By RNZ

• More than 21,000 Hutchwilco lifejackets are recalled due to a faulty inflation mechanism.
• Affected lifejackets were manufactured between June 2021 and May 2022.
• Owners should return them for a replacement mechanism or refund to ensure safety.

More than 21,000 lifejackets are being recalled after a fault was discovered in a mechanism affecting how they inflate.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Maritime New Zealand said the Hutchwilco Classic and Super Comfort 170N Manual Inflatable Lifejackets with a manufacture date of June 2021 through to May 2022 have been affected by a faulty Halkey-Roberts mechanism.

MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin said people should check their lifejackets and, if affected by the fault, return them to the manufacturer. Hutchwilco will either replace the mechanism in the lifejacket or provide a refund.

Recall notices for both the lifejackets and mechanism have been published on the Product Safety website.

“Our Product Safety team know the summer period means plenty of New Zealanders are out on the water or heading to the beach. We want to make sure this fault doesn’t cause any preventable accidents,” Caplin said.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to check your lifejacket. This voluntary recall is a precautionary step to make sure we can keep New Zealanders as safe as possible this summer.”

Maritime spokesperson Matt Wood said there were other signs of wear and tear people needed to look out for on lifejackets.

“Everyone needs to ensure their lifejackets will work if needed. Some simple tests include checking for any visible damage, looking for tears, cuts or punctures. It’s also important to check that the webbing, clips and zips are all in good working order,” Wood said.

“It’s important to make sure they are checked thoroughly before going out onto the water as issues caused by faulty products can have tragic consequences.”