Radiator - July 2023

Radiator Production Editor Peter Woodcock 021 100 2405 peter.woodcock@mta.org.nz

Radiator Editor Gerald Rillstone 027 252 3229 gerald.rillstone@mta.org.nz

Advertising enquiries 0800 00 11 44 advertising.radiator@mta.org.nz

Postal address PO Box 9244, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Physical address Level 5, AIA House 34 Manners Street, Wellington 6011 E: mta@mta.org.nz W: www.mta.org.nz

Printing Vertia, Wellington Mailhouse Orange Box, Wellington Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800

The Motor Trade Association (Inc) (MTA) is not responsible for statements, opinions or factual matters published in Radiator magazine, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of MTA, its Board of Directors or its advisory/specialty committees, unless expressly so stated, and does not endorse advertisers.

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

Radiator magazine does not imply the endorsement of any product or service. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial at any stage.

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

Building trust in the Blue Badge

Earlier this month, we took the rare step of suspending the membership of an MTA member.

You may well already know about this, from media coverage and the Friday email.

In short, we were contacted by Waka Kotahi, who told us they were revoking 677 warrants of fitness issued by the member business, because of a breach of the rules.

We moved swiftly to contact the business, launch an investigation, issue $50 MTA vouchers to customers who were affected, and suspend the member.

We also decided to ‘front foot’ the issue by revealing it to media before Waka Kotahi.

Let me explain our reasons for these decisions.

First, suspension wasn’t a step we took lightly. We value all our members, and want to support and stand by them as best we can.

But in this instance, it was clear that there was a serious case to answer.

The Waka Kotahi investigation had apparently uncovered unlawful activity, and the agency was satisfied the evidence existed to justify the step of revoking the warrants.

As the body entrusted with policing and enforcing warrant regulations, we have to accept their judgement.

So, it was appropriate that we responded strongly and decisively.

A non-negotiable principle to membership is that members comply with legal obligations, for one clear reason. The public must be able to trust that MTA members won’t break the law.

The MTA badge must always stand for integrity, honesty and professionalism. We are in the trust business. Customers trust the MTA badge and look for it when making decisions about their vehicle.

If we lose that trust, MTA and all members will suffer. We will always expect members to uphold our standards, and we will always support them to do so.

As part of that exercise in restoring public trust, we decided to issue all affected customers with an MTA voucher on an ex-gratia basis, if they couldn’t get reimbursement from the business for the cost of their warrant.

We made this call to protect the reputation of the thousands of MTA members who do the right thing every day, and to ensure the badge they have on the walls of their businesses continues to mean that the public can trust them.

We then decided to go to the media. First, we wanted to get word of our vouchers out to the public. But more importantly, we took the step to reassure the public that they can trust us to stand by them. These were not easy conversations with the media, but necessary.

I felt it was important to ‘own’ the situation, and not wait for disgruntled customers or journalists to contact us. We wanted to do the right thing, and that meant making it public.

So where does this leave us?

First, we will ensure the business gets a fair hearing and process. By the time you read this, that may have already concluded.

Second, we want to remind all our members to meet their obligations and responsibilities. And most importantly, if you feel you are struggling to meet your legal requirements or membership standards – please contact us immediately. We are here to help and support you, without judgement or hesitation.

There will always be those who unfortunately break the rules. It happens, and we learn. But if this has a silver lining, let’s take it as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of being part of an organisation that strives to do things the right way. Together, let’s continue to live up to the standard that the public knows and trusts.  Noho ora mai, Lee

Your chance to grill the politicians!

The election buzz is building and we’ve got a great event coming up that we want members to get involved in.

MTA is hosting a political debate on 23 August – and it’s your chance to put the parties on the spot. The Transport spokespeople for the four main parties are taking part, to outline their policies and plans for the automotive sector.

They will face a grilling from a moderator who will be putting some tough questions to them. That’s where you come in.

We want to hear from members who have a question they want put to the politicians. You might have strong thoughts around:

• Clean Car Programme

• Warrant of Fitness

• Road to Zero

• Road maintenance

• The automotive workforce

• Another industry issue.

This is your chance to get your answer! Email your question to simon.bradwell@mta.org.nz before 16 August and it’ll go in the mix to be asked on the night.

The MPs attending are:

• National Party Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown

• Green Party Transport spokesperson

Julie Anne Genter

• ACT Transport Party spokesperson Simon Court

• Labour Party representative

All members are invited to attend the event at the Wellington Club. If you think you might like to attend, please email mta@mta.org.nz.

There will also be a live stream of the event on our YouTube channel. More details will be provided closer to the event - keep an eye on the Friday email.

It’s the second major event held by MTA this election year, following the launch of Driving New Zealand Forward, MTA’s call to action to political parties.

National Party Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown will be taking part in MTA’s political debate.

The future’s bright for Ryan

One of the keys to success for young people entering the automotive industry can be to try a range of roles before finding the right one.

That’s how it worked for Ryan Bright, who’s just completed the MITO Automotive Parts and Accessories qualification at Collins Automotive Technicians in Waikato.

“I started at the end of 2021, I wasn’t the fastest, but I got it done,” Ryan says.

Ryan has been with Collins for four years. He initially had thoughts of working on the workshop floor, but he soon found the parts department was where he wanted to be.

“I was really interested in automotive parts from doing my own stuff at home on my Toyota Crown, and after spending a bit of time in the workshop I decided moving into the office and concentrating on parts would be

Apply to join the MTA board

MTA members who can see the big picture and want to help shape the future of the motor trade are encouraged to put themselves forward for the MTA Board. One director position comes to an end of its term later this year and nominations for candidates will be called for shortly. MTA President Bob Boniface says, “Being a board member gives you a broader outlook on your own business, and the industry as a whole. As a director you meet and work with interesting people from all sectors and you can pick up skills, information and ideas that are useful in your professional development, your business and your community.”

MTA has an exciting strategic plan for the future. As MTA undergoes this transformational process, this is a great time to join the board and steer the industry towards an exciting future. The board meets about every six

weeks and directors also sit on one or two committees. Bob says it is important for the board members to reflect the different regions, sectors and people that make up the motor trades. “So, please, if you feel you have something to contribute to the industry, put yourself forward as a director.” Nominations open

on Friday 11 August. Keep an eye out for more information in Radiator, and our regular Friday emails to members and on the Toolbox. Voting opens on Friday 22 September and closes Thursday 12 October. Voting will be done online and the results reported at the Annual General Meeting.

the best place for me,” he says.

After Ryan completed his apprenticeship, his proud boss

Jason Land gave him a shoutout over social media saying: “Well done Ryan, you are a top young man and a true ambassador of the company, as well as a highly valued and respected player on Team Collins.”

Jason told Radiator that there’s a very wide range of roles in the automotive sector, and it’s important young entrants don’t get discouraged if the first one isn’t what they hoped for.

“When he first came to work with us it was on the workshop floor and he was keen but the role didn’t really suit him, but he had potential and a great interest in cars. His knowledge of

parts was a real strength and we have a parts department, so he moved into the office and things progressed from there,” he says.

Jason is a big fan of the Apprenticeship Boost scheme, which he says can be the difference between taking on an apprentice or not.

“But it wouldn’t have swayed my decision in Ryan’s case because he was already working in the parts department and I could see he was going to be a valuable employee to the business once he had those qualifications,” Jason says.

You can read more about Jason in Driving New Zealand Forward, MTA’s election year call to action, which was recently sent to all members.

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Giving students a gateway to the future

Attracting and supporting more young people to the automotive industry is a major challenge for MTA and members.

We all know that today’s students are literally the future of our industry – whether customers, workers or business owners.

One way businesses can foster the talent needed is through the Gateway programme, which offers students the chance to get on site work experience.

MTA member Overbridge Motors, in Petone near Wellington, are such believers in the scheme and the need to nurture new blood for the industry, they’re taking on Gateway students three at a time.

Owners Matt and Stacey Crooks run a small team and say they’re concerned that apprentices are being set up to fail because the realities of the job don’t match what’s taught in the classroom.

“We are not seeing fresh blood coming through like we used to, and I think that’s partly because of the polytechs,” Matt says.

“They need the opportunity to work on the floor otherwise how are they going to know if they like it or not?

“They go to [class] nine to three during the day and they do ten weeks there and get four weeks off, where is that in the real world?”

