Repco: an established range for over 20 years. Every one of our 87 branches from Kaitaia to Invercargill stocks a huge range of oil, cabin, air, and fuel filters. From a 1995 Toyota Corolla to a Transmission filter for the latest Tesla Model 3 Repco has the filters you need with the right parts, right place and fast direct to you.
“Let us help fix
Get your customers back on the road faster and get paid for your hard work. With over 50 MTF Finance offices nationwide, simply jump on mtf.co.nz , choose your nearest office and ask them to help your customer, pronto.
Your local MTF Finance office can offer same-day approval without phone queues or middlemen.
mtf.co.nz
Advocacy: New year, new challenges for Govt
HR Advice: Focus for 2025
Training & Development: Govt issues update
Repairer: Your voice counts - why surveys matter
Collision Repair: What's eating our industry?
Dealer: Reasons to be optimistic in '25
Energy and Heavy vechicles: How fuel pricing works
Mediation: Repair work authorisation
Market Overview
Christchurch auto technician Melissa Hannan is empowering women to maintain their cars and get involved in automotive.
Photo supplied
Editor Gerald Rillstone
027 252 3229
gerald.rillstone@mta.org.nz
Postal address
PO Box 9244, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
Physical address
Level 5, AIA House
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E: mta@mta.org.nz
W: www.mta.org.nz
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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.
As I sit here writing this in early February, I am amazed at how quickly the first month of the year has evaporated. So many projects seem to have reached their zenith simultaneously. If there is ‘no rest for the wicked’, I must have been a real asshole in a former life.
But from speaking to members across the spectrum, it appears I’m not alone (in being preoccupied, I mean).
As enterprising businesspeople, it should come as no surprise that we decompress over the New Year break, only to return to work fully loaded with ideas and renewed vigour to tackle the big issues we conveniently ignored last year.
You know the problems or ideas I’m talking about. The ones that sit at number seven on your to-do list all year. Not because they aren’t important, but because they’re complicated and what to do is unclear. You know something needs to be done, but working out the right approach will take time that you don’t have (or won’t make).
The danger is, if you’re not careful, you’ll blink, and another year will have passed. You might have paid the bills. The business might have grown by 4%. If that’s all you aimed for, maybe you’ll be happy.
But most MTA members I have met aspire to better, I know.
We can all fall into a trap of knowing what matters to our lives or businesses,
lee.marshall@mta.org.nz
but prioritising, deliberately or subconsciously, the day-to-day whirlwind. I certainly have in the past. The trouble is that the absence of a strategy is also a strategy. Just because you haven’t taken time to define your life or business goals, it doesn’t mean you don’t have them. It just means that whatever they are, you didn’t actively decide them.
So, if someone was looking from the outside at you or your business right now, what would they say your goals are?
Some have previously asked me how I progressed in my own career (bribes, lies, and punishment for past life indiscretions, obviously). But honesty aside, one of the most common answers I have given is that I give myself time to think.
And in my experience, it has to be earned. You will only have it when you have a team around you good enough and trusted enough not to depend on you. Likewise, not everything can be a priority. Your time is finite, so choose what you give it to (or it will be chosen for you).
There is no time like now to hit the pause button and make sure you’re on the right trajectory. So are you on track? Are you devoting your energy where it matters most? Sat here in 2026, what would you like to be able to say you achieved this year? It doesn’t have to be work related.
Maybe you always wanted to climb a mountain, learn guitar, do an Ironman (psycho), or dedicate more time to your children or family.
Whatever it is, it won’t happen by osmosis. So this year, why not make your first priority earning yourself some space to think.
Wishing all of our members and readers a great start to 2025. Here’s hoping you choose to make this year your best ever.
---
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Chris Bishop as Transport Minister. We developed a very productive and respectful relationship with his predecessor, Simeon Brown, and I’m looking forward to meeting and continuing that with Minister Bishop. The portfolio always needs a real powerhouse and Chris Bishop certainly has that reputation. As always, if members have issues and questions they want brought to his attention, feel free to reach out and share them with me.
My door is always – electronically –open. Please feel free to email me any time to raise any issues: lee.marshall@mta.org.nz.
In the meantime, have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. And please know that our team will be working hard to deliver you a great 2025.
Minister of Transport Chris Bishop says his focus will be a transport system that gets people and freight to places quickly and safely.
“I want an effective transport system that enables economic growth and provides social opportunities to New Zealanders,” Bishop said in a statement to Radiator.
Bishop, who take over the role from Simeon Brown, says the Government’s support of the
Clean Car Importer Standard will ensure that New Zealand has an affordable mix of clean vehicles.
“The reality is the old scheme was taking money from people who didn’t have the choice around purchasing an electric vehicle for their type of work and then subsidising people who do have the choice.
“Instead, we are focusing on policies that will improve the uptake of electric vehicles which is
what will make a real difference, including investing in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure that we need across New Zealand.”
Bishop, 41, has been a member of Parliament since 2014 and is based in the Hutt Valley.
If you want your staff to look clean and professional and save your company money with the least amount of hassle, talk to Apparelmaster. We buy any kind of workwear and rent it back to you, professionally launder and repair it and make sure you get the right gear where and when you need it.
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If you want your staff to look clean and professional and save your company money with the least amount of hassle, talk to Apparelmaster. We buy any kind of workwear and rent it back to you, professionally launder and repair it and make sure you get the right gear where and when you need it. To find out more, call 0800 808 820 or visit online at apparelmaster.co.nz
Melissa Hannan is on a mission to empower women around the country to maintain their cars and get involved in the automotive industry.
Drawing on her 17 years as a motor mechanic, Melissa created Girls N’ Gasoline ‘women only’ classes, and every month she hits the road or jumps on a plane to encourage women to take charge and have a crack at the basics.
“It started because most of my family and friends know next to nothing about cars and I really
enjoy getting out there and helping people.
“So I crafted the idea to run these workshops and make it fun and an enjoyable outing for the girls.
“Nobody in schools or anywhere is teaching these skills and unless you have a partner or someone who can teach you it there is nowhere to learn.”
Melissa has conducted 20 workshops around New Zealand, with over 100 attendees so far.
“My goal is for women to leave my workshops feeling empowered, independent and above all, proud.
“My achievements have been recognised nationwide, including appearance on Seven Sharp, the Breakfast show, Radio NZ,
along with high school assemblies and numerous magazine and newspaper articles.”
Melissa works for MTA member Car Solutions in Christchurch and trained as a mechanic when she left school at 16 years old. Creating the classes has given her the
opportunity to share her automotive passion with others, she says.
The two-hour courses are cover 10 car maintenance basics including oil and water checks, how to use jumper leads, how to change
bulbs and wiper blades, and how to change a tyre – ending with a competition to see who can do it the fastest.
“I have had girls as young as 15 and up to the age of 65 come through the workshop and some want the independence of knowing
what to look for on a car, and a lot of the older ladies want to come for a day out and have something fun to do and learn.
“A few of the younger girls hang around and chat about how I got into the trade, and some want to know how they can enter the industry as well.”
Currently the bookings for classes and publicity are done through
Facebook but Melissa is working hard to get the capital together for a website that can handle the admin and take some of the pressure off her.
“At the moment it is just me and a laptop and a lot of travel.”
“I have CRC on board, they have been amazing support and every month I try to do a different town around New Zealand,” she says.
Pin up
Melissa doesn’t just love getting in front of people – she's also comfortable in front of a camera. She’s done a range of photoshoots with hot rods and classics.
Her classic photo portfolio has given her a great profile online and show the style of a bygone era when a woman in the workshop was a rarity.
“I used to be quite into the the 50s-style clothing a few years ago when I was into the car scene and I still enjoy seeing it, but I have pulled back from doing it so much now,” she says.
It was a surprise to Melissas’s family that she chose the career path she did.
"My family, my dad, my brothernobody was into cars, it was just me. I don't really know where it came from or what happened."
Her pride and joy is a 1959 Chevrolet Parkwood wagon she imported from America eight years ago. It sports the number plate 'Nt
His', a subtle dig at those who often overlook Melissa as the owner.
It’s not just about learning the basics; her classes are a great day out too.
“The Chev is my weekend toy. I have had it for nine years and it will be beside me for the rest of my life.”
With a year of teaching done and dusted Melissa has plans to expand the classes in the future.
“Next year I want to expand it
and there are some girls that want to get involved in the trade and do a level two class and a more advanced one on one class on specific vehicles.”
Tyre tycoon Steve Lange will be a star turn at MTA’s Manfeild Mania in May. He shares his story with Gerald Rillstone.
There was a time when Steve Lange was a household name.
His face and catchy jingle beamed into sitting rooms around the country in the 90’s promoting Tony’s Tyre Service – a highly successful chain of tyre shops he built from scratch over a couple of decades.
At the height of his success Tony’s Tyre Service was the biggest independent tyre chain in the country, holding 45 percent market share with 20 outlets, turning over $24 million a year, employing 170 staff. But Steve is the first to admit, it wasn’t an easy road to success.
He’s been a winner in several other business ventures and will share his story of success with members as keynote speaker at MTA’s Manfield Mania event in May.
Manfield Mania promises two days of fun and fast cars at the Manfeild circuit, plus some great social events – the addition of Steve to the schedule will be one of the off-track highlights. “I am looking forward to Manfield Mania and meeting members, I enjoy seeing the lights turn on in peoples’ eyes when they hear what I have to say.”
Steve’s story in business is certainly one that members can relate to or appreciate.
After dropping out of high school at 15 with little to show for his efforts Steve found a job at a local Cambridge tyre shop, his first taste of what was to be his future, then moved
to Palmerston North working in a tyre retreading factory.
“Back then you would walk into a tyre shop and there would be someone in dirty old overalls with a cigarette hanging out of their mouth trying not to make eye contact with you,” he says. Steve applied himself to learning everything he could about the industry, often, he says starting two hours early and finishing two hours after close, so he could practise what he'd learned. That paid off when at the age of 18 he was promoted to foreman.
Steve could see potential for improvement in the industry if he had his own business and made the decision to build something significant rather than just earn a wage. He realised the best thing to do was find out what the buying public wanted and deliver it to them.
In 1982 he brought his first tyre shop along with a partner, Phillip Jones, using a loan from his accountant at 28 percent interest.
The shop was called Tony’s Tyre Service although there never was a Tony.
“Tony’s was started by Brett McKeen, so there never was a Tony, it worked in my favour when I introduce myself on every ad on TV “hi I’m Steve Lange owner of Tony’s Tyre Service” it got people thinking.”
Four years later, Steve bought his second tyre shop and a year later brought his partner out –just before the share market crashed a couple of
weeks later.
He'd borrowed a load of money, sales dropped, margins dropped, and interest rates went up.
“I got four credit cards and went and opened another branch in Whanganui. I just had to have cash flow to service my debt and that was the best way I knew how. It really saved my bacon because it went very well,” he says.
Over the next few years Steve walked a financial tightrope, borrowing to open more stores in pursuit of bigger cash flow.
Near disaster followed in 1991 when his local Westpac manager told him the bank would be calling in its $200,000 debt within 24 hours.
Steve decided the only thing to do was to go to the top and flew to Auckland, strode into the Westpac chief executive's office and said, "If you guys are going to close me down tomorrow, I suggest you put some arses on planes and take a look at my business."
They took up the invitation, saw what he was doing and decided not only to rescind the threat to call in its debt but
extended him another loan.
Steve puts a big part of his success down to pioneering initiatives which gained repeat business.
“We were the first ones to offer free puncture repairs – the industry hated me for that – and we had Tyre Cover Plus, where if you bought a tyre from us and damaged it, we would replace it free of charge.”
He’d done a bit of research and found 40 percent of punctures needed a replacement tyre so there was the chance of a sale, and when it was repaired for free it was a wow factor that created repeat customers.
