Buying a Lift Recliner in New Zealand: Your Ultimate Guide to Brands, Suppliers & Tips

In New Zealand, a high-quality lift recliner (also known as a rise chair or electric lift recliner) can significantly improve the quality of life for people with limited mobility, the elderly, or anyone suffering from joint pain. It is not just a comfortable piece of furniture, but also a vital daily assistive tool that helps users stand up and sit down independently and safely.

If you are looking to find and buy a lift recliner in New Zealand, this guide will provide you with comprehensive localised information.

Why Choose a Lift Recliner in New Zealand?

Promotes Independence & Safety: The smooth lifting mechanism effectively reduces the risk of falls when standing up or sitting down, which is particularly crucial for people with weak knees, hips, or arthritis.

Unmatched Comfort: Offers multiple recline positions (such as upright, semi-reclined, and fully flat) to help distribute body pressure, improve blood circulation, and relieve back pain.

Additional Therapeutic Features: Many models come with massage and heating functions to soothe sore muscles.

Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance not only to the user but also to caregivers and family members.

Major Lift Recliner Brands & Suppliers in New Zealand

The New Zealand market is home to several mainstream brands and professional suppliers. Below are key options to focus on during your search:

1. Professional Medical & Elderly Care Equipment Suppliers

This is the most professional channel with comprehensive services. They usually offer in-home consultations, trials, and expert advice.

ILO (Independent Living Specialists): New Zealand’s leading supplier of assistive devices, offering multiple internationally renowned brands including Pride Mobility and Golden Technologies. They have showrooms in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and other locations.

Healthcare Logistics: Provides a variety of daily living assistive equipment, including lift recliners.

Mobilize New Zealand: Specialises in mobility and comfort solutions, offering a wide range of model options.

Local Medical Equipment Stores: Most cities have local medical equipment stores, such as Medspec in Christchurch and Activeaid in Auckland. It is recommended to search for “Medical Supplies [Your City]” to find local merchants.

2. Furniture Retailers (Comfort Furniture)

Some furniture stores include lift recliners as part of their comfortable recliner range, with designs that better fit modern home styles.

Brosa Furniture: An online furniture retailer that sometimes offers recliners with lifting functions.

Harvey Norman / Smiths City: These large retailers occasionally stock or can order lift recliner models, especially in their “healthy living” or furniture sections. It is highly recommended to call ahead to confirm stock and available models.

3. Online Marketplaces

Trade Me: A great platform to find both new and used lift recliners. You can browse listings from individual sellers to professional stores.

Pros: Wide selection, with potential affordable second-hand options.

Cons: No warranty guarantee, and no opportunity to test the chair in person. When purchasing, carefully verify the seller’s reputation and the product’s condition.

Key Considerations When Buying a Lift Recliner in New Zealand

1. Size & Fit

User’s Size: Pay attention to the chair’s seat height, seat depth, seat width, and weight capacity limits. A chair that is too wide or too deep cannot provide adequate support.

Home Space: Measure the area where you plan to place the chair to ensure there is enough space behind and beside it when fully reclined.

2. Motor & Lifting Mechanism

Ask about the motor’s warranty period (it is usually the longest among all chair components).

Check if the lifting process is smooth and quiet.

A battery backup function is an important safety feature, ensuring the chair can still lower to help the user stand up even during a power outage.

3. Recline Positions

2-Position: Upright and fully flat.

3-Position: Upright, relaxed (TV position), and fully flat. This is the most popular model.

Infinite-Position: Can stop at any angle, offering the highest flexibility.

4. Fabric & Style

Choose easy-to-clean, durable fabrics such as microfiber or high-toughness textiles. Stain resistance is important for New Zealand households.

The colour and design should blend with your home decor.

5. Financing & Financial Support

WINZ Subsidy: If you are eligible, New Zealand’s Work and Income (WINZ) may provide partial financial support through the “Disability Allowance”. You will need an assessment and certificate from a doctor or occupational therapist.

Health Insurance: Some health insurance plans (e.g., Southern Cross) may cover part of the cost of assistive devices. Consult your insurance provider for details.

Installment Plans: Some suppliers offer interest-free or low-interest installment plans to ease the pressure of one-time payment.

Action Steps: How to Find the Right Lift Recliner for You in New Zealand

Research & Filter: Browse the websites of the above-mentioned suppliers to learn about the brands and models they offer. Make a note of a few that interest you.

Find Showrooms & Test the Chair: This is the most critical step. Contact ILO, Mobilize, or your local supplier to book a test sit. Spend 15-20 minutes experiencing the chair in person and testing all functions.

Consult Professionals: If possible, consult your doctor or occupational therapist. They can provide professional advice on the type of support you need, which is also crucial for applying for WINZ support.

Get Quotes & Inquire About Warranties: Obtain detailed quotes (including delivery and installation costs) from different merchants. Read the warranty terms carefully.

Ask About Delivery & Installation: Most professional suppliers offer free delivery and installation services in major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Confirm whether your area is within their service coverage.

Conclusion

Buying a lift recliner in New Zealand is an important investment. By choosing reputable suppliers, testing chairs in person, and understanding available financial support options, you can make an informed decision that brings long-lasting safety, comfort, and independence to yourself or your loved ones.