Manage People

How to cancel your people magazine subscription in new zealand

What people magazine is and what you're paying for

People is a celebrity and lifestyle magazine available as a digital subscription through the iOS App Store, Google Play, and directly on the People website. You get full access to celebrity news, human-interest stories, lifestyle features, and exclusive content across multiple platforms.

When you subscribe, you unlock the Verify icon (confirming your membership status), unlimited stars to favourite stories, and premium in-app features. Your access level and trial eligibility depend on which platform you use to subscribe and which plan you choose.

How much you're paying

People offers three subscription tiers in New Zealand, each charging automatically on your renewal date. Here's what each plan costs and what it includes:

Prices shown are from the New Zealand App Store and may vary slightly depending on current promotions, regional updates, or applicable taxes. Your actual billing amount could differ from the listed price.

What you should know before cancelling

If you're considering cancellation, be clear about why first. Are you not reading enough content to justify the cost? Do you prefer free news sources? Are you struggling with automatic renewals? Understanding your reason helps you decide whether to cancel outright or pause instead (where available).

Keep in mind that cancelling stops future charges immediately, but your access may continue until your current billing period ends. Once that period expires, you lose access to paid features-though your account data typically stays saved unless you delete it manually.

Your consumer rights in new zealand and what they mean

The consumer guarantees act 1993 and your protection

In New Zealand, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects you when you buy services, including digital subscriptions. The law requires that services are delivered with due care and skill, and that they match any promises made by the seller at the point of sale.

If People fails to deliver the service as described (for example, if the app consistently crashes or content isn't accessible), you may have grounds to claim a refund or replacement under this law. Most importantly, Stopee knows that this protection applies to all New Zealand consumers, regardless of where the company is based.

Refund rights depending on where you bought

Your refund eligibility depends on your purchase platform:

• App Store (iOS): Apple's refund policy applies, not People's. You have 14 days from purchase to request a refund through Apple; success depends on Apple's review.
• Google Play: Google's refund window is generally 48 hours from purchase. Request refunds via the Google Play app or website; refunds are processed automatically if approved.
• Direct (People website): You likely have a 14-day right of withdrawal under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (or equivalent New Zealand consumer law). Email People directly to initiate this process.

Stopee recommends keeping screenshots of your purchase receipt and any cancellation confirmation. These become vital evidence if you need to escalate a dispute to the Commerce Commission or your bank.

Step-by-step cancellation methods for every platform

Cancel via apple app store on iPhone or iPad

If you subscribed through the iOS App Store, you must cancel through your Apple account settings. Apple handles billing, so People cannot access your subscription directly.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen, then select Subscriptions.
   • If you don't see Subscriptions, tap Password and Security instead, scroll down, and tap Subscriptions.
3. Find and tap the People subscription in your list.
4. Tap Cancel Subscription or Turn Off Free Trial (if you're still in a trial period).
   • A confirmation message will appear. Read it carefully-it explains when your access ends.
5. Confirm your choice by tapping the red Cancel Subscription button again.
6. You'll see a confirmation page showing your cancellation is complete. Take a screenshot for your records.

Pro tip: You can cancel an iOS subscription right up to your renewal date. The moment you cancel, Apple stops future charges-but you keep access until the current billing period ends.

Cancel via google play on android

Google Play handles all billing for Android subscriptions. You cancel directly through the Google Play app or website, and your request is processed immediately.

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
   • Alternatively, visit play.google.com in your web browser.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Payments and subscriptions, then tap Subscriptions.
4. Find the People subscription and tap it.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription or the red Cancel button.
   • Google will ask you why you're cancelling. Your answer is optional but helps Google improve services.
6. Confirm your choice. You'll receive an on-screen confirmation immediately, and a confirmation email within minutes.
7. Check your email for the cancellation receipt and save it.

Warning: If you uninstall the Google Play app or delete your Google account, you won't automatically cancel your subscription. You must follow these steps to stop charges.

Cancel directly on the people website

If you subscribed directly via the People website (rather than through App Store or Google Play), you manage your subscription through your online account.

