MTA Radiator August 2026 Issue

r o t a i d a R AUGUST 2026

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WHY GOOGLE REVIEWS COULD BE A TIMEBOMB FOR YOUR BUSINESS PLUS: FUEL THEFT, MANIFESTO LAUNCH AND MORE! THE MTA MEMBER MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

ARTICLES

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CE Comment

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MTA delivers roadmap to Government

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MTA hits the road

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Special investigation: Do police figures on fuel theft add up?

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Explained: The true on-road cost of selling a motorbike

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Your Google reviews may be a ticking time bomb

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Put safety focus back on the WoF, Labour says

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The 17% problem: Why automotive wants more women on the tools

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Smoko Stumpers

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What You're Telling Us

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Member Benefits

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Building a brand – more than a logo

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Car Review: 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S

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Blast From The Past

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Mediation: Good records – not just for music-lovers!

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Repairer: Let’s talk WoFs again

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Fuel & Heavy Vehicle: Completing the NZTA compliance form

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Postal address PO Box 9244, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Collision Repair: Register collision repairers

Physical address Level 5, AIA House 34 Manners Street, Wellington 6011

Advocacy: Making this election count

E: mta@mta.org.nz W: www.mta.org.nz

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Education and Training: The road to prosperity starts with a skilled workforce

50

HR Advice: New information privacy principle

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Radiator

Dealer: NZTA’s 2026 MVR Declaration: Is your business ready?

COVER STORY Google Reviews are a useful tool for many members - but they carry hidden dangers.

r o t a i d Ra 6

AUGUST 202

K, TICK...A TICK, TIC COULD BE REVIEWS LE BUSINESS WHY GOOG FOR YOUR TIMEBOMB AND MORE! O LAUNCH PLUS: FUE

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BE A MEM THE MT

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Printing & Production Vertia, Wellington Mailhouse Orange Box, Wellington Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800 The Motor Trade Association (Inc) (MTA) is not responsible for statements, opinions or factual matters published in Radiator magazine, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of MTA, its Board of Directors or its advisory/specialty committees, unless expressly so stated, and does not endorse advertisers.

Radiator magazine is available free to all members of MTA. Information on products and services contained in the editorial and advertising pages of this magazine is published as a service and no responsibility will be taken for inaccurate information.

Radiator magazine does not imply the endorsement of any product or service.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial at any stage.

Copyright: No part of Radiator magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher.

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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CONTENTS

MTA SECTOR REPORTS

CE COMMENT

Delivering on our promise lee.marshall@mta.org.nz One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is getting out to see members. Given the breadth of what MTA do, it’s always good to be reminded why we do it and to hear from members their first-hand experiences.

We’ve always been about helping members run better businesses, though what is required to succeed changes with the times. And that’s the spirit in which we’ve recently embarked on our MTA Roadshows.

In the last three years MTA has reconsidered not only what we do, but also how we do it. Because what is required and expected of us, and the best means to deliver on our promise of helping empower member businesses to thrive through time.

Events remain a key part of our future strategy, and reason is simple. The world is a noisy place in 2026 and we all get spammed to death by interesting information that we rarely have time to read

MTA Director Jason Land tells attendees about MITO’s return to industry.

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and digest. And if you don’t know about all the benefit we’re delivering for industry, it really is for nothing.

There is, therefore, something simple about in-person events and their ability to cut through noise – old fashioned connecting humans with humans.

A sincere thanks to the members that already attended our inaugural events in Dunedin and Christchurch – to connect with us and their local industry peers.

Person to person conversation is something that cannot be substituted by AI, emails and TikTok posts.

If you have a question about the latest developments at MTA subsidiary AUXO software, for example, there isn’t a substitute to speaking with the team who work there. Likewise with our partners MTF and the work they do to provide innovative financing methods that give members businesses a larger slice of the pie.

In-person connection with members is something we take seriously. We formed our Expert Advisory groups for this reason – so our advocacy efforts are shaped and influenced by your lived experience and hard-earned wisdom.

Z Energy’s Tim Bailey addresses the MTA Crime Summit.

The roadshows are part of our commitment to hearing directly from you; so was our manifesto launch at Parliament, and our Crime Summit for service stations last year. With our new Events team, we are working to have more social and professional events that offer value.

What has changed is how we do it.

Like our approach to many things, we believe a targeted approach is far more effective than a big event that only a fraction of the membership will attend and benefit from.

This year we have some ambitious targets in terms of reach. Most members know we’re ‘working hard’ for them, but what does even mean? In a tight market we know our value needs to be more tangible. It’s not enough to just have services and products available for usage – they need to be used. So, we’re trying to tell the story better.

The roadshows have enabled many members to connect with us and each other so far. If one comes by you soon, we’d love to see you there. They are free to members and there is no expectation on you. But we do

hope you’ll get something very real.

More than ever it’s important that we all lift our gaze because the environment in which we operate is fast changing. Vehicles have never been more reliant on technology, electric vehicles are rapidly growing in prevalence, and the makes and models we are familiar with are rapidly being substituted with Chinese brands that are entering our market apace.

I’ve encountered a few people recently who say they are struggling in the economic environment. But I also meet people who say they’ve never done better (and understandably don’t want to shout about it).

And that stacks up. The market is about flat by many measures.

And yes, for clarity, that means not down, not up.

More and more we’re seeing winners and losers and I personally put it down to perspective. Those who have successfully lifted their gaze and are actively choosing their direction in a changing market are often flourishing. And those that are stuck, head down, worrying about the next job,

next day, are struggling as they continue doing the same while the world changes around them.

At our MTA roadshows there are so many things we could be talking about – there simply isn’t enough time. We talk about the changing vehicle landscape, the Health and Safety platform we provide for you – Safety Culture, what’s happening at MITO, Auxo, MTF, and the changing political landscape that we’ve navigated with so much success in recent times.

It’s our hope that something we say prompts you to think just a little differently about what the future might hold. A high leverage couple of hours that ensures you stay in the driving seat. Because, as they say, standing still is going backwards.

We’re exist to help you and your business thrive. So if you need help or advice with anything, consider giving us a call. And if you haven’t been to one of our roadshows yet, consider coming along to the next. We’d love to see you there.

Noho ora mai; Lee Marshall

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Lee Marshall calls for action on the ageing fleet.

MTA delivers roadmap to Government The Motor Trade Association’s election year manifesto has delivered a clear and strong message to the next government – we need to work together.

The manifesto, titled The Road to Prosperity, contains 20 calls to whoever holds office after the November election.

The calls are split across four categories, under the central theme of economic growth.

“The automotive industry is a cornerstone to the growth of the country. Growth that will expand the economy through enterprise and innovation,” the publication says in an overview.

Calls are broken down into four categories: • A skilled workforce • A safer fleet • A fair playing field • A focus on crime

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A copy of the manifesto has been sent to every member, and it is also available on the MTA website.

It drew on the experience and input of members and industry leaders over a nine-month period to ensure the calls reflected what industry needs.

The Road to Prosperity was launched at Parliament on July 1, to a packed house of MPs, MTA members, and industry stakeholders.

Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration and Education, was the keynote speaker for the event.

Other speakers included Tangi Utikere (Labour), Julie Anne Genter (Green), Andy Foster (NZ First) and Cameron Luxton (ACT), deputising for Simon Court who was unwell.

“Yours is an industry that quietly underpins so much of our

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economy,” the Minister told the audience.

“Every day, you help families get where they need to go, support businesses, connect communities and create thousands of skilled jobs across New Zealand.”

In her speech, Stanford talked of the importance and value of trades as an alternative to university.

“New Zealand needs outstanding doctors, lawyers and engineers.

“But we also need outstanding automotive technicians, electricians, builders, plumbers, welders and mechanics. These are highly skilled professions that keep our economy moving and our communities thriving.

“Every one of those careers deserves to be recognised, respected and valued.”

Expertise The Minister outlined changes to

immigration settings that she said would directly benefit members.

“A new Trades and Technician pathway will recognise the vocational qualifications and practical experience that industries like yours value. Alongside that, a Skilled Work Experience pathway will recognise people who have developed significant expertise through years of directly relevant work,” she said.

“For the automotive sector, occupations including automotive electricians, diesel motor mechanics, motor mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, panel beaters, small engine mechanics, vehicle body builders and vehicle painters will all be eligible, provided they meet the relevant requirements and all other residence criteria such as health, character, and English language.”

MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall said that he hoped the manifesto and the launch would be the start of a conversation with MPs. “We’re not pretending we own the truth on these subjects – but we are sure our ideas are sound and we are here, ready and willing to work with whatever government forms in November to ensure that ‘NZ Inc’ has the thriving

automotive industry it deserves,” he said.

Of the issues covered by the manifesto, he highlighted the aging fleet as one area for action.

“New Zealand continues to be an outlier among developed nations with second oldest national fleet in the OECD; poor rates of renewal and off the back of that, a fleet that isn’t as efficient, environmentally friendly, or safe as it otherwise could be,” he said.

Right to Repair Lee also drew attention to the Right to Repair issue.

“It’s no small thing that we now also get behind Right to Repair and the need for a legislated, fair and balanced solution for our industry – a conversation that has been brewing for some 20 years and where, with the growing dependence of modern vehicles on proprietary technology, the time has now come,” he said.

MTA President Sturrock Saunders introduced the event, following a mihi powerfully delivered by MTA member and Director, Dave Boot.

In his address, Sturrock welcomed the diversity of speakers and view.

“In this room we have people here from different political parties,

Sturrock Saunders asks for united commitment to industry.

different industries and different organisations – and no doubt, with different opinions,” he said.

“But we should all be united in our commitment to create a stronger New Zealand and a brighter future for all New Zealanders.”

• What do you think of MTA’s election year calls? Have we got it right? Contact james. mcdowall@mta.org.nz with your comments

More than 100 people attend the manifesto launch at Parliament.

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Lee Marshall outlines the manifesto

No spare seats for the big night

Keynote speaker Erica Stanford

Labour's Tangi Utikere at the lectern

Julie Athnnee GGreenentervieprw esents

MTA President Sturrock Sau

nders

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MTA unveils member calls at Parliament MTA launched its election year manifesto The Road to Prosperity to a full house at Parliament’s historic Legislative Council Chamber last month. Minister of Immigration and Education Erica Stanford hosted the event and led the range of speakers from across the House.

Minister Stanford addresses attendees

Guests Justine Stephen and Donna Lategan

Healthy debate between guests

MTA CE Lee Marshall welcom es Minister Stanford

Opportunity Party candidate Luke Ross (R) chats with Andy Foster from NZ First

Sturrock Saunders and Jonathan Sergel of AA Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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MTA members and MTA staff mix and mingle at the Christchurch roadshow.

MTA hits the road MTA is holding a series of roadshows around the country to meet with members and share the value and benefits of membership, as well as industry insights. And the meetings have proven a hit – with packed houses in the South Island leg of schedule.

Called The Road Ahead, the evening events feature a range of speakers and aim to update and inform members on MTA’s work on their behalf, in addition to trends and developments in the automotive sector.

Attendees are invited to bring members of their team and their partners along for the evening.