He’s championing Gateway as it gives a full-on experience of the job and students get to see what the industry is really like, rather than sitting in the classroom.

Students work a full day undertaking general workshop tasks from cleaning up to more complex tasks.

Star pupil

Matt and Stacey have been particularly impressed by Izack Arthur, a year 13 student from Naenae College.

He’s been spending one day a week on the workshop floor since the beginning of the year and loves it.

When Radiator visited the business Izack had just finished the complex job of replacing an ignition module on a customer's car, a task set by Shayne who was mightily impressed at the speed with which he executed the task.

“My parents have been coming to the business for years and I have always had an interest in cars and motorbikes,” Izack says.

He started bringing his own car, a Honda Fit, in for work to be done and liked the idea of working for Shayne and Matt.

“As soon as I found out they had the Gateway programme I signed up at school and started coming each week.”

And he’s enjoyed it from day one. Even when he had to miss a day in the workshop because of school, Izack worked an extra day the following week to make up for it.

And it’s that kind of dedication that impresses Shayne. The efforts the pair have put in, along with head mechanic

Shayne Iti, guiding students into the industry haven’t gone unnoticed.

Upper Hutt College recently presented them with a special award in recognition of their efforts.

Students from Naenae and Tawa colleges have also been beating a path to the workshop, and a common theme among all of the students, Stacey says, is a keen thirst for knowledge.

“For me, Matt and Shayne, we love the enthusiasm the young guys bring to the workshop,” Stacey says.

“It is a breath of fresh air really,

and it’s nice for Shayne and Matt to share the knowledge they have with someone willing to learn it.”

A buzz from sharing

Sharing what he knows from 20 years in the industry gives Shayne a real buzz, and to be able to encourage Gateway students and help them into an apprenticeship is his way of giving back to the industry.

“If the students want to pursue an apprenticeship, even if we are not in a position to offer them something, I know quite a few mechanics and quite a few workshops that are keen to take someone on and I ask around for them,” Shayne says.

All going well over the next six months Stacey and Matt hope to take on one of the students as an apprentice at their business.

“We are a small team, and we have to have the right person and Gateway helps see who we are getting.”

Even if they do take on an apprentice Stacey says they will continue with Gateway and doing their part to support the industry.

Stacey Crooks.

Left to right: Shayne Iti, Izack Arthur and Matt Crooks. Izack Arthur.

WHAT IS GATEWAY?

Gateway is designed to allow students who want to try out tertiary study or workplace learning, while they are still at secondary school.

There are several ways they can do this, with programmes that can also help them achieve an award in a Vocational Pathway for NCEA Level 2.

Gateway supports school students’ transition into the workforce by offering them workplace learning while at secondary school. This should include a formal agreement (like an individualised learning plan) between the school, the student and the workplace.

Gateway programmes are for Year 11 to 13 learners who want to explore job options while studying towards NCEA.

In a 12-month Gateway programme students:

• are enrolled at school

• study for NCEA Levels 1 to 3

• try out a job in a real work environment

• learn and are assessed for specific work knowledge and skills

• study for trades-related credits.

To find out if there is a college in members area, they can contact the school's career adviser or dean, or a Gateway adviser for more information.

Inspiring Futures Foundation grants top $400,000

The Inspiring Futures Foundation (IFF) has awarded more than $170,000 in grants to industry organisations for education and training in the latest round of funding

It brings the total value of grants over the last two years to $430,000, for programmes and initiatives to help more New Zealanders succeed.

IFF was established to provide financial support for those working and studying in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas industries. It has assets of around $25 million, largely in managed funds.

Chair Sturrock Saunders says the grants will help businesses and learners across a wide range of industries succeed.

“The industries we support are the backbone of the economy and the country,” Sturrock says.

“Young New Zealanders must be encouraged and supported to join them, so we consider it an investment in the future of Kiwis and New Zealand to help fund training and resources and the learning environment to help learners be their best.”

Recipients of the grants in the automotive sector to date include:

• Women in Automotive Collective

• MITO Te Pūkenga

• NZ Collision Repair Association

• Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

• i-Car New Zealand

• Auto Supershoppe Academy

In addition, IFF, in conjunction with MITO/Te Pūkenga, awarded 74 scholarships in 2023 to outstanding learners across a range of industries

“We are further committed to increasing our reach and impact,” Sturrock says. “We are ambitious about our shared industries and know IFF will be a proud and strong partner in supporting this with the financial resources we have available annually.”

Applications for the next round of grants can be made from 1 September 2023.

More information about IFF and funding can be found at inspiringfutures.nz.

Sturrock Saunders.

SUSTAINABILITY

All go for Nexo

With its wagon keenly hitched to hydrogen, Hyundai New Zealand is about to take to the road in its hydrogen/electric-powered Nexo with a mobile fuel station in tow.

Hyundai says the Nexo offers is not just another fuel option but has an added benefit: as part of the hydrogen generation process the air is cleaned as you drive, sucking in dirty air and filtering the toxins, with clean water the only byproduct. Riding the coattails of Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered trucks earlier this year, the Nexo is hitting the road in the next few months with two demonstrator cars.

They are effectively a hybrid of sorts, with a 1.56kWh battery mild hybrid system with compressed hydrogen stored in tanks and a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 120kW and producing the equivalent of 161hp. The hydrogen is mixed with air inside a fuel cell to create a chemical reaction that produces electricity to power the car's electric motor.

As there is no network for hydrogen, Hyundai is building a mobile hydrogen fuelling station to accompany these fuel cell electric vehicles or FCEVs.

Quick charge

The Nexo is a worthy contender in the battle to replace internal combustion engine cars.

They are quicker than EVs to charge, taking roughly the same amount of time to fuel up as a petrol car. Paired with an electric powertrain and three hydrogen tanks, Hyundai claims the Nexo has a 609km range between refuelling, a task that takes just five minutes at a hydrogen filling station. The future viability of hydrogen cars will also depend on refuelling infrastructure and establishment of a viable pump price.

There is some debate around the energy needed to produce hydrogen but with Hiringa and Waitomo Fuel collaborating to build green hydrogen fuelling stations they could enable zero carbon motoring.

How it works

For FCEVs, hydrogen gas from the vehicles’ hydrogen tanks and oxygen from the air is supplied to what is called a fuel cell stack (located in the engine bay). An electrochemical reaction takes place inside the fuel cell stack and this reaction generates electricity to provide electrical power to the traction motor.

Crushing stereotypes and seizing the moment

In my May column, I wrote about the challenges I have experienced in my journey so far in my new career as an apprentice mechanic. I wrote about how the challenges could be difficult but most importantly how I overcame them, or at least managed to find the silver lining in them.

Stereotypes, strength barriers and lack of prior knowledge was a thing, but it didn’t impact me nor did it bother me.

On the opposing side to challenges of this job, there are also amazing opportunities too. July marks two years since I

started working at Hyundai South Canterbury, making this the perfect topic to talk about in this month’s column.

Firstly, we all know there is the common stereotype of females knowing nothing about cars. You can’t deny it, it’s a thing.

That doesn’t actually bother me too much; it’s not something I care about. At the end of the day I’m just trying to pay my mortgage, gain qualifications, and work in an industry that I enjoy.

Every day as I learn more and

more at work, I am crushing that stereotype and in my eyes, it’s quite an empowering feeling.

The fact that I don’t need to get a man to service my car and that I can do it myself is epic; however, it is almost due for a service and I have a feeling that will be something I put off for a little while until I find time to do so!

I will admit, this empowering feeling is amazing; however, I wouldn’t know half the things I know today if it weren’t for the amazing, supportive group of guys I have working with me in the workshop.

Over the past few years, I have noticed the shift in career advertisements for school students from predominantly

university pathways to also incorporate apprenticeships and trades.

This has been super cool to see because university isn’t for everyone.

A great opportunity I have been given is to go to career events at high schools and also larger events open to the public too.

I have done speeches (not my finest moment), speaking panels, ‘speed dating’, and events with schools where the students get to guess what you do for a job while you sit in your casual clothes and answer their questions.

When I started my job, I didn’t expect to be involved with these kinds of activities.

But, when you get to talk to students who really want to be involved in a male-dominated industry but have worries about it, it’s an amazing feeling to be able to reassure them of their concerns by telling them about my experiences.

The opportunity to be involved

in this magazine you are currently reading is also one of those unexpected but epic opportunities that have arisen from my job. Writing isn’t a massive part of my daily work but it has always been something that I have enjoyed.

