MTA Radiator June 2026 Issue by mtanz

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A case that the next government can’t ignore

lee.marshall@mta.org.nz

I’d only been in my role for a week when I last stood on stage on Parliament to launch Driving New Zealand Forward – MTA’s 2023 election year manifesto.

Time flies, and it’s hard to believe that as I write this, I am preparing to launch the 2026 version, The Road to Prosperity The three years in between have certainly packed a punch. In 2023, I was still learning about MTA, members, and to a certain extent, the industry –although coming from a fleet and rental vehicle background, I had a solid starting point. In that time my respect for members and the contribution you all make to the country has grown immeasurably. Every category of membership is a vital cog in the machine that keeps New Zealand moving – without our great industry, the country would grind to a standstill.

The manifesto is therefore one of the most important things we do. It’s our chance to go into bat for you all, on issues that affect your business, and

argue for a better way of doing things – showing the ways our industry could be even stronger.

Many of our 2023 calls were ultimately taken up by coalition government and while the landscape is different now, our aspirations remain as lofty as ever.

In forming this year’s manifesto, members have played a significant role. More than six months ago we began the process by engaging with members through first our National Panel of member representatives. These were then further refined through our Expert Advisory Groups where potential solutions to highlighted issues were mooted and formed.

Your feedback was invaluable, and identified a number of areas that I am pleased to say have been incorporated into our calls to the next government.

We then refined our thinking by consulting with what’s casually referred to as the ‘big end of town’ at our inaugural

main areas: the workforce, vehicle safety, a fair business environment, and crime.

MTA President Sturrock Saunders recently said to me that there should be something in the manifesto for every member, and I believe we have achieved that.

Digging down a bit further, we have sections on such important topics as Right to Repair, better funding workplace training, amending the Consumer Guarantees Act to give industry

a fairer shake, and a plan for working more closely with police on theft – among many other calls.

All up, if enacted, they would make a considerable and positive impact on industry, members, and ultimately the 5.2m Kiwis who rely on our industry to keep the nation moving.

I want to stress it’s not just a wish list or a call for handouts. It is a comprehensive, data-driven analysis that presents a case the

next government can ill-afford to ignore. I trust you will find value in reading it.

Over the coming months we’ll announce dates for visits to some of the main centres of the country to talk with you about the manifesto and other work we are planning. I hope to see as many of you as possible –keep an eye on the Friday email for details.

In the meantime, enjoy the read and please do share your thoughts and feedback with me.

Industry Leaders Forum in April. Overall, it’s been a team effort between MTA and member businesses, with the end product now containing some 20 well-researched and considered calls for action, with member stories and spotlights on key issues.

I’d like to thank the members who agreed to appear in the manifesto; putting a face and first-hand experience to some of the issues our industry faces. We know personal experience resonates more deeply with government – who always have their eye on voters!

A copy of The Road to Prosperity will be on its way to you shortly. But let me give you a sneak preview.

The main theme is that industry can help the next Government – of whatever stripe – grow the economy. That’s a game we all have skin in.

To flip it the other way, the obverse is also true –government can’t grow the economy without the automotive industry. Our calls are divided into four

Join us at Parliament!

The manifesto, titled The Road To Prosperity, outlines the areas MTA wants to work on with the next Government.

It’s the culmination of many months of work by MTA and members.

Our goal is an even stronger industry that benefits members, businesses, and all New Zealanders.

It will be launched on July 1 at an event hosted by National Education and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford. Other VIPs and industry figures are expected to attend, and the event is open to all members.

Details have already been shared with you by email.

The event is 2023 was a great success and we have no doubt this year’s launch will attract considerable attention and discussion.

Please contact National Events Manager Kim Hampstead on kim.hampstead@mta.org.nz for more information.

MTA is gearing up to launch our election year manifesto at Parliament.

Members and industry gather for the launch of the 2023 manifesto.

The Big Read: ‘We’ve got the balance right with WOF changes,’ Minister says

The Government’s reform of the Warrant of Fitness structure has a significant impact on many members. In an interview at Parliament, MTA Head of Communications Simon Bradwell asked James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport, why he went ahead despite MTA and industry concerns.

Minister, first of all, thank you very much for your time this afternoon. It’s much appreciated.

You're a South Island boy and represent an electorate in Canterbury. What do you say to an MTA member in Christchurch who told me this:

“This new Warrant of Fitness interval proposal scares us all, especially when you are carrying out Warrants on vehicles five minutes away from the toughest and most unforgiving roads in New Zealand, if not the Southern Hemisphere.”

We need to come down to South Canterbury and talk to some of the motorists and associations down in South Canterbury, because I think the response from the public and from, I think, people who use a car has been pretty supportive. If you look at the consultation we undertook, about three quarters of people supported the main proposals, with others wanting it to go further and others wanting some slight changes.

I can understand where members of your association will be placed in this and some of their concerns around what happens when we lengthen the time for Warrant of Fitnesses.

But we've looked at everything in balance, right? So you've got to also look at some of the changes we've made around requiring some of the automated systems to be now part of the Warrant of Fitness process. And then there's another package of safety improvements that we're making in another process that I'm sure MTA have submitted on as well. Include alongside that some of the increased penalties around compliance. And I think the fact that New Zealanders have kind of become a bit complacent when it comes to their motor vehicles and saying, well, it's all down to the

Head of Communications Simon Bradwell puts members' concerns to the Minister.

Warrant of Fitness. So as long as I, you know, every year I go and get my warrant done, I don't need to worry about whether my tyres are in good shape or whether or not the car's actually working.

We actually need to encourage people to be looking after their motor vehicles quite regularly. And the important thing, I guess, for your members is that these are changes that are focused on taking a more common sense risk-based approach to newer vehicles and, you know, up to about 14 years. And the safety standards of new vehicles coming, everyone will know this, they're coming through, they are pretty high quality vehicles coming in.

We do have an older fleet in New Zealand, which is why we've left the older vehicles at their yearly inspection rates, which we think is appropriate because we want to have some sort of incentive to shift from the older vehicles to the newer vehicles. So I can understand where [the member] is coming from but we

think we've got the balance right in the savings over 30 years that are in the billions.

Hopefully we'll get through pretty much all of the points you've made there, just in a little bit more detail. First of all, in terms of the number of submissions that you received, and yes, three quarters are positive, it's a little bit spurious to count them that way though, isn't it? When you've got associations like MTA, AA making a submission on behalf of hundreds or thousands of people to sort of say that they were outnumbered by submissions from individuals, it’s not really a fair reflection of feedback.

That's only to assume that the hundreds of thousands of members of the AA all think with a like-minded and common view. So the AA do their best to represent their members, and they take a consensus view around their regional associations, but I talk to my region's AA associations often, and they are broadly supportive of the things we're doing in this space. Certainly with MTA, we took the view that we were representing our 4,000 member businesses. I don't really want to get into an argument about that particularly, but I guess what is fair to say is that between MTA workshops and VTNZ, they carry out the vast majority of warranted fitness inspections. They strongly oppose the reforms. So I guess the question is, why are they wrong and you're right?

Well, we've got a view that we can safely increase the time between you getting your warrants. The analysis shows that there are huge net benefits to the country for this and to motorists for this, and when we're looking at the policy decisions we want to make, we've got to balance up some of the views of the motor trade associations and individual businesses. That's fair, and they've got an interest in doing these inspections and making sure that they do a good job and provide a good service. But also, we've got to

reflect the views of the 4 million-odd motorists out there in New Zealand as well, many of whom would support moves like this when they say that there is a good balance between having regular warranted fitness inspections.

We already have one of the strictest regimes in the world. You can compare us to other like-minded countries who don't even have regular warranted fitness schemes. So we're already one of the most heavily regulated regimes in the world. This is just moving a step in a direction where we provide a bit of relief for motorists that is well supported and that has come through in the consultation and a lot of the feedback I've heard. People do raise issues around what is it going to mean for safety, and we get that and we understand that. But there are tradeoffs in all of these kinds of things, and we think that some of the trade-offs are about increased compliance and making sure people are more readily maintaining the roadworthiness of their vehicles, which was already a requirement in law.

Balance off against some of the savings that New Zealanders will be able to benefit from. You've got to bear in mind the money that they save on not having to have their warrant done as regularly is money that they can invest in other parts of their lives, whether that's additional education or food or health care for their families,

or maybe putting a little bit of extra savings aside to update their vehicle as well. All of these things that have to be considered in the whole.

We've got the responsibility of looking after all New Zealanders, not just the members of the MTA.

I guess the point is more that the people that carry out the warrants would consider themselves experts.

Sure.

So from their point of view, it's a little bit hard to swallow that expert advice is by and large ignored.

Well, that's not the case, because you look at the overall analysis that's done on these proposals, there are, according to the numbers, net benefits of between $2 and $4 billion to New Zealand. So that takes into account the benefits of changing the warrant for the system offset against the costs. And some of those costs would be the increase in the risk to defect related crashes. Now, bear in mind, those are vastly outweighed by the crashes caused by other factors on our roads, which we are also have got a large program to try and deal with.

So it's not about ignoring particular views. It's about balancing one set of views against another and seeing where the net benefits lie. And in this case, we think that the huge benefits, you know, $4 billion to New Zealand is worth making this change.

Picking up on some of the numbers and your point about safety. According to the MOT's final Regulatory Impact Statement [RIS] data, there was 10,759 crashes causing injury in 2023. Vehicle related contributing factors were identified in 11 fatals, 55 serious injury crashes, 213 minor injury crashes. Defects included worn tyres, faulty brakes, steering or suspension problems, exactly the kind of issues that members are concerned about. And in the discussion document released in October, NZTA estimated a rise in fatal crashes of three to eight

and a rise in serious crashes of 17 to 52 over a 30-year time frame if the WOF was extended to two years for vehicles aged four to 10. So even your own officials are predicting a rise in road deaths as a result of the reforms. Are they wrong?

Well, those would be the reforms taken in isolation. You've got to bear in mind there is a whole lot of work going on both in other parts of the road transport system. So around consultation out there around safety vehicle requirements on new and used vehicles to be around imports, the investment going into our roading network and improving the quality of our roads, the work going on to try

and improve the age and quality of the vehicle fleet in general, and also the campaigns around road safety and I think the police's campaigns around restraints and around safe driving.

So there are all of those other parts of the government's programme to improve driving and drivers on our road and our networks. Now, every change you make to a system will have costs and benefits to it. We've got to put it all in context. I think of the 30,000 crashes that I think NZTA record every year, and I know your figures are around fatal and serious injury, of the 30,000 crashes, I think the statistics show about 3% of those are related or have identified some

likely, delayed maintenance will make repair costs much higher than they would have been if they were addressed earlier. It would take away a known cost – the WoF check – and replace it with a host of other, less obvious, costs. Higher repair costs, higher test costs, higher insurance costs and ACC levies. Higher enforcement costs and more fines levied on Kiwis for non-compliance. And potentially, costs in deaths and injuries on our roads. We know that nobody wants to spend their time and money on unnecessary compliance. And it’s true that around 20% of vehicle owners could save about $70 a year on their WoF if these proposed changes go ahead. We’d fully support taking that saving, were there no other costs associated – but unfortunately, there are many.

2mm tread on a 2021 Corolla tyre.

Badly worn brakes on a Nissan Navara.

"Any increase in accidents on our roads is something that we don't want to see."

sort of vehicle defect. And I think MOT's analysis has shown that these changes would increase that by about 0.6 to 1.2 of that 3%.

So you are talking a small number and yes, any increase in accidents on our roads is something that we don't want to see. We obviously want to see fewer incidents and crashes and deaths on our roads, but you've got to offset that also against the benefits of it as well. And when you're talking about $4 billion worth of benefits, there are trade-offs that we have to make in this space. We can't take an absolute approach to everything on our roads or else we would never get in our vehicle at all.

So we think this is a reasonable trade-off to make in order to get those benefits, and we think there are other ways also that we can reduce the rate of death and serious injury on our roads.

You do accept though that there is a likelihood of an increase in fatal crashes?