As this month’s Radiator goes to print, evenings have been held in Christchurch and Dunedin, with more planned for Hamilton and Auckland in late August.

It’s a chance for members to meet some of the MTA team and Board and talk with them in an informal

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setting (see on facing page for details on how to join the future events).

The Christchurch and Dunedin events featured a range of speakers: • MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall gave an overview of MTA performance, and a review of the vehicle market performance and the changing landscape • AUXO Chief Executive Terry Allen talked about the platform and its performance by region • Lia Paddy, MTA Product & Strategy Manager,

MTA CE Lee Marshall addresses attendees.

Sharing views is a key focus of the roadshows.

showed how world-leading platform Safety Culture (paid for by MTA for members) can solve real business problems • MTA President Sturrock Saunders and Director Jason Land spoke about MITO, which is back in industry hands, and poised to deliver for learners • MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall discussed how MTA influences policy and gave a brief overview of our manifesto calls, immigration in particular.

The upcoming roadshows will follow a similar format, and afterwards there’s a chance for members to network and meet with the MTA team over a drink.

Capricorn and Auxo are providing generous spot prizes for some lucky members at each event.

Well-known business leader Mike Pero hosted the Christchurch event at the Britten Museum, spoke to attendees and also handed out some goodies.

More roadshows are planned for Auckland and Hamilton later this month – watch the Friday email for more information or register your interest at events@mta.org.nz.

• MTA would like to thank Capricorn and Auxo

MTA President Sturrock Saunders welcomes members in Christchurch.

for their support of The Road Ahead, MTA members and industry.

• We also thank Mike Pero and the Britten Motorcycle Museum for their contribution to the Christchurch event.

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Police say they cracked down on fuel theft – but did they?

SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: Do police figures on fuel theft add up?

Fuel theft is an issue that’s never far from many service station members’ minds.

During the Iran conflict fuel theft was a talking point on many public platforms as well. MTA Head of Communications Simon Bradwell examines police claims and media reports from earlier this year.

Cast your mind back to the height of the Iran conflict.

Amongst the avalanche of media headlines during March and April were articles about an increase in fuel theft, and the police response.

Police were quick to announce that they were taking a “zero tolerance” approach to the problem and had made hundreds of arrests as a result.

On 23 April, Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny told Radio NZ that there had been 100 extra cases of fuel theft a week since the start of March, and police had laid 370 charges for fuel theft, stating that

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was a “significant increase” on the year before.

On the face of it, this was good news. While any increase in theft was of course unwelcome, it was positive to hear police were taking it seriously and responding strongly.

But what do the numbers say? And what were members reporting?

MTA used the Official Information Act to obtain NZ Police’s own data around fuel theft for the month of March.

It turns out they paint a different picture.

First, a brief explanation: there is no offence code for petrol drive offs in the police system. Instead, police staff use “thefts under $500” as their metric, but the OIA response says: “police [are] confident that the vast majority of these recorded offences represent petrol or diesel drive offs”.

Table 1 shows the numbers for thefts under $500 from service stations for the relevant months.

Virtually no change in the year-on-year figures, despite the “100 extra cases a week” claim from NZ Police.

There’s clearly a big jump from February 2026, but otherwise March 2026 was consistent with the previous year. How much of the rise from February can be attributed to the conflict is therefore unclear.

Table1

Table 2

“Significant” increase What about the 100 extra cases of fuel theft a week that police claimed?

As the numbers in Table 2 show, that’s true for some weeks in March 2026 compared to February 2026, but not when compared to March 2025.

Around a quarter of fuel members responding to a survey in late March and April did tell us that they were seeing a “little” increase in drive off theft, so that backs up the comparison with the month prior. But given March 2025 was on par with March 2026, again it’s impossible to say with certainty whether the increase was as a result of the Iran war.

How about that “significant” increase in arrests though?

Well, police claimed they made 370 arrests for fuel theft in March 2026. And maybe they did. But undoubtedly some of those arrests were fuel thefts from private businesses – not service stations – as a result in the spike in the cost of diesel. You may recall media coverage of some of them.

So take those arrests out, and Table 3 shows the number of arrests for under-$500 thefts from service stations.

An increase both month-on-month and year-on-year certainly, but 38 more arrests is hardly a “significant” difference or the result that the “zero tolerance” approach could be expected to secure.

In fact, given the lower number of cases in February, you could argue NZ Police made far more arrests in that month – proportionately.

It’s interesting to note that Penny also used media interviews as a platform to push a familiar police line – that all service station retailers should move to prepay pumps to combat theft.

While some members agree with this and have

Table 3

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moved to pre-pay successfully, other members tell MTA the police approach is unsympathetic.

They rely on foot traffic into their retail outlet, which prepay pumps will impact. And many customers simply don’t like pre-pay.

The other question that can be asked, is that by trumpeting their success – which as the numbers show, is debatable – did NZ Police give oxygen to an issue that didn’t need publicising?

Certainly several media outlets latched on to an “alarming” new rise in fuel thefts as a new story during the conflict.

Justice Committee live stream.

Election calls On behalf of MTA, I spoke MTA’s Simon Bradwell (bottom right) represents fuel sector with Radio NZ after Penny’s members at Parliament’s Justice Select Committee. interview to give some context about the thefts, and to call for police to give theft year-round attention, not engagement with the Minister of Police and NZ just during the conflict. I also mentioned members’ Police concerns around pre-pay pumps.

• Ensure addressing fuel theft, and retail crime, In subsequent media appearances I also gave some is an explicit focus in the Minister’s Letter of perspective that articles which simply cited police Expectations to the Police Commissioner numbers as gospel lacked – namely that with around • Provide 100% tax deductibility for crime25,000 fuel thefts reported to police a year, a blip of prevention capital expenditure 100 a week more for a month during the conflict was • Establish a technology fund to help SMEs hardly significant. invest in technology, such as Facial Recognition Media can’t be expected to know the full picture Technology or Artificial Intelligence to prevent or around thefts, so rely heavily on police. The reporters combat crime.

I spoke to were astounded to learn how significant Don’t get me wrong. This article isn’t an attack the problem of fuel theft is – something police didn’t on police. We all respect the job they do and the refer to at all. You can draw your own conclusions as difficulties they face with limited resources. Many to why. members have a positive experience with their local MTA's role is to ensure that members’ views and police. But many others don’t. interests are put forward and included – something Much more needs to be done to address theft at we take seriously. We have dedicated a considerable service stations, and government and police can’t turn amount of our advocacy and media work to not only a blind eye or claim they’re tackling it. highlighting the problem but finding solutions.

They also need to work with MTA, MTA members In our election year manifesto, The Road to Prosperity, and industry. We’re ready and willing. The question launched at Parliament last month, MTA put forward is, are they? four steps for government to introduce: • Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny was invited • Support an industry-led Fuel Retail Crime Group to meet with MTA and discuss fuel theft but did with a commitment from parties to regular not respond to our request.

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Explained: The true on-road cost of selling a motorbike One of the biggest challenges facing motorcycle dealers today is accurately calculating and recovering the true cost of preparing a motorcycle for delivery.

While customers often focus on the advertised retail price, dealers know that a significant amount of work, administration, compliance, and expense occurs before a motorcycle can legally and safely leave the showroom.

With the introduction of New Zealand's five ACC levy categories for motorcycles and moped registrations, understanding your actual On-Road Costs (ORCs) has become more important than ever. Registration and licensing charges can now vary considerably with some seeing a decrease whilst other have seen massive increases depending on the classification, making it essential that dealers regularly review their ORC calculations and pricing strategies.

Some dealers still underestimate the total cost involved in delivering a new motorcycle. A motorcycle typically arrives in a crate and requires professional assembly by qualified technicians. Batteries must be installed and charged, fluids checked, and manufacturer specifications followed.

Every unit also requires a comprehensive Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), including safety checks of brakes, tyres, lighting, suspension, electrical systems, any factory software updates, and road test maybe required to ensure the motorcycle performs as intended.

Beyond the workshop, significant administrative work is involved. Registration, licensing, ownership documentation, warranty activation, service records, and customer handover preparation all consume valuable staff time and are a true cost to the business.

The final delivery process is equally important.

Customers must be updated on maintenance schedules, warranty requirements, safety features, and running-in procedures.

The direct costs tell only part of the story. Modern motorcycle dealerships also carry substantial overheads that support the delivery process, including: • Factory technician training and certification • Diagnostic equipment and specialist tools • Workshop compliance and health and safety requirements • Insurance and security systems • Dealer management and IT systems • Customer support services • Building, utilities, and maintenance costs These expenses continue to rise each year. Dealers who fail to review their ORCs regularly risk absorbing costs that directly impacting your viability and profitability.

ORCs should be reviewed at least annually, and should reflect your actual expenses, including labour rate changes, compliance costs, registration fees, and ACC levies.

On-road costs should not be viewed as simply a registration charge or a dealership margin. They represent the real cost of transforming a crated product into a roadready, compliant motorcycle backed by professional service and support.

Having challenges working out your true ORCs? Visit the MTA Toolbox for a Motorcycle ORC Calculator template as a starting guide.

Costs vary While costs vary between dealerships, brands, and locations, a typical ORC package may include those in the table on this page.

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Your Google reviews may be a ticking time bomb Ronan Nichol, Founder, Storm IMC Many New Zealand car dealers and workshops may be at risk of serious punitive action and heavy penalties for review gating. Most have no idea they're doing it.

If your process for requesting Google reviews involves software that screens the customer first by asking them to rate you before sending them through to Google, or diverting anyone likely to leave a poor review into a separate process, you may be in breach of Google policy, and you may be running afoul of the Fair Trading Act. Most automotive dealers and service businesses doing this bought the software in good faith. It was sold to them as a reputation management tool and an almost too-good-to-be-true solution for getting rid

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of, or reducing poor reviews. These solutions may in fact amount to breaches of the Fair Trading Act and Google review manipulation, and the consequences are starting to land.

First, what does review gating actually look like?

A customer collects their vehicle after a service. A few hours later they get a text: "How did we do today?"

Select four or five stars, and they're sent straight to Google. Select one, two or three, and they're routed into a private feedback form instead, or made to click through extra steps before they can reach the review page. If that's your process, you're in risky territory.

Whatever the intent, the effect is to suppress negative reviews.

Figure1

Collecting additional feedback isn't the problem. The filtering is (see Figure 1). Only the happy customers get a clear and unobstructed path to post publicly, so the rating on your listing doesn't reflect the reality, it has been skewed. That is a misrepresentation, and that's what both Google and the Commerce Commission are looking at.

One thing to assess, or to put to your software provider, is this: does the customer's journey change based on the initial rating they give? If it does, even slightly, even with a link at the end, you should be asking why.

What it could cost you Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, misleading or deceptive conduct currently carries maximum penalties of $600,000 per offence for companies and $200,000 for individuals. The Fair Trading Amendment Bill, introduced in May and currently before Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee, would lift the corporate ceiling to the greatest of $5 million, three times the commercial gain, or the value of the transaction. Importantly, it would also shift most breaches from a criminal to a civil standard of proof, making them materially easier for the Commerce Commission to establish.

The Commission has identified review manipulation as an active priority. A curated review profile is a representation about your business, and if it has been engineered rather than earned, it may amount to misleading or deceptive conduct.

