More Serene heater fires as consumers ignore recall

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says there have been further fire incidents involving Serene bathroom heaters since a recall only a few months ago.

Crux has reported extensively on the situation where WorkSafe had been warned since 2017 of serious safety problems with the Serene S2068 model. The warnings were largely ignored or played down by both WorkSafe and the Labour government of the day.

Today MBIE has revealed that at least two fires, out of a total of 18 reported incidents, have happened since the 2024 recall.

Crux highlighted the under reporting of these incidents when we spoke to a local motel owner who had experienced eleven heater fires involving the heater brand, one of which being when he was in the same room.

In a statement today MBIE is reminding consumers since May all S2068 Serene bathroom heaters have been recalled due to a defect, and it is now illegal to use them.

It says, despite working with all known suppliers of these heaters, many are still being used in New Zealand.

MBIE business specialist Ian Caplin says consumers should be checking their bathrooms for the recalled heaters as a first step to ensure a safer home.

“It’s incredibly important that these heaters are removed as soon as possible," Mr Caplin says.

“We have heard from suppliers that some people may have chosen to ignore the recall notice after being approached.

"If you have one of these heaters, it’s important to know that these products have been recalled because they can cause serious harm, so they shouldn’t be ignored."

MBIE recommends consumers first contact the business they purchased the S2068 model from to arrange return of the goods under the Consumer Guarantees Act and for either a safe replacement (if available) or a refund.

If the heater has been installed by fixed wiring, consumers should not remove the heater themselves and should arrange with the supplier for its safe removal by an electrician.

“It doesn’t matter if you rent your home or own it, if you have one of the recalled heaters, contact the electrician who installed it, the company you bought it from, or your landlord, and ensure its disconnected and replaced with a safe and fit for purpose model,” Mr Caplin says.

“Landlords are responsible for the heaters that they have provided in rental homes they own. Ensuring they are safe is part of that responsibility.

“Suppliers in New Zealand also have a responsibility to provide consumers with a remedy when a product is deemed unsafe which is why having a recalled product remedied won’t cost the consumer.”

For more information go to the Product Safety website.