“You don’t go out and buy one shoe and the same applied with tyres. If a tyre was that damaged that it needed replacing then they would be needing a wheel alignment as well,” he says.
“It had the wow factor, the customer had got a tyre for free, and they would be coming back.
“And without bragging we were certainly the leaders in the industry nationally and in Australasia we had 45 percent of the New Zealand market.”
Steve says the best thing he ever did was learn how to manage people and get them to do the things he needed them to do.
“Most people in the industry came from a similar background to me, uneducated, but give those guys an opportunity and they grab it with both hands. I never employed experienced people because they come with bad habits.”
Tyred out
It’s been 17 years since Steve sold the chain of stores to Bridgestone and it took a bit of time for him to shake of the “Steve Lange, owner of Tony’s Tyre Service” label.
“I moved away to get rid of the profile and moved to the Kapiti Coast, built a house and did a few
residential developments, invested in a few startups which are a lot of fun, not something I would recommend though, and now I have six grandkids and travel for six months of the year.” He also ended up owning the legendary Wellington waterfront watering hole Dockside Restaurant and Bar after helping a friend out who wanted to get into the business. One thing led to another, and he ended up
owning it with minority shareholders running it for him.
With all he’s learned Steve says owning your own business isn’t easy and if anyone knows of an easy one, he’ll be the first to invest in it.
Another good reason to sign up for Manfeild Mania, perhaps.
•More details on Manfeild Mania, page 44
No missing the distinctive Tony’s outlets.
With Manfeild Mania a few months away, we are looking for race car drivers to provide rides on the day.
Any potential drivers can get in touch with Natalie Campbell, MTA Regional Events Coordinator, Natalie.Campbell@mta.org.nz.
Members can also book their accommodation and find event details through the MTA Toolbox.
It was literally a case of ‘out with the old, in with the new’ for classic car restorer Dave Wilkens this summer.
Dave, who’s won international honours for his restoration work, used the holidays to do a restoration project of a different kind – stripping out and modernising his Upper Hutt business, Bristols Automotive.
“I'm very proud of my business and the work we have done, and I still feel I have so much more to give and better work to come,” Dave said when Radiator visited.
On any given day there is likely to be millions of dollars of classic autos
getting some specialised attention from the award-winning team, including luxury marques like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar.
Dave’s business has been one the site since 1996 and the ground-up refurb has given him the chance to reorganise and streamline the workshop.
To do so required an operation that was almost military-like in its precision and coordination.
He removed everything in the
workshop, including three ageing hoists, and a concrete grinder was bought in to smooth out the floors before epoxy was applied to all the joints followed by a repaint.
“I have been in the building nearly 30 years and all this work will make a big difference.
“Having the floor cleaned up means the trolley jacks won’t get caught up in the cracks anymore and the brandnew grey floor is looking so much better,” Dave says.
“All the lifts have been replaced. The old ones had nothing wrong with them apart from a few seals leaking, but they are 30 years old and it’s time they were replaced.
“The whole place feels a lot brighter and cleaner.”
Part of the refit included new massive wall units designed to hold parts for each job the staff are working on, and the entire workshop walls were given a fresh coat of paint.
A perfect New Year makeover, you could say.
The sparkling premises befits some sparkling restoration results over the past few years.
One that Dave says is particularly pleasing was a Best in Show award in 2018 at Motorclassica in Australia, for the restoration of a 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Spider his team completed.
There was also the 1931 Hispano Suiza J12 Saoutchik-bodied Transformable which won at the
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California in 2017.
“To have won at Motorclassica and Pebble Beach, it doesn’t get much better than that,” he says.
Dave’s journey to the top of his field is an interesting one.
He grew up around cars of all makes his dad ran an auto repair shop at
the family home in Bristol Street –naturally, that’s where the Bristols Automotive name came from.
But when he was ready to start working life Dave decided to go in a different direction.
“I was always interested in woodwork despite my father being a mechanic and college results in woodwork
gained me an A+ in 5th and 6th form. So at the age of 17 I went on the hunt for an apprenticeship to make furniture,” her says.
“I couldn't find anywhere that would take me on, so I drove around many furniture and upholstery places looking for a job and stumbled across Jeal Upholstery around the Pauatahanui inlet [north of Wellington] and was offered a job to see if I was any good.”
He finished his apprenticeship and went into business on his own, calling it Dave’s Upholstery and in 1996 went shares with his dad buying an old knitting factory building in Upper Hutt where the business is still located.
Soon customers were knocking on the door wanting full restoration work done on their vintage and classic cars.
“I found myself doing more and more vintage car interiors than furniture. I was getting asked to do more assembly work and many other jobs of vehicle restoration along the way, so I decided to start a car restoration business to work in with the upholstery shop.”
It was pretty much organic growth from that point. The more work he did
on
Now
“I'm
Hamilton motorcycle technician Ben Adams reached a pinnacle in his career for the second time recently, bringing home the prestigious Australasian Harley-Davidson Master Technician of the Year 2024 award.
Ben works for MTA member Road and Sport Motorcycles Hamilton, and previously won the award in 2022, a proud moment for Road and Sport Operations Manager Hannah Manssen who is over the moon to see him take the top spot a second time.
“We are so proud to have him as part of the team and we feel pretty privileged that Ben chooses to work for us and is such an exceptional tech.”
“He has a massive passion for making things bigger and better and he has been with us for ten years,” Hannah says.
“And while we’re feeling proud, it’s Ben who has put in the steady hours working. He’s on the tools, on the
Digitech computer, fault-finding, in the dyno room.”
Ben says winning for the second year has been an unforgettable experience.
“To participate in this highly prestigious event and to walk away crowned Master Technician of the Year is worth its weight in gold,” he says.
The competition saw three of the industry’s top technicians battle it out to be crowned ‘master’ in an event that saw three technicians compete in a live skills showdown where their every move was intensely scrutinised under the spotlight at Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Sydney.
Managing Director for HarleyDavidson Australia and New Zealand, Nigel Keough, says Harley-Davidson’s annual Technician and Master Technician of the Year recognition program is a measure of the best of the best.
1st Place – Ben Adams, Road & Sport Harley-Davidson (New Zealand)
2nd Place – Paul Beebe, Fraser Group (Australia)
3rd Place – Daniel Dixon, Central Coast Harley-Davidson (Australia)
To the victor, the spoils.
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. What did Enzo Ferrari reportedly call the “beautiful car in the world”? Ferrari Testarossa, E Type Jaguar or Lamborghini Countach? [clue: it was in 1961]
2. What does BSA stand for in the motorcycle manufacturer? British Sports Association, Bicycle Speed Assistance, Birmingham Small Arms?
3. What was the name of former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve’s father?
4. The red 1958 Plymouth Fury in a 1983 Stephen King book (and film) is better known by what name?
5. As of January, how many toll roads does New Zealand have?
Answers on page 60
February
Top of the South Motor Show
Richmond A and P Showgrounds
Open to all makes and models. 10am to 2pm.Saturday February 10th
Otorohunga
Kiwi Town Piston Festival Picnic and Pistons at the Island. With cool cars and tractors, anything with a motor. Saturday 8th February 10am to 3pm. At the Island Reserve Orahiri Terrace
Otorohunga
Rotorua
12th Annual Rotorua Lake Front Car Show
10am to 2pm Sunday January 6th. All proceeds to Saint John Ambulance . Bring your classic cars down for a great day! Cash prizes for top car & kids' choice!
March
Rotorua
2nd Annual Mamuka Community Car Show Fundraiser 22nd of March, 10am to 2pm
Mamuka Youth Park Domain, Mamuka,
April
Ruakaka
Ruakaka Classic & Custom Car Show
13th April, 10am to 2pm. A fun filled day at the Ruakaka Classic & Custom Car Show. Show cars FREE. Under 15 FREE. Entry $10.Food. Bouncy castles. Raffle. Prizes.Hosted by the Ruakaka Fire Rescue Crew. Marsden Bay Christian Camp, One Tree Point, Ruakaka
Dargaville
Hot Rods and Harley's
Get your engines revved and mark your calendars—Hot Rods and Harley's is coming soon! March 15th, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Dargaville Field Days site, it’s all happening! With food trucks, a swap meet, live music, stalls, spot prizes, and kids' activities, it’s a day the whole family can enjoy. Entry is just $5 for adults, and kids get in free.
Wanaka
Wheels at Wanaka. Wheels at Wanaka - Easter 2025. Earthmoving practise day: Friday April 18th. Main Show
Saturday 19 to Sunday April 20th. Wheels at Wanaka is proudly presented by ThreeParks Wanaka.In 2025, we celebrate the final Wheels at Wanaka along with 100 Years of Caterpillar. Wheels at Wanaka is an all vehicle, all machinery history-in-motion vintage fair - including steam engines, tractors and farming heritage, cars, motorbikes, trucks, earthmovers and heavy machinery.
Auckland
4x4 Outdoor Expo
5 th to the 6 th April Kemeu Showgrounds 35 Access Road Kemeu
The 4x4 Outdoor Expo is the only dedicated 4x4 platform in New Zealand with it's ultimate ambition to bring the 4x4 industry and 4x4 community together. 4x4 Outdoor Expo is "The Place To Build Your 4x4" expect to see exhibitors showcasing in a range of categories from Camping Equipment, Accessories & Modifications, Dealership, Fabrication, Mechanical, Suspension &Tyres and Offroad Campers plus more!
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.
Andrew works alone, and because of this he says he needs to be extra careful when he does certain types of work. It means thinking very carefully when he’s working, and he wants to share his ways of doing things with members. Before Christmas he had to change a gearbox, which weighed 60-80 kilos. Fifteen years ago he would have pushed himself to strain and lift it off the vehicle, not thinking of the probability of injury, but now, older and wiser, he suggests members think before getting stuck in.
He says he used a crane to do the job, and slowly put things on his lap and then onto the ground in order to complete the job.
Thanks for this timely reminder, sole operators and business owners can’t afford to take risks when it is their health, livelihoods and businesses at stake.
What is the best way to deal with the continuing march of technology in vehicles? Almost everything is electronic in cars now, and often you might not be able to get scanners to work with it.
One of the best ways to keep on top of this is to talk to MTA member AECS; they specialise in the right equipment to deal with all the latest technology and have technicians at the end of the phone ready to help out.
If I have a customer come in who wants to use an MTA voucher but only use half the value of it, do I give change?
If the full value of an MTA gift voucher is not used in a single transaction, the form in which any change that may be owed is provided is at the discretion of the retailer. Our recommendation is that this change be provided in the form of another voucher or the customer is encouraged to use the full value of the voucher in a single transaction.
My NZTA invite for the new VIC system has expired. I emailed them and asked for a new one but have not got a reply.
Contact NZTA on either 0800 804 580 or modernisingvehiclecertifications@nzta.govt.nz. This number and email is specific for people who have questions for VIC, not their standard phone number. They are open from 8am to 5.30pm weekdays.
I was a CRA member who came onboard with MTA when the two associations joined together. Do I need to have an MTA sign? Will it be free?
Yes, you do need to display an MTA sign now, along with your CRA one. This will need to be purchased from MTA. You can organise this by going onto our website and ordering it through the stationery store, or by asking an MTA Member Support Officer to order one on your site’s behalf.
Thanks to Radiator from the Dominion Electrical Company for the position's vacant advertisement, we found someone local, and they hit the ground running.
That is great to hear, MTA has over 50 benefits that help members in a number of ways and the free situations vacant section in Radiator has been helping members find staff for over 100 years, no other publication comes close.
Make the most of your membership and take advantage of the value on offer from our business partners. For more information visit the MTA Toolbox.