Google can also take action, and often does so swiftly and without warning, under its Rating Manipulation policy, which prohibits attempts to influence a star rating directly or indirectly.

Between January and July 2025, Google's review deletion rate rose by more than 600%. That figure covers several forms of review manipulation, not gating alone, but the direction of travel is unmistakable.

Detection is now heavily automated. Algorithms scan for unnatural rating distributions and the patterns that gating produces.

A profile with 100 reviews and not one below four stars in your business sector is a statistical curiosity, and the machine knows it.

There is a very real human risk too.

A customer or a competitor can easily report this activity to Google or to the regulatory bodies.

Under Google's separate Fake Engagement policy, the consequences escalate. Google can remove large volumes of reviews, reduce your visibility in local search, restrict the profile from receiving new reviews, and worst of all, display a public warning banner on your listing telling customers that fake reviews have been removed. That's not a lost review.

That's a notice from Google, on your own profile, effectively telling your next customer you were caught being deceptive.

Have we seen this before?

If you were around for Google's Penguin update in 2012, this will feel familiar. Buying backlinks was a standard, openly-sold service, and many businesses weren't aware it was prohibited under Google's policies. Then Google effectively flipped a switch, and lots of businesses had their visibility catastrophically wiped out. Many, large and small, never recovered. Meanwhile, businesses that had never taken the shortcut woke up ahead without lifting a finger.

Figure 2

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The practice was, at first, tolerated, then quietly disapproved of, then sometime later suddenly and brutally enforced. The businesses that got hurt weren't the bad actors. They were the ones who bought a product in good faith and never went back to check whether it still complied.

So what does compliant look like?

Ask every customer. The buyer, the service customer, even the one who wasn't thrilled with the bill. Selective solicitation is the problem, so remove the selection. A dealership with 4.4 stars from 200 genuine reviews is more credible, and far less exposed, than 4.9 from 40 gated ones.

Give everyone the same path. One link, same wording, same prominence. If you want internal feedback too, monitor your reviews or run a separate survey program.

Ask after the interaction, not during it. Not while they're at the counter with keys in hand. Give them a few hours, and personalise it where you can.

Remove every incentive. Google prohibits any review incentive, not just incentives for positive reviews. The free coffee and the discounted WoF have to go, even when offered for "an honest review."

Respond to the negatives publicly. A dealer on 4.3 with calm, non-defensive replies reads as far more trustworthy than one with a suspiciously flawless 5.0. Customers don't expect perfection. They expect you to front up.

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Stop chasing a perfect 5 star review score.

Northwestern University's Spiegel Research Center found purchase likelihood peaks between 4.2 and 4.7 stars, then declines as ratings approach 5.0 (see Figure 2). Customers may not know how a rating gets rigged, but they can smell it.

The best time to stop your review gating process was some years back. The second best time is now. If your review process treats a happy customer differently from an unhappy one, change it before someone else does it for you.

• Ronan Nichol is the founder of Storm IMC, an Auckland-based digital marketing agency.

Storm IMC works with New Zealand automotive businesses on online reputation management, paid search, SEO and digital advertising and provides branding, design and creative services through Storm Studio.

Ready to elevate your marketing? www.stormimc.co.nz

Storm Ranked NZ No.1 for SEO & Paid Search TechBehemoths Excellence Awards

Branding | Websites | SEO | Paid Search | Digital Marketing

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Put safety focus back on the WoF, Labour says Last month we interviewed Associate Transport Minister James Meager at length about changes to the Warrant of Fitness. This month, Labour Transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere gives his views.

Thank you very much indeed for speaking at the launch of The Road to Prosperity. First of all, could I get your overall impressions on the calls that are in the manifesto?

Yeah, it's sort of that time of the year, isn't it, where there are a number of calls coming from lots of different directions. The thing that I quite liked is that your calls relate to partnership.

And there were five or so of the kind of key planks that were identified there. They clearly identify issues that are important to your members, a significant number of people and stakeholders. So when I spoke, I said, you know, actually, it's a fair opportunity to engage further around what they might be.

So whether it's around, you know, issues around crime and the retailing sort of aspect, right through to apprenticeship opportunities and ensuring that there's a good sort of pipeline of folk moving through.

Repair is obviously pretty important.

Low emission fleet, you know, that's pretty topical at the moment as well.

So in the bigger scheme of things, I think you've probably, for your stakeholders, hit on a few key points that I thought were, you know, sort of spot on.

You mentioned that a lot of the calls are on behalf of the membership of MTA and the industry. One of the issues that was a very big deal to our membership last year was the Warrant of Fitness changes. And there was a real feeling amongst our membership and MTA that the change to the regime didn't really stack up on a safety or a savings level.

And a lot of members who run the workshops, who do the work, felt they were ignored or not really considered. So they would be very interested in hearing what Labour's plans

would be for the Warrant of Fitness if you came into the next government.

I think fundamentally safety is really important.

And so, when we look at the Warrant of Fitness, what is the purpose of them? Very different to RUC and registration that is largely transactional, whereas I guess WoFs are a bit more qualitative in terms of their assessment. And so fundamentally for us safety is important. We want to make sure that all of the vehicles that are using our roading network are safe to do so.

I don't think anyone would want to skimp on that. I'm not going to tell you our policy at the moment, because while we have announced public transport policy, we still have to wait a little bit for the rest of the manifesto to come out. But what we've also been really clear on is that we don't want to be an incoming government that is just going to chop and change

Tangi Utikere answers questions posed by MTA's Simon Bradwell.

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a whole pile of stuff.

So where there's stuff that's underway and things are working, we'll look to retain that stuff. But what is a concern is where stakeholders, wherever they might fall, feel as though they haven't had a voice in the system. I don't think that often is a rationale or a reason just to flip back and, you know, turn everything on its head.

But I do think there are opportunities to maybe engage further to understand what those issues were.

Sometimes we get stakeholders, this happens all the time, that just don't like the outcome. But I don't think it's unrealistic to expect any sort of process to address what the concerns were that were raised, even if people don't behave as like the end result.

Yeah, and there would be realism amongst the membership that nobody would expect you to come in and completely throw out what National has brought in. And nobody wants that kind of flipflop policy anyway. But it does seem that there's an opportunity to change one thing.

There was real concern about

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the two-yearly warrant for vehicles aged between 8 and 14. And it does feel like there's an opportunity to at least put pause on that one, even if the other changes were to go ahead.

If we could just defer that one until we've got some more data around it, more evidence around it, that would be one measure that I think most members would welcome. Is that something that you would be able to comment on?

Look, I won't commit to that, but I don't think it's unrealistic to think about – and this happens whenever there is some change – to see not just whether the change is embedded, but actually is it delivering on the intended purpose, first of all. But if there are some real concerns about safety issues in terms of making that extension, then absolutely that's something that we could possibly turn our mind to.

I know a lot of the concern at the moment seems to be around cost of living and the price of things, and I totally get that. But we also need to understand that the purpose of a

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Warrant of Fitness is for safety and roadworthiness. When we're looking at whether the price of getting a Warrant of Fitness or a Certificate of Fitness or registration or whatever it might be, there are levers that can be pulled or utilised around cost of living pressures and how they might look.

But I think the underlying issue of importance here is safety, and if we are hearing from the sector and from others that this really does compromise the safety component, then I do think we need to be open to having a look at that.

And I think that would be very welcome to members because, first of all, I think there was a lot of opinion that the savings wouldn't actually stack up, that some of the numbers the Government were producing didn't add up. And even if they did exist, it was at the expense of safety, and a lot of the members were really quite concerned about it purely from that safety point of view.

And obviously in the Government's or the Ministry and NZTA's own documents and research, they were all

forecasting an increase of fatal crashes, albeit quite small numbers. And I put that to James Meager, and he said, well, that would only happen if we weren't doing other work around driving education and alcohol and drug impairments and those sort of things, which will mitigate that potential rise in fatalities.

I was just wondering if you were also looking at measures to improve driver education and road safety through alcohol and drug enforcements and other measures that you might be bringing in to improve and help educate drivers?

I don't necessarily agree with Minister Meager's comments there.

What we have seen under the current Government is a focus away from road safety. And again, these decisions need to be taken within the frame of road safety being a key consideration. When I first moved into this role there were real concerns around what was the Ministry of Transport at that stage, some reduction in focus in terms of road safety.

We had a particular policy last time that sought to really ensure that road safety was a key driver and a focus.

This Government have changed that.

OK, I accept that as their prerogative.

But to simply say that we're going to look at other ways to mitigate fatalities, etc., when you have a vehicle that is not roadworthy and there are real concerns around that, there are really limited types of mitigation that can address that. So road safety is something that we are acutely focused on. We have been even in opposition.

And what I'd like to see is more of a focus in that area. The issue that I have, and this is not new news, I have been saying this for quite some time, well, for at least two years, is that the GPS on land transport has a huge focus on roading. That's important.

We need to have roading as part of that. But there is not a huge focus in

terms of road safety in my mind. Now, there's going to be a big piece of work around rebalancing the GPS for the next Government.

That needs to happen. And that'll be a difficult task because of the limited fiscal constraints that exist. But I would like to see a focus in the area of road safety.

How we deliver that in terms of different initiatives and things like that, you'll have to wait and see. But at the moment, my concern is that that's not a focus of the current Government.

Would you be prepared to engage with industry, with MTA members, and MTA as part of the work to refocus on safety?

One of the things that I've enjoyed over the last two and a half years has been engaging with industry. And MTA have been a stakeholder. I think having James [McDowall, MTA Head of Advocacy] as a former colleague, albeit across the aisle, has been very helpful.

But I'm always open to engaging with the industry. Whatever policy, direction or settings a Government lands on or a party lands on, we want to make sure that the settings are right and that it's workable. And you can really only achieve that, certainly with the advice that you get from the public service and the public sector, but also making sure that any initiatives

are going to be able to be rolled out, delivered.

And you only get that from having those conversations. So yeah, it's been something that I've always done, and I don't intend to change that approach moving forward.

Because I think something that definitely rankled with members, was that a lot of them just felt their advice and opinion was kind of ignored.

Yeah, and look, I can understand why some people might be disappointed with an outcome not going the way that they might like it to. But I think it's actually fair and reasonable to expect that you might get the outcome you might not like, but you would understand why the decision was made. And what I'm sensing is that actually you've got from A to B, but it's gone from A to B without actually an understanding, oh hang on a minute, we raised these issues, you kind of haven't even responded to those or addressed them.

And I don't think it's unrealistic or unreasonable to expect that any government of the day should be able to address those concerns.

• To read the full interview, including Tangi Utikere’s thoughts on the Clean Car Discount, Right to Repair, and service station crime, visit Toolbox.

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“Women make up 51% of the population yet we have a really low representation in the automotive sector.

ˮ

MTA is working with members to employ more women.

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WIA aims to increase industry representation of women from 17% to 30%.

The 17% problem: Why automotive wants more women on the tools

By Kerry Meadows-Bonner In the automotive industry, they make up around 17 percent of the workforce - six percent are apprentices.

