The rules for gift cards are changing

This may come as news to many of us but from 16th March 2026 there will be new rules that come into effect for the sale of gift cards in New Zealand to protect consumers and bring us into line with international standards… 

This means a gift card or voucher (both physical and in digital form) that is redeemable for goods & services fall under this new regulation.

From the date of sale, cards sold to consumers must have a minimum expiry period of three years.  The expiry date must be clearly printed/shown on the gift card/voucher itself.

If the sale of gift cards or vouchers to consumers fail to follow the new laws, fines can be issued to individuals up to $10,000, and organisations could be fined up to $30,000.00.

This does not apply to gift cards or vouchers already sold between now and 16th March 2026.

As a business owner you should start preparing for the changes before it comes into law:

·         Review your processes to reflect the minimum expiry period.

·         Train and educate your staff.

·         Run an audit on your current stock.

Gift card rules are changing