Samsung New Zealand has confirmed that the recall in Australia of some of its washing machines also applies in New Zealand.
The recall involves four models of top-loading machines manufactured between February 2010 and February 2013, up to 36,000 of which have been sold in New Zealand.
Samsung says when affected models are operated continuously, there is a risk of moisture penetrating the electrical connectors and causing a spark that could ignite a fire.
It says customers can check if they own one of these machines by comparing the serial numbers on the back of theirs with numbers featured on its dedicated website.
Samsung said the company would pay for specialist technicians to fix the fault, which is easily repaired.
The company is recalling 150,000 machines in Australia after they caused at least 15 fires.
Samsung Australia vice-president Michael Richardson said people should monitor their top-loaders and turn them off at the power point if they see or smell any smoke coming out of them.