Now, thanks to Radiator Magazine, I get to write these columns, while talking about

something I am passionate about.

Lastly, my favourite opportunity of all.

I had been doing my apprenticeship for a year when I entered into a competition MITO was holding for a few of their students in New Zealand to work with Hayden Paddon as

Working on Emma Gilmour's rally car..

Glamming it up with my friend.

Promoting automotive apprenticeships at the Women in Trades Career Expo in Timaru.

MEET MERCEDES

a tech for a rally event. I did not know a whole lot about rallying in New Zealand but being someone who loves a challenge, I entered. and won. That took me by surprise. What also took me by surprise was the fact that my first time being involved in the rally scene, which I knew nothing about prior to this competition, would get me hooked on the sport!

This was the most amazing experience where I had the opportunity to work for a weekend with Hayden Paddon and his team at Ashley Forest Rallysprint 2022 on his Kona EV. At the end of the weekend I hadn’t even made it back to my hometown and I already wanted to be back and more involved in the sport.

Opportunities flow

More opportunities flowed on from this: I travelled to Auckland soon after the Ashley Forest Rallysprint to watch the WRC 2022 with some of my workmates.

I met some incredible and inspiring people throughout the weekend including people who worked hard to make the New Zealand rally come together!

I travelled over 700km chasing the rally throughout the Auckland region to watch the action, and I even had my first helicopter ride, which took us to Jacks Ridge to watch the final stage.

I attended the Whare Flat Hillclimb in December 2022, where I was able to go for a lap in Hayden Paddon’s EV Kona. I loved this experience and it was very cool to experience the race from the passenger seat.

In March this year there was the Otago Rally where I was lucky enough to be invited to help the Paddon Rally Group throughout

What you’re telling us

Every month we reply to members’ questions and comments drawn from conversations with the MTA team. Do you need advice or an answer on something? Radiator would love to hear from you.

Email simon.bradwell@mta.org.nz.

“We have hit a quiet patch over the last month and wanted to share the list of tasks we have that might be helpful.”

• Being proactive on checking vehicles for extra work that may be needed to be done when they are in. Hopefully customers will appreciate the extra care to them and their safety.

• Reminding customers that are due for their WoFs in a month’s time. Offering them a deal on getting their vehicle serviced now rather than waiting.

It’s also a great time for apprentices to do some study and get ahead, and a good chance for senior technicians to check and help identify where apprentices’ weak points may be and work with them to make these stronger.

“What is the difference between the 90-day probation period when employing someone, and the three-month trial?”

“Why can’t we just have one database for all drive-offs within New Zealand instead of two or three that don’t share information? This continues to make catching criminals very difficult and contributes to the challenges of running petrol stations.” Currently there is not a national database that collects data from all sources for vehicles involved in fuel drive-offs.

There could be a commercial opportunity for such a national database so long as privacy laws were abided by. It is likely this kind of national database and the data access would require consultation and authorisation from Waka Kotahi, the Privacy Commissioner, Chief Ombudsman, and the Commissioner of Police.

the weekend predominantly helping out as a technician on Emma Gilmour’s rally car. It was an epic feeling to be invited back to work with such an amazing team and words could not describe how great an atmosphere the rally scene is.

More recently was the 2023 Stadium Finance Rally South Canterbury where I yet again was invited to help out with the Paddon Rallysport crew. This time I was predominantly working on Jeff Ward’s Subaru during services.

All these opportunities have

been completely unexpected and incredible. Never would I have expected to find myself attending events to inspire students or attending rallies to work with an amazing and successful rally team. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all these opportunities, and I am buzzing to see what other things come from my career.

Taking on challenges and reaching for the stars definitely has its perks! Mercedes.

Trial and probationary periods are options that can be used by employers to assess and make sure that the employee can do the job but they are not substitutes for a good recruitment process. The main differences between the two are:

1. If an employee is dismissed under the trial period, they cannot bring a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal; however, that is not the case with dismissals under the probationary period.

2. Trial periods can only be applied to new employees. For example, if an employee has worked for you as a casual and you offer them a permanent role, you cannot apply the trial period, but a probationary period can be applied.

3. Trial periods can be for a maximum period of 90 calendar days from when the employee starts employment, whereas a probationary period can be for a shorter or reasonably longer duration.

4. Trial periods can only be used by employers with 19 or fewer employees; however any employer can use the probationary period.

“I just wanted to alert other members to fake $50 notes being handed in especially in rural areas.”

We periodically have opportunists try to pass off fake notes. Of the two above, the top one is a fake recently used at a member business and is a timely reminder to be vigilant when customers are paying with cash.

Part of Hayden Paddon's crew for the Ashley Forest Rallysprint.

Mix-and-mingle

Kaimai region held its latest meeting on 13 June in Tauranga followed by a member mix-and-mingle at The Mill House Espresso Bar and Eatery, Tauriko. Subjects raised and discussed by the committee are detailed below.

Kaimai region is supporting an Apprentice Research Project with the Workforce Development Council, investing both money and staff into this project, and it has been approved by an ethics committee.

The focus of the research will be on surveying members and speaking to both successful and unsuccessful apprentices. They will also use data from the Motor

Industry Training Organisation (MITO) and can compare their findings to research already conducted by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO).

A team from Kaimai committee is planning to visit their Thames and Coromandel area members with care packages and hold a member meet-and-greet evening on 25 July to show support and engage with members in the area.

Another initiative we are working on is honouring longstanding members with a celebration event. The plan is to present certificates to members with 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service, and organise a meal and drinks event for those with 35+ years of membership. Watch out for this in late September.

Don’t miss our upcoming events such as pistol shooting in July or the family fun day in Rotorua in August. Also coming up is Customer Service/Dealing with Difficult Customers training and our much-loved Business Management Essentials. Go to the Toolbox to book or contact Kim Preston.

To get involved in the Kaimai committee, contact Kim Preston on 027 280 0707 or kim.preston@mta.org.nz.

After-work drinks

About 20 people turned out for the after-work drinks hosted by MTA Central West in New Plymouth recently –an occasion held for members to connect, network and meet with the Central West Committee.

The drinks were held at The Devon Hotel, following a regional committee meeting providing members with a chance to talk with committee members and share ideas for events and training as well as network with other MTA members and MTA staff.

The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate the long membership tenures of a couple of members who were able to join the evening.

The team at Heydon Priest Ltd at Oakura were acknowledged for 53 years of MTA membership. Receiving the acknowledgment from Central West Chair James Candish were sisters Catherine Gabites and Irene Heydon on behalf of the Heydon family and the Heydon Priest team.

And with 30 years membership of Podjursky Motors under their belt, Paula and Barry Podjursky travelled up from Stratford for the evening. The Podjurskys have been in the automotive sector for many years more than their 30-year MTA membership and are well known identities in the speedway and hot rod scene.

Congratulations to the Podjurskys and the team at Heydon Priest Ltd on your significant milestones and committed membership and time in the automotive industry.

There are several other Taranaki and Central West members with significant membership milestones and plans are underway for these to all be acknowledged in the near future

To get involved in the Central West committee, contact Natalie Campbell on 021 414 665 or natalie.campbell@ mta.org.nz.

Irene Heydon, left, and Catherine Gabites from Heydon Priest Ltd at Oakura celebrating 53 years of MTA membership.

Paula and Barry Podjursky from Podjursky Motors in Stratford were recognised for their 30 years MTA membership

Left to right: Brett Stratton (Central West committee member), David Cox, (Central West committee member) and New Plymouth MTA member John Connell (from Automotive Professional Services).

A haven for auto lovers

Coast to Coast members were treated to a tour of the Autohaven Museum in Christchurch last month.

The Autohaven Collection is home to some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after vehicles, from priceless and irreplaceable cars from the 1920s and ’30s to iconic sports cars, exotics, muscle cars, motorcycles and supercars.

Lee Marshall, MTA CEO, introduced himself to the committee and expressed his enthusiasm for implementing changes to keep the organisation relevant. Several key issues and topics concerning MTA members in the area were also addressed. These included the need for an exit strategy to assist members closing their businesses, concerns about ram raids at petrol stations, and shipping delays for parts and vehicles. One specific concern discussed amongst the Committee was the replacement of number plates, as recent changes by Waka Kotahi now require only the vehicle owner to replace them. Mike Brewer has been in communication with Larry Fallowfield, and they are awaiting a response from Waka Kotahi to address this issue. In addition, Sean discussed the DEKRA Motorcycle WoF Course, and Loretta is working on making improvements to ensure its relevance. It was also mentioned that the WoF Training Course may require an update.

