The right to repair

Abstract

The right to repair debate has been growing over the past several years around the world, focusing on both consumer protection and environmental concerns. New Zealand’s Government is considering right to repair legislation as part of the review of waste management legislation (The Ministry for the Environment “Taking responsibility for our waste: Proposals for a new waste strategy; Issues and options for new waste legislation” (October 2021)). The right to repair movement has emerged to address challenges faced by consumers regarding repair of purchased products due to lack of spare parts, tools or repair documentation. Right to repair measures enhance the property rights of the consumers over the purchased devices.