Well, according to those statistics, if you look at this program in isolation, but if you balance it off against everything else that we're doing, you could easily see a reduction in fatalities and incidents on our roads. If you were only to do this one particular step in isolation, then potentially you could accept those statistics as being one of the possible outcomes.

But if you put into process everything else that we are doing as well, you could also see a decrease. The thing I think that might be missing from those statistics too is, what is the proportion of those accidents that are caused by vehicles aged between 0 and 14 years? Because essentially, that's the change we're talking about. Any vehicle that would be involved in those accidents or those statistics that would be older than 14 years would be engaged in that anyway if it's related to a defect, because it's not changing for vehicles over 14. They are staying at one year at

I guess. And the analysis that we've done, or the Ministry's done, has that trade-off in mind. And you've got to work based on the numbers that you've got. Everything comes with a caveat and an asterisk, I guess. If we just look at the change to new vehicles specifically, vehicles in the three to four year band show a 14% rate of safety-related issues at their first check. AA, VTNZ and MTA, and I don't want to re-litigate the whole issue of number of submissions, but we all argued against the change to four years for the first WOF. Why did you decide to extend the period for the first WOF to four years, when it was something that no one was really calling for? It just seemed to come out of the blue.

And I know you're going to make the point about a saving for Kiwis, and that's great and noted. But it went beyond what was originally called for in the consultation. So how did you land there?

annual inspections. So without knowing the breakdown of the age of the vehicles in those statistics, my instinct would be that the older a vehicle is, the more likely it is to have a defect. That's why we have annual checks after 14 years, that older vehicles would be overly represented in those stats. But I don't have that breakdown.

But you could equally argue that vehicle defects were more of a contributing factor than the stats capture, because as soon as alcohol, drugs or speed are a factor, cops stop looking at everything else. Understandably, because that might be the main factor for the crash. But there could be other contributing factors relating to the vehicle condition. But the fact is, they don't really get investigated once those three main causes are established. Yeah, that's possible. And so you've got to take best endeavours with the statistics that are presented with you,

Well, there is a cost saving to bear in mind there as well. For a family that is, even working families nowadays, every small little cost matters, particularly at a time like this. And again, it's that trade-off. Is the savings that you would get from pushing it out from three to four years for a new vehicle, as you said, worth the trade-off of that slight increase in the defects that are coming through? So those stats show, I think it was about 13% or 14% of those vehicles coming in for an inspection have a defect. I don't know whether or not those are electronic or tyre-based or brakes or what they might be. So I can't really comment as to what the particular trade-off would be there.

But at the end of the day, we've got to make a call on some of these timeframes, some of these dates. And we thought that four years aligns us with some of our like-minded partners as well. I think that's what it is in Europe, I think, for the first one.

So similarly, one in three vehicles aged between eight and 10 years already present with safetyrelated issues in inspection. The rate's even worse for 10 to 14 years, as you'd expect. So why increase the two-year period to 14 years? Even the interim RIS last year said it represented an increased risk in absolute terms.

Yeah, I mean, there is a, I think in the documents that came out, there was some disagreement as well, I think, even on officials' advice as to whether or not you should keep it at 10 years or shift it out to 14 years. I think what the data and the stats show is that by extending it out to 14 years, you had a relatively negligible increase in the risk factors and a relatively significant savings that could present to New Zealanders. So again, it's that tradeoff. What can you do with the savings that you've made in that four-year period for you and your family? And what actual risk does that present to you driving on our roads? And again, we thought the trade-off was worth making.

How will the changes address the half a million vehicles which, according to NZTA, do not have a WOF on any given day? Will this make any change to that, any improvement to that area?

Well, I don't know the reasons why people don't have a warrant for a particular day. If it's because they can't afford to have a warrant, then you would argue that it should help that case because you're spending less on your vehicle over, I guess, a 10, 11-year period, if you go three to four. Again, it'd be interesting to know how many of those vehicles without a warrant are in the new to 10 to 14-year age bracket. My instinct, and this would just be a guess, would be that if it's a cost or a resource issue, the kinds of families who are facing challenges with getting costs of their warrants are probably those with older vehicles anyway. So maybe a vast proportion of those vehicles would sit in the 500,000, would sit in the older vehicle space anyway.

Apart from, I guess, the fact that it would be, you're spending less money on getting a warrant, there is the increase to the compliance factors there, increasing some of the penalties

and providing some options maybe for compliance officers to be able to, I don't want to call them over-efficient parking wardens, but what are we doing in the compliance space there? So there's an increase, I think, from your warrant, not having a warrant, from the minimum infringement from $150 up to $350, I think tyres from $200 up to $350, and then a maximum fine of $1000. So increasing the fines and increasing the compliance can send a bit of that deterrent message. Ideally, we want people to be staying on top of their warrants as much as possible in the first instance. And if it is a resourcing issue, then what are we doing to support those families who can't afford that?

I'm glad you brought up the fines, because I was just going to get to that in a minute. It's an interesting one to try and reconcile, isn't it? Because this is being sold as a cost-of-living saving, yet if you get pinged with a fine, it's going to hurt you a lot more in the pocket than it did previously. Do they marry up? Because it does seem, on one hand, we're saving you $50 or $60 on your WOF, but we're going to hit you for a few hundred if you're breaking the rules.

I guess the message there is don't break the rules. I guess if you're compliant and you've got your warrant up to speed at all times, then you're not going to have to worry about those increased enforcement. And part of this is, you know, fines are a deterrent, but they're also a recognition that the law is in place for a reason. We've clearly got the requirements to keep your vehicle roadworthy at all times, and then plus the regular warrant for the system. And for those people who can't or won't meet those obligations, there has to be consequences for that. Otherwise, that whole system falls apart. So the message to those people would be keep roadworthy at all times, as is your current obligation. Get your warrant when you need to get your warrant. And when you

can't get a warrant because you can't afford it or you haven't got around to it, there is a little bit of flexibility in the system, right? Like some people are given a bit of grace sometimes if they pulled over and they don't have a warrant. You know, there is a small period sometimes where you can go and get their warrant. So that's still going to exist, that compliance period?

Well, that's always, I think, being discretionary on the particular police officer or the particular warden. So nothing's changing in that particular compliance side of this. It does kind of disadvantage, though, those that can't afford to pay, right? Because if you haven't got a warrant currently because you can't afford to get a warrant, so you're driving because you have to drive because you've got to take the kids to school or whatever it might be, then you get a fine. It's going to disproportionately affect those that are at the lower end of the socio-economic scale than those that can afford to, because those that can afford to will have a warrant.

Well, the counterfactual would be true as well, right? If you had a more regular warrant of fitness system, then you're going to disproportionately penalise those who can't afford to get their warrants. The challenge there is not necessarily with the warrant of fitness system. It's with the, I guess, structural system of if people don't have adequate incomes or resourcing to do the basic things that they need to do, then they're going to be the ones that are disproportionately penalised.

That has and unfortunately always will be the case. And so there's a wider question for the government and for society of how do you solve that? Well, one way we would say of solving that would be to make sure you've got a healthy, growing economy where there are jobs and incomes for those people so that they aren't as disproportionately affected

by this. But it's probably a larger conversation that falls on a whole range of things that don't impact the warrant of fitness system.

That's a fair point. On the subject of costs though and the cost of living relief, MTA's view is that the claimed savings won't actually eventuate. And the thinking behind that is that deferring inspections will mean more and more costly repairs when people actually do take their vehicle in after a two-year period or whatever. You probably saw the campaign we ran at the end of last year with the open letter in the paper and all that. Presumably that's been taken into account, but what's your reaction to that kind of thinking that it's actually a bit of a false economy and motorists will end up paying more as a result of the deferred warrant?

Well, I'm not as sure that's the case because again, we're talking about newer vehicles. The quality of vehicles coming in now is of a, it's increasingly of a higher standard. I think you're probably not running into as many issues with newer vehicles as you are with older vehicles. So I just don't know to what extent that would be the case. Probably, I'm not sure if there is a lot of hard data to back that up. And yep, I think you can make the argument that if you are waiting two years rather than every year to get things checked out and fixed up, that could be the case. But equally at the same time, I've been through a few warrants in my life and often you'll be told, hey, look, probably okay this time, but before next time get XYZ checked out. And then you get to the next warrant and the exact same issue - probably okay this time, but for the next time get this checked out.

So I think, again, it goes back to as motorists, we have an obligation to keep our car roadworthy or vehicle roadworthy at all times. The Australians manage this in a slightly, I think, more higher compliance way. You see, you watch all the Australian road policing shows on TV and often you'll have a driver report over and

they'll be breathalysed and then the cop will be going around doing vehicle inspection checks. I don't know if we're as active in that in this space over in New Zealand because we've got a regular warrant system. So that might be one of the trade-offs here too. But, yep, I can understand the concerns. I think they're not necessarily borne out though.

Why not give greater consideration to distance-based inspections? A new car can easily travel 100,000 km in four years, and need new tyres and brakes.

Distance-based inspections were formally assessed alongside a range of other options. They were discounted for the following reasons: Enforcement is harder. A time-based expiry enables compliance to be checked remotely via the Motor Vehicle Register or a physical label, whereas odometer readings would typically require stopping and entering the vehicle.

A mileage-based system also creates an odometer tampering incentive, particularly alongside the transition to Road User Charges (RUC) where odometer readings carry financial consequences.

No comparable jurisdiction uses it. The United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden all use systems based on vehicle age and elapsed time.

However, I do acknowledge the potential to revisit this idea once the RUC transition is further advanced.

Your proposal put a clear onus on vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles. But the RIS states that “vehicle owners rely heavily on required inspections as prompts for necessary vehicle maintenance and it will likely take time for this expectation to shift.” How are you going to change that? Especially at a time when many households are trying to save money?

The RIS notes that vehicle owners rely heavily on inspections as maintenance prompts and that shifting this expectation will take time. The reform package addresses this.

The first is through public education. NZTA is preparing more prominent, frequent public education material about vehicle owners' obligations.

The second is through stronger penalties. The cost of non-compliance is rising even as the cost of compliance falls, which sharpens the incentive to maintain vehicles.

I acknowledge the pressure many households are under right now, particularly with the sharp increase to fuel costs in recent months. That's precisely why these changes matter. They are projected to deliver net benefits of between $2.6 and $4.1 billion over 30 years.

Officials will also conduct an implementation evaluation two years

after the changes come into force, and an outcomes evaluation at five years, to ensure these changes are actually delivering. [answer slightly abridged]

MTA's view is that the second part of the move to two-year WOFs next year should be delayed by a year so we can gather evidence to see that things are working and then make a decision nearer the time as to whether we proceed with phase two. Would you entertain that idea?

No, it's not our intention to delay. We want to get these changes out there and make them this year so that motorists can start seeing the benefit of them.

Given that, how can MTA and you work together to ensure a smooth and safe transition to the new regime?

Well, I've got a good relationship with [Head of Advocacy] of the MTA. He knows this place very well and so my office is always open to him to bring his concerns. I'd encourage MTA to work with NZTA with the rollout. Implementation is in and around November so there is time for businesses to adjust. They've been through this process before when WOFs went from six months to annually and so they'll be familiar with how this works. But if there are hiccups and bumps along the way, then I'm always happy to address those as they arise.

Smoko Stumpers

Ratings:

1/5: Put your L plates back on.

2/5: Hit the books, rookie.

3/5: Middle of the road.

4/5: Close but no cigar.

5/5: Congratulations, you’ve outrun The Chaser.

Kiwi Motorsports Edition

1. How many F1 Grand Prix did Chris Amon win? None, one or three?

2. How many times did Greg Murphy win Bathurst? Three, four or five?

3. What city was Bruce McLaren born in?

4. In what motorsport did Ivan Mauger excel?

5. How old is Liam Lawson? 22, 23 or 24?

Answers on page 60

Make sure factory or reputable aftermarket parts are used.

Modifications & compliance – avoid the headache!

How dealers can avoid costly surprises at trade in and point of sale

Before you add that upgrade, take that trade, or put a vehicle on the yard, read this first and get it right. Vehicle modifications help cars stand out on the yard, but modifications that don’t comply with the NZTA Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (VIRM) can quickly turn a good deal into a headache for both dealer and the buyer.

