The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is extending voluntary recalls on dangerous bathroom heaters.
It comes after MBIE last month published a voluntary recall of Serene S2068 heaters with specific serial numbers.
However, after further investigations by WorkSafe's Energy Safety team, all Serene S2068 heaters that were imported, sold or installed after June 16, 2018, regardless of serial number, are no longer able to be used, sold or installed in New Zealand.
"The S2068 heaters have undergone further investigations by Energy Safety and there is now sufficient evidence that there are potential dangers to people who have them in their homes," MBIE business specialist Ian Caplin said.
"Initially, some of the Serene S2068 heaters with specific serial numbers had been found unsafe. However, further investigations has found that all of the heaters in the series have safety concerns."
Further investigations, which have been ongoing since the original voluntary recall, have also found that both the S2069 and S207T series heaters do not comply with electrical safety standards, with MBIE recommending voluntary recalls of these models too.
"After receiving notification from Energy Safety, MBIE has taken steps to continue its conversations with suppliers to encourage them to proceed with voluntary recalls on the new models," Caplin said.
He added that New Zealand retailers had a responsibility to provide consumers with safe-to-use products and if a fault is found, to provide options for a remedy.
"While Energy Safety has prohibited the sale of the S207T heater, and the S2069 has had its approval withdrawn, New Zealanders still have the right to contact the retailer that sold them the heater and talk about their options under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA).
"While there is insufficient evidence for Energy Safety to prohibit the use of S2069s and S207Ts, there is a risk that these models may be unsafe which would breach the CGA, that states consumers in New Zealand are guaranteed safe and fit for purpose products. This means if you bought one of these heaters, you have the right to a replacement (with a similar product) or a refund from the supplier you bought it from."
Caplin said many retailers and suppliers had been stepping up and supporting the recalls.
Energy Safety will continue to monitor for incidents involving the Serene models, and MBIE will decide if further actions are necessary.