Upcoming events and trainings were announced, including the Autohaven Tour, Te Pūkenga Welding Course, Fishing Trip in Moeraki, and Test and Tag training. Furthermore, the committee brainstormed ideas for future events and trainings, such as a Pool Night in Greymouth and a Blenheim Social Event, along with organising the next Committee Hui in Blenheim where the committee will also visit some of our local Marlborough members.

To get involved with the Coast to Coast committee contact Mel Tukapua on 027 682 4191 or mel.tukapua@mta.org.nz.

The collection is also home to a range of early Honda motorcycles as well as modern classics like the stunning MV Agusta Superveloce and Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss edition

The Eastland committee is aware there is pressure on members, their teams and families throughout the region currently following Cyclone Gabrielle and the continuous wet weather as well as economic and social pressures.

With this in mind the committee is looking to engage a high-profile guest speaker for a function for the membership to raise awareness as well as providing tools to assist members (and their teams) with their mental health and wellbeing. Details are still being finalised but know this will be an event open to all members and their staff and we will encourage members from throughout the region (and other regions to attend). For Eastland members from further afield the committee will be looking to offer travel assistance if there’s demand. It was also noted that some Hawke’s Bay based members are rolling out the Mates 4 Life programme. If you want to know more about this free service, visit their website – www. mates4life.org.nz

Following the committee meeting members were invited for afterwork drinks at the Leopard Hotel. About 30 people gathered for an evening of networking and banter. More recently in Gisborne around 45 members gathered at the Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club for afterwork drinks and mix and mingle.

Don’t miss the family-friendly post-cyclone lunch at Hygge Café near Hastings on Sunday 6 August. If you are thinking of attending, please sign into Toolbox to book your spots.

To get involved in the Eastland committee, contact Natalie Campbell on 021 414 665 or natalie.campbell@ mta.org.nz.

The MTA Eastland Regional Committee had its most recent meeting in Waipukurau on 23 May, followed by after work drinks with the Southern Hawke’s Bay membership.

Coast to Coast members tried their hands at creating their own Picasso during a recent afternoon event held at Paint and Picasso in Christchurch.

“We thought we would probably kill each other working together, but it has just worked, and I haven’t gone anywhere,” Ari says.

“There is no way I could have done this without Ari,” Vince says.

Adding to the business

With insurance work a large portion of their business, they saw there was a demand for rental cars, so they bought a small rental fleet to add to the business.

Next came the auto repair shop, Coyote. Buying the workshop was an obvious move too, Ari says; they were outsourcing mechanical repairs on the insurance work and the local mechanic they were using suggested it would be a good idea and he would help run it.

“The cogs started turning and it was a nobrainer to have our own workshop.

“We have kind of fallen into this and I don’t know if it’s because we are suckers for punishment, but we keep adding more to the business and it seems to work,” Ari says. They now have around 14 employees, and the biggest learning curve for Ari has been dealing with staff.

Beep, Beep! It’s the Road Runner and Coyote show

It wasn’t the love of the deep south that spurred Vince Howell to move from Northland to Southland but the love for his childhood sweetheart, Ari Shaw. Vince couldn’t live without her and almost 20 years on, the move has paid dividends with a trio of thriving auto businesses in Invercargill.

With a busy panel repair shop called Road Runner, a rental car business and a recently added mechanical workshop named, naturally, Coyote, they have grown their business beyond what they ever imagined.

“We have been together since we were 15,” Vince says.

“We are very different and almost opposites and what she thinks about I don’t have to, and what I think about she doesn’t have to, so there is no crossover in our roles, and it all works well.”

Getting started

Also pivotal to their success was buying an Invercargill panel shop seven years ago.

Vince had been working for Road Runner Panel and Paint for a few years and was offered the opportunity to buy it. With Ari’s encouragement and with the help of the previous owner, they took the leap into business ownership.

“It was just a little business and

Vince was working there as their sole panel beater and he was almost running it so when the opportunity arose to take it over, it made sense,” Ari says.

“And I jumped into it because I had the faith in Vince that he could make it work.”

Ari had been working for the local District Health Board and took a year off to help Vince with the business, only expecting to be there a year.

“I headed up the childhood immunisation programme and it was a big call leaving. I told my boss I would be back in a year, she called me a year later and I said ‘sorry, I’m staying’.”

“We are very different and almost opposites

Ari Shaw and Vince Howell .

What’s in a name?

Ari says for some unknown reason the panel shop was called Road Runner, so taking inspiration from the Looney Tunes cartoon character Wile E. Coyote, they decided to change the name of the automotive workshop from John McKenzie Automotive to Coyote.

It’s a cute fit with Road Runner, and pretty recognisable to most generations.

“We wanted something that would link the two businesses and that’s how the name came along,” Vince says.

“Not everybody makes the connection when they see the names; when we bought Road Runner seven years ago it was already named that, and we don’t know why or what the connection is.”

Changing focus

Going forward, they are changing the focus of the business from insurance work to private work aimed at enthusiasts keen on performance cars.

“We sponsor a car show, HPTO Fest, down here that is growing and people who are involved in it love their cars and love to spend money on them and that’s the stuff that excites Vince,” Ari says.

“It’s very different work to fixing a cracked bumper and a chance for Vince to be creative.”

Vince adds: “Because of the car show we have got a following as a business that will do that type of work, where a lot of businesses won’t touch them, and we are into our cars also.”

In their downtime, Vince and the family enjoy the outdoors, he’s a keen spear fisherman and with great diving spots handy to home they won’t be going anywhere soon.

“I have to pinch myself sometimes, this all wouldn’t have been possible if we had stayed up north as the cost of owning a commercial property would have been too high,” he says.

Sponsorship and supporting the local community have all been part and parcel of the business for Vince and Ari which includes all motorsport and kids rugby.

The fleet looks striking with the company graphics.RAPHICS

Dramatic diorama last labour of love

With his use-by date fast approaching, former driller and workshop help Bryan McNaull is making the most of every minute.

A lifelong lover of motor racing, he’s spent around 3,000 hours building a diorama depicting his motor racing hero, Denny Hulme, at the wheel of a McLaren F1 M23.

A rare bone cancer is limiting what time the 61 year old Tauranga resident has left, and building the diorama has been the perfect therapy, requiring pin-sharp focus but giving a load of satisfaction.

“My career was drilling, and I have drilled all over the world

and you have to be systematic in what you do,” Bryan says.

“Building the diorama gave me a huge sense of achievement, the same amount of fizz from drilling a 2,000-metre hole to a small target.”

Bryan found inspiration for the pit scene in a book, To Finish First by Phil Kerr, which contains a photo depicting Denny in the McLaren talking with a pit crew member. Getting the finer details right didn’t come easy though. The kit

M23 he was building lacked some of the of the finesse Bryan was looking for.

“When I built the first car, I was so disappointed with what I had done that I put it away for a while and then took it out later, pulled it apart and rebuilt it, I knew I could do better and every wire and hose on the car goes to where it should.”

He smoothed out the kit car’s body panels so it would look as close to the full-size one as

possible and estimates he spent around $20,000 on parts for the diorama, including the aluminium laser-cut pedestal it sits on. The aim now is to sell it on eBay and Trade Me, with the hope someone will appreciate what he has achieved and enjoy it. But you’d think this labour of love would be the last thing he’d want to indulge in, after being run over and seriously injured by a race car at Tauranga’s Baypark Speedway.

Broken by accident

It was the summer of 1971-72, and Baypark Speedway was the place to be for a young 10-year-old lad like Bryan. Clutching a 20-cent race programme, nothing was better than getting up close to his heroes in the pits during the Formula Ford series. It was a dangerous place to be, and, in a moment, everything changed for Bryan when a car coming through the pits ran over him, partially severing his left leg at thigh height, breaking his right leg below the knee, and fracturing both arms and hands.

“It rearranged my skull also and I was one of the first persons in New Zealand to get what was then called microsurgery to reattach the leg instead of them cutting it off,” he says.

“I pretty much spent the next two years at home having more surgeries to try and save it as it kept getting infected. The worst part was it really changed my mental state as back then there was no real consideration of mental health recovery.