For Natasha Callister, Co–Founder and Chair of Women in Automotive New Zealand (WIA), those numbers tell the story of an industry short of staff, sitting on a talent pool it has barely tapped into.

WIA is an organisation bringing together businesses from across the automotive sector with key goals: growing the number of women in the industry and getting more of them into senior leadership. It’s a not for profit, volunteer-run initiative to help businesses attract, retain and advance female talent, while also supporting women already in the industry.

Natasha says: “We have pockets where women are more likely

to work if they are working in a sector. For example, in administrative roles, in marketing, HR. And where we have a real shortage is in those senior leadership roles, particularly in sales and retail sales,” “WIA is both for women, in terms of helping them build confidence, networks, understanding career pathways, what roles are available, and we are also an organisation who have an ambition to increase the participation of women within their businesses and to retain and develop their key talent and how we can help support them in doing so.”

“We're here as an entity that wants to give back to the industry and support the industry as they are on a journey, whatever stage they may be," Natasha says.

Their target: To increase overall

industry representation of women from 17% to 30% by 2030.

That’s where the Women in Automotive Accord fits in.

“The Accord is something that organisations sign up to with its own seven principles,” Natasha says. “Things like a diversity and inclusion policy, seeking out opportunities to include women and encourage diverse views, taking steps to know and address the gender pay gap, and that they’re creating safe, inclusive physical environments.”

Separate from Accord’s membership is an internal “warrant of fitness” tool checklist that businesses can use covering areas like physical environment, uniforms and PPE, whether they are Accord members or not.

“It’s a free tool that helps organisations assess how they’re

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currently sitting in five key areas.

We absolutely do not expect organisations to have everything sorted on day one,” Natasha says.

Three years on from WIA’s launch what has surprised her most is the level of engagement already coming from industry, with organisations tackling it in ways that suit their own size and resources.

“Giltrap Group has started a Women of Giltrap group throughout their organisation,” Natasha says. “They’re helping to build those networks of women to say that they do belong here, and they’ve got development pathways and scholarships” “Attract, recruit, retain and advance,” she says. “We want women to understand more about the industry in general, that it is a fabulous industry, it’s a big contributor to New Zealand’s GDP. “There are really rewarding and challenging career pathways available, so it’s about having women understand that there is an option for them. In the recruiting side of things, it’s working with industry around how they can

create changes within their organisation to have more women apply, remove unconscious bias and recruit some of those women working in the industry.

“And then there’s advancement.

When we started Women in Automotive, I don’t think that there was a single female general manager of a major auto brand in New Zealand. What’s really pleasing is that we now have a number of those. The likes of Carolyn McMahon from Honda, Annaliese Atina at Ford.”

MTA’s role Larry Fallowfield, Sector Manager – Collision Repair and Specialist Services at MTA and a WIA committee member, says the important part is about education - not just recruiting members, but changing how business owners think.

“I would like more MTA members to become part of that group,” he says. “It's part of my mandate to reach out to some of these business owners and make them aware of what's going on – who WIA are and why we exist.”

But that education started with his own.

“The 'shock factor' when I first joined the committee was hearing some of the stories about what women have to go through in this trade, things that I had never encountered or thought about that would be a challenge, things like do the toilets actually have a lock on them? In a previous business, I hired people based on their attitude and what I thought they could do, but they were never paid based on gender, they were paid for their role.”

The case for change is also a practical one. “Women make up 51% of the population, and yet we have a really low representation in the automotive sector,” Larry says. “We're potentially missing out on 50% of the workforce, and it doesn't matter which business you're talking to - when times are busy, they're all screaming out for staff. Sometimes businesses may think that women don't want to be involved in the industry, or don't believe that they can do the job.

I think both those assumptions are wrong. “It's about making businesses aware that there are good young people out there, and particularly good young women,” Larry says.

About Natasha Callister • Entered the automotive industry as Head of Revenue, later

General Manager, of DRIVEN - one of NZ's leading vehicle marketplaces, once listing more than 48,000 cars for sale • Served as Head of Automotive at NZME, leading national automotive revenue strategy while overseeing the group's daily car news and review content • Previously Chief Commercial Officer at MTF Finance, driving commercial growth, franchise leadership, marketing, and strategic partnerships • Co-founded Women in Automotive New Zealand in 2023, an industry initiative focused on lifting the participation, visibility, and advancement of women across the sector

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Radiator Magazine - August 2026

Smoko Stumpers Invention edition Test your knowledge with our five-minute monthly motoring quiz.

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.

1. When was the wheel invented? 3500 BC, 1000 BC, 500 AD? 2. What was invented in 1794, that is common in most of the world’s cars?

3. What did Charles Goodyear invent in 1839?

4. Invented in 1934 to assist with night-time driving, they sound like they belong at the vet.

What are they?

5. Ralph Teetor was blind but that didn’t stop him inventing the “Speedostat” in 1948.

What name is it better known by?

Answers on page 56

Andrea Andrew WoF Consultant National Service available • QMS and VIRM Training • Face-to-face group training

Stress-free annual performance assessments • On-site VI competency assessments (specific areas)

021 2777 228 andrea@wofconsultant.co.nz www.wofconsultant.co.nz

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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What you're telling us Every month we reply to members’ questions and comments drawn from conversations with the MTA team. Do you need advice or an answer on something? Radiator would love to hear from you. Please email simon.bradwell@mta.org.nz.

Feedback about our election year manifesto The Road To Prosperity features this month.

I got my copy of the manifesto and it looks very expensive.

Actually, we took every measure we could to keep the costs down. Most of the work was done inhouse by our Advocacy and Communications team members. We believed this work was important enough to merit doing properly, and putting in the hands of every member, so naturally there was a cost. But rest assured, we kept costs to a minimum.

We always do.

I took the Road to Prosperity home for the weekend.

MTA has bought a lot of issues to the forefront of my mind that I’ve been thinking about for a while.

I’m particularly keen on the bit about endorsing people to get rid of their old vehicles (end of life).

Thanks for the feedback, we’re glad many of the calls struck a chord with you. That’s probably because we consulted widely with members and industry, so the calls reflect what we know was important to you.

Employers often are more bullied and put upon by staff than vice versa these days. Very little empathy in general for this.

Don’t forget MTA has an HR service to help with any questions or concerns about management-staff relations. Give them a call if you need to have a chat and get some advice.

WoF changes – what are they EXACTLY so we can be fully prepped for 1 November.

Good to be ready. The best way to find a complete list is simply to Google “Warrant of Fitness changes” – look for a link to the NZTA website, it has all the information on it.

Great work on the questions to James Meager in the June Radiator, Simon ... good interview. You hit the right points as futile as it may have felt.

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Thanks. We felt it was very important to present members’ concerns to the Minister and press him for his reasoning on the WoF changes. While we might not agree with him, we appreciate the Minister making himself available and answering every question. We have a good relationship with Government, and will always advocate on members’ behalf with them.

Farmers are anxious about election time – the outcome and how it will affect them. Dealerships have said they have already felt a shrink back in spending from them that they wouldn’t usually see this early before the elections.

Thanks for sharing this observation. The cost of living is an issue for many New Zealanders, and how that flows through to spend on new vehicles and nonessential maintenance is interesting. We also know from surveying that higher fuel prices recently had an impact on consumer behaviour.

It feels as if the government and ACC don’t like motorcyclists, and make life harder in general. I wish that NZ followed Australia more in the way they support motorcyclists.

We are currently looking into ways to support motorcyclists and motorcycle dealers. Watch this space!

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Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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Building a brand – more than a logo 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.

When I first founded Girls 'N' Gasoline in 2024, I had no idea what I was doing or where to even start. I had the idea of running workshops to teach women the basics of vehicle maintenance, but turning it into a business was the hard part. I knew what I wanted to build, I just had to work out how to make it happen.

Not only was I starting a business, but I was also putting myself out there as the tutor. This was coming from someone whose biggest fear was public speaking! I still remember how nervous I was before my very first workshop.

Then came my second workshop, and the Seven Sharp TV crew was there. I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. Being offered national television exposure so early on in my business venture was something I had to say yes to! Looking back now, that was one of the best decisions I made. It was incredible exposure and a great piece of free advertising, but more importantly, it showed me that sometimes the biggest opportunities come when you step outside your comfort zone.

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Fast forward to today, and people often ask how I got my brand out there or what my marketing secrets were.

The truth is that I didn’t have any. It was sheer hard work and determination that got my brand out there in the early days. I'm still learning every week and always exploring for ways to improve. Being the face of your business means running things behind the scenes and showing up front and centre every day.

Looking back, I remember celebrating my first 100 Facebook followers, then my first 1,000, and now I'm approaching 10,000. Those milestones meant so much.

I was working full-time while building Girls 'N' Gasoline during evenings and weekends. I always learnt to celebrate the small wins.

One of the biggest lessons I've learnt is that your brand is your reputation. It's more than a name or a logo. It's how people feel after interacting with your business. Every phone call, every invoice, every social media post and every customer interaction contribute to your brand.

Social media has played a huge role in growing my business. It has its positives and its negatives. I've had plenty of encouraging comments, but I've also had criticism. Sometimes you'll read the odd negative comment about your business that you wish you hadn't, but I've learnt that it's impossible to please everyone.

If there's one piece of advice that has stuck with me, it's to be consistent. Early on, someone told me that if I wanted to grow my social media presence, I needed to post regularly to keep the algorithm working in my favour and keep my business in front of people. So, I made sure I had three or four posts scheduled every week. It wasn't always easy while managing work and life, but consistency develops trust, and trust builds a brand.

Another lesson I've learnt is that word of mouth is still the best form of advertising. The best marketing I've ever had hasn't been paid advertising - it's people, talking about my workshops. Almost every workshop I run, someone tells me they're there because a friend recommended it. That recommendation is worth far more than any advertisement I could pay for.

One thing I've always prided myself on is the effort I put in responding to as many comments, messages and emails as I can. It can be time-consuming, especially when you're running a business on your own, but people appreciate knowing they've been heard. Those small interactions help build trust and make your business feel more personal to the customer.

And finally, don't be afraid to say yes. Saying yes has opened so many doors for me. Television interviews, magazine articles, school talks, radio interviews, podcasts and community events have all helped grow Girls 'N' Gasoline. Most of those opportunities pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but every single one helped build my confidence and my brand.

Whether you're the owner, the service advisor or the apprentice greeting customers at the front counter, you represent your business every day. People remember how you made them feel long after they've forgotten what they paid for. A friendly conversation or taking the time to explain a repair can have a bigger impact than any advertising campaign.

At the end of the day, building a brand doesn't happen overnight. It takes consistency, hard work and a true passion for what you do.

“Your logo might be what

people recognise first, but it's your reputation that keeps them coming back.

ˮ Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S The sun doesn’t always shine when you have a special car to check out. As was the case when we had the latest Porsche 911 Turbo S. And yet the inclement weather highlighted how usable this sportster is.

Text The 911 Turbo S is the headline act of the 992.2 range, so far at least.

Like the rest of the facelifted ‘dot two’ range, the styling updates are subtle, the good stuff happening under the skin. For the Turbo model, it’s the adoption of the hybrid system and its e-turbos that has helped boost power further, while staying on the right side of emissions legislation.

