Each year we throw out approximately 97,000 tonnes of unwanted or broken electrical waste – one of the highest per capita amounts on the planet. And there are no repairability rules or regulations to stop faulty products heading to landfill.
By law, a product should last a ‘reasonable’ amount of time, but many products are falling short of this. For example, at Consumer we’d expect a cordless vacuum to last 5 years, but our research found they work for 2.2 years on average. A corded vacuum should last for 8 years, but consumers have told us they last 4.8 years on average.
Why this matters
Empowering New Zealanders with the choice and ability to repair the things they own promotes a circular economy – that’s a win for household budgets, the environment and consumer rights.
By extending products’ lifespans and making repairs easier and more affordable, New Zealand benefits from a thriving second-hand market and independent repair industry and, ultimately, consumers are better supported to make informed purchasing decisions.
How we’re fighting for your right to fix the stuff you own
In February 2025, the Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill made it through its first reading and was referred to select committee. We strongly support the introduction of right to repair legislation.
- We've made a submission on the Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill strongly supporting the introduction of right to repair legislation. Our submission suggested the right to repair should only apply to particular categories of goods (such as appliances and electronics) that cost over $50 or $100. We also recommended manufacturers be required to label the packaging of repairable goods so consumers can easily determine whether something is repairable.
- We'll be appearing before the select committee to try to convince them to progress the bill. The select committee’s report is due by 19 August 2025.
- Last year, we delivered a petition with over 21,000 signatures to parliament, calling on the government to introduce mandatory repairability labels.
Stay in the loop
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Latest news
We're constantly advocating in the media for stronger right to repair regulation.
- The scope of the Consumer Guarantees Act (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill – Abby Damen, communications and campaigns adviser, Consumer NZ, on RNZ’s The Detail
- Repairability scoring and top tips for buying second-hand – Bryan Wall, product test writer, Consumer NZ, on RNZ’s Summertimes
- A trip down memory lane to when durability was an expectation - Kate Harvey, digital journalist, Consumer NZ
- How we're using repairability scoring to help New Zealanders choose a fixable smartphone – Nick Gelling, product test writer, Consumer NZ
- How right to repair law might work - Abby Damen, communications and campaigns adviser, Consumer NZ, on Seven Sharp
- Cut and chuck: Where faulty goods go to die – Paul Smith, former product test manager, Consumer NZ, on Consume This