148 days ago

🔋 Device Longevity vs. Planned Obsolescence – Are We Being Forced to Upgrade?

Hayden from NZ IT Lab

🔋 Device Longevity vs. Planned Obsolescence – Are We Being Forced to Upgrade?

Have you ever felt like your perfectly good device suddenly became “too old” overnight?
📱 Slower performance after a software update.
💻 New apps no longer supported.
🔧 Repairs becoming impossible or uneconomical.

This isn’t always coincidence – it’s part of a broader debate around planned obsolescence. Manufacturers often design devices with a limited usable lifespan, whether through hardware limitations, restricted repair options, or forced software upgrades.

But here’s the dilemma:

Longer-lasting devices = better for consumers and the environment.

Shorter product cycles = faster innovation and company profits.


As IT professionals, we see both sides: the need for reliable, up-to-date systems versus the waste (and cost) of constantly replacing hardware.

💡 Should we push for stronger Right to Repair laws and longer support windows? Or is rapid hardware refresh the price we pay for progress?

👉 Where do you stand? Are we being forced to upgrade too soon – or is this just the natural pace of tech?

#DeviceLongevity #PlannedObsolescence #RightToRepair #Sustainability #IT

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3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.5% Complete
  • 19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.9% Complete
  • 69.6% Nah - not for me
    69.6% Complete
809 votes
15 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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13 days ago

Poll: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press reports that Canterbury is right in the middle of a construction boom, with activity forecast to peak around 2027 and major investment flowing into transport, water and energy infrastructure.

We want to know: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?

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Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
  • 43.1% Yes
    43.1% Complete
  • 56.9% No
    56.9% Complete
102 votes