Following recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 phone, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is reminding people to become familiar with their rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

"When a business supplies you with a product for personal or household use and there's a problem with it, you have the right to ask them to fix the problem under the Consumer Guarantees Act," Consumer Protection Manager Mark Hollingsworth says.

"If the problem is serious you can take the product back and ask to choose a replacement of the same type and similar value, or ask for a full refund of the amount you purchased it for. A product that is unsafe is an example of a serious problem."

"Your first point of call should be with the retailer who sold you the product," Mr Hollingsworth says.

"Every situation and product is different, but the retailer should be able to assess whether it can be fixed, or is serious and cannot be fixed. They should then be able to let you know what your options are, for instance receiving a replacement product or a refund. Knowing your consumer rights and what a business is obliged to do under the CGA can make things easier for everyone."

He says Samsung is offering purchasers of the Note7 phone the option of a replacement phone or refund. Purchasers should get in touch with the place where they bought the phone to take advantage of these options.