MTA Sector Managers Larry Fallowfield and Glen McGarry are here to help. In this article, Larry breaks down the key commercial considerations when selling or trading a vehicle, while Glen provides the technical know-how on what you should, and shouldn’t, do when

modifying a vehicle to make it stand out from the dealers down the road.

For New Zealand motor vehicle dealers, compliance isn’t optional. You are expected to know what is legal, what requires certification, and what will fail a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) even if the modification was

Wheels, Tyres & Guard Flares

Larger wheels, wider tyres and aggressive offsets are popular and the most common trap, particularly on utes and SUVs but the VIRM is firm: tyre tread must be adequately contained within the vehicle’s bodywork.

Dealers should be alert to:

• Tyres protruding beyond the unmodified original body panels

• Aftermarket flares that don’t fully cover the width of the tyre (Max 25mm)

• Wheels with excessive offset or aftermarket spacers installed

• Tyres more than 5% larger than factory rolling circumference

While limited overhang may be acceptable in some vehicle classes if fully covered by suitable flares, poor fitment or being outside the regulations is one of the fastest ways to fail a WoF.

If the tyre looks like it’s escaping the guard, maybe your friendly inspectors will give it a pass but be assured at some stage, somewhere, someone will fail it and your customer will be back quicker than an eftpos transaction!

Remember tyres cannot protrude outside of the factory body lines (guards) and cannot protrude more than 25mm beyond factory or aftermarket guard flares.

Window

Tinting

Tinting remains one of the most common after sale WoF failures, largely because it’s misunderstood or assumed to be legal.

Key requirements dealers must remember:

• Windscreens must retain high light transmission and cannot be fully tinted

Important: VLT is measured on the combined glass and film, not the film alone.

If you’re unsure, when trading in a vehicle then measure it don’t guess.

If you are adding that “cool factor” for resale, don’t go overboard, don’t be that “cool cat” that ends up spending hours removing illegal tints!

Suspension Changes

Lowering and lifting vehicles is another high risk area particularly where modifications are visually understated. Modified vehicles must have suspension travel of at least 40mm and have 100mm ground clearance.

• Common triggers for LVV (Low Volume Vehicle) certification include:

• Suspension lifts over modest thresholds

• Lowered vehicles with insufficient ground clearance

• Adjustable coil overs or non OEM springs

• Non-OEM springs that are not held captive in position when the vehicle is raised

• Altered steering or suspension mounting points If certification is required, the vehicle must carry an LVV plate or tag. Paperwork alone is not enough. No plate or tag usually means no compliance, if in doubt check the LVVTA website or don’t trade the vehicle.

Exhaust Systems

done by a well meaning previous owner “years ago”.

This guide outlines key modification risks and highlights critical VIRM areas commonly overlooked, helping dealers assess vehicles confidently at both trade in and resale.

• Front side windows must meet minimum visible light transmission (VLT) of below 35%

• Rear window tint rules vary depending on vehicle type and mirror configuration

Imported vehicles and factory tinted glass frequently cause issues once aftermarket film is added.

Aftermarket exhausts are allowed but only within limits a vehicle cannot exceed 95dB (A) - (decibels). Dealers should check: Is

• Excessive noise levels

• Poorly mounted or modified exhaust systems

• Missing emissions equipment

If it sounds more racetrack than road legal, expect inspection issues. As many a V8 was modified back in the day with removal of catalytic (Cat) convertors, the VIRM is clear in this area. If they were fitted from factory on or after 1 January 1990 and the vehicle was first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 May 2010 they must be fitted to the system. This includes DPF filters and Ad Blue systems for diesel vehicles, unless the correct documentation can be provided (metered emissions test).

Overlooked VIRM Areas

Beyond the obvious, several critical compliance areas are frequently missed during trade in inspections or modification for that extra sales boost.

• Seats and Seatbelts

• Aftermarket seats without certification

• Modified seat rails or mounts

• Non approved seatbelt anchorage changes

• Seat modifications almost always require LVV certification.

Steering Wheels and Airbags

• Aftermarket steering wheels removing factory airbags

• Airbag warning lights disabled or removed

Airbags are a safety system altering or removing them is not a cosmetic change. A quick check to do is turn the ignition key on, ensure all of the appropriate module lights come on the dash (ABS, SRS/Air bag etc) and then turn off within a few seconds. This is fair indication that the system has powered up, conducted its ‘selfcheck’ and the system is operational. If any warning lights stay on, have it inspected.

Lighting Modifications

• LED conversions in halogen housings

• Incorrect beam patterns or colour

• Auxiliary lights mounted incorrectly or wired improperly

Lighting issues are increasingly scrutinised at WoF inspections.

Body Modifications & External Projections

• Bull bars or nudge bars welded to chassis

• Sharp or protruding aftermarket accessories

• Modified bumpers affecting impact structures

• Non-compliant reproductions of bull bars or nudge bars

What looks rugged can be non compliant very quickly or worse not perform as intended in a collision, or contact with a pedestrian.

Glazing, Stickers and Windscreen Bands

• Oversized sun strips

• Advertising overlays intruding into critical vision areas

• Poor quality replacement glass without correct markings

Small details here cause surprisingly frequent failures.

Trading Modified Vehicles

• When buying modified vehicles:

• Ask who performed the modification and when

• Check for certification plates, not just paperwork

• Allow for compliance costs before committing to a trade figure

If documentation is missing, the risk transfers to the dealer, not the seller.

The Dealer Takeaway

Don’t rely on assumptions, the VIRM exists to protect road users and, indirectly, your business.

Do:

• Verify compliance

• Confirm certification where required

• Build checks into your appraisal process

• Use factory or reputable aftermarket parts only

Don’t:

• Assume previous WoF equals current compliance

• Sell modified vehicles without certainty

• Cut corners when modifying a vehicle

• Use unknown or cheap replica parts

• Modify for a vehicle for quick sale

• Leave compliance questions until after the sale

When in doubt, pause the deal, seek advice, or walk away. “ ˮ

Don’t over modify a vehicle just because it looks cool or will give you a quick sale because the only thing worse than a failed WoF…is a customer who believes you should have known better.

The NZ VIRM is the authoritative guide that sets out the legal standards and inspection criteria for vehicle safety in New Zealand, used by vehicle inspectors to determine whether a vehicle passes or fails a WoF. It is not locked away and only available to those with an Inspection licence, it is available to everyone.

If you are unsure, delve into it and have a look. https:// vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/

A word about Radiator

Simon Bradwell, Head of Communications

In the last issue of Radiator, I promised that we would be back with a new, improved publication as we move to a two-month publishing cycle.

Well, as the saying goes, good things take time.

And it’s taking a little longer to arrive on a refreshed Radiator than I expected.

But for good reason. We are making sure we are going to get the best bang for buck – a new look

without breaking the bank.

So bear with us while we get this right.

In the meantime, this month we’ve secured a great interview with Associate Transport Minister James Meager, on why he pressed ahead with Warrant of Fitness changes despite the misgivings of MTA and many members.

Enjoy the read and thanks for your patience.

Radiator is essential reading for many Government Ministers - especially when it's about themselves.

Still running: central stalwarts turn 50

By Kerry Meadows-Bonner

The call came in with urgency. A well-known television presenter had locked his keys in his car on the Central Plateau - a manageable job on its own, except his suit was locked in with them, and he was needed to present the six o'clock news. He needed both.

Dave Edhouse didn't hesitate. Fortyfive minutes later he was on scene. Keys retrieved. Suit retrieved. The presenter made it to the studio at 5.45pm just in time.

A decision

Dave and Judy were both local. They knew the community before they owned a piece of it, which mattered. Running a garage in a small town isn't just a business transaction - it's a relationship. Every vehicle you service belongs to someone you'll see at the school gate or the fire station. Every job carries your name on it.

The early years coincided with the village's timber mill era. The mill was Owhango's heartbeat until it burned down, and the workers' houses were gradually sold off as ski and holiday homes, changing the texture of the village entirely. Rather than retreat, Dave and Judy adapted.

In 1983, seven years in, they rebuilt the workshop constructing the new building directly over the old one while still operating, then demolishing the original from the inside once the new structure was up. All while still taking bookings, still doing repairs, keeping the community moving. It was a big call to make their hard work paid off.

By 1996 they were open seven days. Then, fuel industry deregulation in 2000 made running the pumps unsustainable and Owhango Motors changed again - closing the shop, stopping the petrol, and putting the focus back into the workshop.

Handover

Tim and Debbie took over from Dave and Judy around three years ago. It wasn't a transaction. It was a continuation.

Dave and Judy Edhouse bought the business May 1976, leased the building, and started a chapter that shows no sign of ending. Their son Tim and his wife Debbie now run the workshop. Their grandsons Blair and Dylan work the floor. Three generations, one family, one garage, half a century.

The area Owhango Motors covers has grown over the years because many of the garages that once served nearby communities are no longer there. As a country garage, they service everything: light and heavy vehicles, farm machinery, tractors.

It's the kind of story Dave tells matterof-factly, because to him it was just the job. But it says everything about what Owhango Motors has always been - not just a workshop, but the person you call when things go sideways, and the nearest help is far away. For fifty years, that person has been an Edhouse.

Whatever needs doing, they figure it out.

Being an AA Breakdown contractor has changed the business in ways that go beyond the roadside callout, opening doors into salvage and transport work that have become an important part of what they do.

Then there's the mountain. Working in the Whakapapa Mountain environment is challenging enoughsnow, ice, and blizzard conditions that most garages never have to think about.

It's the kind of work that requires patience, experience, and a team that still answers the phone and still goes out no matter the weather.

Finding office support in a rural area proved harder than expected — housing availability and limited opportunities for families being real barriers to attracting staff. After multiple attempts to hire an office manager failed, Debbie left her position as a Sergeant with the Taumarunui Police to step into the role herself.

Dave and Judy haven't disappeared from the picture. They travel the country in their caravan, but Dave still takes the occasional transport job, and Judy still comes in when she's needed.

"Dave and Judy are still around. Judy still comes in and helps me out in the office. When I'm stuck with something, she's there. It really is a family."

"It's a little emotional. I think we're all proud. But day-to-day, you just get on with it. And then you see Dave and Judy watching their grandchildren in the business and loving it — you can see they see the future there. That means a lot."

The team today. From left: Nairin Higgie, Tania McKinlay, Dylan Edhouse, Blair Edhouse, Debbie Edhouse, Tim Edhouse, Judy Edhouse, Dave Edhouse.

Dave and Judy Edhouse at the pumps — where it all began.

Tim, Debbie, Judy and Dave - four decades of keeping the place running.

Owhango Motors in the 1930s - Caltex, Dunlop tyres, and a phone number that was just the number 20.

Loyalty

Ask Debbie what keeps customers coming back across generations and she doesn't hesitate.

"I think it's our transparency. We pride ourselves on doing a good job for a fair price. The boys will do whatever they can to keep the price down. It's not just replacing parts - its problem solving. Working out what the actual issue is."

That matters. In an era when the default fix at many workshops is to swap out components until the warning light goes off, Owhango's approach is more considered. Find the problem. Fix the problem. Don't charge for what doesn't need doing. The results speak for themselves.

Technology

Fifty years ago, Owhango Motors was working on British, Australian and a handful of Japanese vehicles. Carburettors. Manual everything. The kind of engine a mechanic could read with their hands. Today, vehicles arrive from across the world with computer systems requiring their own software to diagnose.

"We've seen things go from carburettor motors to electrical systems. Things have progressed so fast. It's just trying to keep up." says Debbie.

The workshop has invested in scan tools and sent the team to training courses regularly. But in a family business where knowledge flows both ways, external courses are only part of the story.

"The boys bring a lot into the business themselves and pass that on to the younger ones coming through."

Blair Edhouse completed his apprenticeship in 2023. His younger brother Dylan is in his first year, alongside another young local, Nairin. Tim and Blair are now the ones guiding them. A passing of the torch knowledge that mirrors the one Dave once ran with Tim.

Still here

Customers travel from Taumarunuimore than twenty kilometres- for the services of the workshop. Some of those customers' parents came here too.

