On October 18 2025, communities around the world will celebrate International Repair Day. Brigitte Sistig from Repair Network Aotearoa explains why Aotearoa New Zealand is joining the movement with renewed urgency, and how you can get involved.
Despite the New Zealand government not proceeding with the proposed Consumer Guarantees (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill, the repair community remains committed to building a culture of repair from the ground up.
A critical moment for software obsolescence
This year's focus on software obsolescence comes at a critical moment, as Microsoft ended free support for Windows 10 on October 14 and, ironically, it happened on International E-Waste Day - just four days before International Repair Day. This decision threatens to create mountains of e-waste from perfectly functional computers. But they don't have to become e-waste!
Actions you can take this International Repair Day
Sign the open letter
The United States Public Interest Research Group (US PIRG) is urging Microsoft to extend free, automatic Windows 10 support, and Right to Repair Europe has co-signed. Your organisation can add its name and share it with others.
Support your community
From Whangārei to Ōtepoti Dunedin, Repair Cafés are hosting International Repair Day events, demonstrating practical repair alternatives - from electronics and computers to clothing and household items. For those working with computers, guidance on alternative operating systems, hardware optimisation, and avoiding unnecessary is available at End of 10.
Join the movement
The repair movement in Aotearoa is growing stronger. With 50 events during this year's Repair Festival, New Zealanders are proving that repair isn't just about fixing things - it's about building community resilience, reducing waste, and challenging the throwaway culture.
This International Repair Day, attend your local Repair Café, learn a repair skill, or fix something instead of replacing it. Every repair makes a difference.
Find your nearest Repair Café at Repair Network Aotearoa.