“I became a real loner and subsequently have been that way ever since.”

The accident also triggered what is known as ME/CFS, or chronic fatigue syndrome, and it has been a constant companion throughout Bryan’s life.

“All of this unknowingly led me to push and strive to have an adventurous life with a very cool career in the drilling industry and I

really wouldn’t change anything, because without it, I am fairly certain that I would not have experienced what has been a satisfying and rewarding time,” Bryan says.

Undeterred thrillseeker

His health struggles didn’t limit his thrill-seeking. Overseas adventure beckoned and Bryan lived life to the full, travelling the world for decades drilling for oil, gas and sometimes water, riding in baskets under helicopters on drilling expeditions. He wasn’t done with health challenges either. He broke his back a couple of times, contracted Legionnaires’ disease and had collapsed lungs due to infections from – of all thingsSahara Desert dust.

Back home in Tauranga for a few years now, Bryan has been

diagnosed with a rare bone cancer that can’t be cured with chemotherapy or drugs.

“With a use-by date that is fast approaching, I consider my life to still be a huge adventure and I’m really looking forward to finding out what happens when I hand in the knife and fork, as no one has come back to tell us.”

DENNY HULME

Denny Hulme is hailed as the most successful of the nine New Zealanders to have competed in F1, which also include Bruce McLaren, Chris Amon and Brendon Hartley. He was nicknamed ‘The Bear’ due to his gruff nature and rugged features.

One of the pit crew works on the M23 engine.

Bryan’s extraordinary attention to detail.

Bryan McNaull with his labour of love. A full history of the McLaren M23 and details on Denny Hulme are part of the display.

Denny Hulme in the pit with the McLaren M23 in Marlboro livery.

Unleashing the Power of Generations

Professional development is at the heart of every business’s success. Offering learning and training opportunities is essential to keep on top of new technology and keep your team engaged and motivated, article by Loretta Thompson.

Understanding each generation from a learning perspective helps support growth and development and creates a structure to attracting and keeping talent. This article offers an overview of the attributes of each generation and how using these attributes can enhance efficiency and drive success for members.

BABY BOOMERS (1946-1964)

Flexible working will be a core consideration for this generation. Perhaps reducing the number of days in a work week to avoid losing them to early retirement. This generation possesses excellent interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of customer needs, their ability to establish trust and provide personalised customer experience is second to none. Furthermore, they excel in mentoring others

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES:

They appreciate recognition and rewards for their achievements. Boomers prefer collaborative and team-oriented work environments, along with open communication channels.

KEY VALUES:

• Personal fulfilment and achievement.

• Teamwork and collaboration.

• Making a positive impact and leaving a legacy.

MILLENNIALS (1981-1996)

Millennials grew up in the digital age and are highly skilled in leveraging social media platforms and digital marketing strategies. Their understanding of emerging trends and ability to connect with online audiences can enhance businesses brand visibility. Millennials are tech savvy and data driven and they often prioritise sustainability.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES

Millennials appreciate frequent feedback, recognition, and opportunities for growth. They prefer a flexible work environment, open communication, and a participative management style.

KEY VALUES:

• Meaningful work and purpose.

• Collaboration and teamwork.

• Workplace diversity and inclusivity.

• Sustainable and environmental awareness

Celebrating 35 years

Self-taught in every aspect of the paint and panel business, Marty Jarrett celebrated 35 years in business last month. Marty started the business in his garage at home in Levin, teaching himself to spray paint and weld while building an award-winning 1977 custom Escort Van.

He attributes winning the New Zealand Supervan trophy in 1987 as part of his success.

GENERATION X (1965-1980)

With their entrepreneurial mindset Gen Xers are renowned for their adaptability, resourcefulness and ability to handle multiple responsibilities, they excel in project management and have strong analytical skills for optimising processes. Their ability to streamline operations and reduce costs and enhance efficiency and improve inventory management can achieve good outcomes for your business.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES: They value work-life balance and flexibility while preferring a more hands-off management style.

KEY VALUES:

• Independence and self-reliance.

• Entrepreneurial spirit.

• Embracing diversity and individuality

GENERATION Z (1997-2012)

Generation Z, the youngest entrants into the workforce, share the same technologically savviness as Millennials. They excel in roles that relate to emerging technology, especially if there is a digital competency. They’re the most efficient working with AI (artificial Intelligence) and continuously seek new and improved ways to communicate and collaborate effectively.

MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES

Gen Z values clear expectations, a supportive work environment, workplace wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. They appreciate constructive feedback and opportunities for skill development.

KEY VALUES:

• Technological fluency and digital connectivity.

• Social and environmental responsibility.

• Wellbeing, Diversity and inclusion.

• Instant access to information and knowledge.

By recognising the strengths of different generations, member businesses can tap into a wealth of experience, innovation, and adaptability. Effective leadership involves identifying and leveraging these attributes to attract and retain talent, ultimately propelling the business forward.

*Information on the various generations was sourced from the Research Bank NZ.

Following the win work flowed in and 35 years on Marty’s Paint and Panel has grown, taking on some of the most challenging projects in the industry from painting aeroplanes to buses and heavy machinery and now focusing on RV’s.

More than 60 past staff, customers, suppliers and friends gathered in Levin for an evening of celebration with Marty.

Century Batteries Extends Warranty on Lithium Pro Range

Having put their batteries through some of the most strenuous tests in the industry, Century Batteries is confident that their Lithium Pro battery range are the best in the business.

To reinforce their commitment to offering quality, class-leading products, Century has announced that the warranty on their Lithium Pro range is being extended from 3 to 5 years.

This new 5-year warranty is the result of stringent performance testing and evaluation, which has demonstrated that Century’s Lithium Pro has what it takes to go the extra mile.

“Our Century Lithium Pro range incorporates advanced technology and state-of-the-art internal components, to deliver longer life and exceptional performance in deep cycle applications,” explains Ward Lye, Century’s National Sales Manager. “The superior energy capacity, operating temperature range and lightweight design makes Century Lithium Pro batteries ideal for use in a range of applications, where longer life, faster recharge and dependable power is required.”

Century Lithium Pro’s new 5 year warranty will also apply retrospectively to batteries that have been purchased previously, since they were introduced into the market in 2022.

What sets Century Lithium Pro batteries apart from other products on the market is the extensive testing and certification processes they have been subjected to during development. Most other brands will carry certifications on the individual battery cells – but in many cases that’s where the promises end.

In comparison, Century has gone several steps further by subjecting their Lithium Pro batteries

to additional rigorous testing considering the applications and conditions they will be subjected to. So not only are the battery cells certified, but they have achieved certification on the BMS unit, the battery assembly as a whole, and performed additional vibration testing to top it off.

The certifications cover performance tests - such as overcharge, thermal resistance, vibration resistance and more; plus a suite of safety tests which cover nail penetration, impact drop, and short circuit resistance just to name a few. Whilst the extensive vibration testing ensures the batteries perform in harsh off road and marine conditions. A full list of certifications is available to view on their website.

The Century Lithium Pro range includes 100Ah, 200Ah and Slimline Deep Cycle options, backed by a true national warranty and industry leading support network ensuring customers are covered wherever their adventure takes them

For more information on the Century Lithium Pro range, visit centurybatteries.co.nz

Marty and Annette Jarrett celebrate 35 years in business.

Blast from the Past

Every month we revisit the pages of Radiator from 25 years and 75 years ago.

JULY 1998

JULY 1948

2023 PEUGEOT 308 GT PHEV

Peugeot’s 308 introduces us to a new Lion badge, and yet another rebranding for the French maker, one that promises more ‘premiumness’.

The GT PHEV is the latest addition to the range.

The local Peugeot 308 range is now a trio with the arrival of the hybrid. It’s a plug-in variant so with its 12kWh battery and an 81kW motor, there’s the potential for 61km of emissions-free travel, with the emphasis on ‘potential’. The engine/motor/battery trio mean it’s pricey at $74,990, that’s $70K, a lot of coin for a hatchback.

This marks another ‘rebirth’ for the French brand, and not the first time this manufacturer has pledged to up its game in terms of premium quality. The 308 is based on the EMP2 platform which is now on its third revision. The hatch retains its familiar silhouette but is layered with a new design language and styling features, the most prominent being the front end with its new grille and that reimagined lion badge.