"We know our customers. We can go out of our way for them. Pick them up. Drive them home. That community feel - that's what it's about." says Debbie. Could someone arrive in Owhango today, open a workshop from scratch, and build the same kind of trust?

Debbie is honest about it.

"If you came in green to a small community like this and thought you could just set up and make a go of it, I think it would be very hard. The relationships here have been built over 50 years."

The new workshop taking shape over the old one - business as usual through the dust and the mess.

Rural businesses are the backbone of New Zealand communities, and holding one together for fifty years is no small feat. While towns and services shift over time, businesses like Owhango Motors remain steady and reliable.

Fifty years isn't just a milestone for the Edhouse family, it's proof.

"We are in a time where businesses are doing it tough. The smaller businesses — we have seen more closures. But to have something that still has strong ties to the community, I think that's a testament to the people. The people who run the business and the community that supports it." says Debbie.

Ask what she hopes for the next fifty years, and her answer is simple "Hopefully the boys carry it on. Keep things going. Keep supporting the community we love."

Owhango Motors- 50 Years

1976

Dave and Judy Edhouse purchase Owhango Motors on 31 May, leasing the building from John Morris Cooper Motors.

1979

The property is purchased outright.

1983–84

Complete rebuild of the premises — new workshop constructed over the old one while the business keeps running. The original is demolished from the inside.

1990s

Owhango Motors commences a Fire Service contract for the Ruapehu area fleet. Continues today with Fire and Emergency NZ.

1996

BP shop and office refurbished. Business opens seven days a week.

2000

Fuel deregulation leads to closure of petrol pumps and shop. Full focus shifts to the workshop.

Recent years

Tim and Debbie Edhouse take over. Sons Blair and Dylan join the workshop floor - three generations of the family now in the business.

2023

Blair Edhouse completes his apprenticeship.

2026

Owhango Motors celebrates 50 years - and 50 years as an MTA member.

Numbers

50 years - as an MTA member

3 generations - of the Edhouse family in the business

2 - apprentices currently on the workshop floor

20km+ - the distance some loyal customers travel to use the workshop

1 - Fire & Emergency NZ contract, held continuously since the 1990s

The old Owhango Fire Station - now home to the tyre bay, and still serving the district's fire units.

The original building, before the rebuild in 1984.

digital eWoF solution

The team at Bayride Motorcycles love their sticker!

Stewart Motors gets a tune up

Going paperless with Auxo Workshop Stewart Motors gets a tune up

Going paperless with Auxo Workshop

For Simon Cleveland, owner of Stewart Motors, working on cars is a lifelong passion. He started his career the old-fashioned way, with curiosity and a socket set. From souping up Skylines in his younger years to landing a job working at parts supplier BNT, Simon worked his way up from apprentice to owning a busy garage in the heart of Queenstown. Simon’s love for vehicles has always steered him in the right direction.

After nearly seven years of running Stewart Motors, he’s no stranger to the challenges of managing a modern workshop. So, when his current workshop management software, SAM, started to feel a bit dated, he knew it was time to grab the bull by the horns and upgrade to something more modern and efficient, with an exciting development

roadmap. Cue, Auxo Workshop!

“SAM worked well, but it was outdated. I always dreaded the end-of-month rollovers especially. It wasn’t ideal for a busy workshop,” he explains.

Simon had used other platforms in the past, including Synergy and MYOB-style accounting setups, but none of them felt like the right fit either. When he heard that Auxo had developed a new platform, Auxo Workshop, he was intrigued.

After investigating a few of the other options out there, Simon decided to stick with the Auxo team and give their new cloud-based software a whirl. “I could see the potential of the online bookings and reminders features. Plus, we knew the

who aren’t the biggest fans of change, were keen to give the new system a go.

new eWOF system was coming soon, and we didn’t want to move to something else that wouldn’t integrate with that.”

Simon and the team made the leap in April 2024, switching from SAM to Auxo Workshop. As expected, there were a few speed bumps at first. “We lost a few customer phone numbers in the data migration, it was a bit of a pain but not a major fix. Once we were into the new system, it was clear we’d made the right move.”

One of the biggest changes was how user-friendly the new software was. “With SAM, it took time to learn. Not what you need in a busy shop. Auxo Workshop is way more intuitive. Anyone can jump on and figure out how to book jobs or look up info.”

Even the workshop techs,

“I’d absolutely recommend it. It’s modern, it’s clean, it’s easy to use. It’s made to make your life easier. It helps reduce doublehandling and anyone can use it. If you’re thinking about a change, go for it.”

- Simon Cleveland, Stewart Motors, Queenstown

- Simon Cleveland, Stewart Motors, Queenstown

who aren’t the biggest fans of change, were keen to give the new system a go. “The boys saw the potential straight away, especially with how well it worked on iPads. We’re aiming to eventually go paperless and Auxo makes that easy.”

“The boys saw the potential straight away, especially with how well it worked on iPads. We’re aiming to eventually go paperless and Auxo makes that easy.”

Stewart Motors is now in the process of moving towards a more digital workflow. Rather than printing job cards and handwriting notes, the team is planning to enter everything directly into iPads using the Auxo Workshop app.

“That’s the goal,” says Simon. “Instead of double-handling everything, the mechanics tap in their notes, I check

them, and then we send the customer a message to let them know their car’s ready. It’s going to save us so much time.”

They’re also preparing to roll out online bookings, something Simon is confident will make a big difference to both his team and his customers.

“No one wants to ring up or wait till we’re open. These days people want to book online, on their phone, when it’s convenient. Auxo Workshop makes that easy.”

Even features like split invoicing, which were clunky in older systems, now take seconds. And once online WOFs roll out, Simon’s

Say goodbye to paperwork and hello to an easier

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looking forward to being able to hand customers neat, typed-up WOF sheets. No more deciphering messy handwriting!

Simon’s also quick to praise the support from the Auxo team. “Maraea’s been great — she checks in regularly to see how we’re going. And James popped in after the Auto Super Shoppe conference to say, “Hi”. It’s been a really good experience.”

From a garage built on passion to its future-proofed software, Stewart Motors is proof that when you combine old-school skill with modern tools, you’re in for a smooth ride.

Follow your dreams!

Melissa Hannan joins Radiator as a columnist with a mission to change the way women see their place in the automotive industry. With 17 years’ experience as a motor mechanic, she knows her way around an engine bay, but more importantly she understands the confidence gap that stops many women from picking up the tools in the first place.

Melissa also runs the highly successful Girls 'N' Gasoline programme that helps women learn more about vehicle maintenance.

Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of owning an old-school wagon. My schoolbooks were covered in magazine cutouts, my walls lined with posters, and I’d spend hours at car shows wishing one day that I’d like to own one - never really believing it would happen. Back then, it felt out of reach, especially with people around me saying I could never afford one.

But I didn’t let that stop me.

My family wasn’t heavily into cars, and I was often told I was “wasting my money” - but if anything, that just pushed me harder to prove people wrong.

In 2015, after years of searching, I finally got my hands on my dream car - a 1959 Chevrolet Parkwood wagon out of New Mexico. She wasn’t perfect, far from it, but I didn’t care. The day it arrived felt like Christmas. I had it up on axle stands that same day, ready to get stuck in.

I’d just finished my apprenticeship and was determined to show what I was capable of.

I’ve never been about building a

show car. I wanted something I could drive, enjoy, and build along the way. It started off rough - a borrowed motor and a budget that disappeared very quickly - but hearing it fire up for the first time made every late night worth it. I was lucky to have the support of experienced hot rodders who gave up their time to teach me the skills involved in building a car, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

Now it runs a 283 SBC with a Powerglide, it’s bagged all around, and still wears its original patina - and no, I’ll never paint it. That weathered look tells a story, and I love that. This wagon has taken me all over New Zealand - road trips, car shows, weddings, even the odd bit of racing. I’ve created memories that I’ll hold onto forever. I know this car inside and out, and I love nothing more than a weekend in the shed, tools in hand. There’s always something to do, and I don’t think it’ll ever be “finished”that’s the beauty of it.

Through cars, I’ve built friendships all over New Zealand and even overseas. The car scene has given me a community that feels like family. But being a woman in this space hasn’t always been easy. I still get people directing questions to whoever I’m standing next to instead of me - even when the number plate says it all. I want to show other women that they can do this too. You don’t have to know everything straight away. I want to inspire more women to dive into the classic car scene. It’s not cheap, and it’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it. You just have to start. Learn as you go, back yourself, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.

For me, it’s never been about the money - I stopped counting a long time ago. It’s about the memories, the experiences, and the feeling of cruising something you’ve built with your own hands.

This wagon tells my story - every dent, every mile, every lesson. What started as a dream turned into a project and, along the way, became a part of who I am.

Some cars you own… but this one owns a piece of me. And if I can do it, so can you. “ ˮ

My dream car - a 1959 Chevrolet Parkwood wagon out of New Mexico.

MG4 Urban – a new affordable EV benchmark?

MG New Zealand is bolstering its affordable EV ranks with the introduction of the MG4 Urban and also a timely update for the popular MG4.

Interest in battery electric vehicles is up, with the market share for BEVs tracking at 14 per cent of the passenger car market. In 2025, its share was seven per cent. So people are clearly interested in EVs at present.

The MG4 Urban model is something quite different from the MG4 you know however. While they share a 4 badge, they are not the same. So why use the MG4 badge?

Well, it’s about leverage. The MG4 nameplate is well known and we

guess there’s not much scope left with MG’s naming strategy, MG3 already in use.

Same badge, but very different

The MG4 Urban and MG4 don’t use the same platform. The Urban is a FWD hatch, and it wears quite a different look. MG says the Urban is more about value and interior space, with safety and technology key characteristics. Compared with the rear-drive MG4, it’s not as driver focused, but benefits from added passenger and luggage space. And you’re getting over 400 kilometers of range for under $40k. MG NZ thinks it’ll be a good fit for first-time EV buyers.

Sitting on a new generation E3 platform, the Urban has a longer wheelbase than the rear-drive MG4, which translates to more interior passenger space. It’s 4.4 meters long, 1.8 meters wide with a wheelbase of 2.75 meters. It’s pitched as a city

car (a compact 10.5m turning circle helps there) with lots of space. It has a 480 litre boot (when the variable boot floor is set low) and underneath that is another 98 litres of storage. Fold the seats flat and you can expect up to 1200 litres of stowage.

Inside, we like the smattering of physical buttons on the dash for easier control of the AC, while the rest of the show is run by a 12.8-inch touchscreen. There is a seven-inch

display in front of the driver. It has an easy-to-use column shifter which frees up console space for important things like the device charge pad.

Underneath the Urban has Mac struts upfront and a torsion beam rear end. Energy is stored in a 52.8kWh LFP battery, giving a WLTP range of 405km. That’s thanks to efficiency being rated at 16.1kWh/100km. It can recharge at 87kW (10 to 80 in 28m) while they say a 7kW wall box

will give you a full charge overnight. While there are two models offered in Australia, there’s only one for New Zealand, the one with the bigger battery because they say Kiwis tend to gravitate to something with a range figure starting with a four. It has a five star ANCAP rating and we like how the MG Pilot custom setting, that first debuted on the S5, is present here so you can set the beeps and bongs to your liking.

MG4 updated (inside mainly)

MG has also introduced a revised MG4. It looks the same, and is the same underneath, but inside is where they have made great strides. Where hard plastic used to dominate, the cabin is now lined with soft touch materials. It’s been transformed from quite horrid to quite nice. They’ve also added some buttons to the dash and they’ve given it the bigger 12.8-inch screen with more connectivity options and there’s a 10.25-inch driver display. The phone charger has been repositioned, and there’s a better centre console cover.

Urban vs Essence

Comparing the two MG4 models, the Urban has a 54kWh LFP battery for a 405km range. It has a 118kW/250Nm motor upfront and hits 100 in 8.7s. The MG4 Essence has a 64kWh LFP battery, has a 140kW/350Nm motor on the rear and can do 450km to a charge. It has a max DC charge rate of 154kW and hits 100 in 7.5s. MG will also have the XPower AWD MG4 on sale again soon, with its 320kW/600Nm output and a 0-100 time of 3.8s.