1. Visit the People website and log in with your username and password.
2. Navigate to your Account Settings (usually found in a menu under your profile or name).
3. Look for a Subscriptions or My Subscriptions section.
4. Click Cancel Subscription or similar option next to your current plan.
5. Read the confirmation prompt carefully. It will confirm your cancellation and explain when access ends.
6. Click Confirm or Yes to finalise the cancellation.
7. You should see a confirmation message on screen. If an email confirmation arrives, save it as proof.

Stopee advises checking your account settings again a few days later to confirm the subscription is no longer listed. This simple step catches any glitches where the cancellation didn't process.

Cancel by post or mail

If you prefer to cancel in writing or have difficulty cancelling online, People provides a mailing address for subscription queries and cancellations. This method takes longer but creates a paper trail for your records.

1. Prepare a brief letter stating:
   • Your full name and email address associated with the subscription.
   • Your subscription plan (weekly, monthly, or annual).
   • The date you started your subscription (if you know it).
   • A simple statement: "I request cancellation of my People subscription effective immediately."
2. Include a photocopy of your purchase receipt or bank statement showing the People charge (optional but helpful).
3. Post the letter to the address listed in the Cancellation address section below.
4. Keep a copy of your letter and note the post date. Request a tracked delivery option if posting from New Zealand.
5. Allow 7-14 business days for the cancellation to process and charges to stop.

Pro tip: Combine the postal method with an email to People's customer service team (if an email is available). This creates multiple proof points and speeds up processing.

What happens to your access after you cancel

Your access timeline after cancellation

When you cancel, your subscription stops renewing immediately. However, you don't lose access right away. Here's how the timeline works:

• Access during your paid period: You keep full access to all premium features until the end of your current billing cycle. If you're mid-week in a weekly subscription, you lose access in 7 days. If you're mid-month on a monthly plan, you get 30 days.
• After the paid period ends: Your premium features disable automatically. You can no longer use the Verify icon or unlimited stars. You may see limited free content, depending on People's app design.
• Your account and saved data: Your profile, saved stories, and account information remain in the system. You can log back in anytime, even after cancellation, to view your profile or re-subscribe.

We know this uncertainty can feel frustrating-Stopee hears from thousands of readers each month who worry they'll lose access too early. The good news is that cancellation never cuts access mid-billing cycle; you're always entitled to what you've paid for.

If you want to delete your account entirely

Cancellation and account deletion are two separate actions. After you cancel your subscription, your account stays active. If you want to remove your profile, saved data, and personal information, you'll need to request account deletion separately through People's website or customer support.

Deleting your account is permanent and cannot be undone. You lose access to any bookmarked stories and cannot recover your username.

Will you get a refund and how to claim one

Refund eligibility by platform

Refunds are never guaranteed, but your eligibility depends on where you bought and how long ago. Here's what each platform offers:

• App Store (iOS): Apple evaluates refund requests case by case. You have 14 days from purchase. Request through Apple Support (Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Report a Problem > select your subscription > Report a Problem). Success rates vary; Apple approves refunds for unused services or bugs more readily than for "change of mind" requests.
• Google Play: Google typically approves refunds within 48 hours of purchase. After 48 hours, refund requests are automatically denied unless there's a technical issue with the service. Request via the Google Play app's Subscriptions section or email Google Play Help.
• People website (direct purchase): You qualify for a 14-day right of withdrawal in most cases under New Zealand consumer law. Email People directly with your order number and reason. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.

Stopee emphasises that simply changing your mind does not automatically entitle you to a refund. However, if the service failed to work as promised, you have stronger grounds under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

How to escalate if people denies your refund

If People or the platform denies your refund unfairly, escalate to the Commerce Commission New Zealand, the country's consumer protection authority. They investigate complaints about unfair trading, misleading claims, and breaches of consumer law.

1. Visit the Commerce Commission website at comcom.govt.nz.
2. Report your complaint using their online form or contact details.
3. Include your order number, the date of purchase, screenshots of charges, and a clear explanation of why you believe the refund should be granted.
4. The Commerce Commission will review People's response and advise you of your rights.

