People are urged to check their bathrooms for Serene-brand S2068 model heaters which is now illegal and has caused at least 18 fire events in New Zealand.

At least two fires have occurred since Worksafe deemed the bathroom heaters to be defective and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) issued a compulsory recall notice in May 2024.

The recall includes all S2068 model bathroom heaters imported, sold or installed since 16 June 2018.

Ian Caplin, Business Specialist at MBIE said in May, "If you have one of the S2068 heaters, stop using it, unplug it from the wall if possible and contact the company you got it from".

Voluntary recalls have also been issued for Serene S2069 and S207T models which were prohibited for sale by WorkSafe in April.

As of May, 19 New Zealand suppliers have been have been identified, not including Serene Industries.

There may be unidentified suppliers and MBIE is aware that some people have chosen to ignore the recall notice.

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

If you are renting, it is the landlord's responsibility to ensure heating they have provided is safe.

The CGA ensured recalled products won't cost the consumer - including the removal of the heater by an electrician if it is installed by fixed wiring.

While the S2069 and S207T models have only been prohibited for sale in New Zealand, people still have the right to contact the retailer and talk about their options under the CGA.

For full details and a list of suppliers see the Product Safety website.