From NZ Manufacturer magazine March 2025                            www.nzmanufacturer.co.nz

NZ Manufacturer March 25 by Media Hawkes Bay Limited – Issuu

 

*Jim Goddin, Head of Circular Economy at thinkstep-anz.

The recent first reading of the Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill in New Zealand’s Parliament marks a pivotal moment for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

If enacted, this legislation will require manufacturers to provide spare parts, repair manuals, and software access to consumers and independent repairers. While some manufacturers may be concerned about potential costs or intellectual property risks, the right to repair presents significant benefits for New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.

It can drive business innovation, reduce waste, enhance customer loyalty, and build a more resilient, circular economy.

Understanding the Right to Repair

The right to repair ensures that consumers and independent repairers have access to the tools, parts, and information necessary to maintain and fix products. It challenges restrictive policies that limit repairs to authorised service providers, often increasing costs and contributing to e-waste.

Key elements of the Right to Repair include:

• Access to spare parts and manuals – Manufacturers should provide genuine replacement parts and repair guides.
• Repair-friendly design – Products should be designed to allow easy repairs without specialised or proprietary tools.
• Protection against restrictive policies – Consumers should not be locked out of repairs due to software restrictions or warranty clauses.

The legislation is particularly relevant to industries such as electronics, appliances, vehicles, and agricultural machinery, where manufacturers traditionally limit repair options, increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike.

The Right to Repair and its Impact on manufacturers

Some manufacturers may worry that making spare parts and repair information available will reduce profits from new product sales or increase compliance costs. However, international experience shows that embracing repairability can be a strategic advantage rather than a financial burden.

1. Enhancing customer loyalty and brand reputation

Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of sustainability. A commitment to repairability fosters customer trust and long-term brand loyalty. When consumers know they can repair their products affordably, they are more likely to invest in high-quality, durable goods from brands they trust. This can help New Zealand manufacturers differentiate themselves in both local and international markets.

2. Strengthening the domestic economy

A thriving repair industry keeps money circulating within New Zealand rather than flowing offshore for replacement products. Cutting down on the need to import, benefits our trade balance. By supporting local repair services, manufacturers contribute to job creation and skills development, benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering economic resilience.

In Australia, the Productivity Commission’s Right to Repair Inquiry highlighted the economic advantages of accessible repair services, while the UK has implemented regulations requiring manufacturers of household appliances to provide spare parts for up to ten years. These policies have led to a boost in domestic repair industries and reduced reliance on imported goods.

3. Encouraging innovation and competitive advantage

The shift towards repairable, durable products drives design innovation. Manufacturers that integrate modular, repair-friendly designs can tap into new markets, offering premium, long-lasting products. Brands that invest in repairability can also diversify their business models, offering subscription-based services, extended warranties, and repair programs that create new revenue streams.

Global companies like Apple have started to respond to the EU’s Right to Repair regulation by providing access to over 200 genuine Apple parts and tools as well as repair manuals and diagnostics tools. While there is still room for improvement, the regulation has also started influencing their designs – for example the adhesives used for safer battery replacements.

Internationally there are also businesses like the Dutch company Repeat (formerly Gerrard Street) who have built a loyal customer base by offering modular, repairable headphones as a service: Repeat Audio – Headphones that last a lifetime.

The Environmental and Resource Security Benefits

Reducing waste and improving sustainability

New Zealand faces significant challenges in managing electronic and industrial waste. The right to repair extends the lifespan of products, preventing them from becoming waste prematurely and reducing the environmental burden of constantly manufacturing new goods.

While recycling is part of the solution, it is not a silver bullet. Many valuable materials—such as those in electronic devices—are difficult to recover efficiently. A circular economy that prioritises repair over disposal is a more sustainable and cost-effective way to manage resources.

Addressing resource scarcity and supply chain risks

New Zealand is highly dependent on imports for many raw materials and finished goods. The government recently published a list of critical minerals. Supply chain disruptions, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the risks of over-reliance on global production networks. A repair-friendly economy mitigates these risks by reducing the need for constant imports and ensuring that existing materials and products remain in use for longer.

Aligning with global trends

New Zealand is not alone looking at right-to-repair policies.

Australia has already implemented the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Information Sharing Scheme, requiring car manufacturers to provide independent repairers with service and repair information at a fair price.

The European Union has introduced a Right to Repair Directive, ensuring manufacturers provide spare parts and repair manuals for appliances and electronics to extend product lifespans. The bloc also introduced the EU Batteries Regulation (2023/1542) that mandates user-replaceable batteries in laptops, smartphones and other electronic devices.

The United States has seen state-level right-to-repair legislation, with growing federal momentum to expand repair rights across multiple industries.

Aligning with these global shifts positions New Zealand manufacturers amongst the leaders of regulatory changes, making their products more competitive internationally and reducing compliance risks in export markets.

Turning challenges into opportunities

While the right to repair may require some adjustments, it ultimately presents a growth opportunity for New Zealand manufacturers. By embracing repairability, businesses can:

• Build stronger customer relationships through repair services and extended warranties.
• Reduce waste disposal costs and increase sustainability credentials.
• Foster local job creation in repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing industries.
• Gain a competitive edge by leading in circular economy practices.

A resilient, circular future for New Zealand

Supporting the right to repair is about creating a self-sufficient, future-proof economy. It empowers consumers, strengthens local businesses, and reduces environmental harm. Instead of viewing repairability as a cost, manufacturers should see it as an investment in resilience, innovation, and long-term growth.

*Author: Jim Goddin, Head of Circular Economy at thinkstep-anz.
Jim is a specialist in circular economy systems design, co-authoring the widely adopted Material Circularity Indicator with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

A Chartered Engineer, he has led major R&D programs in eco-design, additive manufacturing, and critical materials. Jim advises organisations like APCO and UKRI and is an implementation partner for the Circular Transition Indicators framework. He holds a PhD in materials engineering.

www.thinkstep-anz.com