recall reminder for faulty bathroom heaters prone to fires
Recall reminder for faulty bathroom heaters prone to fires
3:28 pm today
www.rnz.co.nz...
The Serene S2068 model that was recalled last year due to a manufacturing defect. Photo: Supplied / WorkSafe
Households are being urged to check their bathroom heaters to ensure they're not a recalled model that has caused numerous fires.
This time last year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) issued a compulsory recall for a specific model of Serene heaters, warning of a significant risk to lives and property.
Since then 16,000 heaters have been decommissioned, but MBIE estimates there are still thousands in operation in Kiwi homes.
MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin said the recalled heaters have caused 19 fires, including two after the recall notice was issued.
"That's 19 fire events too many, they're obviously very dangerous.
"They've been recalled but it is something where there are plenty of them about so we would urge people to check if they've got them. If they've got them, switch them off."
Caplin said MBIE estimates there are approximately 28,000 Serene S2068 heaters still in properties across the country.
"Technically it is a criminal offence to use them because they are prohibited from use.
"They're considered by the regulator to be so unsafe that it's not just an offence to supply and sell them, it's an offence to switch them on."
He said anyone who discovered they had a recalled heater should switch it off and get it professionally disconnected by an electrician or the supplier it was bought from.
"We know over Christmas there were two fires because of these heaters, and as the heaters get older and the known issues inside them get worse, and as we get into colder months, we are likely to see more and more fires occur."
MBIE had been working with Master Electricians to improve the information available around the recall, both to New Zealand households and to the electricians and suppliers who were undertaking the recalls.
"We have also discussed the recall with the Insurance Council who have advised that a fire that occurs from these heaters may not be covered by your home insurance if you do not act on the recall guidance, so keeping them in your homes not only risks lives, but your savings too," Caplin said.
"We've heard from our overseas counterparts that they only see around 20 percent of the products returned when a recall is issued.
"The fact that we have almost 37 percent returned really highlights the work being done, but also the need for more people to make sure they are checking their bathrooms."
Find out more about how to check if your heater was included in the recall, what other models pose a risk, and what you can do if you have one of these heaters on the Consumer Protection website
Please Share This Story From Otautahi Newsroom Far and Wide To Help These Men
Otautahi Newsroom
Concerns are being raised about the safety, care standards, and duty of care at a Comcare-supported residential flat in Bishopdale, Christchurch, where vulnerable older men with significant mental health conditions are living.
An advocate speaking on behalf of four residents , says the men are experiencing ongoing intimidation, alleged abuse, and serious safety risks within the flat. The residents are described as having limited capacity to advocate for themselves and have asked for help to bring the situation to public attention.
The flat houses five male residents, all aged over 60 and all considered vulnerable adults with psychiatric illnesses. It is alleged that one resident, I (64), has displayed escalating aggressive and intimidating behaviour over a period of approximately five years. According to reports from residents and those advocating for them, this behaviour has included verbal threats, alleged physical incidents, repeated boundary violations, and conduct that has left others living in fear.
Reported incidents include police attendance following an alleged knife-related event and theft of personal property, an incident in which one resident was allegedly restrained in his bed, repeated verbal intimidation, and unauthorised entry into other residents’ bedrooms. There are also claims that staff members have been assaulted or felt unsafe attending the property, with some reportedly conducting visits from outside the flat due to safety concerns.
Advocates say the ongoing situation has had a severe impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of the affected residents. All four men report feeling unsafe in their own home, with some considering leaving the property despite believing they should not be forced out of housing they were promised would be safe and stable.
One resident, D, who has both mental health needs and a heart condition, is said to have taken on an informal role trying to protect others. Advocates argue this is inappropriate and unsafe, stating that residents should not be expected to manage high-risk situations without professional support. They also claim that Comcare has breached contractual commitments to provide safe, peaceful, and stable housing.
Further concerns have been raised about the suitability of the property itself. The Bishopdale house was originally a four-bedroom home with one bathroom but was altered to accommodate a fifth resident by converting a sunroom into a bedroom. Critics argue that having one toilet for five men over the age of 63 is inadequate and compromises dignity, health, and wellbeing.
There are also claims from a family member of a former resident that care provided to her terminally ill brother at the property was insufficient, adding to broader concerns about oversight and duty of care.
Despite multiple complaints reportedly being lodged with agencies, advocates say they have seen no meaningful action. They are now calling for urgent intervention, including:
• Immediate rehousing of resident I into a 24-hour staffed care facility, dementia care, or appropriate hospital setting
• An urgent, independent investigation into Comcare’s management of the Bishopdale property
• Assessment of whether elder abuse or neglect is occurring
• A full review of duty of care, risk management, and safeguarding practices
• Immediate measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the remaining residents
Advocates warn that without urgent action, there is a serious risk of harm. They say the men deserve to live without fear and with appropriate care that protects their dignity, mental health, and quality of life.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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