First introduced on the Carrera GTS, the hybrid system uses a 400-volt electric architecture with a 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor in the dual-clutch transmission.

The Turbo S uses the same 3.6-litre engine as the GTS, but gains a twinturbo setup. And it has the little motors in the turbos too. These reside on the

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shaft between the turbine and the compressor, their job being to spool the turbo instantly, eliminating lag and aiding response.

Unique for the Turbo S engine are new intake and exhaust systems and revised engine internals. As to the turbos, while they have the same motor inside, they have smaller compressors and turbines compared with the GTS, which allows them to spin faster and make more boost.

The engine alone makes 471kW and 760Nm, while overall combined power has improved to a total of 523kW. Torque registers at 800Nm, the same as the old Turbo S, but the spread of peak pull is now much wider, developed from 2300 to

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

6000rpm.

A neat trick of the e-turbo is the motor’s ability to limit boost by capping the speed of the turbine, doing away with the need for a wastegate. And so then the motor can become a generator of electricity, feeding back into the battery or directly into the motor in the transmission. Because there are two e-turbos, the Turbo S set up generates more electric power than the GTS, so they are able to boost the peak output of the e-motor in the trans too.

So the Turbo S has a mammoth amount of power and torque. Lucky then that Porsche was an early adopter of all-wheel drive, knowing that traction is necessary to harness

the power. And so since the 993 Turbo debuted back in 1995, allwheel drive has been a Turbo staple.

And it’s evolved to make this latest 911 Turbo S a true all-weather sports machine.

Which proved handy during our time with the car, when the winter weather was at its worst. It rained wherever we went looking for interesting roads.

And the state of them was atrocious thanks to farmers driving straight out of their paddocks and spreading mud everywhere. So while we didn’t have the ideal opportunity to test the ultimate character of the Turbo S, the weather did give us a chance to appreciate its all-wheel drive ability.

Porsche Traction Management has also been evolving over the years with its combination of electromechanical clutches and brake interventions to make sure the power is distributed to the right corner for maximum thrust.

And the Turbo S also has the benefit of the active torque vectoring rear diff.

This hardly put a tread out of place, despite the iffy grip levels and all those Newtons forcing their way out.

Case in point; despite the wet, greasy coarse chip surface, this still managed to hit 100km/h from stopped in 2.75sec. That’s as fast as the 992 Turbo we tested in the dry. The latest S is supposed to clock it in 2.5sec, and we have no doubt it would in better conditions. Even with 4000rpm dialled up under launch control, it managed to claw its way to illegal speed in no time. And the wet surface didn’t stymie its 80-120km/h time, clicking over in 1.5sec, just as Porsche says it should.

So you know traction is not such an issue. And neither is the mass. This

weighs in at a claimed 1725kg, which is a bit porky, and 85kg heavier than the 992.1. But the 400v hybrid system has allowed for an improved roll control set up. The new electro-hydraulically controlled Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (ehPDCC) has ‘cross-connected, active coupling rods’ with the oil pressure in the system varying to keep roll in check. They are said to make the car more predictable in the handling stakes. And that certainly helps in poor conditions. It was easy to pilot along challenging roads at a decent clip, it was just cruising really, despite the rain.

The new system also allows for retuned spring rates, damper hydraulics and damping maps for the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) to deliver a more compliant ride while still having the strictest roll control available. And

this rides with genuine compliance. It’s a sports car, so you still feel the road.

Buy the Bentley Conti if you want the GT experience, but harshness and bump steer aren’t part of the experience, even at speed. At least in the Normal suspension mode; leave Sport for those track days.

The steering is quick, turn-in aided by that body control and a little help from the RWS. So it darts in and out of the bends. With an extra helping of Goodyear rubber (the rears now measuring 325/30 ZR 21 with 255/35 ZR 20 upfront) there’s grip aplenty, and it has quite phenomenal stick in the wet. It helps that there’s genuine communication at the wheel, and a general feel for the grip levels.

The brakes are super solid. The ceramic composite set up is standard, with 420mm rotors at the front and 410s on the rear. They bite quickly and the pedal is meaty. You out brake

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yourself for the corners initially before learning to leave it a bit later while they seem to like it better when you really lean on them.

But the star is the twin turbo engine.

The electric blowers see the torque spread throughout the rev range, so you always have a heaving amount on call. The response is quick, almost crisp, and it pulls from just about any number on the tacho. And from 5000rpm onwards, the hefty stream of power fair sends it, and you’re rocketing down the straight bits.

And then there’s the eight-speed twin-clutch stirring it along with impeccably-timed shifts. You don’t bother with the paddles, your concentration consumed by making sure you’re pointing it in the right direction. The six makes a decent noise too. It’s a bit gruff in the low range, but it grows to a more purposeful rumble as the revs rise.

It would sound better if it wasn’t competing with the elevated road roar, which is a constant. The lane keeping assist is another annoyance on highways, but one that can be turned off.

As to fuel use, the hybrid system is not about saving gas, but more about keeping emissions in check, while raising output. When tickled along, consumption rose towards 17L/100km, but we’re sure that figure was more in the 20s with the last Turbo we had. When

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highway cruising, it can ‘sip’ in the nines. Overall, Porsche quotes 11.8L/100km.

And there’s the usual 911 traits that make the Turbo S at least semipractical, as far as 500kW coupes are concerned. You can squeeze a couple of (small) kids in the back, just, but it’s better to fold those seats for the extra luggage space. While the black-on-black trim of this car is a tad boring (we’d go for the two-tone Black and Bordeaux Red leather option), it’s a quality interior with everything finished to the usual Porsche level of attention. While you get a fair amount of standard kit, it’s not loaded. For instance, active cruise is included, but the assisted mode with lane centring is an extra $2k, as is seat ventilation. Those sports seats have a wide range of adjustment though, while the bolstering can be pumped up when the action heats up.

The engine is super tractable when commuting, grunting around with just 1100rpm on the dial. There’s the odd vibration, but it’s a marvel how civil a 500kW engine can be.

While we praised the ride at speed, it can feel lumpy in town, and the tyres rumble too. Countering that, there’s genuine outward vision (aided by a good surround view camera), rear wheel steer also makes it easier to park and manoeuvre around and the twin-clutch is behaved in traffic and on inclines too. The new 400v

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anti-roll system also makes the front axle lift raise more quickly too. While it’s a $4730 option, it ensures the front stays intact when negotiating driveways. And that means the active aero elements, including the new cooling slats, will remain unscathed also.

While it’s a resounding package, it’s also an expensive one as Porsches become ever more pricey. The 992 gen Turbo S was $407k when it landed in 2021. And now this 992.2 Turbo S is $545k. When the price for NZ was first announced in September last year it was $525k, so well done those that got in early. And with options, this one is at $570k. It’s a phenomenal machine, but then so is the GTS, at a mere $378k. Your spend will depend on how fast you want to go, and who you need to outdo.

But the 911 Turbo S remains an every day supercar, fit even for those wintry, cold, rainy ones.

Porsche 911 Turbo S $545,500 / 11.8L/100km / 270g/km 0-100 km/h 2.75s 80-120 km/h 1.51s (45m) Speedo error 98 at an indicated 100km/h Ambient cabin noise 78.9dB@100km/h Engine 3591cc / Flat 6 / T / DI Max power 471kW@6500rpm Max torque 760Nm@2750-5000rpm Motor output 60kW / 188Nm Battery 1.9kWh Hybrid System Output 523kW@6500 Hybrid System Output 800Nm@2300-6000 Drivetrain 8-speed twin-clutch / AWD Front suspension Mac strut / sway bar Rear suspension Multilink / sway bar Turning circle 10.9m (2.1 turns) Front brakes Carbon discs (420mm) Rear brakes Carbon discs (410mm) Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f-255/35R20 r-325/30R21 Wheelbase 2450mm L/W/H 4551 / 1900 / 1305mm Track f-1583mm r-1588mm Fuel capacity 63L Luggage capacity 128L Tow rating Not rated to tow Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Warranty 3yrs / unlimited km ANCAP rating Not rated Weight (claimed) 1725kg

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Blast from the Past Every month we revisit pages from Radiator's history.

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Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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Limited scholarships available!

Future-proof your workforce with MITO’s updated automotive body training programmes Spanning entry-level through to advanced and specialist training, these programmes are designed to support learners at every stage of their career.

Find out more at mito.nz

Training.

By industry. industry.

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SUPPLIED CONTENT

MITO releases suite of updated automotive body training programmes Following engagement with industry, MITO has released a suite of new and updated training programmes for the collision repair and refinishing sectors.

Spanning entry-level through to advanced training, these programmes are designed to support learners at every stage of their career.

Updates include splitting the existing Level 3 collision repair and refinishing programme into two, one for each sector, making it easier for learners to gather training evidence.

Another change to the qualification pathway is the introduction of elective standards for the Level 4 collision repair programme, including structural repair, which was previously at Level 5, giving learners more choice and a tailored experience relevant to their work environment.

Shifting structural repair to Level 4 clears the path for the new Level 5 qualification: Advanced Industry Specialist, where learners can take the next step toward leadership.

Industry partners played a key role in shaping the programmes, providing valuable advice and guidance on the design of the content and the range of elective options now available, as well as contributing to the development of the wider suite of programmes.

Rick Lunn, Operations Manager at I-CAR New Zealand, was one of the key players, providing guidance and advice to ensure the programmes were industry relevant and ready.

“These updated programmes reflect what the industry has been asking for: clearer pathways, greater flexibility, and training that aligns closely with real workshop practices. By separating collision repair and refinishing at Level 3 and introducing more tailored options at Level 4, learners can build evidence and skills that are directly relevant to their roles.”

MITO Chief Executive Verna Niao says the updated suite of

programmes will help ensure the industry remains resilient, skilled, and up-to-date with recent changes and innovation.

“Keeping our workforce future-ready is critical. These refreshed programmes have been designed alongside industry to ensure learners build the relevant skills needed to support a strong, adaptable collision repair sector now and into the future.”

The new and updated programmes available for enrolment are: • New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Level 3) • New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repair) (Level 4) • New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repairer) (Level 4) with optional strand in Structural Repair Technician • The structural repair strand is also available as a standalone for people who have already completed the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Non-Structural Repair) (Level 4).

• New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (Level 3) • New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Refinishing (Level 4) • New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Collision Repair (Advanced Industry Specialist) (Level 5).

We are offering a limited number of scholarships for our first enrolments into the Level 5 programme and combined Level 3 and 4 apprenticeship programmes (collision repair or refinishing), covering fees for one year.

Visit mito.nz to find out more and enrol.

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MEDIATION

Good records – not just for music-lovers!

The mediation team very much appreciates member-initiated enquiries seeking practical guidance on emerging consumer issues.

In this column, we look at the case of a member who contacted us regarding a customer who is disputing the final invoice after repairs were completed. The dispute appears to relate solely to the amount charged rather than the quality of the repairs undertaken.

The customer has challenged various aspects of the invoice, including labour charges, parts pricing, and mark-ups applied by the repairer. The customer has also approached an alternative supplier and suggested that some parts could have been sourced at a lower cost. However, these concerns have only been raised after the repairs were authorised, completed, and invoiced.