Most companies resolve refund disputes before reaching the Commission level, especially if you provide clear documentation and cite the relevant consumer law.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Cancelling a subscription sounds simple, but a few tricky habits catch many readers off guard. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers avoid these pitfalls, and we want you to stay ahead of them too.

Mistake 1: assuming deletion of the app cancels your subscription

Deleting the People app from your phone does nothing to stop charges. Your subscription runs independently of the app. You'll keep being charged on your renewal date even though you can't access it. Always use the steps above to cancel through your platform's settings.

Mistake 2: cancelling on your renewal date without a buffer

If you wait until your renewal date to cancel, you may accidentally trigger another charge before your cancellation processes. Cancel at least 2-3 days before your renewal date to ensure the cancellation is confirmed in the system. You can check your renewal date in your account settings.

Mistake 3: not keeping cancellation proof

Screenshots and confirmation emails matter. If a charge appears after you cancel, you'll need proof that you submitted a cancellation request. Save confirmations from your platform or People.

Mistake 4: contacting only people, not the platform

If you subscribed via App Store or Google Play, contacting People directly won't stop your charges. The platform controls billing. You must cancel through Apple or Google. Conversely, if you subscribed directly on the People website, contacting Apple won't help.

Mistake 5: falling for re-subscription tactics

After you cancel, People or the app may offer a discounted resubscription ("Come back for 50% off!"). These are purely optional. Do not click these offers unless you genuinely want to resubscribe.

Cancellation checklist and verification steps

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and charges won't continue:

1. Step 1: Confirm cancellation via your platform (check App Store, Google Play, or People account settings). The subscription should no longer appear in your subscriptions list, or it should show "Cancelled" or "Inactive".
2. Step 2: Save your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot. Name the file with the date (e.g., "People_Cancellation_29Jan2025.jpg") and store it in a folder for receipts.
3. Step 3: Note your renewal date from your last confirmation. Mark it on your calendar and check your bank or credit card statement on that date to ensure no charge appears.
4. Step 4: If a charge does appear after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately. Your bank can initiate a chargeback or dispute if People charged you after cancellation.
5. Step 5: Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from People or the platform within 24 hours. If you don't receive one, log back into your account to verify the cancellation is still in the system.

Reviews and what other new zealand readers say

Why people cancel

Stopee reviews show that New Zealand subscribers cancel People for several consistent reasons:

• Cost vs. usage: Weekly and monthly plans add up ($4.99 or $9.99 per billing cycle). Readers report that free news sources cover the same celebrity stories without the paywall.
• Content repetition: The same stories circulate across multiple days, making a paid subscription feel redundant.
• Automatic renewal shock: Many readers forget they have an active subscription and are surprised by charges months later.
• App performance: Some users report crashes, slow loading, or features that don't work as advertised, making the service feel unfair value.

How easy is it to cancel?

Stopee rates the cancellation process as straightforward for App Store and Google Play users. The in-app cancellation flows are clear and quick (under 2 minutes). Direct website cancellations are equally simple if you can find the Subscriptions section in Account Settings.

Postal cancellations are slow (7-14 days) but provide a paper trail if you need escalation later.

Your cancellation address for people magazine

If you need to cancel by post or lodge a formal complaint, use the address below. Always send mail via tracked delivery and keep a copy of your letter:

• Mailing Address: People Magazine Customer Service, Postmaster, [Standard Publisher Address as Provided by Service]

For faster results, check the People website's contact page for an email address or online support form. Email is typically quicker than post and creates an instant digital record.

Key takeaway and your next step

Cancelling a People magazine subscription in New Zealand is straightforward if you choose the right method and avoid common traps. Whether you're cancelling to save money, because you're not using the service, or because of technical issues, your consumer rights protect you under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

The best approach: cancel immediately through your platform (App Store, Google Play, or People website), save your confirmation, and check your bank statement on your next renewal date to confirm no charge appears.

If People or your platform denies a refund unfairly, escalate to the Commerce Commission. They enforce consumer law and take complaints seriously.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and reclaim money they didn't know they could recover. If you're unsure about your refund rights or need guidance tailored to your situation, Stopee's guides and tools are designed to put you back in control of your spending.