How New Zealanders are getting a bad deal on repair – and what the UK shows is possible.

When a washing machine fails, dirty laundry piles up while owners wait weeks for an authorised repairer. Even simple faults can become expensive repairs once call-out fees and labour charges are added.

Yet many common repairs are straightforward. Replacing a door gasket, detergent hose or drain pump doesn't require specialist qualifications – just basic tools, practical skills, and access to the right information and parts.