MoneyHub Unveils The Fleeced Kiwi Awards: Exposing New Zealand's Worst Financial Rip-Offs

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2 days ago

Press Release – MoneyHub
New Zealanders deserve a financial system that rewards trust, not exploits it, says Christopher Walsh, MoneyHubs Head of Research.
Auckland, NZ – 1 June 2025 – MoneyHub today launches the inaugural Fleeced Kiwi Awards 2025, affectionately dubbed The Fleecys, a bold initiative to expose and shame the most egregious financial rip-offs plaguing New Zealanders. From sneaky surcharges to predatory scams, The Fleecys spotlight practices that drain wallets and betray trust, demanding accountability and reform in a cost-of-living crisis.
Since 2018, MoneyHub has saved Kiwis millions by advocating for fairer financial products. Now, The Fleecys turn up the heat, naming and shaming the worst offenders in 2025.
'New Zealanders deserve a financial system that rewards trust, not exploits it,' says Christopher Walsh, MoneyHub's Head of Research. 'The Fleecys are our rallying cry to expose rip-offs—like a $10.50 ATM fee for a $20 withdrawal or $2.3 billion lost to scams on Meta's platforms—and spark a movement for fairness.'
The 2025 Fleecys Winners: A Roll Call of Rip-Offs
The Fleecys call out six practices that fleece Kiwis with hidden costs, deceptive tactics, and unchecked scams:
Debit and Credit Card Surcharges, including PayWave – For slapping 1–3% fees on everyday transactions, turning a $100 restaurant bill into $102.50. 'Paying extra just to tap your card is a rort,' Walsh fumes. 'Shops must show fees upfront, and regulators need to outlaw these wallet-draining tricks.'
Extended Warranties – For pushing $200+ add-ons on a $1,000 TV, duplicating free protections under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). 'Retailers scare Kiwis into buying peace of mind they already have,' says Walsh. 'Know your CGA rights and save your money.'
Ticketing Fees – For ambushing fans with 8% 'booking' and 'service' fees, inflating a $200 concert ticket to $218+. 'Fans deserve transparent pricing for the events they love,' Walsh insists. 'These fees should be outlawed.'
Administration Fee on Road User Charges (RUC) for Electric Vehicles – For charging EV drivers $12.44 to print a sticker, a 16% markup on a $76 eco-friendly commute. 'This fee is a tax on a tax,' Walsh argues. 'NZTA must modernise RUC to stop fleecing green drivers.'
Private ATM Fees – For extortionate charges like $10.50 to withdraw $20, a 52.5% markup. Walsh recounts a personal sting: 'Stranded in Kapiti, I paid $10.50 for $30 cash to catch a bus. That's not an error—it's a rip-off. Operators must lower fees to $2–3.'
Meta Platforms – For profiting from scam ads on Facebook and Instagram, costing Kiwis $200 million to $2.3 billion annually. 'Meta's inaction is a scandal,' Walsh declares. 'They must verify advertisers like in Australia to protect vulnerable Kiwis from financial ruin.'
A Movement for Change
The Fleecys aren't just about naming names—they're a call to action. MoneyHub invites Kiwis to nominate 2026 candidates, share stories with #FleecedKiwiAwards, and report rip-offs anonymously via their secure form. 'Every nomination fuels our fight for a fairer New Zealand,' says Walsh. 'Together, we can force businesses to prioritise transparency and value.'
The awards highlight systemic issues, from redundant warranties to scams devastating pensioners, like a Taranaki retiree who lost $220,000 to a Facebook crypto ad. 'These aren't inconveniences—they're obstacles to financial stability,' Walsh notes. 'In a cost-of-living crisis, every dollar counts. The Fleecys empower Kiwis to fight back with knowledge, like checking CGA protections or reporting scam ads.'
Why The Fleecys Matter
With living costs squeezing households, The Fleecys expose practices that hit hardest when budgets are tight. 'A dairy charging 40 cents for a debit tap or an 8% fee on a family's concert tickets isn't just annoying—it's a betrayal of fairness,' says Walsh. MoneyHub's research, backed by Commerce Commission guidelines and Netsafe data, ensures The Fleecys target widespread, evidence-based rip-offs.
Looking ahead, MoneyHub is developing resources to tackle supermarket pricing, a complex issue warranting deeper scrutiny. 'We're committed to transparency at the checkout and beyond,' Walsh promises. 'The Fleecys are a stand against complacency, driving honest conversations between consumers, businesses, and regulators.'
Join the Fight
Kiwis can shape the 2026 Fleecys by emailing nominations, posting on social media, or submitting anonymous tips. Monthly reviews will culminate in updates by mid-2026. 'Financial literacy is power,' Walsh concludes. 'By exposing The Fleecys, we're arming New Zealanders to reclaim control and build a financial system that works for everyone.'
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About MoneyHub:
Since 2018, MoneyHub has empowered New Zealanders with guides and tools to save millions through fairer financial products. The Fleeced Kiwi Awards continue this mission, exposing rip-offs and advocating for a transparent, consumer-focused financial landscape.