The table compares the changes in the proportion of electronic and household items in New Zealand between 2002 and 2020. Overall, the data reveals significant shifts in the percentage of various goods, with items such as computers, cell phones, and digital cameras experiencing steady growth, whereas video recorders saw a sharp decline. Notably, color televisions accounted for the largest proportion of household goods in most years, except in 2002 when washing machines held the highest percentage. Meanwhile, digital cameras consistently represented the lowest proportion throughout the period.
Washing machines were the most prevalent household item in 2002, with a penetration rate of 97%, which marginally increased to 98% by 2020. However, color televisions overtook washing machines in the later years, ultimately becoming the most widespread household item. Having started at 95% in 2002, their proportion grew steadily, reaching 99% by the end of the period.
Conversely, computers, cell phones, and dishwashers exhibited upward trends over the entire period. In 2002, computers accounted for 50% of household ownership, a figure that surged significantly to 78% by 2020. Cell phone ownership also rose considerably, starting at approximately 60% in 2002 and ending at 80% in 2020. Likewise, dishwashers saw a noticeable increase from 45% to nearly 55% over the 18-year span.
Overall, the data highlights the increasing adoption of modern electronic devices, while traditional technologies such as video recorders became less prevalent over time.