• ASURE Accommodation
10 percent off motels across New Zealand
• Boost
Ready-made employee benefits package in a simple phone app
• Business Insurances with Gallagher
Don’t settle for ‘cheap’ insurance that doesn’t deliver at claim time
• CardLink
Save thousands with transaction fee discounts for Service Stations
• DebtorInfo
Makes getting paid easy, effective, and affordable. Members get a highly preferential rate
• Eftpos NZ
25 percent off terminal rental and free credit card surcharging
• Employment Advice
Our HR team are on hand to help you with staff and employment issues
• Gift Vouchers and Gift Cards
These MTA products have been designed to keep the MTA brand in front of consumers and encourage spend back to MTA members
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing
We offer tools that help your business stay compliant and safe where staff are happy and well
• HSE Connect
An easy and affordable electronic H&S system that will save you time, money, and keep you compliant. Members get 25 percent off and free setup
• Interislander Ferries
10 percent off the best available fare
• Just Water
15 percent off water coolers and supplies
• LayBuy
Member only rates and no setup fees
• Mediation Advice
Our free mediation service can help you handle issues with customers before they escalate
• MTF Finance
MTA have partnered with MTF Finance to provide a finance solution aimed to help your customers pay for repairs, maintenance, parts, and accessories that exceed $1,500
•n3 Business Buying Power
Free access for members, last year members an saved an average of $7,566 using n3 suppliers
• nib Health Insurance
• OurAuto
Service repair data and diagnostics at great rates
• SAM by AUXO
Increase profits with workshop management software
• Scenic Trains
10 percent off the best available fares
• Triton Hearing
Free hearing checks and an extra 10 percent off hearing devices and protection
*All business partner offers are subject to their own individual terms and conditions.
Every month we revisit pages from
Hamza Jawed, owner of White Swan Autos, tells us how his workshop influenced the functions and features of Auxo Workshop.
From the get-go, Auxo Workshop has been built with input from real mechanics and workshop owners. The result is a product that is the holy grail of fixing the inefficiencies and frustrations of a modern Kiwi workshop. Recently we caught up with one of these integral people, Hamza Jawed, to see how his journey started with Auxo and how his expertise helped build the product you see today.
It all began with a phone call.
Around 6-7 months ago, Hamza purchased White Swan Autos, which just so happened to be around the same time Auxo Workshop was on the hunt for beta users.
The stars aligned while Hamza was looking for a new Workshop Management System, and he got through to Auxo’s Head of Product, James Chang. One thing led to another, and Hamza became one of the very first Auxo Workshop test users.
From there, a symbiotic relationship bloomed between Auxo Software and White Swan Autos: Hamza would share the learnings and pain points of his new business and staff, and in return would watch features and updates flesh out from his insights.
“James was really interested in my opinion.” Hamza said. “He would always ask whether a feature was something I would like, or if
there was something that would make life easier, and I was able to take stuff from him as well. I feel like since I was there from the start this software really feels like something I helped create, and I know where everything is in it.”
Auxo Workshop earns its keep.
The first thing that Hamza noticed after introducing Auxo Workshop, was the improvement in data management.
“The previous owner was an older guy, and he liked to do things old school,” Hamza laughs. “It worked for him but all the customer and vehicle “data” was just a big pile of paper.”
Bringing Auxo Workshop into the business enabled Hamza to get his data in check, and keep his accountant happy. Plus, he also saw a financial benefit. With more organisation to his data, keeping track of and sending out WoF, service or invoice reminders was as simple as a few clicks.
“Being able to call up a customer and say “Hey, your WOF is coming up,” is a great way to build more of a bond with them,” Hamza said. “The system automatically reminds us, and then we can either send them a quick message, or we can give them a call and make things more personal. It keeps customers coming back.”
The intuitive and simple design was also a huge selling point for Hamza. He’s tried to implement apps before, most of which ended up in the “too hard” basket.
“With apps we’ve used in the past the tech was just too complicated for some of the older guys.” Hamza said. “We never had that issue with Auxo Workshop, it was easy for us from the get-go. It is super important for me that the techs are comfortable doing their jobs, and Auxo was able to make their life easier and my life easier.”
Overall, Hamza has been impressed with how much more manageable the business has become since
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“Once Auxo Workshop came along it made my life 100 times easier. It was easy to use, integrated with Xero and I could quickly tap in and out of it.”
-
Hamza Jawed, White Swan Autos
moving to Auxo Workshop. Invoices and admin can be completed in a few clicks, and all his staff are comfortable using it and can be left under their own steam. No longer bogged down in the day-to-day, Hamza has some time back to focus on the bigger picture.
“The Live chat and support from Wesley, and the rest of the Auxo team means my staff can get quick help if they ever get stuck. I don’t have to be there all the time now and it’s freed me up massively. If you’re looking for something to help with time management and organisation, I really recommend it. It’s great!”
Your ultimate workshop guide.
Many MTA staff love vehicles as much as you do, and have a story tell about them. This month, MTA Marketing and Communications Advisor Deborah Christophers.
One of my favourite cars was a hybrid, not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Lexus RX 450h would have to be one of the best cars I have ever owned.
I have owned Toyotas in the past, Prados, they were good but not as comfortable as the Lexus, it had all the bells and whistles and if I was to make a comparison with other cars I have owned the Mercedes 180 Kompressor that I owned back in South Africa would be a close second the Lexus.
This Lexus was just so different, it was red which I really liked, and it had an amazing smooth ride.
It was comfortable and spacious, it was a really beautiful car, and it had plenty of power and I would often use adaptive cruise control on long
trip and on the motorway, so I didn’t speed too much.
I was always reluctant to let anybody else drive it and because it was a hybrid the fuel consumption was really economical for the size of the car.
To me it was luxury personified.
The big news so far this year was the change of Transport Minister. Every Minister of Transport has a different style and set of priorities, and that's fine but overall what most New Zealanders look for is a sensible approach that focuses on the core things we need from our transport system - resilience, safety, helping people and freight to move efficiently, and continued work to reduce carbon emissions.
Simeon Brown took a different approach, choosing to stoke culture wars with local communities who want their kids to be able to walk to school safely, turning New Zealand from the one of the fastest growing EV markets into one of the worst, killing off urgently needed public transport investment in our biggest cities, slashing funding to local authorities for fixing roads after disasters, and putting up the costs of public transport for hundreds of thousands of people. He didn't say a dickie bird when the Immigration Minister took desperately needed motor trades roles off the Green List. He did promise a long list of extremely expensive roads but most are unfunded and hardly any will be
Michael Wood
finished within the next five years. His record in office didn't just undo progress made by Labour Ministers, it took us back before the days of Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, and Gerry Brownlee from the Key government.
We can only hope that the new Minister Chris Bishop is more pragmatic and balanced. This morning I saw a picture of him posing next to the newly opened electric train line to Pukekohe, which was entirely funded by Labour - so at least we know he is getting out and about! My guess is that he will be a Minister who is less ideological, and more focused on what sells politically. Better still would be a Minister of Transport who focusses on how to build a safe, resilient, and sustainable system and drives forward sensible policy to match
With the country back at work now though, much of the news isn’t that great. The economy continues to go backwards; parts of the health system are in genuine crisis; crucial infrastructure decisions like a reliable Cook Strait ferry have been botched, and while this is all happening the three parties of government seem to spend more
energy competing against each other than solving our problems. But that’s all I’m going to say on the negative front!
We can identify the problems, but the solutions are more important. In politics you don’t want to be in opposition, but one of the few benefits is that you do have more space to step back, examine your policy, listen to people’s views, and make changes where necessary. That’s exactly the process that Labour is working through now. By 2026, Labour will have to present our plan to the country, but right now we are still keen to listen to good ideas. In politics we can’t agree with everything we hear, but listening is a good start. I look forward to hearing your ideas for our country.
• Michael Wood served as an MP from 2016-2023 and held a number of Ministerial roles including Transport and Immigration in the Labor government. He is currently Negotiation Specialist at E tū Union. The opinions expressed in his columns are his, and do not necessarily reflect those of MTA.
Meet Mercedes Mulder. Timaru automotive technician Mercedes shares her thoughts on work and life in her regular column.
Hey! It’s been a while, a lot has happened since I last wrote in Radiator, there is so much to catch you all up on.
2024 was an incredible year for me. The number of amazing things that occurred is overwhelming to think about and I’m not quite sure where to start.
Normally I’d start at the beginning but the biggest news came at the end of the year: my partner and I decided to take a day trip to pick up a new border collie puppy in Kaikoura. Not only did we come home with a puppy but we also came home engaged! This was an extremely exciting day for us and was a great way to end the year.
Off to Aussie
But back to the start. January was the month I was flown to Tasmania by Valvoline to work with Garry Rogers Motorsport for a week. This was unreal, working trackside with such a great team in a race-like environment with some amazing drivers such as James Moffat, Ben Bargwanna, Ryan Casha and Aaron Cameron. I got to learn plenty of new skills from some of the best mechanics and experienced a wee snippet of what it is like to work in a track race team at an event. The competition was called the GRM Combine
Driven my Marcus Ambrose and the week was something I will never forget.
Following January, I had a new nephew enter the world and attended two 21sts. Then the rally season began!
Otago was up first and is most definitely one of the favourites, this two-day event is full of excitement
and working for PRG with three customers is always full on. The rally season kicked into full swing and before I knew it I was being flown to the North Island to work for PRG. This was a very special achievement for me and it meant a lot that the team valued me enough to fly me up to continue into the second half of the season.
With my new nephew in Sydney.
Throughout the season there were massive days, 3am starts, and I made some crazy memories with a team that feels like a second family. Southern Lights Rally was back on the schedule for 2024 after a long break and it was also a big favourite of mine. The starting ceremony in transport world was amazing and the night stages were incredible to watch. I really hope this event makes it back into the schedule again soon.
Hayden had a massive season over in Europe and became the first non-European to win the championship back-to-back, following up with becoming the FIA Asia Pacific champion yet again. Emma got on the podium at Rally Bay of Plenty and ended up third overall for the Asia Pacific and New Zealand Rally Championship season. It was amazing to see Emma progress throughout the year and I really loved being in her
corner (literally) for almost every event.
“It’s been awesome working with Mercedes throughout the 2024 season and also at the Timaru Women in Trade event. I think we’re all really lucky to be part of Hayden’s team and Paddon Rallysport—they run such an impressive setup, and there’s so much to learn from them. It’s a great team environment, and being surrounded by that level of professionalism and passion makes every event even more special."
~Emma Gilmour
Rookie again
April was the month I became a qualified mechanic, something I had worked so hard to achieve and managed to smash out in quite a short time frame. This was a great feeling.
Although I know I have so much to learn in the industry, the fact that I am now qualified makes me feel more confident in myself and that is
something that has helped me a lot in the work place.
Late in the year I was flown to Taupo by MacKenzie Motorsport to work for them for the first time. For six days I worked on the GT and the IRC car. It was hard being the rookie again but it was still so much fun, it was a very exciting and new experience where I also got to meet some more great people.
Work came to an end on Christmas Eve and it was time to say goodbye to my foreman and one of my best friends. The sad thing is that our friendship therefore had to go from spending 40+ hours a week together to maybe seeing each other twice a year! Although my boss might be relieved that I spend less time talking now (we will see). Now Christmas and New Year has been and gone and 2025 is already looking like a cracker!
It was amazing being in her corner (literally) for almost every event.
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Countryman Core is all about town and around duties while JCW is for the driving enthusiasts. Does it all come at a cost?
So it was a case of out of the Mini Countryman Core and into the JCW Countryman All4. Now this is what I’m talking about, although there’s a price to pay, both in fuel use and for the performance hike and move to AWD. While the initial outlay ranges between $76k and $83k, depending on the spec level of the JCW you’re considering, we’d say it’s probably worth it for the overall improvement wrought by the additional zing and dynamics, not to mention a snazzier (read sportier) interior ambience over the base Countryman.