Importantly, there is no suggestion that the repairs were not carried out with reasonable care and skill, nor is there any allegation that the work failed to meet the guarantees expected of a professional repairer.

The issue is therefore one of price dissatisfaction rather than service quality.

Based on the information provided, the member appears to have maintained good communication with the customer throughout the repair process and ensured the customer understood the nature

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and extent of the repairs required.

Where customers are kept informed of recommended work, associated costs, and any additional repairs required, it becomes increasingly difficult to argue after completion that the agreed charges are unfair simply because a cheaper alternative may have existed elsewhere.

Businesses are entitled to determine their own labour rates and commercial mark-ups, provided pricing is disclosed appropriately and customers are given the opportunity to authorise the work.

A customer's ability to identify cheaper parts or lower labour rates after the fact does not, of itself, establish that the invoice is unreasonable or that the repairer has acted improperly.

From a risk management perspective, the strongest protection remains clear documentation of quotations, approvals, repair updates, and customer authorisations. Should the customer continue to challenge the invoice, the member should focus discussions on what was quoted, what was authorised, and what was ultimately supplied and fitted, rather than becoming drawn into comparisons with other suppliers who were not undertaking the repair.

The member may choose to offer a commercial goodwill gesture if preserving the customer relationship

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roy.hoverd@mta.org.nz

is important. However, based on the circumstances described, there does not appear to be evidence of a breach of consumer guarantees or any obvious basis for requiring a refund simply because the customer now disagrees with the cost of work that was previously authorised.

Tribunal referees are generally interested in one key question: Was the customer adequately informed and did they authorise the work?

The best thing to do is remember this simple rule: "If it isn't documented, it didn't happen."

Maintain a complete file containing: • Initial diagnosis.

• Vehicle condition reports.

• Photographs of damaged or worn components.

• Technician notes.

• Parts invoices.

• Labour records.

• Copies of all customer communications.

Communicate regularly and advise of any unexpected costs.

A workshop that can show a clear timeline of diagnosis, quotation, customer approval, repairs completed, and invoicing is usually well protected against false or unsupported claims. The goal is not to eliminate complaints entirely but to ensure that when they arise, the evidence supports your position.

By now most of you will have seen the new WoF frequency scheduled for this year as presented by NZTA Waka Kotahi, along with the second phase of the WoF reforms on the horizon extending twoyearly inspections out to vehicles aged seven to 14 years, currently pencilled in for November 2027.

I want to be upfront with you about where MTA stands on this, and from the response we have had from both our members and our expert advisory group), we think the government should hold off. We did not agree with the original proposal to change and our submission was clear: it was unsafe and we do not support the rushed implementation of Phase 2 scheduled for next year.

The average car in our fleet is now 15.2 years old, up from 14.3 years back in 2015. With the decline in new registrations for both new and used cars, the cost of living and other economic pressures, this will only increase year on year.

At the same time, WoF fail rates have climbed from 37 percent in 2017 to 41 percent in 2025/26 for first-up inspections, and that’s before you factor in the many unsafe vehicles that are driving around unregistered or warranted.

Put simply, our fleet is getting older, more of it is failing, and this isn’t the moment to be stretching out the gap between safety checks. The

REPAIRER

Let’s talk WoFs again

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

ambulance at the bottom of the cliff is only moving further away with these new rules.

The ADAS checks that have come in are a good thing – don’t get me wrong. But they check driverassist systems, not the basics such as tyres, brakes, steering and suspension. Those fundamentals are still what keeps someone safe on the road, and they still need eyes on them regularly.

The other issue is timing. A twoyearly WoF cycle takes more than two years to actually pan out. As things stand, the second phase is due to land before we’ve even had one full cycle of the first phase to see what it’s done to fleet safety. That’s asking government to make another big call before the evidence from the last one has come in and been scrutinised.

So our position is pretty clear: let the first cycle run its course (even though we do not agree with it), get the real data, discuss with industry and stakeholders the benefits and compromises this may effect, and then decide.

If government does want to proceed with Phase 2, we’re asking for that to be pushed out to November 2029 rather than 2027, so it’s based on evidence rather than a date on a calendar. We’ll keep pushing this with government and the relevant agencies, and I’ll

keep you posted as it develops.

Now here's where you come in – our members, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations. The strongest argument we’ve got is good data – real numbers from real workshops on what’s actually wrong with vehicles coming through your doors. So if a car comes in and it fails – even something as simple as a blown bulb that you sort on the spot – please record it as a fail, not a pass first-up.

If it is something that has been repaired after the inspection but prior to entering it into VIC, use the Pass(recheck) function in VIC; that is what it is there for. It will record the fail, and the reason for the failure, but will also then enter it as a pass. I know the instinct is to just fix it there and then and wave them through, and there’s nothing wrong with that as a service to your customer. But if it goes down in the system as a pass, that vehicle disappears from the picture. It quietly makes our fleet look safer than it is, and it chips away at the very evidence we need to make the case that Phase 2 isn't ready.

So the ask is simple: if it’s a fail, record it as a fail, repair and all. Every one of those recorded properly backs up what we’re telling government. Every one that gets turned into an on-the-spot pass makes our job harder.

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FUEL AND HEAVY VEHICLE

Completing the NZTA compliance form For MTA Service Station members who are accessing the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) the Compliance Declaration Form link will be emailed to your business

by NZTA in late October. The Compliance Declaration Form will cover any MVR enquiries made between the 1st of November 2025 and the 31st of October 2026.

The Compliance Declaration Form requirements are found in the Gazette notice 2022-au4071.

The Gazette notice:2022-au4071 can be found on the MTA Toolbox or NZ Gazette website.

Service Stations using the MVR should expect to provide evidence that key privacy, training and operational controls are not only documented, but are fully embedded into your business.

NZTA and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner have increasingly focused expectations that MVR access controls are part of everyday business.

• Do you/staff understand their obligations?

• Have MVR users completed training?

• Do MVR users know how to report a privacy breach?

• Is access removed when someone leaves?

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Every service station should have the following policies and procedures implemented, understood and actively used.

Policies • MVR Privacy Breach Guide • Employee Onboarding Guide (new person starting) • Employee Offboarding Guide (person leaving) • Internal (MVR Access) Training Programme • Data Retention Policy • General Statement on display in your Service Station visible to the public informing your businesses ability to accessing the MVR • Training register Processes • Individual logins are a must • No sharing login or passwords • Review MVR users access regularly • Monthly review would be best practice • Check to see if they still require access • Document how and when you completed your review • Appoint a person to be responsible for on-boarding and off-boarding

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Mathew.alderdice@mta.org.nz • For every Plate/VIN enquiry

record • Date • Vehicle registration or VIN • User who performed search • Purpose • General statement • Record this data on a spreadsheet, this is available on the MTA Toolbox MVR page • Audit your access logs • Look for any anomalies • Check for unusual lookups or enquiry time that are outside normal trading hours Training Staff of the User must not have access to the motor vehicle register unless they have completed training in accessing information in accordance with section 241 and the terms of this notice, including training on: a. when the User can access information under section 241; and b. how to ensure record keeping requirements are met; and c. how to ensure information that is obtained from the motor vehicle register is protected; and

d. when and how to safely destroy information that was obtained from the motor vehicle register; and e. obligations under the Privacy Act 2020 and information privacy principles, including as set out in learning modules and information made available by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

All staff must complete a refresher training course every 6 to 12 months after the date that they last completed the training course.

Record Keeping and Auditing The User must keep a record of every time it accesses the motor vehicle register. The record must be kept for a period of at least 18 months from the date of access.

The record must include: a. the date the motor vehicle register was accessed; and b. the relevant plate number for the information accessed; and c. the individual log-in that accessed the motor vehicle register on behalf of the User; and d. the reason the User accessed the information, including an explanation and supporting material establishing that the specific circumstances fell within the specified purpose; and

e. a copy of the general statement required by clause 3.

Records must be made available to NZTA on request, as soon as practicable but no later than: a. 7 days after the date of the request – if the request is in relation to an incident or suspected incident; or b. 10 working days – if the request is for monitoring or auditing purposes.

The User must also provide such information as NZTA reasonably considers relevant to determining whether and how the User complies with these conditions.

Names and addresses obtained from the register must not be retained for longer than required to achieve the specified purpose.

It is important that MTA Service Station members who are using the MVR complete the Compliance Declaration Form. Last year NZTA was lenient as it was the first time the Compliance Declaration Form had be required. This year, your authorised access obligations are about to come under much greater scrutiny.

If you are non-compliant with the Compliance Declaration Form NZTA can revoke your access to the MVR. If a business does have its MVR

access revoked, the business will be able to reapply as a standalone applicant. This process can take up to eight weeks from the time of receiving a completed application. A further 14 plus days for consultation and approval.

Your previous history of noncompliance is also taken into consideration.

Act Now Service Stations that leave preparation until the Compliance Declaration Form lands in their inbox may already be too late.

The Service Stations that prepare today will be the Service Stations enjoying uninterrupted MVR access tomorrow.

If you are unsure of any of the requirements or documents required visit the MTA toolbox Motor Vehicle Register page.

Useful links Toolbox: Search Motor Vehicle Register Gazette: gazette.govt.nz Search 2022-au4071 Privacy Commission: privacy.org.nz Click the Resources and learning tab

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COLLISION REPAIR

Our call: register collision repairers The world is changing rapidly.

What worked OK before often doesn’t work well today. In vehicle repair, the technology involved in building, maintaining, and repairing vehicles has changed a lot. Vehicle repairs in the past were not out of scope for a keen amateur to complete. The technology and materials involved were (compared to today) relatively simple to work with.

In 2026 that is no longer the case. The technology involved in today’s vehicles is sophisticated.

We have all heard the story that the computing power in the Apollo guidance computer (AGC) on the Apollo 11 space craft that took men to the moon in 1969 was less than the power in a smart key fob used in a modern vehicle. The modern car has millions of times more memory than that 1969 Apollo guidance computer.

This technology is used to make vehicles more efficient, powerful, comfortable, and safer. This last point is key: the processing power in a modern vehicle is used to enhance safety. In a vehicle technology applies to control, braking, warnings on surrounding

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vehicles and hazards, climate adaptation, road conditions monitoring, operation of the vehicle when it loses control and other safety-related factors.

These are valuable features for vehicle owners; owners pay for the peace of mind that comes with a vehicle with these safety features that ensure they and their family are as safe as possible.

These features must be set up and calibrated correctly. The features are also interdependent. If one sensor is out that often means the other safety features won’t operate properly. Minor damage can take out these features or leave them uncalibrated and so not working properly.

The days of having someone who is “handy” repairing vehicles are over. Today’s repairers need to be professionally trained, and qualified.

The CRA is aiming to get legislation introduced that requires collision repairers to be registered, in the same way, plumbers, gas fitters, electricians, engineers are registered. If you are qualified to do the work, you can offer those services to the public.

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stewart@collisionrepair.co.nz

Other countries and some states in Australia have repairer registration schemes. The argument is simple – if you have a five-star safety rated vehicle and it’s involved in a minor accident, unless repairs are done by a qualified person, you could drive away in a newly-repaired vehicle without the safety features operating and no longer a fivestar safety rated vehicle.

