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WATER IN THE TANK
Reporter: Phil Vine
New technology in modern diesel cars means they are extremely
sensitive to water in the fuel. The problem's taken up to 200
vehicles of different makes off the road in the last four
years.
Eighty-three-year-old John de Lautour bought a brand new $54,000 Hyundai last year. Fourteen months later it ground to a halt. The dealership in Taupo, Wings and Wheels, carried out almost $20,000's worth of work to fix it.
They told John it had broken down due to contaminated fuel. Diagnostics identified that the warning light which identifies water in the fuel filter hadn't lit up.
Hyundai New Zealand has refused to accept the repairs under warranty. Although they couldn't rule out that the warning light wasn't working they said they wouldn't shoulder any financial burden for contaminated fuel.
Although there was nearly twice the allowable maximum of water in the fuel they say there wasn't enough pure water in the filter to set off the light. Also they claim other contaminants in the fuel did damage.
After Fair Go got involved Hyundai agreed to pay half the repairs, provide John with a new car and to work with his insurer and fuel companies to identify the source of the contamination.
If you have a diesel keep a close eye on that fuel filter warning light and avoid filling up from containers, farm fuel tanks or low volume service stations where the chances of getting condensation and water are higher.
RUBBISH
Reporter: Ali Mau
Fair Go found a group of South Islanders who got so worked up about
manufacturers producing over- packaged goods, they decided to name
and shame the worst offenders (and congratulate the best) in the
country's first Packaging Awards. Thousands of people entered
nominations and voted - you can see the results in detail, and vote
for next year's awards, at
www.unpackit.org.nz <
http://www.unpackit.org.nz/>
SPINNING LINES
Reporter: Gordon Harcourt
The great mate who doesn't pay his debts
For Roi Toia he was a best mate, 'Uncle Glen' to Roi's wee
boy.
For Wendy Taylor he was "the man of my dreams", and father to her
newborn son.
For John Passier, he was a brilliant fishing buddy, one of the best
trout guides you'll find on the lakes round Rotorua.
He is Glen Skinner. And the evidence shows he doesn't pay his
debts.
He borrowed nearly $9000 from Roi, $11,000 from John's wife's
company, $6000 from Wendy. Then there are the unpaid trade debts
round Rotorua - $900, $2800, $15,000, and they're just the ones
I've got the paperwork for.
And then there are the stories - dozens of rental properties, the
factory in Auckland, the investments, and his flying skills. He was
an air force helicopter pilot apparently. A check with Civil
Aviation shows there's no Glen Skinner on the database.
Glen Skinner is a frustrating bloke to talk to. I've had several
conversations with him but he wouldn't show for an interview. There
are a great many allegations, some of them grossly defamatory.
There are claims of witnesses and tape recordings, documents and
police investigations. There is never any evidence. There is always
someone else to blame.
Roi and John and Wendy don't expect to get a single cent out of
Glen Skinner. They're past the anger now. They just want him to
wake up, grow up, and take ownership of his financial problems. And
they want to make sure no-one else falls victim.
Glen Skinner is a very good trout guide, there seems no question of
that. If you can find him he's worth hiring. But we suggest you
don't lend him any money.
FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT
Reporter: Ruwani Perera
Telecommunications Companies
Good experiences, Bad experiences, Net score
1. 2 degrees 59% 7% 52%
2. Vodafone 34% 20% 14%
3. Telstra Clear 37% 24% 13%
4. Telecom 34% 23% 11%
5. Orcon 40% 29% 11%
6. Slingshot 29% 36% -7%
sample size = 1906 people who used a telecommunications company in
the last year
margin of error = +/- 2.2%
Energy Companies
Good experiences, Bad experiences, Net score
1. Powershop 68% 3% 65%
2. Meridian 43% 9% 34%
3. Contact 42% 11% 31%
4. Genesis Energy 38% 11% 27%
5. TrustPower 39% 18% 21%
6. Mercury Energy 27% 15% 12%
sample size = 1839 people who used an energy company in the last
year
margin of error = +/- 2.3%