There are nice little features too, as you’d hope, like the Mini puddle lamps, seat electrics and the like. But it’s the added performance that is most noticeable and relevant here. The 1.5T, even with the mild hybrid set-up, isn’t exactly overwhelming in the Countryman Core, and that’s most
apparent with hesitation off the mark. Here though, the 2.0T is noticeably stroppier. This doesn’t rely on electric motor assistance either. Oddly enough, even without this, it doesn’t seem to use a whole lot more gas.
Figure on sevens in the Core and eights or nines in the JCW. Our highest was around 9.5L/100km. Fuel use figures from the trip computer suggested an overall figure of 8.6L/100km during its lifetime.
Handy that the tank size is slightly larger at 53L than in the mild hybrid. That modest increase in fuel use is evident despite it having quite a bit more urge from its 2.0T engine that produces 221kW and 400Nm of torque.
It fires through a twin-clutch gearbox too, but here the output is distributed to all four wheels via a variable torque system compared with via the fronts in the Countryman Core Classic we drove previously.
There’s also adaptive damping and with the Favoured trim there’s an
uprated brake system with four-piston brake calipers. These resulted in a best emergency stop from 100km/h of 34.76m.
They feel reassuringly strong under foot too.
And on that, it’s a bunch faster than the front-drive Countryman, as you’d expect from the significant power up. However, at times it feels like it is predominantly driving with the front wheels, which is sometimes disconcerting.
For example, when flooring it for an overtaking manoeuvre, there’s quite evident torque steer as all the power initially flows north.
The tugging at the wheel isn’t subtle either. Sure there’s a lot more power needing to be deployed as mentioned but you’ve also paid the extra for AWD traction.
We couldn’t quite match the Mini claim of 5.4sec for the 0-100 discipline (5.69sec). That said, we
didn’t know about the temporary boost button either (it deploys when you pull and hold the left paddle), at least until after performance testing. That hikes torque a little further for 10sec so maybe had we discovered this in time it might have met its mark. It’s pretty quick on the overtake, requiring only 3.5sec to accumulate 40km/h of speed, from 80-120. Again, possibly even quicker with the
booster paddle. Sport mode we found a touch frantic, whereas Core mode seemed about right, in the Goldilocks zone.
The green mode to conserve fuel didn’t quite do it for me, and it didn’t last long there. Core cooks then. And while on performance, those big brakes with their four-piston brake calipers up front certainly do bite hard, as you’d want them to with the
added go power. While the actual distance to reach stopped might not seem amazing, the cooler conditions of winter never conspire to produce the best stopping distances. But they’re certainly effective.
Much better between the straights?
Do the dynamics improve much over
the front-wheel drive variant? Yes, for sure, although it isn’t quite as dramatic as you might imagine.
A case of more grip but the weight balance is still front biased so that does result in some eventual understeer near the grip limits.
However, ‘eventual’ is the key word because it stays locked on line for longer than the front driver. And the adaptive dampers help keep roll to a minimum as well. It all helps, obviously.
We took this on the same drive route as the BMW i4 eDrive35 and initially it seemed almost as quick through the same turns, as you might expect of something with AWD versus rearwheel drive.
But ultimately the BMW’s superb
balance shone through. Where that rounded up our sighted reference corners in blazing style, the JCW couldn’t hold as much corner speed, squealed its protest more and ended up running wide.
That’s eventually countered by independent brake nipping. But that’s comparing it with something that is ridiculously talented thanks to a sheer lack of weight over the front end, and is $20k more expensive.
This has an ICE power lump under the hood, but rather a nice one for all that.
Interestingly, where you can extract the floor in the luggage bay to reveal the hybrid battery pack in the Core version of the Countryman, you can’t in the All4 because there is no hybrid battery.
So it has much greater underfloor storage capacity as a result.
What else then?
This really does look the part, with its dark paint and red highlights on the mirror caps, front bumper and roof. You’ll be seen for sure.
We found the ride at around 100km/h really quite decent, though it is clearly a touch firmer at town speeds but it’s not jiggly like some can be, with a degree of underlying compliance.
But you buy it knowing this wild child is in its element in the backblocks. Only it’s not quite as wild as the front-drive JCWs of yore. They could sometimes be a bit much of a good thing. The steering in this is fun too, well weighted
and quite quick.
It has a pretty decent level of kit, as you’d hope for the price, with heated seats and steering wheel, one of the clearest pop-up perspex HUDs I’ve seen, and powered seats with adjustable lumbar support.
The sound generator makes progress in Sport mode a bit more interesting. It also masks some wind noise off the A pillars.
There are only four modes here, much saner than all the Experience nonsense in the hybrid Core Classic we drove earlier.
So go a little wild yourself if you’ve the readies. It’s just that in this price space there’s plenty of competition from not just ICE (like Cupra Formentor VZ models in runout for $70k) but also e-Power, like the Countryman SE All4 at $81k.
It has dual motors, more power and torque, and is equally as quick so offers something similar but a bit newenergy different from the ICE JCW.
Model Mini Countryman JCW All4 Flavoured
Price $83,990
Engine 1998cc / IL4 / T / DI
Power 223kW@5750-6500rpm
Torque 400Nm@2000-4500rpm
Drivetrain 238kW/550Nm
Drivetrain 7-speed twin-clutch / AWD
Fuel Use 8.3L/100km
C02 Output 191g/km
0-100km/h 5.69sec
80-120km/h 3.49sec (98.32m)
100-0km/h 34.76m
Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV
Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW,RCTA, ALK, AHB
Luggage Capacity 505-1530L
Tow rating Not rated to tow
Service intervals Condition based
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
ANCAP rating Not rated
Weight 1660kg (claimed)
(incl GST)
Pacific Toyota apprentice Gaby Absalom has a keen thirst to learn – and that’s seen her go from student to a fully qualified automotive technician in just two years.
Gaby recently completed her New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (level four), a milestone that marks a significant achievement in her career.
She joined MTA member Pacific Toyota as a work experience student in 2022, working one day a week, while completing her level three Automotive Engineering Certificate through Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology in Tauranga.
“I just showed up and tried to be as dedicated as possible. The boss came to me and offered me a job and I thought why the hell not, yeah.”
From her first day at Pacific Toyota Gabby went for hard-out.
“I just wanted to get my head
down and get it done as quick as possible in the best time and learn as well,” Gabby says.
Dave Milne, Service Manager at Pacific Toyota, says as a student it was clear from early on Gaby wasn’t just there to gain experience, she was also here to learn, work hard, and excel.
“From the start, her eagerness to understand the technical side of the trade was matched only by her unwavering determination,” he says.
“Whether it was her approach to a mechanical job or her attitude in the workplace, Gaby always displayed the dedication and effort of someone on the path to success. It was not unusual for her to literally run to get the job done, always going above and beyond expectations, taking initiative wherever possible.”
By the end of 2024 Gabby had not only completed her level four certification but also achieved Toyota Accredited Technician status.
Gaby’s love of motorsport contributes greatly to her passion inside the workshop.
“I have always been into cars. Growing up my dad inspired me and got me into racing cars watching them a lot, but it wasn’t my first choice of career.
“I was leaning towards engineering, but I found out I was a more hands-on person and suddenly thought I can mix my career and my interest and mechanics is up there so why not give that a shot.”
What’s next
Gabby has no plans to go anywhere soon. She has plenty going and wants to complete all the training modules Toyota can offer.
“I love it here and love working with my hands. Not having to sit behind a desk and moving all the time has always agreed with me.”
In the face of rising refrigerant costs, some individuals and businesses have been tempted to cut corners by using hydrocarbon-based refrigerants in automotive air conditioning systems. While this might seem like a costeffective solution, the practice carries significant risks and can lead to serious consequences for both professionals and end users.
Hydrocarbon-based refrigerants, such as propane and butane blends, are often touted as inexpensive alternatives to traditional refrigerants like R134a or R1234yf. Their low cost and widespread availability make them attractive, but they can
compromise safety and system performance when used in automotive systems.
One of the most significant dangers of using hydrocarbon-based refrigerants is their high flammability. Automotive air conditioning systems are not designed to handle flammable substances safely. In the event of a leak, these refrigerants can ignite, posing a severe risk of fire or explosion. This danger is amplified in the confined spaces of a vehicle, where an ignition source, such as a spark from an electrical system, could have catastrophic consequences.
The use of hydrocarbon-based refrigerants has infiltrated supply chains, sometimes without the knowledge of professionals.
Hydroflourocarbon (HFC) gasses are used in industrial areas such as commercial air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems and some medical devices but importers must not bring those gases in for automotive air conditioning systems. This not only jeopardises safety but also undermines the integrity of the industry.
In New Zealand, the use of unapproved refrigerants in automotive systems is illegal.
In 2024 contaminated refrigerant
cylinders were distributed and used by automotive professionals, leading to contamination of equipment and systems. Together with New Zealand Customs and Police, the EPA seized around a million dollars worth of illegally imported hydrocarbon-based refrigerants.
Any automotive professionals who used it will face the lion's share of risk with damage to their own equipment, their customers vehicles and the unthinkable increased risk of fire in an accident
Professionals in the automotive industry should take proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with contaminated or improper refrigerants:
1. Source Refrigerants from Reputable Suppliers: Purchase refrigerants only from trusted suppliers who
provide certification of their product’s authenticity and compliance with industry standards.
2. Test Refrigerants Before Use: Invest in refrigerant analysers to verify the composition of refrigerants before introducing them into a system. This step can help identify contamination and prevent damage to equipment.
3. Educate and Train Staff: Ensure that all technicians are trained on the risks associated with improper refrigerants and the importance of adhering to industry guidelines.
4. Report Contamination: If contaminated refrigerants are identified, report the issue to the appropriate authorities and suppliers to help prevent further distribution.
While the rising cost of traditional refrigerants presents challenges,
cutting corners by using hydrocarbonbased alternatives is a dangerous and short-sighted approach. The risks to safety, system performance, and industry integrity far outweigh any perceived savings. By adhering to best practices and prioritising compliance with regulations, professionals can safeguard their operations, protect their clients, and uphold the standards of the automotive industry.
A simple and quick reassurance is to test your vehicles and refrigerants for purity before either recovering a system or in the case of purchased refrigerants before filling your A/C station.
A Neutronics MINI ID range can give you the answers before things get out of hand and offer peace of mind.
www.aecs.co.nz
As well as overseeing the modified vehicle certification system, in 2021 LVVTA established RepairCert NZ as a stand-alone business (contracted to NZTA), to assist in the ongoing development and maintenance of the repair certification system, exchanging readily available support and help as and when required with the LVVTA team. LVV Certifiers also have the ability to assess and certify specific modifications to heavy vehicles. While we do cover a lot of areas of vehicle compliance and modification, there are some things that we’re regularly asked about that are not within our purview.
Every so often, we get a question about fitting a towbar to a light vehicle. Towbars never require LVV certification, and while most people think of towbars as the vertical ball and coupling-type light trailer connection that many vehicles have, this allowance also includes a 5th wheel kingpin-type towing connection. Fitment of the common ball-type towing connection is normally pretty straightforward, but where this gets murky are the peripheral modifications that enable a towbar or 5th wheel connection to be fitted to a vehicle, which often comes about when the installation involves welding or other modifications to the vehicle’s structure as part of the towbar fitment. This would mean an LVV Certifier needs to be involved, and even then, the LVV certification could only cover structural modifications to the vehicle, not the towbar.
There are requirements for modifying a vehicle’s structure, but there are no requirements for towbars, so the LVV Certifier has nothing to assess it to. Therefore, an LVV Certifier can’t make any kind of statement regarding the towbar’s fitness for purpose, safety, or rated towing loads, so they can’t cover it as part of an LVV certification.