The driver will not know until an accident when the safety systems don’t work or work imperfectly.

The safety advances today make travelling safer, but only if the features are working, and to ensure they are, qualified people must work on the vehicle when it is damaged - registered qualified collision repair professionals.

If you know of examples where repaired vehicles were returned without calibration or safety features set up correctly, we want these examples to help shore up our case. Contact office@ collisionrepair.co.nz • Stewart Gibb is the President of the Collision Repair Association

ADVOCACY

Making this election count james.mcdowall@mta.org.nz On 1 July, MTA went to Parliament to launch The Road to Prosperity, our manifesto for November's general election. In the room were MPs and transport spokespeople from across the House, all hearing the same message: the automotive industry, with more than 4000 MTA businesses among it, contributes $6.8 billion to New Zealand's GDP, employs people in every town in the country, and keeps every other industry moving.

The document we put on the table sets out what we're asking the next government, whoever forms it, to deliver. It was a strong start, but a manifesto launch is the beginning of a campaign, not the end of one.

Three asks lead the list. First, an incentive to help retire vehicles more than 20 years old. Funded by just one per cent of the National Land Transport Fund, it would make the fleet safer and cleaner. Second, a National Trades Training Fund that consolidates today's fragmented apprenticeship support into a stronger, enduring fund, so workforce investment stops lurching with the political cycle.

Third, getting the sequencing of Warrant of Fitness reform right by at least deferring the second phase until 2029, to fully review the impact of a ‘two-year WoF’ before eligibility is extended to

older cars. The full manifesto, covering immigration settings, right to repair, fuel theft, battery stewardship and much more, is on our website.

Recent polls have had the two major parties separated by barely a point, both hovering around 30 per cent, with their combined vote the lowest since MMP began.

NZ First has edged ahead of ACT in several polls, and The Opportunity Party has been within touching distance of the five per cent threshold – a new party crossing that line would redraw the coalition arithmetic on both sides.

The one thing that is clear is that nobody will govern alone after 7 November, which means every party is listening harder than usual, including to us. We will be watching every bill that touches our sector. Encouragingly, trades and skills are getting genuine attention from across the House, with early campaign announcements already landing, and we expect more from all parties before November. Our job is to make sure those commitments are durable enough to outlast the campaign.

And here is where you come in.

Politicians count conversations (and photo ops), and in an election this close, conversations in your town carry real weight.

Our roadshow is travelling around the country, and there is no better place to hear where things stand and tell us what to fight for. Beyond that, invite your local candidates into your business – they are never more available than in election year. When they visit, your own numbers will land harder than any national statistic: how many people you employ, how many apprentices you are training, what compliance costs mean on your bottom line. And ask them, directly, where they stand on our manifesto. If you get the chance at a local candidate meeting, ask the question there too, because a good answer in public travels further than one in private.

A final word on those polls. Tight and steady as they have been, they are just that: polls. A poll is a snapshot, not an accurate prediction, and even with a short run to election day, campaigns have turned on far less. What will not change between now and 7 November is this: the manifesto we put on the table at Parliament only matters if candidates keep hearing about it, in Wellington, on the roadshow, and across the counter of your business. See you on the road.

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EDUCATION & TRAINING

The road to prosperity starts with a skilled workforce New Zealand’s automotive industry is at a pivotal point. As vehicle technology advances, fleets become increasingly complex, and demand for skilled technicians grows. Developing and retaining a highly capable workforce has never been more important.

This year MTA launched its election manifesto, The Road to Prosperity, at Parliament alongside members, industry leaders and political representatives. With Minister of Education Erica Stanford delivering the keynote address, the event highlighted MTA’s calls to action and set out a practical roadmap for a stronger automotive industry and robust economic growth.

A key focus of the manifesto is replacing the current Apprenticeship Boost scheme with a National Trades Training Fund. While Apprenticeship Boost has provided support, it does not address the true cost of training an apprentice.

A dedicated National Trades Training Fund would create a sustainable, long-term investment in New Zealand’s skilled workforce by reducing barriers for employers, supporting apprentices

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through training, and strengthening the pipeline of future tradespeople.

The need for action is clear. New Zealand’s automotive sector employs more than 68,000 people, representing 2.5 percent of all filled jobs nationally, and includes more than 15,000 businesses. These businesses rely on skilled technicians to maintain the vehicles, systems and infrastructure that support everyday life and economic activity.

Workforce demand is expected to increase significantly. Between 2026 and 2031, the sector is forecast to generate more than 17,400 job openings, including 3,845 new roles and 13,573 replacement positions as experienced workers retire or leave the industry. Building a strong apprenticeship pipeline is essential to meeting this demand.

However, taking on an apprentice remains a significant commitment for many employers. NZIER estimates the cost of employing and training an apprentice can reach $80,000–$100,000 per year once supervision, reduced productivity and training time are considered. Apprenticeship boost only partially offsets these costs.

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loretta.thompson@mta.org.nz

MTA’s proposal is to redirect approximately $150–200 million of existing annual apprenticeship funding into a consolidated National Trades Training Fund.

This fund would provide targeted support for apprenticeships and technical training, including assistance with tools, PPE and supervision where appropriate.

It would prioritise occupations critical to transport, infrastructure and economic resilience, while ensuring funding decisions remain aligned with genuine workforce demand through regular reviews.

International experience demonstrates the value of long-term investment in trades.

Singapore’s Skills Development Fund has supported workforce upskilling, apprenticeships and future-focused technical capability, helping to build one of the world’s most adaptable workforces. The UK has established dedicated apprenticeship funding to support workforce capability across key industries, while Australia’s industry training funds have helped to strengthen apprenticeship pathways and address skills shortages in priority sectors.

Although each country has taken a different approach, the common

principle is clear: investing in skilled trades is an investment in productivity, resilience and longterm prosperity. New Zealand has an opportunity to adopt a similar strategic approach by creating a National Trades Training Fund that supports employers, apprentices and quality training providers.

The automotive sector provides a strong case for this investment.

Almost half of the current automotive workforce has no formal post-school qualification, while Level 4 remains the most

common qualification level among those who have. As the industry transforms through electrification, advanced safety systems and new vehicle technologies, access to the right framework of support is critical.

A National Trades Training Fund would lower barriers for employers to take on apprentices, increase training capacity, strengthen New Zealand’s domestic skills pipeline, and support a more resilient workforce.

It would provide more assurance

that the people with the skills to service, repair and maintain New Zealand’s vehicle fleet and transport systems are being developed for the future.

Skills development is not simply an education issue; it is an economic imperative. If New Zealand wants a more productive, resilient and prosperous future, investing in apprenticeships and trades capability is one of the most important investments we can make. The road to prosperity begins with a skilled workforce.

MTA appointment to industry education body MTA Learning and Development Manager Loretta Thompson has been appointed to the Transport Industry Skills Board (ISB)’s Automotive National Industry Advisory Group (NIAG).

Loretta says she is honoured by the appointment.

“I will have the opportunity to represent the voice of MTA members and the wider automotive sector,” Loretta says.

“In this role, my focus is to support the work of the ISB and ensure the experiences, challenges, and opportunities of industry are reflected in future conversations around skills, training, and workforce development across New Zealand.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with industry and the ISB to strengthen pathways into our sector, support employers, and help build a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the future.

“I am committed to listening to our members, bringing their perspectives into these discussions, and advocating for practical solutions that support businesses, learners, and the continued growth and sustainability of vocational education within the automotive industry.”

According to their website, the role of the NIAGs is to advise the Transport ISB on skills, qualifications, training, and workforce issues within their specific sector or area of expertise.

Particular attention will be given to improving outcomes for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, disabled people, young people, and other groups who have been underserved by the vocational education system.

NIAGs provide a mechanism for industry to raise issues and concerns, contribute to the Transport ISB’s functions, and help ensure vocational education and training continues to meet the needs of learners and businesses.

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HR ADVICE

prabha.raman@mta.org.nz

yulene.knight@mta.org.nz

Managing your casual employees Casual employment can be useful for short-term, seasonal or unpredictable work, but it must reflect genuine flexibility in practice.

Casual employees are still employees, and minimum employment standards continue to apply. The label ‘casual’ is not enough. The actual working relationship should show that work is offered and accepted on an ‘as and when required’ basis, with no guaranteed hours, no regular pattern of work, and no obligation to accept shifts.

If there is a regular pattern of work or an expectation of ongoing shifts, the arrangement may be questioned even if the written agreement says ‘casual’.

Casual work is appropriate for covering unexpected absences, supporting a one-off event, responding to a seasonal increase in demand, or filling occasional

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gaps in which staffing needs cannot be accurately predicted.

Work should be offered only when genuinely available, and the employee should remain free to accept or decline each engagement.

If the business needs someone every week, on known days, or for an ongoing role, a parttime, fixed-term or permanent agreement is likely to be more appropriate.

Get the basics right Every casual employee must receive a written employment agreement before starting work.

The agreement should clearly state that: • there are no guaranteed hours • work is offered only when available • there is no expectation of ongoing work • each shift offered may be

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accepted or declined • the process for offering and accepting shifts is clear • the way pay is calculated, including holiday pay, is clear • the process is clear if shifts are cancelled.

While having the right wording is important, the day-to-day reality must also match the agreement.

Employers must maintain accurate records of hours worked, wages paid, holidays and leave entitlements. Where pay-as-yougo holiday pay is used, it should be clearly identified and paid correctly.

Monitor for casual roles becoming regular One of the biggest risks with casual employment is ‘drift’, where an arrangement that starts as genuinely casual gradually becomes regular and predictable, such as:

• •

fixed weekly shifts rosters prepared well in advance • consistent start and finish times • an expectation that the employee will be available • a reliance on the employee as part of the regular workforce.

This often happens unintentionally.

For example, a casual employee initially engaged for occasional cover may become the preferred person for the same shifts each week because they are experienced and reliable. Over time, both the employer and employee may come to expect the work to continue.

When the reality of the arrangement changes, employers should review whether a different employment type would be more appropriate. Updating the employment agreement promptly can help to reduce risks relating

to leave, notice obligations, termination processes and good faith requirements.

Employer responsibilities Employers must ensure that casual employment remains genuinely casual. They should avoid making promises about future work, creating expectations of ongoing shifts, and/or treating casual employees as though they are automatically available.

Regular reviews help to ensure that the employment agreement continues to reflect the actual working arrangement.

Employer checklist • • •

Use casual employment only for genuinely irregular work.

Provide a written employment agreement before the first shift.

Confirm there are no guaranteed hours, and shifts can be declined.

•

Keep accurate wage, time, holiday and leave records.

• Correctly identify and pay any pay-as-you-go holiday pay.

• Document when shifts are offered, accepted, declined or cancelled.

• Review arrangements that become regular, predictable or business-critical.

• Avoid using casual employment for ongoing weekly roles or known staffing requirements.

This checklist should be used at the beginning of the employment relationship and revisited whenever work patterns change.

If you are unsure whether a role remains genuinely casual, or a casual employee has developed a regular working pattern, contact MTA HR before making changes to hours, agreements or ending employment.

