CW-R07E2426554DA
SOUTHERN MECHANICAL SERVICES LIMITED
Business reference: CW-B5E45C2AA5EFD
The consumer says they dealt with SOUTHERN MECHANICAL SERVICES LIMITED for Southern Mechanical Limited, Invercargill — complaint concerning a vulnerable retired bus owner on or about 8 August 2026 for approximately NZ$0.00. This page records the consumer’s account and any published response from the named subject.
Published by: Mr_Happy
What was agreed
This complaint concerns the alleged treatment of a retired gentleman living with dementia and undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
Consumer’s account
He loaned his bus to his daughter. After a period without use, its water pump reportedly seized and the bus began overheating. She pulled over and contacted Southern Mechanical for assistance.
According to the account provided, Southern Mechanical took it upon itself to tow the bus to its Bay Road yard. The owner was subsequently told he had to pay towing costs and storage charges of $25 per day. Despite the bus remaining unrepaired, he was later told the account exceeded $6,000.
The complaint alleges that the company proposed keeping the bus in exchange for wiping the account, and pressured the gentleman into signing it over. He says the bus had cost him approximately $45,000. We are deeply concerned about the circumstances in which his signature was obtained, particularly given his dementia and serious illness.
Attempts to resolve
The following day, we approached Southern Mechanical asking for the account balance so it could be paid and the bus recovered. We say the company refused to release the bus or allow the account to be settled. Despite repeated calls and assurances that Lloyd Phillips would contact us, no callback was received, and further calls were subsequently refused.
Requested resolution
Outcome sought: Return the bus, reverse the disputed transfer, provide an itemised account and copies of all signed documents, and explain the towing and storage arrangements and refusal to accept payment.
In our view, this account raises serious concerns about the treatment of a vulnerable customer. We seek a substantive written response from Southern Mechanical.
Business / subject response
No response has been published.
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