Fitting an alternative fuel system to a vehicle does not require LVV certification, but this will need to be assessed and signed off by an Alternative Fuels Certifier. Usually, this is for installation and periodic inspection of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems, although this covers compressed natural gas (CNG) as well. It is possible
that in time this may also cover hydrogen fuel conversions, however since this technology is in its infancy, requirements are not yet widely available. Alternative Fuel Certifiers are separate from LVV Certifiers, and follow the requirements for alternative fuel systems in the Warrant of Fitness VIRM – most of which are derived from AS/NZS 1425.
Vehicles outside of the classes covered by the LVV Code
Of all the scenarios here, the one we’re asked most frequently about is modifications to vehicle
classes outside of those specified in the LVV Code – specifically light trailers or mopeds. Trailers must follow the in-service requirements in the VIRM, and neither of these types of vehicles are covered by the LVV Code. Again, this means there are no LVV requirements to cover them, and consequently there is no formal type of assessment for modifications to these vehicles. People often ask whether LVV certification is required for modifications to their trailer or caravan (like changed springs, or adding brakes to an un-braked trailer), and for a towed vehicle the answer is always no. Modifiers are encouraged to use the LVV requirements as a guide for situations like this, but there is no formal certification of the modifications upon their completion. The same applies for mopeds – a modification that would require LVV certification on a motorcycle does not require LVV certification on a moped, as there is no requirement for mopeds to undergo LVV certification (or
a Warrant of Fitness). For clarity, mopeds are vehicles of classes LA and LB, which cannot exceed 50km/h.
People also ask whether a bigbore kit or engine transplant to increase the power output (and therefore speed) of a moped will mean it no longer fits into its original vehicle class, and the answer is yes – it will be classed as a motorcycle. Whether or not this is actually possible is another question entirely – often, because mopeds are not manufactured to the same international standards as a motorcycle, they don’t meet the NZTA entry certification criteria to become classed as an LC or LD vehicle.
While LVV Certifiers are appointed to carry out objective noise tests, this is separate to LVV certification, and previous Radiator articles in November 2023 and August 2020 have covered the process. In short, if a vehicle has been green
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or pink-stickered by a police officer for excessive exhaust noise, it must pass an objective noise test carried out by an LVV Certifier.
Exhaust emissions testing is a different process, but this also has nothing to do with the LVV system. If a vehicle is required to meet a prescribed emissions standard, and has its exhaust system modified in a way that may affect this, it must undergo a metered emissions test, which is carried out by an Entry Certifier. What usually triggers this requirement is the removal of a catalytic convertor or diesel particulate filter, which is becoming more commonplace on modern diesels due to issues with filter regeneration and blocking up.
Got a question that needs answering?
Have a topic that you’d like LVVTA to cover?
Let us know what you’d like to see in an upcoming LVVTA column at: info@lvvta.org.nz.
By Tony Hutchinson, HSE Connect CEO.
Feeling the fog from summer holidays that, despite never seeming to end, suddenly did? Showing up at work and wondering just exactly what it is you’re supposed to do is far from uncommon and has even been studied as the ‘post-holiday blues’, with plenty of advice available online and elsewhere on how you can snap out of the fugue and start working effectively again.
But one area I’ve noticed hasn’t got perhaps all the attention it should is the Health and Safety aspect of those blues. If you’ve forgotten how to work the hoist effectively, chances are your attention on the safe operation of anything from a shifting spanner to a blowtorch has taken a knock too.
‘A feeling of incompetence’
As you probably know, the eggheads at universities are prone to investigating sometimes the silliest things. What’s not silly is that sense of emptiness we all tend to feel at the end of a lengthy getaway.
An internet search confirms this has been on the mind of many; in its article ‘Is post-vacation depression real?
What the research says’ Medical News Today notes symptoms including ‘emotional discomfort, nostalgia, or an increase in stress when returning to regular routine, work, or studies’.
Many of us often just get a vague (or even not so vague) feeling of incompetence. And one of the worst sensations for any professional is
feeling like you can’t do your work properly. While Medical News Today offers a variety of coping mechanisms, it really boils down to taking a concrete pill and accepting that life often is like that, and gradually getting back into the swing of things.
Get back into it the safe way
The super important bit, and the point if this article, is that at the same time, the swing of things should have an extra sharp initial focus on safety. Those of us who do bodywork are familiar with the term ‘rust never sleeps’ and it’s a concept I like applying to H&S. As I’ve consistently said in this column, every one of us should always approach our work and every task with an H&S focus as relentless as rust. Getting back into the workshop is the perfect time to start of with refreshers of the big things, and the little ones.
While most would have tidied the shop before knocking off for the break, ordering everything and readying for the inevitable rush is a great place to start. All those roadies taken by your customers means a probable rush with cars, utes and caravans needing repairs. A sorted shop is an efficient shop; just the actions of dusting off the equipment and tools ready for work can help get you into the right frame of mind.
My strong advice is combining workshop readiness with refreshers on the tools, safe operating procedures,
and a keen eye on hazards and risks. Talk things through with your people, bearing in mind that when you’re discussing a SOP it doesn’t only help your people, it’s self-reflection sharpening your own perception. And, hopefully, getting you and your team into the swing of things while pushing those post-holiday blues right out the front door.
• Yes, the post-holiday blues are real. No, it’s not the end of the world!
• If you’re struggling with work, you’re probably struggling with Health and Safety. Give extra attention accordingly!
• Make the reintroduction to Business as Usual safe and orderly. Safety never goes on holiday.
Built specifically with WorkSafe in mind, HSE Connect’s easy-to-use software already provides peace of mind to hundreds of MTA members. Members get discounted pricing and free set-up. Find out more here: www.hseconnect.co/mta or call HSE Connect on 022 643 1832
james.mcdowall@mta.org.nz
The advocacy of MTA had significant impact in 2024, a year of considerable change and progress for our sector. This year promises more of the same.
One of the big-ticket items last year was the Government Policy Statement on land transport, which set the direction as to where we need to get to, and roughly how.
The question is how the Government can bring the public along for the rather expensive ride. The tone was set though – potholes are to be quickly fixed, road cones are in the bad books, climate initiatives reset, and motorists are promised big new roading projects. The gap, however, between funding and planned expenditure is not insignificant.
Road tolling is one user-pays tool that can help and is widely used and accepted around the world but hasn’t seen widespread use here. There is no doubt that tolling needs to be a feature if we are to build new roads sooner, however the risk of a public backlash is high – especially when you consider that it won’t be the only new funding mechanism to be rolled out in due course. The proving grounds are Otaki to north of Levin, Penlink, and the Takitimu North Link. Winning over the public will be key, and it won’t be lost on the Government that many of these changes will occur during the next election year.
It’s not helpful that there’s no cohesive system in place for new or existing funding mechanisms. If you drive on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road for example, you try to remember to go onto NZTA’s website, dig out your wallet, enter your credit card details, and pay your $2.30 (70 cents of which is you paying NZTA to toll you). Otherwise, you eventually wind up with snail mail telling you you’re a bad person for not paying on time. If this is not sorted out, in time we will have Road User Charges (RUC) for all vehicles, more tolled roads, time of use (congestion) charging, and registration fees, all paid for independently. In that there might be an opportunity for a cottage industry of personal assistants that look after your car admin. The good news is that solutions are being sought from the private sector.
Last year was a bit of a perfect storm for EV sales. The playing field was levelled with the ending of the Clean Car Discount and the introduction of RUCs for EVs so that owners contribute into the National Land Transport Fund. MTA called for these changes to address inequities and remove the Government’s manipulation of the market. Prices of EVs have since dropped beyond the Clean Car Discount, but the rebalancing has come amidst an economic downturn. With financial uncertainty, people are
holding on to their money, making big-ticket items like cars overall less of a priority.
Even those who do have the cash realise that like other technology items, EVs are evolving rapidly. Consumers are often hesitant to buy now when a new model with better features could be just around the corner. This behaviour mirrors the broader economic reality where people are cautious about making significant investments during uncertain times. There's an ongoing tension between the need to reduce emissions by modernising the fleet and the reluctance to rely on government-led market interventions. The prevailing belief is that the market knows best, but this approach may not be sufficient to drive the necessary changes in a timely manner. This makes advocacy calls around policies that encourage fleet renewal – and the uptake of EVs – very difficult.
For the Government’s policy of 10,000 public EV chargers by 2030, it is suggested that the Ministry of Transport and EECA should establish investment principles akin to those used in the Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) rollout. The emphasis would be on using taxpayer capital sparingly and recycling it back into the system, allowing the private sector to make better long-term investment decisions.
prabha.raman@mta.org.nz
As the new year begins, it’s a perfect time to reflect on last year’s lessons and start 2025 with a focus on continuous learning, HR best practices and better employee engagement. The world of work has seen many changes in the last four years and continues to see new challenges and opportunities.
Innovative employee engagement helps ensure that your workplace is not only prepared for the new challenges, but it is motivated to seize these new opportunities. Employee engagement is not just a trend but vital for the success of your organisation. As an employer, you must inculcate a culture of shared purpose driven by strong ethics and company values. Here are a few tips:
• Engage in good faith: Always be open, honest, and fair in all interactions with your employees and expect the same from them. Solid values help foster a culture of trust. It’s not just best practice but a legal requirement under the Employment Relations Act 2000.
• Fair policies and processes: Ensure you have clear and consistent policies and processes, especially in area of recruitment, performance, and conduct management. This helps mitigate and minimise litigation costs arising from personal grievances.
• Clear and transparent communication: To build high-performing and happy teams, transparent communication is key. Inclusive communication creates a sense of belonging i.e., more skin in the game. It is as simple as having regular team meetings/ huddles and one-on-one catchups. Seek employee feedback and do not be afraid to dialogue.
• Appreciation and recognition: Build a rewards and recognition programme. You can do this formally or informally. Recognise efforts to boost morale and keep up the motivation to do good work. Start simple and be consistent.
• Invest in ongoing training: Keep your business competitive
yulene.knight@mta.org.nz
by fostering a culture of continuous learning both formal and informal - on the job. Encourage employees to share best practices and help find a collaborative resolution to complicated problems.
• Upskilling and vocational learning: Encourage employees to upskill or pursue apprenticeships to build a skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. This can help retain employees by creating a sense of loyalty.
• Cross-skilling through job shadowing is also beneficial to help with succession planning and ensuring skills are not concentrated with only a few employees. This can help with absence management and keep up with varying workloads.
• Set clear goals and expectations: Set clear expectations and goals both with respect to performance and conduct at work. Ensure regular catchups to review progress and correct mistakes.
Continuous engagement helps build trust and nip anomalies in the bud.
• Prioritise health and wellbeing: It is vital to create a supportive environment that prioritises mental health, work-life balance, and general wellness for yourself and your employees. Consider providing a wellness program that takes a holistic approach to employee health and wellbeing. You could consider the following:
• Benefits such as gym subsidies/ vouchers.
• Mental health day off.
• Flexible work arrangements where possible including change in work hours.
• Financial literacy and education.
• Stress management tips and training.
• Planning social engagement days.
• Free and confidential counselling via OCP services available to all MTA members and their employees - www. myocp.co.nz
Implementing these strategies can help boost business productivity and strengthen the sense of community and loyalty within the workplace. These innovative approaches help organisations foster an environment of trust and mutual respect where employees are motivated to contribute their best, ultimately driving success for both individuals and the business.
Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, has announced an update on the redesign of the vocational education and training (VET) system.
The government is in the processes of disestablishing Te Pūkenga, with financially-viable Institutes of Training and Polytechnics (ITPs) returning to stand-alone entities operating independently, while ITPs which are unable to stand alone commercially, will adopt into a federation model. In our recent submission, MTA advocated training should be focused on the businesses it aims to support, rather than the other way around, where businesses find themselves upskilling graduates at a financial burden to the business.
