Methven to defend charges

Shower and tapware maker Methven will defend a planned prosecution by the Commerce Commission over adverts for its Satinjet twin jet shower technology.

The commission intends to prosecute under the Fair Trading Act. The complaint, understood to be initiated by a competitor, related to the extent of water savings by the Satinjet technology over conventional showers.

Methven said it would defend itself. While it had not seen the commission's case, it did not expect a material financial impact as a result.

The company had won a number of international awards for the Satinjet, including recognition for its water efficiency in Britain and Australia.

"Satinjet showers, fitted with the appropriate flow restrictors, do deliver a superior shower experience and produce the water and energy savings claimed when compared to conventional showers run on mains pressure provided the flow rate of the conventional shower is 20 litres per minute," the company said. "The commission did not question Methven's findings in this respect."

Methven shares closed steady yesterday at $1.30.

- NZPA