This evaluation unit wears the new hero colour

‘Olivine Green’ which, judging by the public’s reaction, is quite popular. It’s one of those hues that changes character depending on the light. It’s certainly a premium finish, and the only paint colour that is included in the price; the other five are $550-$950 cost options.

Is the Peugeot 308 GT PHEV a premium car?

It’s inside where you get a better idea of Peugeot’s premium intent. While our unit was packing the $5k GT Premium pack (better seats with heating and massage functions, Nappa leather, the Focal stereo, and swisher alloys) most of the interior surfaces of this 308 ace the prod test, the plastics reserved for the lower part of the cabin.

The premium seats are worthy, with massaging functions and great adjustment for a fine fit; you’re

ensconced nicely but not restricted. Along with more ‘premium’ finishing, it’s good to see lined storage spots, half-decent cupholders and a proper glovebox, one that’s not taken up with the fuse box as it has been for the past couple of decades. We like the small toggle switch gear lever, but is it too far forward on the console?

Peugeot’s donut wheel returns, set low with the main dials above, which are configurable with different displays and all the info contained neatly within.

The infotainment system has been revitalised with a bigger screen, seemingly infinite customisation (is all of it necessary?) and more connected features. It’s appealing to the eye, and the reversing camera images are particularly bright, almost like it’s compensating for the poor quality versions in the past.

The voice control has limited applications but the system’s touch sensitivity and response times are good. While there’s lots to set up and sort out (along with a constant system tuition prompt on start-up), there are few of those usual French nuances about it.

Is the 308 GT PHEV a good urban car?

It’s a compact hybrid hatch, so yes, it works best in urban environs. The ride quality is sorted, some might think it a tad firm at first but we say nicely controlled, the damping well tuned. There is some tyre rumble on coarser surfaces, especially when in the electric, aka silent, drive mode. This has a good turnaround, the steering’s light and the small wheel is easy to twirl. Dimensionally compact, it’s easy to park as well.

The flip side is interior space. Those up front have it sweet but rear passengers do it tough for leg room, while the rear doors are small too. Open the boot and there’s probably enough luggage space for the typical buyer, but it’s not class leading.

The boot floor is set high with no spare beneath it, just a repair kit. However, folding the rear seat gives a reasonably level extended load space.

WORDS: KYLE CASSIDY PHOTOS: TOM GASNIER

REVIEW: NZ AUTOCAR

So does this Peugeot deliver low emissions driving?

There are a few drive modes, one being electric, which is the one to choose in urban running so as to minimise your fuel use. The motor operates via the eight-speed transmission, so feels stronger than its 81-kilowatt output suggests. It’s smooth too, the shifts going largely undetected thanks to the motor’s flat torque curve. We managed to average around 45km of travel on battery power, and while recharging sucks up 11.5kWh of energy, it charged overnight easily enough on the supplied three-pin plug. But at 25.5kWh/100km, it’s not what you’d call an efficient EV. In hybrid mode, it decides which is the better motivator to use. For instance during motorway or highway running, the engine can be the better option.

And once the battery is down to its minimum, you’re relying mainly on the 132kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol, with the motor helping. It’s still capable of some engineoff running, while progress remains

rather torquey, if not as smooth or quiet as in the electric mode. The more kilometres you do without recharging the higher the fuel consumption; figure on something between 4.5 and 5.0L/100km. While that’s not bad, there are cheaper conventional hybrid options out there.

The fuel consumption claim for the 308 PHEV is 1.0L/100km. Blame the WLTP test procedure; it runs for just 30min over a distance of 23km. A 100km test cycle would be more relevant.

Does it live up to its GT badging?

If you find yourself on a half decent road, select Sport mode and you get a better response from the powertrain, the transmission shifting with more intent and the engine working harder. It’s quick enough but not a powerhouse. While the 165kW system output sounds impressive, the 1,633kg weight figure dulls the gloss. Still it’s quicker than the 1.2 GT and the electric bits don’t diminish the 308’s playful chassis character. The steering’s light but communicates well and the action is accurate. The front end is particularly feisty, digging in determinedly while the rear end can be made to move about too.

And the suspension still has a good degree of give but also keeps roll contained. It’s enjoyable to fling about.

Is it worth the premium?

While this is a thoroughly decent car, the price is the sticking point. Plug-in hybrids are inbetweeners, and this one’s stuck in electric purgatory. We’d probably wait for the 308e coming at the end of the year which is unlikely (well, hopefully) to be much more expensive, or else we’d opt for the regular GT, some $20k cheaper.

Model Peugeot 308 GT PHEV

Price $74,990

Clean Car Discount Rebate – $5,750

Engine 1,598cc, IL4, T, DI

Power/Torque 132kW @ 6,000rpm

Torque 250Nm @ 1,750rpm

Hybrid System Output 165kW/360Nm

Battery 12.4kWh net

Drivetrain 8-speed automatic, FWD

Fuel Use 1.0L/100km

C02 Output 50g/km

0-100km/h 7.21sec

Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV

Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB

Luggage capacity 361-1,271 litre

Tow rating 600kg (1,500kg braked)

Service intervals 12 months/15,000km

Scheduled servicing 3yrs/45,000km

Warranty 5yrs, 100,000km

ANCAP rating 4 stars (2022)

Weight 1,633kg (claimed)

The boot floor is set high with no spare beneath it, just a repair kit. However, folding the rear seat gives a reasonably level extended load space.

Finding a perfect match

If you walked into Wellington College’s school hall in August last year, you might have seen what looked like a speed dating event. People were moving from table to table trying to make a good first impression. Short but in-depth conversations filled the room. There were hundreds of earnest attempts to get to know each other as everyone searched for their perfect match. This however was not singles looking for love, but students looking for careers! The SpeedMeet event organised by MITO - Te Pūkenga brought together students and local employers, including Thomas Craig (Tom) the director of Hutt Automatics. He was stoked to find his newest apprentice at the event, Olivia Black, who was also very happy with the outcome. “Thank goodness we matched because now I have a really good job.”

Olivia Black has been watching motorsport with her mum since she was a toddler, so it’s no surprise she developed a passion for the automotive industry. She enrolled in MITO’s StartUp programme while at Tawa College and had work experience at The Surgery in Tawa. “It gave me a really good sense of what it’s like to work in a trade”. And helped her know for sure that she

wanted to work with cars.

Initially Olivia was a bit nervous about SpeedMeet, but she had a great experience. “It was really well set up and I had lots of interviews with lots of different job types.” Olivia really liked the sound of Tom’s close-knit team with lots of young people working together and was intrigued by transmission work. “It sounded pretty interesting, and I had to give it a go.”

Tom was equally impressed by Olivia as a potential apprentice. He had been looking for an apprentice for quite a while when he got an email from MITO asking if he’d like to register for the SpeedMeet event. “I wanted to find someone that was young and keen, so I thought there was no better way than meeting a large amount of young people that were looking to leave school and get into a job.” When Olivia reached Hutt Automatics’ table, her passion for the industry shone through. Tom noticed how keen she was about cars and learning about them. “The way she talked, you could just tell that she was going to be up front, honest and just all the qualities you look for in a young apprentice.” Not only did Tom find a great apprentice, but he found SpeedMeet was

much more efficient than traditional recruitment strategies. “I saved so much time - I met 5070 kids in that day, whereas if I had just taken applications from elsewhere, you’d need a week or two to work through them and then find time for interviews, so in the end SpeedMeet was a real time saver.”

The benefits for both Tom and Olivia have only continued to flourish since their SpeedMeet match. Olivia has now enrolled in MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 3 and 4). She enjoys having lots of resources right at her fingertips through eLearning and getting to do lots of problem solving on the job. “Getting paid while you learn as well is a really good bonus”. She also praises the support she receives from her MITO Training Advisor Brian Scott, Tom and her whole Hutt Automatics team, saying “they feel like family”.

Tom is proud to have Olivia on his team and recognises the value of having a young person’s perspective in the workplace. “I always like to have an apprentice and then promote from within, it’s just the sort of business we run. It’s always

important to pass knowledge down too before the knowledge is retired and in the retirement home”. This knowledge is put to good use when passed on to a quick learner like Olivia who Tom says, “gets better and better every day.”

Olivia highly recommends students take advantage of SpeedMeet events in the future. “It’s a really good way to branch out there and make lots of connections”. For employers looking for their next apprentice, Tom also recommends SpeedMeet as an efficient way to connect with young people who are proving that they’re keen and going to turn up. “I would absolutely sign up again”.