The employer is the primary trainer, so it’s crucial to acknowledge funding needs to better support employers. By reducing the vast number of pre-trade ITPs, this also supports learners by reducing student debt and resurrecting the true apprenticeship pathway with a resemblance to the skills produced by the historic 8000-hour model. The proposed Centres of Excellence within selected institutions can support up-to-date technical training, offering world class technology and support for businesses to upskill and train their people,
The Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) will now be replaced by up
to eight Industry Skills Boards (ISBs). These ISBs will take responsibility for, setting national standards, including qualifications, credentials, and program endorsements.
They will be responsible for workforce planning to ensure alignment with industry demands and continue to provide advisory support to the Tertiary Education Commission whose primary role shapes the funding and training system, responsible for equitable outcomes.
The Government has committed to targeted consultations in early 2025 to finalise the structure and delivery of work-based learning.
Law changes will follow, aiming to clarify the role of ISBs and finalise on-the-job training in the broader VET framework.
The transition to ISBs and the return to independent ITPs signals a shift towards a more industry-led system. For the automotive sector, these changes offer opportunities to shape training programs that align more closely with the evolving demands of our industry.
During the consultation process, MTA members have a direct line to influence national standards and workforce planning. However, the success of these reforms will depend on robust participation during the consultation process to ensure our sector's unique needs are addressed.
loretta.thompson@mta.org.nz
While the proposed changes present promising opportunities, they also bring uncertainties. The timelines for implementation rely on legislative adjustments, and the restructuring of work-based learning is yet to be fully defined. Businesses must stay informed and proactive to adapt to these shifts effectively.
Nonetheless, the emphasis on industry input and workforce planning is a positive step. It creates an avenue for the automotive sector to ensure that vocational training keeps pace with technological advancements and market trends, to offer a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the future of work.
As your industry association, MTA is dedicated to advocating for a VET system that works for members. Over the coming months, MTA will participate in consultation processes to represent your interests., We’ll provide updates and insights as the legislative framework evolves and we’ll continue to offer guidance on engaging with ISBs and shaping training standards.
The redesign of the vocational education system presents a significant opportunity to strengthen work-based learning and ensure that it aligns with industry needs. By actively engaging in this process, the automotive sector can help shape a system that supports businesses, learners, and the economy.
Now we have rolled into the new year, I expect the majority of our members are looking for a better and more prosperous 2025. With the financial year we have just gone through, and the start of 2025 looking like it’s going to be slow to improve, the cost of living is still in the conversation, and as such wages and charge-out rates for your businesses are probably also under review.
MTA kicked off our annual surveys last year and to keep members up to date we will be undertaking these again for 2025. This year we have a set date range within which to complete these surveys, and we will be releasing the results only to those members who have completed the surveys correctly
and in full by the end of April. This will ensure the data that members use to assist in decisionmaking will be current and up to date. We encourage members to take the time to complete the surveys for their sector as it provides you with current and up-to-date information and also provides deeper insights into our industry that assist MTA in all manner of things, from government policy to submissions.
If you have not previously completed the survey, we have opened up the 2024 survey results so you will be able to see both the amount of detail that we have put together and how we have made it easy to use and review all the way down into the regions of your shop.
glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz
Search ‘survey’ in the Toolbox and you will find a page dedicated to our surveys, including the questions. mta.org.nz/toolbox/ sectors/repairers/Wage-SalaryCharge-Out-Survey
As per last year – and mentioned above – we will only be releasing the 2025 survey results to those members who complete them. Unlike last year, we will not be opening the surveys back up for people to complete after the closeoff date. So please take the time to complete them.
By the time you read this article, you should have received an email with the link to the digital survey. If you have not received an invitation, please contact the MTA team and we can arrange one for you.
At the end of 2024 I wrote an article on the leadership needed from the government in ensuring a competitive New Zealand business environment. The market dominance a few companies enjoy in many sectors of our economy costs the New Zealand consumer and the economy. The collision repair industry is an example of the distortion that a lack of monitoring of market dominance causes.
At the start of 2025 I reviewed the key concerns of the collision repair sector. Using sources that vary from our roadshow and conference bar room chats to discussions with members and CRA branch representatives about the frequency of issues that arise at the CRA office, I’ve created a list of major concerns under six headings.
1: Health and safety risks
• Welding fumes: breathing in fumes from welding.
• Dust: breathing in dust from sanding.
• Noise: constant exposure to noise from tools and machinery.
• Flammable situations: fires and explosions from flammable gases and vapours.
• Inconsistencies in how WorkSafe reviews and conducts its inspections, leaving repairers unclear as to what is needed to ensure compliance.
2: Cost pressures
• Rising costs: wages, paint, consumables, services and rents/ leases have all increased in recent years.
• The inability to pass on cost increases, due to insurer contracts that cover a large part of the industry: a vulnerability to cost changes in our sector exists because it doesn’t operate under the same competitive forces as other service providers.
3: Reduced demand: Fewer people are travelling by vehicle, reducing the demand for repairs.
4: Restrictions on repairs with manufacturer networks: For example, Tesla builds its own repair facilities.
5: Competition from insurers
• Vulnerability to external cost changes: competition from insurer repair facilities, given that insurers can dictate prices and capture a large volume of work for their own facilities.
• Infrastructure for structural repairs:the ability to develop infrastructure for more complex repairs is at risk; investment in the industry isn’t favourable at present.
6: Consumer protection
• Dominance of the New Zealand collision repair industry by two insurance companies, resulting in consequences for market competitiveness and fair pricing for consumers.
These concerns have become the focus of a membership association like the CRA. Only an association representing coordinated members of an industry are likely to be successful in getting the changes made as listed above. Getting changes through also takes time; as an example, the New Zealand Plumbers, Drainlayers & Gasfitters Association achieved a change to legislation that both government and industry agreed was needed, yet it still took more than four years for this to occur.
Having a view of the future we want to create is necessary, given the time frames and complexities involved. This includes the need to rigorously prioritise the limited resources we have in order to effect change.
The CRA Conference and AGM on 16/17 May this year is one forum in which collision repairers can discuss and present remits directing the priorities of the CRA as a chapter of MTA. I encourage you to put your views forward to help keep a vibrant and viable industry servicing the New Zealand consumer.
larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz
What a year for dealers we’ve just seen, with “survive until 2025” becoming the main theme.
The data shows the industry was on a steady flat line after few years of significant fluctuations influenced by various government policy changes before economic factors came biting.
In 2024, sales of light vehicles levelled and faced notable challenges, with business owners comparing it to the downturn seen during the global financial crisis (GFC) that impacted the dealer space significantly in 2009.
Last year, the new passenger vehicle and light commercial sectors saw a combined decline in sales of 13.6 per cent compared with 2023, according to NZTA statistics.
This decrease was a reduction of 20,276 units, highlighting the impact of economic pressures, consumers’ purchasing patterns and changes in regulations.
The total number of new lightvehicle registrations in 2024 was 128,977 down from 2023’s low total of 149,253.
Despite a slight recovery in
December last year, with a 5.6 per cent increase in registrations compared with the same month in 2023, the overall trend for 2024 was very flat.
The total for 2024 was seven per cent above 2020’s low sales, and we need to go back to 2014 for worse annual registrations of 127,348 units.
Petrol vehicles registered to private individuals topped 2024’s sales, with 43.5 per cent, hybrids came next with 29.4 per cent, and diesel on 18.8 per cent. BEVs and PHEVs were six and 2.3 per cent, respectively.
Last year’s top 10 new light vehicles in New Zealand were dominated by a mix of popular brands and models, with the top three having a significant portion of the market at 48.3 per cent.
The pack was led by Toyota, with 30,192 units and 23.4 per cent of total registrations, Ford with 17,870 and 13.9 per cent, and Mitsubishi with 11 per cent and 14,147 units.
Utes and SUVs continued to boss 2024’s market. The Ford Ranger on 9.1 per cent with 11,741 units,
and Toyota’s RAV4 with 8.2 per cent and 10,530 units were the only two models to get into five figures.
The Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi’s Triton and ASX, rounded out the top five to see them make up nearly 30 per cent of sales.
In the used imports space, 104,002 registrations made for the lowest trading year since 2012, when only 81,827 units were registered.
New motorcycles and scooters finished 2024 on 7,878 units, which was down by 4.7 per cent on 2023, when there were 8,270 registrations.
While 2024 presented its fair share of challenges, there are several reasons to be optimistic about the future of the market in New Zealand.
As interest rates drop, we will see consumer confidence return and we can anticipate a gradual recovery in sales during 2025.
It will be crucial for dealers to adapt and transform to meet consumer demands and achieve sustainable growth. All the best for 2025. Now it’s time to thrive.
The price of fuel is an often talked about subject particularly during the current cost of living crisis and for those who are interested in what makes up the final price at the pump and what causes the differences from region to region here is a break down. Many fuel retailers are franchises or brand licensees (franchisees) and some fuel retailers are corporate owned.
When it comes to setting the pricing it’s almost never the staff on the counter setting the price, and often franchise owner either.
There are three methods of pricing:
1. Fuel supplier head office often sets centrally or recommends a fuel price to fuel retailers
2. Retailer buys wholesale and applies their margin
3. Corporate sells to retailer at ‘local market price minus agreed discount’
Most fuel brands have all three pricing models within their network and cheaper fuel is in the benefit of fuel retailers. More volume, happier customers, more additional shop sales. High fuel prices are often outside of the control of the local fuel brand retailer and hurt the local business in lost sales and it is not a high margin business with the average bottom line profit 3-4% on fuel sales. It is a high volume, low margin business and fuel taxes are approximately half the cost of fuel.
Costs that are factored into fuel pricing
1. Product cost
What fuel suppliers pay to buy refined fuels (i.e. petrol and diesel) from international refineries and the cost to ship it to New Zealand.
2. Government tax
The government applies fuel excise tax, GST, and emissions trading scheme levy that makes up around 50% of the price of the fuel at the pump. The current fixed excise tax is 70.024c per litre, the local authorities fuel tax is 0.66c, the petroleum or engine fuels monitoring levy is 0.6c and the ETS is around 20c per litre. GST is 15%, therefore is variable depending on the price.
3. Operating costs
The costs fuel suppliers incur to bring fuel to customers, like maintaining storage tanks, local distribution via trucks and tankers, electricity to power our stores, right down to the credit card fees fuel suppliers pay the banks to take electronic payments, and the costs to train and employ staff at service stations.
4. Net profit
Fuel suppliers net profit is what they earn after they have paid for the refined fuel, taxes and levies and accounted for their operating costs. Our calculations on net profit are stated after corporate tax.
The table below show duties, taxes and direct levies at national and then
mathew.alderdice@mta.org.nz
regional level. The values are correct as of 01 July 2023. All taxes and levies are in NZ cents per litre and are listed exclusive of GST.
Fuel excise (petrol)
The fuel excise portion includes:
• 70.024 cents - National Land Transport Fund
• 6 cents - ACC Motor Vehicle Account
• 0.66 cents - Local Authorities Fuel Tax
• 0.6 cents - Petroleum or Engine Fuels Monitoring Levy
In addition, GST is collected on the overall price of fuel, including the excise (which is essentially a "tax on a tax").
There are no excise taxes on diesel other than 0.33 cents Local Authorities Fuel Tax, and GST. Instead, diesel vehicles pay Road User Charges.
All fuels also pay an Emissions Trading Scheme levy, which has added between approx. 10-20 cents per litre depending on the price of ETS units (of which the price has varied between approx. $30-90 per tonne).
It is government policy for all of the petrol excise tax that motorists pay to be directed to the National Land Transport Fund for investment back into New Zealand's land transport system.
