78% of Kiwis willing to pay more for appliances built to last

Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy said the research shows the public clearly want better information on which brands are built to last.

“Appliances come with price labels and detailed functional specs, but no data on how much use they will stand up to. Given this lack of information from manufacturers, Consumer NZ is stepping into the breach. We are starting to introduce durability to our product performance testing, as part of a significant new focus on durable, reliable products. We’re also starting a campaign called #BuiltToLast,” he said.

Also, 87% of consumers believe some brands are more reliable and 73% say they choose more durable kitchen or laundry appliances. However, less than half of consumers think warranty periods are a good indication of product life.

“There is a clear gap between the public’s interest in built to last appliances and the information available to consumers to help buy them,” Mr Duffy said.

What’s more, the research shows New Zealanders are loyal to their appliances, with 78% saying they only replace appliances when they break down.

With the public’s strong focus on reliability and durability, alongside the usual price and performance considerations, Consumer NZ is calling on manufacturers to test and disclose how long their appliances are expected to last.

The Consumer campaign #BuiltToLast and associated e-waste project is made possible by partial funding from the Waste Minimisation Fund. As part of the wider plan to reduce the amount of harmful rubbish ending up in landfills, Associate Environment Minister, Eugenie Sage recently announced electrical and electronic products as one of six priorities for a regulated product stewardship scheme, under the Waste Minimisation Act.

“This Government focus on what happens to electrical/electronic products at their end of life shows just how important it is to help people choose durable and reliable products. Which is why Consumer is launching the Built to Last campaign,” said Mr Duffy.

Background information

Government's Waste Minimisation Fund

The Consumer campaign #BuiltToLast and associated e-waste project is made possible by partial funding from the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF). Funding was approved by Eugenie Sage, Associate Minister for the Environment.

The funding of $190,000 over three years represents a 22% contribution to the #BuiltToLast project.

The purpose of the Waste Minimisation Fund is to boost New Zealand’s performance in waste minimisation. The fund invests in infrastructure, services, and educational activity throughout New Zealand. The fund is enabled through the waste disposal levy.

There is considerable scope in New Zealand to reduce waste and increase the recovery of useful resources from waste. Lifting our performance in recovering economic value from waste also provides environmental, social and cultural benefits and reduces the risks of harm from waste. More information about the fund can be found on the Ministry for the Environment website.