More than 28,000 potentially dangerous bathroom heaters are still in homes across New Zealand—despite a nationwide recall and prohibition on their use—prompting fresh warnings from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The heaters, Serene S2068 models, were subject to a compulsory recall last year after serious safety concerns were raised. MBIE said the risk to life and property remains significant and is urging the public to act immediately.
Since the recall was issued in 2024, around 16,000 of the faulty heaters have either been returned to stores or decommissioned by electricians.
MBIE spokesman Ian Caplin said the number of removed heaters was encouraging but not enough.
“That’s a fantastic figure to see, knowing that 16,000 of our homes are safer, and a lot of that work is down to the committed electricians and suppliers working across the country to support this recall,” Caplin said.
“However, we want to see that figure rise. 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.”
Caplin urged people to check all bathrooms—whether in private homes, rentals, or accommodation businesses—for the recalled units. “If you find a S2068 Serene Heater, turn it off, don’t use it, and contact the supplier it was bought from,” he said.
The ministry has teamed up with organisations such as Master Electricians and the Insurance Council to spread the word. According to MBIE, failing to act on the recall may result in insurance companies refusing to cover fire-related damage caused by the heater.
“It’s so important to check for these heaters,” Caplin said. “Keeping them in your homes not only risks lives, but your savings too.”
Internationally, only about 20 percent of recalled products are typically returned, but MBIE said New Zealand has already seen nearly 37 percent of these heaters removed, which reflects strong efforts from suppliers and contractors.