If you’re keen to find out if SpeedMeet is taking place in your location, please email info@mito.org.nz.

Tom Craig of Hutt Automatics with Olivia Black.

CERTIFICATION

Entry Certification, Repair, and LVV

From the outside, getting a modified or repaired vehicle (that has been imported into, or previously registered in New Zealand) back on the road can look like a complex and confusing endeavour. There are several stages the vehicle will need to go through as part of the used vehicle entry compliance process, and the requirements can seem overwhelming. They aren’t really, though.

A vehicle goes through the entry compliance process to make sure the vehicle meets all applicable Land Transport Rules and Standards. During the entry part of the process, the vehicle may be referred by the Entry Inspector to other specialist certification areas involved in the compliance process, depending on its condition and the presence of any above-threshold modifications. These areas cover specific aspects of the vehicle that require expertise on the part of the Specialist Certifier. For the purposes of this article, we’ll cover the entry process and referral to Specialist Certifiers for repairs (repair certification), and modifications (low volume vehicle certification).

The one process every used vehicle must go through is entry compliance, which is through an approved testing station. This ensures that a vehicle meets specific standards, and is in a safe condition to be put on the road. There are two additional systems a vehicle can be referred to by an Entry Inspector:

• Repair Certification - if a vehicle has had repairs to its structure, or needs repairs to its structure, it will be referred for assessment by a Repair Certifier.

• Low Volume Vehicle Certification - if the vehicle has modifications that exceed the VIRM modification threshold, it will be referred to an LVV Certifier.

There are delineation points between where the repair system and the LVV system begin and end – these relate to the definitions in the VIRM of each term:

• Modify ‘means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.’

• Repair ‘means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment, and includes the replacement of damaged or worn structures, systems, components or equipment.’

This Escort may look shiny and new underneath, but repairs and modifications will need to be referred to the appropriate Specialist Certifier.

Basically, an LVV Certifier can’t sign off a repair, or vice versa – in essence, a repair must be a like-for-like replacement of a worn system or component with a new or undamaged one. A modification is a change made to a vehicle that doesn’t meet these criteria. Sometimes, where both things have happened, this can get confusing - for instance, an old vehicle which structural repairs due to corrosion, that also has additional retrofitted seatbelts. While it could seem from the outside like one person could sign off both of these things, because of the way the certification system works, this isn’t possible.

Let’s say a workshop has a Mk1 Ford Escort, which sat in long grass for a few years, the registration lapsed, and needed to have parts of the floor replaced due to rust. Because the owner wanted to take their kids to places in the car, the workshop fitted rear seatbelts to it. The first step for the workshop in getting the car back on the road is putting it through the entry certification process, and the Entry Inspector will examine the vehicle to ensure that its condition is within in-service limits – that things like brakes, tyres, and suspension components are in a safe condition and meet in-service requirements. This, unlike a Warrant of Fitness, is an invasive inspection where trim panels, wheels and other parts are removed to enable the Entry Inspector to examine the vehicle thoroughly.

Inspection process

As part of the inspection process, the Entry Inspector will note the replaced floorpan sections of our example Escort, and refer the vehicle to a Repair Certifier to ensure the replacement meets applicable repair requirements. They will also refer the vehicle to an LVV Certifier for the added rear seatbelts and seatbelt anchorages. While the new lower anchorages in the rear may be part of a replaced floorpan section, because these aren’t a replacement of an original equipment part (as the seatbelt anchorages are a modification) the Repair Certifier can’t cover these – they can only cover the overall replacement of the corrosion damaged area. The seatbelt anchorages are an above threshold modification, so they need to be covered by an LVV Certifier. However, part of the criteria for assessment for the seatbelt anchorages is that they are attached to the appropriate structure, and the LVV Certifier can use the Repair Certifier’s assessment as proof of this.

In this way, the two specialist certification systems can be used to complement each other. An Entry Inspector can then use the documents provided by the Specialist Certifier as proof that the repair or modification (as applicable) meets relevant requirements, and complete the entry inspection. The Entry Inspector can also use the Specialist Certifier’s documents as the basis for their acceptance of an aspect of the vehicle –for example, rather than removing pillar trims to inspect a modified seatbelt upper anchorage, because this is covered by an LVV certification, the Entry Inspector can use the LVV Certifier’s assessment of this as justification that it meets applicable requirements.

Tips

With all of this in mind, here are some tips for a workshop getting a vehicle ready for entry, or supervising a vehicle through the entry process –things to be mindful of include:

• Don’t do the final assembly prior to entry, as the car will need to be stripped apart for the Entry Inspector to examine.

• Expect that where modifications have occurred or structural repairs have been carried out, the vehicle will be referred for specialist certification.

• Check with the appropriate Specialist Certifier before starting work on the vehicle – there are specific requirements that repairs and modifications will need to meet.

• Ensure that items like tyres, brakes, and suspension bushes are in good condition.

• For vehicles where a specific ‘damage flag’ has been applied during the importation process (due to structural damage, corrosion, previous repairs, SRS warning light on), or where a vehicle has been written off by the insurer for water damage, there is strict criteria that must be followed by the Repair Certifier to sign the vehicle off.

Got a question that needs answering? Have a topic you’d like LVVTA to cover?

Let us know what you’d like to see in an upcoming LVVTA column at info@lvvta.org.nz

Life in the fast lane

As the old Eagles song Hotel California puts it: “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”

That’s the case for MTA Dealer Sector Manager and Eagles fan Tony Everett as he’s “heading for the door”. Tony’s calling time on four decades of involvement in the industry and a journey that all started at General Motors in Lower Hutt.

He’s “been living it up” in the industry for nigh on 40 years and during his tenure it has been “a dance to remember”.

From the General Motors production line to the finance department, then dealer operations for GM where he kept an eye on the structure and wholesale side of the business from manufactures to importers, and on to MTA.

It’s been a career of facts and figures - no “mirrors on the ceiling” or “pink champagne on ice” but a steady stream of statistics and submissions, which to Tony were like “the warm smell of exhaust fumes rising up through the air”.

Cool wind in his hair

Tony graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Business Studies in the late 70s, with a cool wind in his hair – it was General Motors calling and his first thought was “this could be heaven, or this could be hell”.

They were heady days in the industry, vehicle manufacturing in New Zealand was going strong and with a workforce of around 1,500 employees across

three plants, Tony took up a position as a production engineer at the Trentham plant.

“That’s where I got into setting standard times for the assembly plant, to track plant efficiency. I did think at the time that car assembly in New Zealand didn’t have a long life left, but I also thought a labourintensive industry would be something to experience,” he says.

Such a lovely place

“They had multiple tea ladies and on the production line you could have any version of tea as long as it was strong, heavily milked with two sugars,” he says.

“They had a full dining room on site and their own fulltime doctor.”

He went from production engineering to the finance department and on to running the hourly payroll system. Workers’ pay was cash in those days, paid weekly.

“It was all run by timeclocks and if you were more than three minutes late to work you were docked five minutes in pay, because a production line had to start on time, and everyone had to be there.”

“In that job, every minute of the day and the week was mapped out for you,” he says. Then “there were voices down the corridor” and Tony moved across to Personnel or what is now called HR.

Changes were on the horizon for car manufacturing in New Zealand. GM closed its Hutt Valley plant in the 90s, but there was still, “plenty of room at GM” for Tony; he was reassigned as the Dealer Development Manager.

“That was my first exposure to the retail side of the business, and it involved appointing dealers, managing the dealer signage programme, and monitoring and tracking their financial performance.

“I then moved into an allied role as District Sales Manager for the bottom half of the North Island and South Island. Out on the road visiting dealers and pushing product.”

During his time with GM, Tony says, he was lucky enough to have a company car - all GM brands of course.

“There were probably two standout cars that I really did like during this time.”One was an Opel Kadet GSi in the late 80s, I really liked that one, and the other was a supercharged Holden Commodore Berlina - it drank petrol like you wouldn’t believe, but the supercharger spin up was very engaging.”

Still those voices were calling from far away

Tony was eventually asked to rejoin the head office which had moved to Auckland.

That idea didn’t fit with family obligations, so they parted ways, and he took up a position with Marac Finance for a while, then went on to a Holden dealership as F&I Manager.

