract terms, fairness in consumer credit contracts, country of origin labelling [and] stopping door knockers,' he said.
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Chetwin said she had loved her time leading the organisation however it was time for a change.
'The new CEO will have many exciting new challenges, particularly in the areas of data privacy, technology and sustainability,' she said.
During her time with the consumer watchdog, Chetwin had been particularly vocal against predatory lenders and about accurate food labelling.
Other campaigns led by Chetwin included calling for mandatory standards for sunscreens, helping to regulate mobile truck shops and calling out businesses on misleading claims like greenwashing.
Prior to taking the role at Consumer New Zealand in 2007, Chetwin had been a journalist and editor for the Sunday Star Times and the New Zealand Herald.
In April, Chetwin was named as the chair of .nz policy review advisory panel.
At the time of the announcement, Chetwin said she was excited to be working to support a safe, trusted and open internet for all New Zealanders.
In September she was also named as a member of the Financial Markets Authority.
Duffy said Consumer New Zealand would be advertising for a new chief executive in the near future.