Previously, about 19 cents per litre of the tax motorists paid on petrol was diverted by the government to nonroad and transport related projects.
One of the most common complaints fielded by the Mediation team is that of unauthorised work. So what is unauthorised work and how does it become an issue?
Always topical after a repair, it can sometimes be a customer’s excuse for payment resistance or invariably it is simply that more parts and labour was involved which wasn’t well communicated. While the repairer has carried out an ethically responsible repair, the owner often sees the situation quite differently.
What’s the common flaw here?
It’s basically poor agreement between the repairer and the customer. The best time to agree on all possible eventualities of repairs is at job book in and initial diagnosis. As a repairer you have to do your best to inform the customer what the cost of the intended repair is likely to be. Give them all the scenarios, best case to worst case, new parts or second hand etc. Above all, get a common understanding of what point you can go to before you have to contact them and seek further authority. Having got that
understanding ensure it’s clearly understood, write it down on whatever system you use in your shop. If you can get their signature as acknowledgement, that’s even better. Always get a contact phone number they can be reached at and tell them if they can’t be contacted that work will stop after the original agreed work point has been reached.
Does this sound a bit too onerous and untrusting?
Well, you decide, but beware of vague customer reactions at this critical time. Mutterings of acknowledgment of the problem and them saying things like, “I guess it’ll have to be fixed” etc are not good enough authority and will lead to trouble. Customers have to take responsibility and not load it on to you. You know what you are going to do, but often they don’t, and will be quick to shift blame away from anything they said at the time. Be assertive and ask them for their authority to carry out the work as discussed. After all, you are entering into a contract with them. Be professional, remove uncertainties so they agree and accept your proposal or ask
roy.hoverd@mta.org.nz
more questions until agreement is reached. This way most misgivings will have been discussed and the customer leaves confident that you both have a clear understanding of the planned job and its cost. If the job works out as originally planned, call the customer anyway and give them the good news, or if you need to move to another agreed element, you’re simply giving them an update confirming that. They’ll be impressed that you are communicating with them and that they didn’t have to call you. At completion of the job they will have been kept informed, the work you carried out was as they authorised and there should be no surprises at payment time.
One last but important issue while discussing the planned repair, don’t overlook the economics of the job versus the value of the vehicle. Customers may have an ‘uneconomic to repair budget’ they haven’t told you about. If you think, in view of the age and market value of the vehicle, the repair is going to be uneconomic, ask them if they’ve considered that – again you’ll get no thanks if you don’t.
With support from MITO Ambassadors and MotorSport New Zealand stars Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour, MITO offers a number of extraordinary opportunities for its apprentices to work alongside a professional rally team. Each year, multiple apprentices are selected to participate in New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC) events. These apprentices spend time with the rally service crews, support Hayden and Emma with technical requirements, and get to experience behind-the-scenes of professional motorsport.
MITO apprentices Oscar Garcia and Shewon Fernando were chosen to take part at the 2024 International Rally of Whangārei in November. For both apprentices, this was the ultimate highpoint of a lifelong interest in motorsport.
We caught up with Oscar and Shewon to talk about their experience working as part of Hayden and Emma’s crew.
What interested you to apply for this experience?
Oscar: I’ve always had a massive interest in the rally world. One of my first video games ever was Sébastien Loeb Rally on the PS2, so an opportunity for me to get my foot in the door of the motorsport world really took my interest. I just knew I needed
to apply.
Shewon: My deep-rooted passion for competitive motor racing and car tuning inspired me to apply. I thought this was the ideal opportunity for me to gain more experience in the upper echelons of automotive engineering.
Did you find your apprenticeship training helped you keep up with the tasks involved in the rally?
O: Absolutely—all the basics from chucking on a car’s wheel and jacking it up, to understanding what the team was repairing on the underside of a car after a big collision.
S: Having prior experience on the tools allowed me to confidently accept any task that was given to me and complete it to a high standard. I quickly learnt that the rally cars were designed and made completely different to standard cars. This meant I needed to take all my previously learned knowledge and adapt it to the new style of engineering.
Were there any specific skills or lessons you learned from the team at the rally that you can apply to your current role?
O: It wasn't so much learning new things that I can apply at work, but confirming that, at any level in
the industry, whether it’s being an apprentice at a local workshop, or a manager of a rally team, communication and organisation can make or break your efficiency and technical repairs.
S: I gained valuable insights into the differences between maintaining a regular car and a race car, but what truly stood out to me was the incredible teamwork, communication, and morale between everyone. It was like working with a bunch of mates! When Matt called out, "Righto!" it was game time, and everyone immediately put away their distractions, ready to tackle whatever challenges the car presented.
Would you recommend this experience to others next year?
O: Absolutely, you'd be silly not to apply!
S: This experience was a massive eye opener to me. I got to meet and speak to so many people that I never thought I would get the chance to. I'd highly recommend this to any apprentice, especially someone keen to learn about high performance cars and engineering.
Keep an eye out for applications to join Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour’s crew in 2025 at mito.nz!
Total new passenger and commercial vehicle market seen 10,858-unit registrations, this was down 1,784 units or down 14.1 percent on January 2024. The big drop occurred due to commercial vehicle boost that happened in Jan24 overall the month was up 5.3 percent on December 2024. New passenger vehicle registrations for January totalled 8,059 a drop of 57 units, compeered to January 2024 of 8,116 which was less than a one percent behind (0.7%) and up 850 registrations or 11.8 percent on Dec-24.
New commercial registrations suffered off the back of a massive Jan-24 when registrations top the 2024 year with 4,526 units. Down by 1,727 units on Jan-24 seen commercial vehicles finish at 2,799 registrations or down by 38.2 percent on Jan-24 and down almost 10 percent on Dec-24.
Brand and model performance
2025 has seen Toyota start with 2,456 units down 130 units on Jan-24 and Ford with 1,017 units is down 1,029 units on Jan-24, Mitsubishi came in third for overall registrations in Jan-25 with 918 units seeing a drop of 555 units on January last year. Toyota had a 32.6 percent market share of the Top10 brands while Ford and Mitsubishi came in at 13.5 and 12.2 percent respectively. Toyota Rav4 has started the year strong up 404 units on Jan-24 and up 27 units Dec-24 with 1,023-unit registrations. Toyota Hilux with 613 was down by 45 units on Jan-24 but up 187 on Dec-24. Ford Ranger had a massive drop of 918 units over Jan last year while also finishing 923 units behind Dec-24.
- February 2025
The used import sector has started the 2025 year down 19.4 percent over Jan-24 with a total 7,744 registrations, behind by 1,858 units on Jan-24’s 9,602 registration in the passenger and commercial vehicles.
7,381 passenger vehicle registrations in Jan-25 seen a drop of 17.2 percent or 1,534 units behind Jan-24, up 240 units or 3.4 percent on Dec-24. 363 commercial unit registrations in January seen a massive 47.2 percent drop or 324 unit decrease on Jan-24, the sector was also down by 45 units registrations on Dec-24. Top three in Jan-25 seen a drop of 1,655 units verse Jan-24 with Toyota down 839 units, Nissan 385 and Mazda 431 albeit a small increase for the top three over Dec-24 by 87, 25 and 19 units respectively. Toyota Aqua topped January with 695 units down 177 units on Jan-24, Toyota Prius was down 189 units, and the Toyota Corolla was up 30 units. The Aqua was also down 40 registrations on Dec-24, while the Prius and Corolla were up 20 and 46 units respectively.
ICE started the year with 56.2 percent, while Hybrid & PHEV came in with 42 percent and BEV finished with 1.8 percent for Jan-25.
What a start to 2025 for the combined new road motorcycle and scooter market, sales are up on Jan24 by 5.1 percent from 762 to 801unit registrations and up 28.8 percent on Dec-24.
CF Moto started the year strong with 115-unit registrations up 93 units on Jan-24 and 70 units on Dec-24. Honda also came in with triple figures up 13 units registered against the same month last year, it was also 26 units up on Dec-24. Suzuki made number three on the Jan-24 podium with 46 units up on Dec-24 and down 13 units on Jan-24.
The over 60cc class seen 702 units registered up from 636 units in Jan-24, the under 60cc category dropped 27 units from last year’s 126 to 99 for Jan-25.
The used space seen a combined 132-unit registrations up 3 units on Jan-24 and 11 units on Dec-24. 101 registrations in the over 60cc and 31 units in the under 60cc being registered.
Top three selling models in Jan-24 were the CF Moto MT450 at 77 units, Honda CT125 with 31 and the TNT Roma with 20 units rounded out the top three.
Top 10 Motorcycle Registrations by Brand -
New Road Registered Motorcycles and scooters - February 2025
Top-selling Models - February 2025
Automotive technician
NAPIER
T M Autos requires a technician. We are a small fully equipped workshop in the centre of Taradale. 3rd year apprentices will be considered. Must have Full NZ drivers licence. Contact: Matt at go.tmautos@gmail.com
Senior technician
TAURANGA
Herbs Vehicle Repairs are in search for a Senior Technician to join our team in our Central Tauranga based workshop. If you are capable of carrying out all types of mechanical repairs in our busy workshop that will keep our customers happy then we would like to hear from you. Contact us at herbstauranga@gmail.com or call 07 577 6535.
WoF Inspector/technician
TAURANGA
Earn more money then you are currently, come and work with us. We offer a family friendly environment. Email: tauranga@midasnz.co.nz. Phone: 021 102 9743
Automotive technician
TAURANGA
Welcome to Automotivated - we are a busy Automotive workshop in sunny B.O.P Tauranga. Looking for a motivated full time technician to join our team, We specialize in fleet servicing all vehicle make/model repairs/wof s MTA approved all the latest workshop/equipment and diagnostic scan tools, preferable WOF authorized or able to achieve authority, possibility to grow within role. Job type: Full Time - Contact Phone: 0275710548 - Email applicants should go to: admin@automotivated.co.nz
Mechanic
PAPAKURA
Small busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and able to work under pressure and without supervision essential. Phone Graeme 09 299 9706.
Qualified mechanic
BIRKENHEAD
Busy workshop looking for a qualified mechanic to work on various makes of cars. Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm. WoF authority preferred, but not essential.
Email CV to birkenheadcarrepairs@xtra.co.nz
Automotive technician
HAVELOCK NORTH
We require a mechanic with WoF authority, not frightened of being busy and can work on a variety of vehicles, be reliable and trustworthy. Email: mcclintockmotors2014@gmail.com if interested along with your c.v. Automotive technician
NEW PLYMOUTH
A great opportunity for a motivated, qualified technician to join our growing team. You will have a full drivers license, be trade and WoF certified or have the ability to obtain. No weekend work required. Phone: 06 758 3535.
Automotive technician/ mechanic HASTINGS
We are Hastings’ VTNZ Certified Repairer. Full NZ drivers licence. NZ or equivalent automotive qualifications. (3rd year apprentices will be considered) Ability to work unsupervised. Email CV to admin@dcautocare.co.nz or contact Dylan 06 878 8138. Mechanic/WoF Inspector
Busy Automotive workshop - Auckland Howick Central. Are seeking a mechanic with any experience. Contact Vlad: 021 261 2604 or email: info@somarservice.co.nz.
Diesel mechanic
WYNDHAM
Enthusiastic diesel injection technician with common rail experience to join a thriving rural garage with a fully equipped diesel fuel injection facility. Generous package to reflect experience, with possibility for future investment into the business. Email: redbarron222@gmail.com or phone 0272 417 614.
Auto technician/WoF Inspector
PAIHIA
Want a job by the sea? We're looking for a qualified auto technician. Great remuneration and relocation support. E: brian@boiam.co.nz or call 029 238 4088 Automotive technician PAHIATUA
We are looking for a motivated, qualified technician to join our small friendly team. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Contact Kevin at laskeysauto@xtra.co.nz. or 021 803 238.
