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Win Thandar Zaw, PhD Candidate, Te Piringa-Faculty of Law, University of Waikato

How long should everyday appliances last? Why NZ needs a minimum product lifespan law

borevina/Getty Images

When a product or appliance fails, how often have you asked yourself whether it’s even worth fixing? Chances are, even if the item is repairable, the cost and inconvenience mean buying a new replacement can make more sense.

The fact is, modern products often fail to meet expectations for longevity. A 2023 Consumer NZ survey of mobile phone owners, for example, revealed 89% of faulty devices were no older than four years. Half were less than two years old.

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