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Seven hundred counterfeit exercise machines have been destroyed as part of a government crackdown on the number of fake goods being sold in New Zealand.
Customs officials say the seizing of counterfeit goods, such as the exercise machines, is necessary to protect both legitimate businesses interests and consumers from the potentially dangerous goods.
The 748 counterfeit Ab King Pro machines, a popular brand of exercise machine, were destroyed in Auckland today in a move which Customs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said should give legitimate rights holders confidence.
"Legitimate businesses deserve a level playing field."
A total of 4734 counterfeit machines across the country with an estimated value of around $1.41 million have been detained.
"The rights holders, Brand Developers, filed a border protection notice in October 2007 and because of this, Customs was able to intercept these fake goods at the border," she said.
Ms Mahuta said there was an added advantage to consumers, who were protected against faulty workmanship from faulty goods.
"There's nothing worse than paying out a lot of money only to find some defect."
Brand Developers managing director Paul Meier said he was grateful for Customs' swift action.
"New Zealand faces an orchestrated counterfeit industry that is fuelled by easy access to Trade Me and similar websites.
"We are going to prosecute every importer of counterfeit Ab King Pros."
Customs acting manager investigations Dave Meredith said counterfeit goods like those destroyed today were usually sold in New Zealand shops and over the internet.
"It's also important to note that these fake goods are poorly constructed and could harm unwitting users.
"Counterfeit products can pose a real danger to the New Zealand public, as well as damaging the reputations of legitimate businesses."
Ms Mahuta said the rights holder had issued civil proceedings against four importers.
Customs has 1196 machines, the importers of which have consented to forfeiture.
The fate of the other 3538 machines detained by Customs will be decided after civil proceedings.
- NZPA