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DEALER

NZTA’s 2026 MVR Declaration: Is your business ready?

In 2026 I have spoken to and assisted many dealers who had challenges complying with Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) Section 241 (S241) access.

For some dealerships, the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) access was and still is an unknown, so what is it? You might know it as a vehicle inspection, a vehicle history report, or a vehicle report accessed through NZTA Motochek or third-party platforms such as AutoCheck, CarJam, Checka, Motorcentral, MotorWeb, or other approved providers.

This year your authorised access obligations are about to come under much greater scrutiny.

From about October 2026 NZTA will issue the annual Section 241 (S241) Declaration Form, and businesses should expect to provide evidence that key privacy, training and operational controls are not only documented but are fully embedded into your business.

NZTA and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner have increasingly focused expectations that MVR access controls are part of everyday business.

• Do staff understand their obligations?

• Have they completed training?

• Do they know how to report a privacy breach?

• Is access removed when someone leaves?

Every dealership should have the following policies and procedures implemented, understood and actively used.

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Radiator Magazine - August 2026

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

Policies • • • • • • •

MVR Privacy Breach Guide Employee Onboarding Guide (new person starting) Employee Offboarding Guide (person leaving) Internal (MVR Access) Training Programme Data Retention Policy General Statement for Accessing the MVR Training Register

Processes •

• •

•

Split employees by full access and standard access to reduce privacy risks • Make user access role specific • Maybe limit full access to senior staff or a senior role Individual logins are a must • No sharing login or passwords Review users access regularly • Monthly review would be best practice • Check to see if they still require access • Document how and when you completed your review Appoint a person to be responsible for onboarding and offboarding • Human Resource manager • People & Process manager

•

For every Plate/VIN enquiry record • Date • Vehicle registration or VIN • User who performed search • Reason for enquiry • Supporting evidence *If via NZTA Motochek manually on a spreadsheet *If via a third-party platform – download the enquiry report • Audit your access logs • Look for any anomalies • Check for unusual lookups or enquiry time that are outside normal trading hours

Training is not optional All employees accessing personal information should complete the Privacy Commissioner ABC e-learning module, while the completion of both Privacy ABC and Privacy 101 is strongly recommended as best practice.

Staff with MVR access should also complete their internal MVR access training before being authorised to conduct searches, and refresher training needs to be completed every six to 12 months after the date that they last completed the training course.

If someone can access the MVR, they should understand the responsibility that comes with that privilege.

Why this matters The consequences of getting this wrong are significant, as failure to have the required policies, processes and training programmes implemented before the declaration process could result in suspension or even cancellation of MVR access.

For most dealerships, losing access would create immediate operational challenges and unnecessary delays.

The time to act is now Businesses that leave preparation until the declaration form lands in their inbox may already be too late. The dealerships that prepare today will be the dealerships still enjoying uninterrupted MVR access tomorrow.

If you are unsure of any of the requirements or documents required, visit the MTA toolbox Motor Vehicle Register page.

Scan me to find latest market sales stats!

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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CLASSIFIEDS

AUCKLAND Automotive Dismantler

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, selfmotivated, 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

AUCKLAND Experienced Mechanic

SB European Ltd 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

AUCKLAND Experienced Auto Tech

Anzac Automotive - Euro/German Cars & WOF 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 problemsolving skills who has their WOF certificate.

Contact Phone: 094788457 Email: ash@anzacauto.co.nz

CANTERBURY WoF Inspector

4wofs@xtra.co.nz Are you an experienced NZTA Vehicle Inspector who is tired of the corporate grind, dealership pressure, and constant targets? We are a small, privately owned test station in Christchurch looking for a qualified and certified WOF Inspector to join our friendly, down-to-earth team in a clean and safe work environment. We value your skills, your time, and your family-life balance. Must be able to work well as part of a team and alone. COF A authority is a big advantag Email applicants should go to: 4wofs@xtra.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH Tow-bar Fabricator & Accessory Installer

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

CHRISTCHURCH Auto Electrician - Team Leader

Towsafe Towbars 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

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HAMILTON

Skilled, Detail-Oriented Mechanic

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

HAMILTON Automotive technician

Motavation 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

HAWKES BAY | NAPIER Senior Automotive Technician

King Toyota 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

KUMEU, RODNEY Mechanic

Manuka Automotive 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 Technician Apprentice Kawerau Automotive Mechanics.

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

KIRWEE WoF Technician

Challenge 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

KAIKOHE Mechanic/WoF inspector

Kaikohe Panelbeaters 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.

KAIKOHE Qualified Technician

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

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

LOWER HUTT Automotive Technician

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: HR@capitalcitymotors.co.nz

MATAMATA Auto Electrician

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

MATAMATA 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

MASTERTON Product Support Engineer

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

NGAIO Workshop Manager

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 Monday-Friday an opportunity to be part of a growing and forwardthinking company. E:accounts@motordoctors.co.nz

MOTUEKA 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 mail: accounts@rgautomotive.co.nz

NAPIER Automotive Technician /2IC

Onsite Services 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

OAMARU Panel Beater

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. P: 027 275 9391 E:riteway@xtra.co.nz

PAIHIA Auto technician/WoF Inspector

Bay of Islands Auto and Marine 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

PORIRUA Qualified mechanic

Porirua Motors Join our busy, friendly team at Porirua Motors.

Contact Murray Phone: 04 237 4975 or directly to our workshop. Phone: 04 237 7979

RANFURLY Automotive Technician

C J Sinclair Auto Shoppe Ranfurly is a well-established family-owned business with over 30 years' history providing automotive excellence to our customers.

We are a Toyota Parts and Service Centre and Husqvarna Sales and Service dealer. We are seeking an Automotive Technician to join our busy, friendly, professional team in Ranfurly. If you have experience as a qualified or nearly qualified technician, this is your opportunity to upskill, work with dealership level information and tools in a relaxed rural environment.

Email applicants should go to: cjsinclair.ranfurly@ xtra.co.nz

RANGIORA Senior Automotive Technician

Driven Automotive 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

SOUTH CANTERBURY Automotive technician

Vaughan Motors 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

Taihape Windscreen Glazier

Bell’s Diesel Truck & Tractor Limited Central 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

TASMAN / NELSON 2x Qualified Auto-Electricians

Auto Electrical 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

TAUPO Automotive Technician

Taupo Mechanical Services Ltd 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: Att: Glenn Milne.

E: taupo.mechanicalservices@xtra.co.nz P: 027 328 3848

TAURANGA Auto Electrician

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.

P: 022 100 3202 E: info@pandrauto.co.nz

TAURANGA Automotive technician

Automotivated 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

TE AROHA Automotive Tech |WoF Inspector Summit Motors 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.

TE AROHA Qualified Mechanic

AgPlus 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.

AgPlus Ltd 28-32 Lawrence Avenue, Te Aroha, 3320. admin@agplus.co.nz P:07 8849901.

TE AWAMUTU Qualified Mechanic

WAIKATO Yamaha Motorcycle Technician Blackwood Yamaha 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

WAIPU Senior mechanic/ diagnostician Waipu Motors 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 go to: accounts@waipumotors.com

WELLINGTON Office Administrator

Creswick Garage Is looking for a reliable and organised Administrator to join our team. This is a parttime, 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

WHANGANUI Mechanic & WOF Inspector

Fordell Garage 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

Total Automotive Services 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 8am 5pm 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

WHANGAREI Automotive Technician

TE AWAMUTU Automotive Technician

NEW PLYMOUTH Automatic Transmission Specialist

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. Phone: 07 8716710

WAIKATO Technician wanted

Ohaupo Motors We are seeking an experienced Automotive Technician to join our busy country garage.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for diagnosing, repairing and maintaining various types of vehicles to ensure their optimal performance. Work alongside a close-knit team that takes pride in doing the job properly and enjoys coming to work each day. Competitive pay based on experience. Monday to Friday - Enjoy your weekends! Modern workshop facilities and equipment. Supportive team environment. Email applicants go to: admin@ohaupomotors.com

Maungakaramea Service Station 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

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Automotive Automatics 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

TASMAN. Automotive Workshop Station

Perry's Auto Services 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.

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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AUTO EXCHANGE

Delivering OEM-quality parts, tools and expertise to workshops across New Zealand - powered by trusted European brands.

buy OR hire

Automotive Special Service Tools Parts for - Audi l VW l Skoda l BMW l Mini l Jaguar l Land Rover l Peugeot l Volvo l Citroen l Renault l Saab l Fiat l Ford Europe l Alfa Romeo

www.alleuroparts.co.nz

AUCKLAND - NORTH SHORE - CHRISTCHURCH

0800 255 387

Andrea Andrew WoF Consultant National Service available • PRS, QMS and EVIRM Training Stress-free annual performance assessments• On-site AVI competency assessments (specific areas)

Phone: 021-2777-228

Email: andrea@wofconsultant.co.nz www.wofconsultant.co.nz

Smoko Stumpers 1. Around 3500 BC, probably in Europe 2. The petrol-fuelled internal combustion engine 3. Vulcanised rubber – by accident, after dropping rubber and sulphur on a hot stove 4. ‘Cat’s eyes” reflective markings 5. Cruise control

Visit autocar.co.nz for the latest car news and reviews, motorsport, classic cars, motor bikes and NZ’s most comprehensive new car price list.

Subscribe at autocar.co.nz or call us on 0800 692 782

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Radiator Magazine - August 2026

TYRE WHOLESALES - New Zealand WIDE Supplying to the Trades

quality parts for quality cars

Approved Distributors of:

• Quality brands • Premium & Budget tyres

• Excellent profit

centre for tyre shops and garages

Automotive Air Compressors

Oils and Additives

PH: 0800 80 90 96

EMAIL: blairs@blairs.co.nz WEB: www.blairs.co.nz

Efficiency Technologies Friction Parts Drive Solutons for Cars

15B Polaris Pl, East Tamaki, Auckland

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

UPPER NORTH ISLAND

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

MIKE BURD

NICK MILLS

027 539 4010

nick.mills@mta.org.nz

SOUTH AUCKLAND

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

MARK MOWBRAY

SHELLEY CARTER

MEMBERSHIP ADVISORS

Team Leader

027 2099 494

mike.burd@mta.org.nz

027 270 2665 mark.mowbray@mta.org.nz

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND NATALIE CAMPBELL 021 414 665 natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

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Radiator Magazine - August 2026

027 497 1568

shelley.carter@mta.org.nz

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

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 Mark Mowbray 027 270 2665

Nick Mills

027 209 9494

CENTRAL WEST

Mike Burd

027 539 4010

EASTLAND Natalie Campbell 021 414 665

Nick Mills

027 209 9494

COAST TO COAST

Shelley Carter 027 497 1568

AORAKI EAST COAST SOUTHERN MAINLAND Shelley Carter 027 497 1568

Jeff Divers

027 348 4746

Radiator Magazine - August 2026

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REGIONAL CONTACTS

Stay connected with MTA events and your community

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Your local MTF Finance office can offer same-day approval without phone queues or middlemen.

mtf.co.nz Offer of finance is subject to terms, conditions, lending criteria, responsible lending inquiries and checks. See mtf.co.nz/terms for details.