MG4 Urban NZ price

The Urban is $38,990, the MG4 is $44,990 and the XPower is $55,990. The revised MG4 has enjoyed a $4k price reduction, which MG NZ says is due to the competitive market place at present, repositioning it to make it more compelling. MG NZ sees the Urban competing with other EVs at this price point, and that it also gives the brand the opportunity at converting people from ICE-powered hatches.

Drive okay?

We had a brief drive of the Urban. It’s not as well finished as the more

expensive MG4, there being a bit more hard plastic on display in the cabin. While it’s a bit easier to get into, the seat is set quite high. The power delivery is fine, a touch of torque steer when flooring it reminds you it is a front driver. Riding in the rear, we enjoyed the room on offer, though the torsion beam suspension can send a few bumps into the cabin also.

The (real) MG4 is still a solid package, its dynamics and a bit more power make it more likable from the driver’s seat.

One final point, MG NZ is introducing service plans for all its models to give customers clarity on overall costs. And for the next few months, this will be included in the price, before becoming an optional extra.

Blast from the Past

Look it up!

We’ve said it a few times already, but there’s a lot of useful stuff on the LVVTA website. Some of it may not be as easy to find as it could be (and we know, we’re working on that in the background), but thankfully one of the most important tools for an AVI when looking at an LVV certified vehicle is easy to find. This is the lookup tabs for Electronic Data Plates (EDPs) and engraved certification plates, which are at the top of the LVVTA website homepage

It’s imperative that an AVI confirms the modifications they’re seeing on a vehicle with what’s on the plate (whether engraved or electronic), and the only way to do that is to look the plate up on the LVVTA website. For an EDP, this is the only way to see what the vehicle was LVV certified for – so an AVI needs to either scan the EDP with an NFC reader/phone or look it up on the LVVTA website it view the certification details. An engraved plate will state what the vehicle was certified for on the plate itself. The online lookup serves a different function for engraved plates – this is to make sure the plate is genuine in the first place, and that nothing has been added to the plate since it was first riveted to the vehicle. There are different varieties of counterfeit blank LVV certification plates floating around, which pop up every so often on overseas websites – some of which even offer an engraving service included with purchase. It’s this potential for uncertified and likely dangerous modifications (which they’re likely to be, if someone has gone to the trouble of committing fraud rather than following the certification process) that’s meant NZTA have said all engraved plates must be looked up on the LVVTA website. This is now stated in the Introduction section of the VIRM, which says an AVI must not only make sure the plate details match the vehicle, but also match what’s recorded on the LVVTA website. Obviously, the level of information available is different between the two, and there is much more available on an EDP than an engraved plate. But the golden rule with either is if there’s nothing coming up on the website, don’t give it a WoF!

This is the screen you will see if you look up an EDP that hasn’t been activated. Provided that the EDP number and last six digits of the VIN have been entered correctly, seeing this screen means either that the LVV Certifier hasn’t sent through their completed paperwork to LVVTA for the vehicle, or that there is a problem with the certification. Either way, the vehicle isn’t considered certified, and the owner needs to be referred back to their LVV Certifier to find out what’s happening. The vehicle must not be given a WOF.

This is the screen you’ll see if an engraved plate isn’t found. This is easier, in that the numbers needed to look up the plate are engraved on the plate itself, and an AVI just needs to see if there are any discrepancies between what’s displayed online and what’s on the plate fitted to the car. If the details entered are correct and there’s nothing coming up online, it’s quite possible that you’re looking at a counterfeit LVV certification plate. The vehicle must not be given a WOF, but do send us through a photo of the plate at info@lvvta.org.nz

Got a question that needs answering? Have a topic you’d like LVVTA to cover? Let us know what you’d like to see in an upcoming LVVTA column at info@lvvta.org.nz

“Let us help fix

those raised eyebrows.”

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Commerce Commission approves Gull, NPD merger

Service station brands Gull and NPD have been cleared to merge, after the Commerce Commission determined that the amalgamation would not lead to higher prices or lower-quality service for New Zealand motorists.

NPD and Gull are merging to form a new company called Astra Energy Group Limited, which will be majority-owned by the Sheridan family (NPD) and Allegro Funds (Gull). This combined company will operate around 240 sites nationwide from Invercargill to Kaitaia and maintain their distinctive brands; Gull sites are most common in the North Island, and NPD in the South Island.

The Commerce Commission announced in a statement on Friday 8 May that it had granted clearance for Astra Energy Group Limited to acquire all shares in Gull’s parent company, GNZ Holdco Limited (including its subsidiaries, Gull), and NPD Group Investments Limited (including its subsidiaries, NPD). While the Commerce Commission had earlier raised provisional concerns about the merger, a thorough investigation found the merger was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any New Zealand market.

Mathew.alderdice@mta.org.nz

Commerce Commission Chair

Dr John Small said in the statement that the investigation assessed whether there would still be adequate competitive alternatives to stop the new company from raising prices or reducing service quality.

The Commerce Commission concluded that the merged entity would be constrained by other competitors in both the retail and wholesale fuel supply markets, including major fuel companies and other independent fuel suppliers.

The Commerce Commission also considered whether the merger would make it easier for fuel companies to coordinate their behaviour to restrict output or increase prices.

“Our investigation included looking at the markets within which NPD and Gull currently operate and assessing whether there would still be adequate competitive alternatives post-merger to constrain the new company’s ability to raise prices and reduce the quality of its service,” said Dr Small.

“Following this work, we are satisfied that the proposed merger is not likely to substantially lessen competition in any market in New Zealand in which the parties compete or are likely to compete in future.”

The Commerce Commission also considered whether the proposed merger would make it more likely that the merged entity and all, or some, of its competitors would coordinate their behaviour and exercise their collective market power to restrict output or increase prices. It concluded that the proposed merger would not change conditions in any relevant market in a way that made coordination more likely or sustainable.

In the statement Dr Small added that the Commerce Commission’s investigation indicated the merged entity will be constrained in the retail and wholesale supply of fuel by the presence of other competitors, including the majors, as well as independent fuel suppliers, and the commission concluded the merger would not change market conditions in a way that made such coordination more likely.

Dr Small said the Commerce Commission was satisfied the merger was not likely to substantially lessen competition in markets where the parties currently compete or are likely to compete in the future.

The merger allows the combination of NPD and Gull service stations, staff (with a combined staff of approximately 130), and supply chains to optimise operating costs to drive down fuel prices for New Zealand consumers.

NPD Chief Executive Barry Sheridan is set to lead the combined company as CEO, and Allegro Funds’ Fay Bou will be chair.

Sheridan said the combined entity would also develop a national fleet service for commercial customers alongside its retail fuel operations.

Gull’s Mt Maunganui fuel import terminal and NPD’s fleet of fuel trucks are expected to form part of the new nationwide supply network.

MITO Industry Summit and Awards

The road ahead: why trades are NZ's growth engine

james.mcdowall@mta.org.nz

MITO’s

Share ideas, celebrate achievement, and strengthen the pathways that support skilled people and thriving businesses across Aotearoa.

Scan this QR code to register your interest in attending before Friday 3 July.

Budget 2026 was billed as tough love. The framing was sober: a responsible Budget for uncertain times, with discipline the watchword and few surprises. Against a backdrop of global fuel pressures and a government determined to return the books to surplus, that is understandable. But sober is not the same as pessimistic, and the automotive industry has never been in the business of pessimism. Where others see constraint, we see opportunity. The country needs growth, and the trades are one of the surest engines we have to deliver it. Every workshop, dealership and service station is a small business creating jobs, training young people, and keeping the country moving. The sectors MTA represents employ more than 65,000 people and contribute close to $7 billion to GDP. Strengthen that base and you strengthen the economy from the ground up – not through grand schemes, but through thousands of enterprises doing what they do well.

There is a particular reason for optimism about our part of the workforce. We hear a great deal about artificial intelligence reshaping the world of work, about whole categories of jobs disappearing. We’ve been talking about this for a long time,

but it finally seems to be crunch time. The automotive trades sit on the right side of that change. You cannot remotely diagnose and replace a worn suspension component, automate a wheel alignment from an office, or send an algorithm to replace a brake disc. The work of keeping vehicles safe and on the road is inherently hands-on, local, and human. It cannot be offshored, and it cannot be automated away.

That does not mean standing still. The opposite is true. The modern technician works with high-voltage systems, advanced driver-assistance technology, and vehicles that are as much software as machinery. Our industry is not threatened by technology – it embraces it. The future tradesperson is a skilled problemsolver who moves fluently between the spanner and the laptop. That combination of practical skill and technological fluency is exactly what an AI-shaped economy will reward, and it is precisely what makes a career in the automotive trades one of the most future-proof choices a young New Zealander can make. We should be saying that loudly, to every school leaver weighing up their options.

The challenge is to make sure the pipeline keeps pace. We need more young people choosing the trades, more employers

able to take them on, and a training system that puts genuine workplace learning at its heart – real experience on a real workshop floor, not classroom theory dressed up as vocational. Budget 2026 took some welcome steps on the secondary school pipeline, and we acknowledge them. But the most important work lies in how we support employers to carry the cost and the responsibility of growing the skilled workforce of tomorrow. That is where MTA's focus turns next. On 1 July, we will release The Road to Prosperity – our roadmap for how the next Government and the automotive industry can work together to drive genuine economic growth. It sets out a clear, practical, evidence-based programme across workforce, fleet, regulation and community safety. We won't preview it all here, but the through-line is simple: a thriving, progressive automotive industry is not a nice-to-have. It is part of the answer to the growth question every party is asking heading into the election.

The mood of the moment may be cautious. Ours is not. The road ahead is one of opportunity, and the automotive industry is ready –with the people, the skills, and the will – to help drive New Zealand down it.

Board proudly invites employers and stakeholders to register their interest in attending this complimentary event.

Keynote speakers

Brad Olsen Infometrics

Dr Michelle Dickinson Engineer and technologist

Te Radar MC

David Galbraith Business and leadership coach

Mike Casey Rewiring Aotearoa

Businesses are feeling the squeeze

The last few years have been tough for our industry, and business owners have been feeling the pinch. Cost of living pressures hit us in 2024 and 2025. From business owners and members I have personally talked with, we did start seeing an improvement end of 2025 and into early 2026. Things were looking up, and most shops were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, until we all heard about the Strait of Hormuz.

Many workshop owners are facing some of the toughest trading conditions seen in decades. Rising operating costs, ongoing cost-of-living pressures, and now the price of fuel thrown on top. I have had the chance to talk to a number of members over the last few months, and one question that is reoccurring is members asking what they’ve done – customer numbers have reduced.

Now first up, it needs to be realised this is not something you or your business has done, or

not done. Business owners take this very personally when their bookings reduce, and people don’t want to take the advice and get certain parts replaced on their vehicles. It really comes down to more not wanting to do it, and more significantly, not being able to afford to do it.

We have been surveying our members around key points in direct relation to the Gulf conflict, and how it has impacted their business directly. We have asked some very straight to the point questions, and the replies we received were fairly compelling. Asked if fuel prices have increased workshop operating costs, around 85% responded yes, a moderate (015%) increase with an average of around 10% responding they had seen a significant (15% and over) increase.

Another key question asked was around what our members are seeing from their customer base. Forty percent of members surveys have replied they have seen a

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

decrease in bookings, around 35% are seeing customers delaying non-essential repairs and 20-25% reporting their customers are requesting more cost-effective options.

We are all feeling the pinch no matter what side of the fence you are on, but as a business owner you still need to remember cash is king and opening lines of credit (even to your best customers) can be a slippery slope. Cash flow keeps the doors open and business running. Don’t forget we fix cars and look after our community, we are not a bank.

MTA have options available for our members such as MTF for larger jobs and Afterpay for service and repairs.

Have a look on the Toolbox for the full results of the above mentioned survey: just search ‘General repair fuel impact survey’, and while you are there if you haven’t already looked into it, the MTF and Afterpay info is also on the Toolbox.

Shifting gears to electric: succeeding in a rapidly evolving automotive industry

With a clear focus on the future, Quintin Johnson is building his career at the forefront of automotive technology, completing specialised training in electric vehicle (EV) engineering.

