‘A powerful solution finder’: Solving stuff special to delve into problems bugging Kiwis

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

We want to hear from you on the issues affecting your life so we can investigate with our series, Solving stuff.

Solving stuff is where we investigate reader complaints and push for answers. You can read more about the project here.

We’re planning a special edition next week, and want you to submit your story for consideration at the end of this article.

You might have heard about a Stuff initiative called Solving stuff.

It’s where you tell us your problem, big or small, and we’ll make it our mission to solve it.

Maybe you’ve been scammed or ripped off and no-one’s listening, have been given the runaround over a faulty product, or you’ve got a gripe over an unreasonable situation - such as prolonged night-time roadworks outside your home or not being able to receive your mail.

Since we launched the editorial project last year we’ve been inundated with requests for help from all over New Zealand, culminating in plenty of positive outcomes for people.

So, next week we’re planning a special edition where senior journalists Natalie Akoorie and Tony Wall will highlight more cautionary tales and results for readers.

Some of our recent success stories include:

Thieves used utes to target an Airbnb in Christchurch. Police are now investigating after Stuff made enquires.

The Mercedes-Benz owner who paid $144,000 for his luxury car which kept going into limp mode when he drove it. Within hours of us asking questions of the dealership, it had made a full refund offer.
Those pesky supermarket receipts that still popped out of the checkout machine even when shoppers said “no thanks”, will no longer appear if shoppers select “no” in Foodstuff’s North Island stores.
The case of a man who had $7650 debited from his account without knowing revealed a little known banking loophole where a “preferred initiator” can debit your account without your authorisation.
The case of an Airbnb burglary and identity theft used in a fraud against the IRD. When Stuff made enquiries police did a U-turn after initially declining to investigate further.
Those pesky supermarket receipts that still popped out of the checkout machine even when shoppers said “no thanks”, will no longer appear if shoppers select “no” in Foodstuff’s North Island stores.

Corinne Jones was full of praise for Stuff’s Solving stuff project after we helped helped her overturn an $85 parking ticket.

Wheelchair user Lisa Whyte found herself with a restricted view of a concert despite paying full price for the ticket. After Stuff’s enquiries she received an apology and a refund.

These stories and others have resonated with you, our readers, judging by the positive feedback we’re getting including that many of you have made Solving stuff a regular part of your day.

Reader Mark wrote: “I love the Solving stuff series you’re doing. This has now become my favourite part of Stuff. Keep up the great work!”

Another reader said: “I have no problem, I just wanted to say thank you for being there for us all in times of need!!! It was a great read about the $144k SUV Mercedes”.

“Your team has won my heart for your true efforts. Thanks again for all you do. I look forward to seeing more from the AWESOME people at Stuff.”

Another said: “What a much needed and powerful solution finder your service offers. Bravo. There are few avenues available like this anymore. Your salvation stories make great reading amongst the gloom and doom.”

Pensioner Corinne Jones, who Stuff helped to overturn an $85 parking ticket after she overstayed by one minute in a car park controlled by Smart Compliance Management, put it simply.

“You are the new Fair Go and we really need that.”

Look out for the Solving stuff special edition on Sunday, July 5 on stuff.co.nz.

The New Standard: If it’s unfair to you, it’s fair game for us.

Use the form below to tell us who is giving you the runaround. Or email natalie.akoorie@stuffdigital.co.nz