The Commerce Commission said they are currently investigating the Vodafone text promotions.

Chairman Charles Sweeney, in reply to the Consumer Council branding the Commission ineffective and without vigilance on action against businesses breaching the Commerce Act, said the comments of the Consumer Council employ exaggeration for dramatic effect.

Sweeney added a regulator does not work in this way and added they will not be making any detailed comments on Vodafone text promotions until the investigation is complete.

The Consumer Council earlier questioned the lack of action by the Commerce Commission in dealing with businesses engaging in text promotions as they believe that all those promoting text messaging competitions are charging a different and higher rate than the approved 20c normal texting rate.