Quintin’s passion for cars began at school, where he found that his curiosity could be shaped into a clear career path. Today, Quintin works as an automotive technician at Armstrong in Wellington, where he’s seeing first-hand how the industry is changing.

Quintin began his training journey with MITO’s Introduction to Automotive Engineering Microcredential—a free online microcredential designed to provide some background automotive engineering knowledge for jobseekers or new recruits. He went on to complete his New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 4) in 2025, before further specialising with MITO’s Level 5 Electric Vehicle (EV) qualification.

Continuing into this EV training felt like a natural progression.

“What motivated me to enter the

Level 5 Electric Vehicle programme is that I can see that EVs are the future. It’s better to get ahead than be left behind.”

Working in a dealership environment has reinforced the value of his training. With more electric and hybrid vehicles arriving every year, Quintin is already applying his skills on the job.

“We’re seeing a lot more electric and hybrid vehicles coming in now, especially in a dealership where most new vehicles use this new technology.

Nearly half of what we work on are electric or hybrid cars. I use a lot of the theory I learned in the EV programme in my day-to-day work, which is great.”

The current Workshop Controller, Petrus Pienaar, highlights how important ongoing training is in today’s automotive industry. With rapid advancements in technology, particularly around EV systems and safety, technicians need to continuously upskill to stay current and work safely.

From Quintin’s perspective, the rapid changes the automotive industry

is seeing signify an enormous opportunity.

“It could be all electric vehicles one day,” he says. “Having the knowledge is important, especially with fuel costs increasing and more focus on sustainability.”

For Quintin, ongoing upskilling is essential to success. Staying up to date with new technology is a core part of being a modern technician. He also found the learning experience itself to be a strong advantage.

“Training with MITO was straightforward, especially the online system. Compared to other learning modules I’ve seen, it was much easier to complete all the tasks nicely.”

As he reflects on his journey, Quintin is grateful for the people who supported him along the way.

“I’d like to thank Eugene Bensemann, who was my Service Manager when I first started, and later became my Training Advisor when he joined MITO. If it wasn’t for his support, I don’t think I would have passed or even become a technician. I truly owe my success to him.”

MITO Training Advisor Eugene Bensemann and MITO graduate Quintin Johnson.

Building the automotive workforce pipeline

Youth engagement and workforce development have remained a strong strategic focus for MTA, particularly as the automotive industry continues to navigate significant change and wider vocational education reform across the tertiary sector.

For several years, MTA has actively advocated for a more connected and coherent vocational education system, with stronger pathways linking secondary school education directly into automotive workshops and apprenticeships. This work is centred on ensuring young people can transition into meaningful, real-world careers, while also supporting employers to secure a sustainable pipeline of future talent.

Last month marked an important milestone in MTA’s advocacy journey, with the Transport Industry Skills Board (TISB) and the Ministry of Education hosting a series of seminars introducing the new industry-led subject framework that will progressively replace the current NCEA qualification structure. The reforms represent one of the most significant shifts in secondary education in decades and are designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy while improving

loretta.thompson@mta.org.nz

real-world relevance and career preparedness for learners.

Under the new framework:

• Year 11 or 5th Form will introduce the Foundational Skills Award, replacing NCEA Level 1 and focusing on core literacy and numeracy.

• Year 12 or 6th Form will introduce the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE), replacing NCEA Level 2.

• Year 13 or 7th Form will introduce the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE), replacing NCEA Level 3.

The updated structure will also introduce a new A+ to E grading scale, combined internal and external assessment requirements, and endorsement opportunities for high-achieving learners.

The rollout will occur progressively between 2028 and 2030, giving schools and industry time to adapt.

For the automotive industry, these changes are highly significant.

They reflect many of the outcomes for which industry has advocated through vocational education reform and ongoing discussions around strengthening Gateway

Qualifications by Experience (QbyE) pathway. This proposed approach would support employers and experienced workers – including non-resident and internationally experienced technicians who do not hold the Level 4 qualification – to achieve formal Level 4 recognition without necessarily needing to re-enter a full apprenticeship programme.

These elements will be critical in providing secondary schools with appropriate assurance around the suitability and capability of work-based employers to host and train secondary school learners in a structured and professional manner.

programmes and school-to-work transitions.

Importantly, industry-led subjects will allow sectors such as automotive and transport to have greater influence over curriculum relevance and ensure students are exposed earlier to practical, workrelated learning experiences. This creates a genuine opportunity to establish stronger pathways from secondary schools directly into workshops, apprenticeships, and long-term careers.

From an employer perspective, this has the potential to significantly improve workforce readiness. Young people entering apprenticeships will arrive increasingly with foundational workplace capabilities, prior exposure to workshop environments, and a clearer understanding of industry expectations. This allows employers to focus more heavily on technical development and productivity, rather than spending valuable time delivering basic introductory workplace or life-skills training.

MTA also recognises that building a sustainable workforce requires multiple pathways into industry. Alongside these reforms, MTA continues to advocate actively for the development of a

MTA is currently working closely alongside the TISB and other industries offering this pathway, and liaising directly with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to progress this pathway, particularly for individuals with seven or more years of industry experience.

At the same time, MTA continues to work alongside MITO to support practical, fit-for-purpose technical training solutions, including a work-based training certificate – known more commonly as ‘train the trainer’ – designed to strengthen employer capability and support on-job learning environments.

It is also important to recognise that polytechnics are already well positioned and appropriately equipped with established brickand-mortar training environments that effectively support secondary school learners; however, for workplace-based delivery, it is equally important that employers are recognised and validated through fit-for-purpose systems that reflect the realities of on-thejob, one-to-one, customer-driven training in technical trades.

Another positive development for the wider sector has been the appointment of MTA Board member Grant Woolford to the newly established TISB. Grant brings more than 34 years of automotive industry experience and extensive expertise across

workforce development, technical training, and industry leadership. His appointment ensures the automotive sector has strong representation during this critical period of education reform. Industry Skills Boards play a key role within New Zealand’s evolving vocational education and training system. The TISB helps to shape qualifications, endorse programmes, develop industry standards, and ensure that training remains aligned to the real-world needs of employers and industry.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve through electrification, advancing vehicle technologies and changing workforce demands, ensuring industry has a direct voice in education has never been more important. Together, these developments represent a significant step forward in strengthening the pipeline from school to workshop and building a future-ready automotive workforce for New Zealand.

Elevated and engaged

stewart@collisionrepair.co.nz

The collision repair sector had our conference in Melbourne on May 15, tied in with the Australian Automotive Accessory Association (AAAA) expo held at the Melbourne exhibition centre. Travelers were able to kill two birds with one stone in the CRA conference and AAAA expo. The cost of travelling to Melbourne was $650 return. A return trip Auckland to Wellington is $600 depending on time, more at peak. In other words, a flight to Australia isn’t expensive.

I called this column ‘elevated and engaged’ because that was the objective of the CRA Conference. Elevate because while times are tough, we shouldn’t forget the good things about our industry. A conference is a great opportunity to stop and realize there are many talented people doing exciting things in our industry. There is no puffery here, one day at the conference showcased talent and people who achieved great things, who do so almost every day. It also showed us how we can build

skills and grow people.

The previous year’s winners of the Apprentice of the Year awards spoke at conference on the winning experience and opportunities presented as a result. For those who saw these two winners last year their growth as a person was good to see. The 2026 winners had completed a rigorous evaluation before making it to the final where the three finalists competed in a hands-on evaluation of their skills in either refinish (Golden Gun award) or

panel (Golden Hammer award). Talent from within the MTA showed the depth existing in our membership. The conference MC was Dave Boot, owner of Christchurch EV City (being an MC isn’t his day job). The CRA had used a professional MC in the past - the last two conferences we had Te Radar as MC, a funny, very capable MC. MTA director Dave showed what talent is hidden in MTA membership, doing a fantastic job that should leave Te Radar sweating. Entertainment came from our membership too, Ejay Hernandez has won championships in beatbox and loop music. Ejay is an apprentice refinisher with strong musical talent.

With the industry providing talent, the awards ceremonies illustrated people doing an excellent job and creating businesses that excel. Looking at the finalists and winners, you appreciate how great stuff happens in our industry. An example of great stuff done well showed up in awarding the CRA Chairperson Special Award to Verna Niao and Warren Flowerday, who contributed a lot towards setting up the new industry-owned MITO Ltd. Meeting with people with common interest and common issues

stimulates idea sharing, problem solving and the simple pleasure of good company. This alone elevates people, the benefit of engagement goes further, an industry with people engaged, working together and working towards common goals will be stronger against the opposing forces and therefore sustainable into the future.

The AAAA expo gave us an opportunity to attract high calibre speakers, who were also attending the AAAA expo. Engaging these speakers provided excellent information, insight and expertise across a range of topics important to our industry. This included

Collision Repair 2030 – Adapt, align or exit, summaries of exciting things happening in Australian collision repair, which included robotics and introduction to the Australia right to repair legislation and ADAS code of conduct. A video link to speakers in China and Hong Kong provided valuable insights into Chinese vehicle manufacturers, their philosophies, marketing strategies and where this team from BASF felt the Chinese vehicle manufacturers were heading.

One speaker who elevated and engaged with a real-world subject was Ben Chestefield. He set up an organisation called Don’t Shut The Bonnet On It. Created to encourage discussions on mental health, they created a shirt to be worn on Fridays.

By wearing the shirt to work, the invisible issue of mental health becomes impossible to ignore. Called Trademutt shirts, it’s a fantastic idea. Ben had a powerful personal story on the struggles his son had with mental health. Asking the conference who had someone or knew of someone who had mental health issues and 80% of the room raised their hand.

The 217 delegates at the CRA Conference, Melbourne.

I-CAR Australia CEO Jason Trewin addresses attendees.

Warren Flowerday and Verna Niao, Chairperson Award recipients.

From left: Jeff Robson CRA Chairperson, Scott Wiseman CRA National Executive, Warren Flowerday Vice Chairperson MITO, Verna Niao, CEO MITO, Ben Thomas, editor PanelTalk magazine.

yulene.knight@mta.org.nz prabha.raman@mta.org.nz

New information privacy principle

From 1 May 2026, the Privacy Amendment Act 2025 includes a new information privacy principle 3A (IPP3A), which has been added to the Privacy Act 2020 (the Act). Put simply, it tightens the rules for indirect collection of personal information when you collect information about someone from a source other than that person. For employers, this includes reference checks and police vetting, as well as information generated through outsourced payroll, HR, IT and security systems.

What is IPP3A?

IPP3A expands the notification requirement to include indirect personal information collection, information obtained about a person from any source other than that person. For agencies and employers, this captures a wide range of routine activities, from background checks and contacting referees to storing information. If you are creating a file about someone using thirdparty sources, you will usually need to take reasonable steps to

tell them and explain what you will use it for.

What you need to notify

The detail of what must be included in a notification is set out in the Act itself, but in broad terms employers must tell individuals what information has been collected, why, who will receive it, and how they can access or correct it.

What does this mean for employers?

For most employers, the practical implications will be felt across recruitment, day-to-day employment and third-party service arrangements.

Key examples:

1. Hiring and vetting: Reference checks, police vetting, licence checks and pre-employment screening are common in the industry. Under IPP 3A, you should tell candidates early on that you may collect information about them from third parties, what kind of information you will request, and how it will be used in

Exceptions

One exception applies where failing to notify would not prejudice the interests of the individual concerned. For example, if an employer collects emergency contact details from an employee, the employer will not need to notify the emergency contact. The employer can reasonably assume the emergency contact has an existing relationship with the employee and knows they have been nominated as the employee’s emergency contact.

The Office of the Privacy

Commissioner (OPC) has guidance and examples showing how these exceptions can work in practice.

Steps employers should take now

1. If you have not yet done so, review your recruitment templates, privacy notices, onboarding packs, workplace monitoring policies, including CCTV and vehicle tracking, and vendor contracts.

2. The goal is consistency: what you tell staff and applicants

should match the real data flows in your business, especially where third parties collect, host or process information.

3. If you may rely on exceptions, make sure you have a clear reason and keep an internal record.

Read more about this provision at Office of the Privacy Commissioner | IPP3A: notification requirements for indirect collection of personal information. Please contact MTA HR for assistance.

hiring decisions.