Service advisor
PAPAMOA
To ensure customers have an excellent experience, you’ll be a person who is passionate about providing outstanding customer service. Email your CV to jobs@coastalautos.nz.
Automotive tech/WoF Inspector
TE AROHA
Immediate start. Qualified or equivalent experience and WoF authority are required. We offer excellent working conditions. Please email CV to: service@summitmotors.co.nz or call Garth on 021 511 911.
Mechanic
TAUPO AREA
Qualified mechanic required for busy workshop. Must be able to work unsupervised. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Great team with new, well-equipped workshop. Contact Heather on 027 244 2331.
Qualified Mechanic & WOF Inspector – WANGANUI
Experienced mechanic wanted Full Time, Monday-Friday.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
Qualified mechanic
PORIRUA
Join our busy, friendly team at Porirua Motors. Contact Murray Phone: 04 237-4975 or directly to our workshop. Phone: 04 237-7979
Mechanic KUMEU, RODNEY
Small busy workshop seeking a mechanic with recognised qualification. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Email Mike: admin@ manukaautomotive.co.nz.
Mechanic/WoF inspector –KAIKOHE
Looking for a qualified automotive technician with WoF authority servicing and mechanical repairs. Clean New Zealand driver licence. Phone Richard 09 401 0155 or email CV to office@kaikohepanelbeaters.co.nz.
Automotive Technician WHANGAREI
This is a wonderful opportunity if you are looking for a positive change in a rural environment
surrounded by a wonderful community. Full-time or part-time considered. Please email chevaun@gasmgk.co.nz
Auto electrician WHANGAREI
Bindon Auto is a specialist Auto Electrical workshop located in central. We work on a large variety of vehicles and equipment including Passenger, transport, forestry, recreational and Marine. We are a fun team of 8 with a high level of expertise. Must be Trade certified automotive electrical engineer with experience in the commercial sector. Current New Zealand Drivers license Experience with Air Conditioning an advantage. Excellent remuneration with tool allowance and overtime paid.
Work, play and enjoy life on the beach. Relocation costs may be subsidised. For a qualified, 10yrs+ experienced mechanic, we offer competitive pay. Please send CV to jobs@coastalautos.nz.
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
Seeking qualified mechanic for full time or job share role in busy, well established workshop. Email Adrian, service@tepunamotors.co.nz
Qualified Mechanic
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
We are seeking an automotive mechanic with their WOF ticket. Job includes, WOF tests, diagnostics, assessments, repairs and servicing on a variety of vehicles. Maintaining accurate records. Ability to work independently. Must be currently living in, and legally allowed to work in New Zealand. Must have a current and full NZ driver licence. Option to be on call out roster. Contact AgPlus Ltd 28-32 Lawrence Avenue, Te Aroha, 3320. admin@agplus.co.nz 07 8849901.
Experienced mechanic required, busy workshop, servicing, maintenance wide variety vehicles and have a great sense of humour, amazing opportunity Email cv and cover letter to Bellsdieseltruckandtractor@gmail.com
Phone: 06 3880449
Automotive technician
KAIAPOI
A busy general repair workshop looking for an experienced technician, with a current WoF certificate. Contact Jason on 027 918 8685.
Automotive technician
SOUTH CANTERBURY
South Canterbury Honda service centre, after hours AA roadside contractor and carry out salvaging throughout the district. Must hold a full driver’s licence, have excellent diagnostic skills, time management and be a team player. Call Alan on 027 228 9584 or email alan@vaughanmotors.co.nz
Automotive electrician
INVERCARGILL
We are looking for a qualified automotive electrician to join our small friendly team. 40 hour weeks. Email: service@dominionelectric.co.nz with CV.
WoF Inspector
NELSON
With over 30 years of experience, DS Auto Ltd is a trusted name in the Nelson automotive industry. We are seeking a qualified and diligent WoF Inspector to join our team. Competitive hourly rate offered. For further information please contact Derryl Henman 029 2412839 or email: office@dsauto.co.nz
Automotive technician
DUNEDIN Opportunityforaqualified/experiencedAutomotive Technician to join our friendly team in our busy Dunedin workshop. WoF Certified preferred but would be happy to help you get qualified. Competitive remuneration. Contact Garry 0274 545 040 or email: bgapplegarth@xtra.co.nz.
Automotive technician
INVERCARGILL
New car dealership, Southland Vehicle Sales has a long term opportunity available for a qualified mechanic to join the team working on Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Please contact Mark Lee on 021 0832 3373 or mark@leerecruitment.co.nz.
Motorcycle technician
NELSON
We require a qualified technician to work us in our well-established Honda dealership. The successful applicant will need to be honest and hardworking, have a clean driver’s licence, attention to detail and the ability to work with our existing staff of nine. Contact Ian on 027 221 9162.
2x Qualified Auto-Electricians TASMAN / NELSON
Our work is interesting and varied, servicing – retail, commercial and industrial clients. Work can be in our workshop or out in the field. Join our fun dynamic team! Contact Dawn on 027 432 3171 Email: sales@auto-electrical.co.nz
Auto Electrician MATAMATA
Onsite Auto Electrical Matamata are looking for a qualified auto electrician to join our team. We work on a variety of vehicles both in our workshop and onsite.Email office@onsiteae.co.nz or 078887579
Experienced mechanic
TAIHAPE
Please email us for further information bellsdieseltruckandtractor@gmail.com or call 027 332 2471
Qualified Mechanic
Mayfield Service Centre 2024
We offer Immediate start Negotiable flexible hours for the right candidate Supportive work
environment to ensure success in your role! Experience in: Petrol & Diesel engines diagnostics problem solving & repairs. Customer service and communication skills. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines. Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Vehicle inspector certificate for WOF. A valid driver’s license (full preferred). Strong Knowledge of a wide range of car makes and models.
Job type: Full Time - Contact Phone: 0274367215 Email applicants should go to: ansarsahib61@ gmail.com
Automotive Technician
Auto Super Shoppe Ranfurly
We are looking for a technician to join the team at our busy Automotive workshop. Auto Super Shoppe Ranfurly have been servicing the Maniototo’s motoring needs for over 31 years. We are Toyota Parts and Service agent and Husqvarna Service and Sales dealership.
Key Responsibilities: Hold a minimum Trade Certificate, National Certificate or level 4 in Automotive Engineering on the National Framework or equivalent experience and time served. A full driver’s licence and ability to drive manual vehicles. Preferably hold a current Warrant of Fitness Certificate of Appointment, or be prepared and able to obtain this. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, good computer skills, good written and verbal communication skills. A strong team player. Have an adequate tool kit to perform required duties, strong customer service. New Zealand Residency or work permit We can offer a secure position in a well-equipped premises, an excellent remuneration package and a 4 bedroom home in Ranfurly to rent.
If you consider you have these attributes and want to be part of our team, then please phone Richard Smith on 021 324 671 Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence and an early response is assured.
Station – Tasman
Situated in Mapua in the middle of the Tasman Bay. Lots of opportunity to grow an already very busy business. All equipment has been replaced over recent years. 20k invested this year alone. AA roadside contractor. Owner prepared to assist with transition. For information call Chris 021 540 286 or email chris.perrysauto@gmail.com.
Current owner for 40 years. A very successful family business now for sale so owners can retire. Automatic transmission repairs, Power steering and general servicing and repairs. Currently working out of two workshops with the capability of reducing to one. SAM computer system and Excel run through the accountant. All hoists, specialist tools. Grant: 0275 320 611 Email: automatics@xtra.co.nz
Automotive Workshop HASTINGS
Long established business since 1991 family owned and operated. 3-bay workshop all plant and equipment, SAM computer system, WoF, servicing, tyre sales and general repairs. Contact Clark 06 879 9487 email: clarkkelly@xtra.co.nz.
Automotive Workshop NORTHSHORE (OREWA)
Retirement Looms. Prime location/Long established business. 3 Bays 2x2 post Hoist, 1x4 post Hoist
Wofs,Tyres,Batteries.
P: 09 4265783 M:021 022 45219. E: orewa.auto2016@gmail.com
Ludemann Motors
Modern 360m2 building, fully kitted out. Quality offices, spacious workshop, lengthy and profitable business history. Located on the main street of Weston, top-notch work environment.
Asking $265,000 Plus GST (if any). Business only.
Contact Tony 027 435 5275 or Sam 022 062 9782.
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
Full + part-time positions available at busy Upper Hutt workshop. Applicants will need to be mechanically qualified, preferably with AVI authority (but not essential). Wages will be negotiable & dependant on skill level. We are looking for team members capable of mechanical & auto-electrical repairs, tyre fitting, etc, with a positive, enthusiastic attitude who can work in a team & also independently. Ideal applicant will also have good customer communication skills. Overtime will be available. Additional benefits may also be offered. For more information email tmt. trentham@gmail.com or call Jason on 021 1610838. Contact Phone: 0211610838
Email applicants should go to: tmt.trentham@ gmail.com
Training resource for prospective and current VIs. 14 questionnaires, marking and certificate of completion. Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted. Phone: 022 151 1243.
Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz. www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.
Simple, personalised H&S system, documented policies and procedures, hazsub inventories and office optimisation service - clearing the clutter!
Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted022 151 1243.
Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz. www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.
2025 MTA Board of Directors: Andrea Andrew, Jason Land, Grant Woolford, Sturrock Saunders (President), Ross Verry, Rob Braun, Joris Sanders.
UPPER
NORTH ISLAND
MIKE BURD Team Leader 027 539 4010 mike.burd@mta.org.nz
SOUTH AUCKLAND
MARK MOWBRAY 027 270 2665 mark.mowbray@mta.org.nz
LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND
DANNY GARRICK 027 478 0593 danny.garrick@mta.org.nz
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
NICK MILLS 027 2099 494 nick.mills@mta.org.nz
LOWER SOUTH ISLAND
SHELLEY CARTER 027 497 1568 shelley.carter@mta.org.nz
MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT
Member support team: 0800 00 11 44 mta@mta.org.nz
We encourage all members to attend the training courses, professional development opportunities or networking events taking place in their areas. Our region coordinators will let you know what’s on and when. They are also keen to hear your ideas for other training or get-togethers that you’d like to take part in.
The region executive committees meet approximately every six weeks and all MTA members are most welcome to attend. The more you get involved, the more you can benefit from membership. Just contact your coordinator or region chair to check the dates of the meetings in your region.
Kim Preston Regional Events Coordinator Team Leader 027 280 0707 kim.preston@mta.org.nz
Amy Lai Region Coordinator 021 292 7652 amy.lai@mta.org.nz
Rachel Beattie Region Chair 027 496 6275 rachel@neighbourhood mechanic.co.nz
Jason Land Region Chair 0274 452 635 jason@collinsauto.co.nz
James Candish Region Chair 027 226 3053 jc@vva.co.nz natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz
natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz
Shannon Morbey Region Coordinator 021 031 0075 shannon.morbey@mta.org.nz
Kelly Stephens Region Chair 027 366 0050 kstephens@hbtoyota.co.nz
Region Coordinator 021 152 8232 jody.worsfold@mta.org.nz
Katrina Garrett Region Coordinator 021 225 5528 katrina.garrett@mta.org.nz
Leslie Baxter Region Chair 03 208 1234 leslie@carnabycars.co.nz
Region Coordinator 021 152 8232 jody.worsfold@mta.org.nz
Region Chair 03 615 6363 simon@tntae.co.nz
Designed in consultation with industry, the New Zealand Certificate in Outdoor Power Equipment (Level 3 & 4), will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively inspect, diagnose and repair faults on outdoor power equipment.
Scan the QR code or head to mito.nz/outdoor-power-equipment to apply.
