27 February 2026

Retail NZ is welcoming the Commerce Commission’s guidance on the imminent gift card expiry date changes, which was published today. 

“With just over two weeks until the new rules come into force, it’s important retailers have clarity around exactly how they will be interpreted, with many businesses that offer gift cards, vouchers and loyalty programmes having been faced with uncertainty over exactly what will be captured under the new law,” Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says. 

New legislation requiring gift cards to have a minimum expiry date of three years comes into force on 16 March, after the amendment to the Fair Trading Act was passed in September 2024. 

“While the legislation allowed for an 18-month lead-in time, there has been confusion over whether gift cards related to loyalty programmes would fall under these new rules, as well as vouchers given out as incentives or bonuses,” Ms Young says.  

The Commerce Commission’s guidance out today makes it clear that any gift card or voucher that is sold—whether in exchange for money, a deduction in loyalty points, or bundled up with the purchase of any other goods or services—must adhere to the new three-year expiration date rules.  

While prepaid top-up cards for telecommunication services, public transport, electricity, gas, or water services are excluded from the changes, any other prepaid top-up cards will be required to adhere to the new minimum expiry. 

Gift cards given out for free would be exempt. 

“This clarification is useful for retailers to understand what is captured by these new rules. While it might not be the news that some businesses will have been hoping for or expecting, it provides clear guidance that they can now use to make the relevant adjustments,” Ms Young says. 

“We are heartened to hear that the Commerce Commission will be taking a pragmatic approach to enforcement as retailers work to update their programmes.” 

For further information or to set up an interview please contact Carolyn on 021 449 452

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