2. Workplace monitoring: CCTV, GPS vehicle tracking, and time and attendance systems all involve the collection of personal information about employees. Where this information is collected or processed by a third-party provider, the employer must take reasonable steps to notify employees that their information is being shared, with whom, and for what purpose.

3. Outsourced payroll, HR and IT: This might be payroll providers, accountants, IT support companies etc. If an employer is using a third party to store personal information, if the third party is not collecting or storing this information for its own purposes, then the employer is responsible for meeting IPP 3A requirements.

4. Employers using AI: If you use AI at work, you should consider whether the way that you’re doing so might trigger IPP 3A obligations, or whether exceptions apply.

What is vstat?

New Zealand Monthly Vehicle

Statistics (vstat) is MTA’s new, publicly available platform serving up a clear and current snapshot of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet, with no detective work required. It pulls together key data into a clean, easy-to-use format, so whether you’re an industry professional or just a curious consumer, anyone can quickly see what’s happening out on our roads.

Vstat tracks monthly vehicle registrations, brand and model trends, along with shifts in fuel types. It gives you the ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ of the New Zealand vehicle landscape without needing a spreadsheet the size of Auckland, and it’s quicker than an F1 pitstop.

By placing this information in one central location, MTA has made it easier than ever to access data that was previously fragmented, difficult to interpret or locked down tighter than Mount Eden prison. A key strength of vstat is its simplicity. Users can navigate the site by selecting the area they wish to explore from the left-hand-side menu. Within each section, the interactive graphs allow further customisation of the data; for example, in the monthly volumes graphs, you can see the volume variations, filter results by the quarter, view the market share of passenger or commercial vehicles

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

by either new or used imports, or look at heavy commercial trends.

In the brand performance sections, data can be viewed across different timeframes – from current month to rolling three months, 12 months, or year to date – whilst also allowing comparisons against year-on-year trends. This flexibility ensures users can tailor the insights to suit their specific needs.

For dealers, vstat is a handy tool to highlight trends in demand and supply, helping with stock planning, spotting customer wants, and keeping in step with the market. Also, wider MTA members can benefit from reliable data too: there’s less stargazing about what could need repairing or servicing,

or parts and collision work; it’s a heads-up on what’s about to roll through the workshop door.

Our intention is to create a transparent resource where anyone can see what’s happening with the current New Zealand vehicle fleet – and this is just the beginning. Over the coming months vstat will keep getting better, with a few tweaks here, some upgrades there, and plenty of extra goodies to keep tempting you back!

If you haven’t checked it out yet, scan the QR code and grab a top-up of vehicle insights with no queues, no dramas, just fast data to scratch that curiosity itch or to keep you moving forward.

New vehicles

Another good month for the combined total new passenger and commercial vehicle market which saw more than 10 percent increase on May 2025, the sector is also up by over 12 percent YTD.

Brand performance in the combined light vehicle sector (under 3,500kgs) saw Toyota with 2,465 units and 22.6% lead, followed by Ford (11.7%), Mitsubishi (9.0%), Kia (6.6%) and BYD with 5.8% market share rounded out the five brands.

Ford Ranger with 809 units topped the overall model category followed by Toyota HiLux (776), Toyota Rav4 (531), Tesla Model Y (415) and the Ford Everest with 340 units rounded out the top five models. With five months gone the Ford Ranger has a commanding lead with 4,047 units YTD, a lead of nearly 1,000 units on the second placed Toyota HiLux (3,079 units).

Used import vehicles

The combined used passenger and commercial vehicle market mirrored May-25, albeit down 22 units. The sector is up by 5% YTD, thanks to the Mar-26 upward spike.

Toyota, Nissan and Mazda, dominated the top three brands again with the Toyota Aqua, Toyota Prius and the Nissan Note controlling the model category with 633, 404 and 369 units respectively.

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) accounted for 45% of total sales, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) held a 4.1% market share. Notably, 96% of Nissan Leaf vehicles sold were less than 10 years old, as were 98.3% of Toyota HiAce. For more details visit the MTA vstat site.

In the fuel mix category ICE finished the month with 44.4% whilst electrical vehicles came in with 55.6% - HEV 31.3%, PHEV 9.7% and BEV 14.6%.

In the Heavy Commercial sector 406 units made it onto the roads with the Isuzu N series topped the table with 29 units registered.

New Vehicle Market Passenger and Commercial - May 2026

Used Vehicle Market Passenger and Commercial - May 2026

Motorcycles and scooters

What a month for the combined motorcycle and scooter sector, 155 units or 32.3% increase over May-25, with 535 over 60cc motorcycles and 100 scooters being registered in May-26.

308 units or 10% up on the same trading period of 2025 and 3.8% or 23 units up on April-26.

52% market share was controlled by the top five bands with Suzuki (82-units or 12.9%), CF Moto (67-units or 10.6%), Honda (65-units or 10.2%), Yamaha (62-units or 9.8%) and Kawasaki with 54-units or 8.5% of the total monthly sales volume.

Forza Ciclone jumped from third last month to top the model podium, with the CF Moto MT450 in second and the KTM 390 took third. Nine models made double figure sales to control 26.5% or 168 units for the month.

New Road Registered Motorcycles and scooters sales - May 2026

Automotive Dismantler

AUCKLAND

Affordable PartsWorld is looking for a quick, careful, and efficient automotive dismantler or mechanic to join our Henderson workshop. This role offers flexible part-time or full time hours – you tell us what days and hours suit your lifestyle. What You’ll Be Doing: Dismantling Ford and Holden vehicles using clear checklist-based processes. What We’re Looking For: Experience in automotive dismantling or mechanical work Someone who is quick, careful, and efficient. Reliable, self-motivated, and happy working within a structured system. What We Offer: Competitive wage for the right skills, Structured, supportive team environment. Email applicants should go to: accounts@affordableparts.co.nz

Anzac Automotive

Experienced Auto Tech

- Euro/German Cars & WOF

AUCKLAND

This role suits someone who is practical, flexible and team focused.We are looking for an experienced automotive technician with the relevant NZ qualifications and experience on European vehicles with strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills who has their WOF certificate. Contact Phone: 094788457 Email: ash@anzacauto.co.nz

Tow-bar Fabricator & Accessory Installer

CHRISTCHURCH

Blackwell Loadmaster Day-to-day work will include fabricating custom tow bars, fitting and wiring tow bars and accessories, installing vehicle accessories including winch and bull bars, nudge bars, roof racks.Would suit auto mechanics with welding or fabrication experience, custom fabricators with automotive experience If you have hands-on skills and love working on vehicles. Phone: 021 201 9090

Email: tony@loadmaster.co.nz

Office Administrator

CRESWICK GARAGE

Creswick Garage is looking for a reliable and organised Administrator to join our team. This is a part-time, on-site role. As our Administrator, you will play a key role in the day-to-day operations of the workshop. You will need a full driver’s licence strong organisational skills and good communication skills. Part Time. Email: admin@ creswickgarage.co.nz

Towsafe Towbars

CHRISTCHURCH

Auto Electrician - Team Leader

We're seeking an experienced Auto Electrician you be responsible for leading a small team of wirers within our busy tow bar business, this hands-on leadership role involves both technical work and team management. You will be qualified Auto Electrician with proven hands-on experience.This is an opportunity to shape and grow the electrical division.Phone: 021 201 9090 Email: tony@towsafe.co.nz

Heavy Diesel Automotive Tech

GREYMOUTH

At Doug Thomson Mechanical Ltd, we are looking for someone with the following qualities: -Have a broad range of knowledge with servicing and repairs to most heavy vehicles - Be able to complete tasks to a high standard in a timely manner - Be confident with a scan tool or be open to learning - A solid work ethic, reliable and punctual -Self motivated and the ability to work unsupervised - A full drivers license including Classes 2-5 or the ability to gain them. - Looking for a qualified or nearly qualified heavy diesel automotive technician. Contact Phone: 027 361 7570 Email applicants should go to: office@dtmechanical.co.nz

Aj Motors Repair Hub

HAMILTON

AJ Motors Repair Hub is seeking a skilled, detail-oriented mechanic to join our high-volume workshop.Key Responsibilities are comprehensive fleet maintenance and servicing. Pre-purchase inspections and oil changes, service checks and WOF repairs. Requirements: Qualification: NZQA Level 4 or above (Essential). Join a supportive team where your technical expertise is valued. Contact: Ryan 021 0240 6180

Automotive technician HAMILTON

Looking for a change? Want to work in a great team environment? Applicants must have at least level 3 qualification. Wof inspector not necessary but preferred. *General repairs on all makes and models, petrol and diesel. *Servicing. *Tyres, fitting and balancing/wheel alignments. *Electrical diagnosing and repairs.Contact Mark Walters 07 856 3571 for more information. Email info@motavation.co.nz

Senior Automotive Technician

HAWKES BAY

We are on the hunt for a Senior Automotive Technician.We can accommodate this role at either our Napier or Hastings branch. We offer lifestyle-friendly hours – no weekend work, competitive remuneration & overtime opportunities also full factory training towards Toyota Diagnostic Master Technician status and career development across our wider Hawkes Bay Toyota Group. Phone: 0223609792

Email: snash@hbtoyota.co.nz

Mechanic

KUMEU, RODNEY

Small busy workshop seeking a mechanic with recognised qualification. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Email Mike: admin@manukaautomotive.co.nz.

KAWERAU AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICS

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE

We’re looking for someone who brings initiative workshop experience (preferred but not required). Problem-solving skills a positive attitude and the ability to work both independently and within a small team A full NZ driver’s licence and a Commitment to get their apprenticeship theory Contact Phone: 07 3231051

Email applicants should go to: Kawerau@ boprentals.co.nz

Automotive Technician

KIHIKIHI GARAGE

We are looking for a qualified or experienced technician with strong diagnostic ability WOF authorised a bonus Comfortable working unsupervised and owning your bay Confident across a diverse range of vehicles. Send CV to office@kihikihigarage.co.nz with the Subject Line Technician Application. Contact Phone: 078716710

WoF Technician

KIRWEE

Looking for Person/Mechanic with WOF Authority This position could be full time or part time This position could be solely doing WOF's or could be a mixture of WOF's & Repairs/Servicing Busy Workshop with a variety of vehicles coming through for WOF, Repairs & Servicing. Phone: 0273263083

Email: vanessa@kirweechallenge.co.nz

Mechanic/WoF inspector

KAIKOHE

Looking for a qualified automotive technician with WoF authority servicing and mechanical repairs. Clean New Zealand driver licence. Phone Richard 09 401 0155 or email CV to office@kaikohepanelbeaters.co.nz.

Qualified Technician

KAIKOHE

At Petersen Motors we are seeking a qualified technician to join our team. This will be a full-time position. WoF ticket certification is a bonus but not necessary, so long as the applicant is capable and willing to get it. Email applicants should send their CV to: p.motors2024@gmail.com

Automotive Technician LOWER HUTT

Capital City Motors is looking for a technician for their flagship Ford Lower Hutt workshop site and also out in their Kapiti Coast site. The ideal candidate will be a qualified and knowledgeable mechanic with good communication and teamwork skills. You will have a proven background in servicing, maintenance repairs, diagnostics, fault finding and repairing and either have or be working towards becoming an Authorised Warrant of Fitness Inspector. Email applicants should go to: HR@ capitalcitymotors.co.nz

Auto Electrician MATAMATA

Onsite Auto Electrical Matamata are looking for a qualified auto electrician to join our team. We work on a variety of vehicles both in our workshop and onsite.Email office@onsiteae.co.nz or 078887579

Automotive Technician

MATAMATA AUTO SERVICES LTD

We are looking for a fully trained Automotive Technician to join our friendly team. You will need to be a qualified Light Vehicle Mechanic with a current driver's licence. If you are an experienced mechanic looking for a stable role in a busy, professional workshop where your skills are valued and rewarded, we would love to hear from you. Email: office@matamataautoservices.co.nz

Product Support Engineer MASTERTON

AECS Equipment and Technical Support supplies equipment and support to the Automotive Industry across NZ. We are looking for someone to grow into our technical support team. The role could be based anywhere and includes travel and flexible hours. If you want to have passion for what you do, get in touch! For more information on the role please email jodie@aecs.co.nz

Workshop Manager NGAIO

Motor Doctors Ngaio. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Workshop Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of our workshop in Ngaio.In this role, you will oversee a team of skilled mechanics, ensuring the efficient repair and servicing of a variety of vehicles. We Offer competitive remuneration, working MondayFriday an opportunity to be part of a growing and forward-thinking company. Email: accounts@motordoctors.co.nz

Qualified Automotive Technician/2IC NAPIER

We are looking for a qualified Automotive Technician/2IC to join our busy service & repair workshop in Pandora, Napier. We’re an AA and MTA approved centre, Hawke’s Bay AA road service contractor, Ironman 4x4 & Yakima premium dealer.You'll need to have an Automotive trade qualification WoF certification (or eligible to gain authority) and a clean full NZ driver's licence. Contact Logan: 027 644 2210 or send your CV to: logan@onsiteservices.co.nz

Qualified Automotive Technician NAPIER

We are looking for a qualified Automotive Technician Join our busy service & repair workshop in Pandora, Napier. We’re an AA and MTA approved centre, Hawke’s Bay AA road service contractor, Ironman 4x4 & Yakima premium dealer. We pride ourselves on top service for a wide customer,commercial & fleet client base. You'll need to have an Automotive trade qualification, WoF certification (or eligible to gain authority) and a clean full NZ driver's licence. Contact Logan: 027 644 2210 or send your CV to: logan@onsiteservices.co.nz

Panel Beater OAMARU

Riteway Paint and Panel are seeking an experienced Panel Beater. Proven experience as a Panel Beater (qualified preferred but not essential). Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Full NZ Drivers Licence preferred.We offer a competitive pay based on experience, a steady workload and job security in a modern workshop and quality equipment.

Contact Phone: 0272759391 Email riteway@xtra.co.nz

Auto technician/WoF Inspector PAIHIA

Want a job by the sea? We’re looking for a qualified auto technician. Great remuneration and relocation support. E: brian@boiam.co.nz or call 029 238 4088

Qualified mechanic PORIRUA

Join our busy, friendly team at Porirua Motors. Contact Murray Phone: 04 237 4975 or directly to our workshop. Phone: 04 237 7979

Qualified Automotive Technician

RG AUTOMOTIVE LTD

We are looking for a qualified Automotive Technician to join our busy, well-established workshop in Motueka.We carry out a wide range of work including diagnostics, repairs, WoF inspections and servicing. This role will suit someone who enjoys variety and takes pride in delivering quality workmanship. Phone: 027 753 3273

Email: accounts@rgautomotive.co.nz

Senior Automotive Technician RANGIORA

Driven Automotive. Bring your skills in diagnostics, repairs, and vehicle maintenance to a supportive, growing team. Trade Certified with WoF authority, and automotive electrical skills preferred. Enjoy career progression, modern tools, and a strong, inclusive culture. Excellent work–life balance with beaches, ski fields, and outdoor activities nearby. Make an impact, grow your career, and be part of a company that values your contribution. Email: hamish@drivenautomotive.co.nz

Automotive technician

SOUTH CANTERBURY

South Canterbury Honda service centre, after hours AA roadside contractor and carry out salvaging throughout the district. Must hold a full driver’s licence, have excellent diagnostic skills, time management and be a team player. Call Alan on 027 228 9584 or email alan@vaughanmotors. co.nz

SB European Ltd

Experienced Mechanic

Applicants must meet the following requirements: Two to Five years of work experience in lightweight automotive industry as a Technician with proven skills – AND on European cars

Specific experience on VW, Audi and Skoda is an advantage; but not essential. Proven competency in computer skills and able to work independently with minimal supervision Email: vivian@sbeuropean.

co.nz

Auto Electrician TAURANGA

P&R Automotive & Electrical. Looking for a qualified automotive electrician with strong diagnostic and repair capability. High-level auto electrical knowledge and proven hands-on experience. Mechanical knowledge is highly advantageous.This is a rare opportunity to join a growing company with a strong reputation for quality, trust, and innovation.A fully equipped mobile workshop vehicle, stocked with the equipment you need. Phone: 0221003202

Email: info@pandrauto.co.nz

Experienced Mechanic TAIHAPE

Please email us for further information bellsdieseltruckandtractor@gmail.com or call 027 332 2471

Windscreen Glazier TAIHAPE

Bell’s Diesel Truck & Tractor LimitedCentral North Island. We are looking for an experienced auto glass technician to carry out repairs and replacements of automotive windscreens along with recalibration. You will have at least a 3-year experience in a similar role. Full time – Part-time hours can be considered for the right person. Phone: 06 388 0449 or 027 279 199 or 027 256 4027. Email applicants should go to: bellsdieseltruckandtractor@gmail.com

2x Qualified Auto-Electricians

TASMAN / NELSON

Our work is interesting and varied, servicing –retail, commercial and industrial clients. Work can be in our workshop or out in the field. Join our fun dynamic team! Contact Dawn on 027 432 3171 Email: sales@auto-electrical.co.nz

Automotive technician

TAURANGA

Welcome to Automotivated - we are a busy Automotive workshop in sunny B.O.P Tauranga. Looking for a motivated full time technician to join our team, We specialize in fleet servicing all vehicle make/model repairs/wof s MTA approved all the latest workshop/equipment and diagnostic scan tools, preferable WOF authorized or able to achieve authority, possibility to grow within role. Job type: Full Time - Contact Phone: 0275710548.Email applicants should go to: admin@automotivated.co.nz

Automotive tech/WoF

Inspector TE AROHA

Immediate start. Qualified or equivalent experience and WoF authority are required. We offer excellent working conditions. Please email CV to: service@summitmotors.co.nz or call Garth on 021511911.

Qualified Mechanic TE AROHA

We are seeking an automotive mechanic with their WOF ticket. Job includes, WOF tests, diagnostics, assessments, repairs and servicing on a variety of vehicles. Maintaining accurate records. Ability to work independently. Must be currently living in, and legally allowed to work in New Zealand. Must have a current and full NZ driver licence. Option to be on call out roster. Contact AgPlus Ltd 28-32 Lawrence Avenue, Te Aroha, 3320. admin@agplus.co.nz 07 8849901.

Qualified Mechanic

TE AWAMUTU, WAIKATO

We are seeking a Qualified Mechanic with their current WOF certificate or be willing to complete a course to obtain WOF Certificate for our busy workshop in Te Awamutu.Hours of work 8am5pm Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will need to be reliable with a good work ethic and a can-do attitude, pay attention to detail and be fluent in English both written and oral. A full NZ driving licence is essential along with a keen interest in the automotive trade. Please apply to: admin@totalautomotiveltd.co.nz

Automotive Technician

TE PUNA, TAURANGA

Seeking qualified mechanic for full time or job share role in busy, well established workshop. Email Adrian: service@tepunamotors.co.nz

Yamaha Motorcycle Technician

WAIKATO

Join our team at Blackwood Yamaha in the mighty Waikato! Excellent customer service and communication skills both written and verbal.

A full NZ Driver’s Licence and Motorcycle class 6 Licence (or willing to get one) A competitive pay will be based depending on your skills and experience. We also offer other staff benefits. Phone: 07 827 7066Email applicants should go to: sales@blackwoodyamaha.co.nz

Senior mechanic/ diagnostician WAIPU

We are on the hunt for an Experienced/ Intermediate mechanic to carry out vehicle and Trailer WOF inspections. Service, repair work and diagnostics on all makes and models of vehicles. No two days are the same. The ideal candidate must have a WOF inspection certificate ,4 or more years experience and a level 4 Certificate in Automotive Engineering. Adapting to paperless job cards through MechanicDesk and basic computer skills is essential; An excellent knowledge of vehicles of all makes and models, In particular, European vehicle knowledge would be beneficial. Please note: this is not a trainee or apprenticeship position. Good hours Monday to Friday 8:00 to 4:30. Car-pooling available from Whangarei. Contact Phone: 09 4320301 Email applicants should go to: accounts@waipumotors. com

Mechanic & WOF Inspector WHANGANUI

Experienced mechanic wanted Full Time, MondayFriday. Fun, friendly team working in busy Rural Garage on all automotive/ farm machinery & equipment. Contact Ross 06 342 7827 or email fordellgarage@inspire.net.nz

Automotive Technician WHANGAREI

This is a wonderful opportunity if you are looking for a positive change in a rural environment surrounded by a wonderful community. Full-time or part-time considered. Please email: chevaun@ gasmgk.co.nz

Auto electrician WHANGAREI

Bindon Auto is a specialist Auto Electrical workshop located in central. We work on a large variety of vehicles and equipment including Passenger, transport, forestry, recreational and Marine. We are a fun team of 8 with a high level of expertise. Must be Trade certified automotive electrical engineer with experience in the commercial sector. Current New Zealand Drivers license Experience with Air Conditioning an advantage. Excellent remuneration with tool allowance and overtime paid.

TAUPO MECHANICAL SERVICES LTD

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN

We are seeking an experienced car mechanic to join our team in beautiful Taupo. You will need to have proven experience as a car mechanic with a strong knowledge of automotive systems and repairs. The ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision. WOF certified is an advantage but not necessary. Send your CV and a brief cover letter to taupo. mechanicalservices@xtra.co.nz Att: Glenn Milne. Contact Phone: 0273283848

Businesses for sale

Automatic Transmission Specialist NEW PLYMOUTH

Current owner for 40 years. A very successful family business now for sale so owners can retire. Automatic transmission repairs, Power steering and general servicing and repairs. Currently working out of two workshops with the capability of reducing to one. SAM computer system and Excel run through the accountant. All hoists, specialist tools. Grant: 0275 320 611 Email: automatics@xtra. co.nz

Automotive Workshop/Station TASMAN.

Situated in Mapua in the middle of the Tasman Bay. Lots of opportunity to grow an already very busy business. All equipment has been replaced over recent years. 20k invested this year alone. AA roadside contractor. Owner prepared to assist with transition. For information call Chris 021 540 286 or email chris.perrysauto@gmail.com.

UPPER NORTH ISLAND

MIKE BURD Team Leader 027 539 4010 mike.burd@mta.org.nz

MARK MOWBRAY 027 270 2665 mark.mowbray@mta.org.nz SOUTH AUCKLAND

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

NATALIE CAMPBELL 021 414 665 natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

NICK MILLS 027 2099 494 nick.mills@mta.org.nz

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

SHELLEY CARTER 027 497 1568 shelley.carter@mta.org.nz

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

Member support team: 0800 00 11 44 mta@mta.org.nz

Stay connected with MTA events and your community

We encourage all members to get involved in MTA events happening across the country. Whether it’s attending a training course or other professional and business development opportunities it’s a great way to stay connected with industry peers and share knowledge to support you and your business.

To find out more about upcoming events or to share ideas on potential future get-togethers, training or other events, you can email events@mta.org.nz, or connect with your Member Advisor, who is there to help you make the most of your membership and stay connected to what’s happening in your region.

NORTHERN REGION

KAIMAI

CENTRAL WEST

EASTLAND

COAST TO COAST

SOUTHERN MAINLAND

AORAKI EAST COAST

2026 MTA Board: Isaac Heron, Dave Boot, Grant Woolford (Vice President), Sturrock Saunders (President), Jason Land, Rob Braun, Ross Verry.

Nick Mills 027 209 9494

Mike Burd 027 539 4010

Shelley Carter 027 497 1568

Jeff Divers 027 348 4746

Mark Mowbray 027 270 2665

Nick Mills 027 209 9494

Training automotive apprentices?

Be in to win a legendar y smoko shout

Fill out our short survey and be in to win a smoko shout and/or advertising package for your business, co-branded with MITO—up to $10,000 in value! Simply tell us why you’re proud to work in your industry, and what benefits learners bring to your business and the wider industry.

One entry per business. Entries close 12 July*.

Scan the QR code or head to mito.nz to enter.

Neil Garner and Ricco Reckling (Apprentice), Giltrap Group