A couple of years later “those voices were calling from far away”, when Ian Stronach, MTA Media and Marketing manager shoulder tapped Tony for the Sector Manager for Dealer’s role in 2004.

“As part of the job I was Mediation Manager in addition to Dealer Sector Manager,” he says. “The mediation function taught me a hell of a lot about the application of consumer law, and it was a really interesting role.”

Supporting and representing dealers has been one of the highlights of his career, Tony says, and being a person who likes a good Excel sheet of figures,

there’s nothing he enjoys more than the finer details of the market and the battle of the brands.

“I enjoy the drive and energy of dealers. They are entrepreneurial and put a lot on the line. From my experience, I would happily state on record that many are amongst the most ethical businesspeople around, are in it for the long term, and are a standout in what they will do to try and keep customers supported.”

Over his 19 years with MTA, the changes to the market kept coming. Among them, Trade Me became a new advertising mechanism, it had an impact on the market but not on the number of dealers, he says.

“Right now, the game is changing again for dealers with Facebook and free advertising.”

Tony won’t be “taking it easy” either, he plans to split his time between Wellington and Australia for a while, but old habits die hard, and he intends to still keep an eye on what’s happening in the industry, absorbing statistics for enjoyment rather than work.

Nice tie Tony!

Dirtbike riding on his trusty KTM has served as a great outlet for Tony.

Government’s immigration decisions update

The Government’s recent immigration announcement deals a heavy blow to the thousands of Kiwi automotive businesses already struggling with dire skill shortages.

Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), introduced as part of a broader immigration reshuffle, carry significant potential repercussions for our automotive industry.

Regrettably, the Government’s decision to overlook Level 4 qualifications leaves our workers at a distinct disadvantage.

Our automotive workers are indeed highly skilled professionals. They complete rigorous apprenticeships and achieve specialised qualifications. It’s unfair that they’re deemed unskilled by authorities.

This is due to the Government’s new policy that mandates Level 7 qualifications or above, or employment within a registered profession in order to be considered skilled and get three of the six points needed.

Professions such as plumbers, builders, and electricians have recognised skilled residence pathways via professional registration, while our automotive workers are left without a similar opportunity.

If a role isn’t included on the Green List, workers must earn at least 1.5 times the median wage, currently at $44.49 per hour, for

BIG company health insurance benefits for MTA members

A new collaboration with MTA insurance partners Crombie Lockwood and nib offers smaller businesses the same valuable health insurance benefits reserved for larger businesses.

two years before they can apply for residence. This allows them to accumulate three points towards residency.

After completing three years of work in New Zealand, they can gain an additional three points, resulting in a total of six points - the new requirement for residency.

Workers are eligible for a fiveyear work visa with no pathway to residency if they’re engaged in Non-Green List occupations and earning no less than the median wage of $29.66 per hour.

Essentially, employees in nonGreen List roles are obliged to earn at least 1.5 times the median wage if they want a residency pathway.

It’s worth noting that the median wage is reviewed each February and is expected to rise.

Hire locally

Our conversations with members indicate that New Zealand’s automotive businesses are eager to hire locally. However, our local talent pool simply isn’t sufficient to meet market demands.

A particular point of concern is the Government’s Green List - a list of approved roles that qualify for residency. Roles such

as Panel and Paint professionals are glaringly absent, placing these workers at a significant disadvantage. If our skilled workers are not listed on this Green List, they will hit a deadend after securing a five-year visa. While we appreciate the Government’s action in adding skilled automotive technicians to the Green List, it must be understood that this role represents only a portion of the skills shortage our sector is grappling with.

We’re urgently calling on the Government to action the inclusion of Panel and Paint roles in the Green List. Additionally, we’re advocating for the Government to collaborate with MTA to establish a sector agreement. This agreement would aim to ensure officials see our skilled profession and pave a clear pathway for families who have committed their lives to these vital roles.

The skills shortages that Kiwi businesses are currently facing are unprecedented. It’s imperative that the Government acts swiftly and decisively to address these challenges, while acknowledging the worth and skills of all our workers.

Thanks to a collaboration with Crombie Lockwood and nib, MTA member businesses who have just five or more employees have access to the same valuable health insurance benefits usually reserved for big companies.

In a tight labour market, your team will appreciate you being there for them when things get rough. For example, if someone is on a waiting list for surgery, this can be a real pain – not just for them, but for your business as a whole. For a business with five or more staff, immediate cover and treatment will be available.

The member benefit includes:

· immediate pre-existing conditions cover (excluding general policy exclusions)

· waived stand-down periods on GP, dental and optical and specialist options when added within 90 days of policy commencement.

· being available to immediate family members of employees, when added within 90 days of policy commencement or marriage.

Crombie Lockwood’s Head of Employee Benefits, Dirk Labuschagne, says: “This is also a huge drawcard for those with a partner or child with a pre-existing condition who can’t get treated because they’ve been excluded from individual private health insurance.

“With the right type of group insurance, they’ll be covered for those conditions without any underwriting or medical questionnaires. They’re automatically accepted, and cover starts from day one.

“Not only do employers who offer group health insurance cover demonstrate they’re invested in their employees’ wellbeing, they can also boost productivity by ensuring their workers receive timely treatment for medical issues”. It is an employer-subsidised benefit, and you’ll need to cover everyone in the team. The cost will depend on the age and gender of the businesses employees, but it usually compares well with individual policies.

Interested in finding out more?

Email mta@crombielockwood.co.nz to get a quote.

Repairer and Enviro sector

Humble hoist often overlooked

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

One of the workhorses in any workshop is the humble vehicle hoist. This is a staple in any workshop to help keep technician efficiency up, and it doubles for additional carpark spacing in the workshop overnight.

Unfortunately, this piece of equipment is sometimes overlooked, overworked or just ignored when it comes to the upkeep needed. With the staple of the shop being either the two-poster or four-poster, there is a greater uptake of the single-post hoist. MTA has been fielding several calls relating to hoists, with a number of different questions.

Frequent inspections

Any hoist should have weekly and monthly or quarterly inspections, and the latter should be recorded and kept on record, and most importantly, is your certification current? The majority of hoist suppliers should give you a service check list with your hoist when you purchase it, but here are some points if you have an older hoist or just want to be safe in the workspace. Weekly checks should also include cleaning. Cleaning down the grime off your hoist not only will keep your investment looking better for longer, but grease and grime can hide key indicators of possible potential failures. Cleaning hoist arms, especially around welded components can often present cracks in the paint, possibly showing the start of an issue. Another key priority of weekly checks should be the rubber feet. These should be inspected for damage, security and overall condition. If the rubber block has separated from the metal foot, this can lead to slippage and possible vehicle movement on the hoist.

Monthly or quarterly inspections will be highly dependent on the style of hoist you have, cable of hydraulic, electric screw type etc. But needless to say, a full list of inspection criteria should be written and checked and also recorded. This can be the inspection of electrical cables and switches, leakage from hydraulic rams, inspection of steel cables for fray or damage, galling to main screws and overall condition of hoist arms, inspection and operation of safety mechanisms for correct operation. Lubrication of pivot points should be conducted as per manufacturers’ specifications,

Fuel and Heavy Vehicle sector

No panic at the pumps as FED reinstated

Matthew.alderdice@mta.org.nz

and maybe even a touch of copper grease on the hoist foot thread for good measure.

Single-post popular

Single-post hoists are being seen as a viable option these days to utilise space in shops and also outside. If you are looking at purchasing a mobile hoist, there are several key items you should look into. If the hoist has the possibility of being operated outside, make sure you inform your electrician of this so they can ensure the plugs, leads and sockets are appropriately certified for this use. Talking with your hoist supplier, see what type of weather/water resistant measures are used for the electrical system. You are not likely to be outside working in the rain, but you may get caught in a light shower so better safe than sorry.

Mobile devices

As these are a mobile device, a SOP (safe operating practice) sheet needs to be completed to ensure safe operation and use. Knowing the floor that is under the hoist is paramount to ensure the floor can support both the weight of the hoist and vehicle it is lifting. If you are going to be operating a mobile lift close to your workshop entrance, with the possibility of public being close in proximity, marking of a ‘no-go’ area under or around the car for the public is key here. Highvis road cones or expandable barriers restricting public access needs to be high on the agenda. And one of the biggest things that should be looked at is the safety mechanism on the hoist. Always look for the quality, build and safety measures built into the hoist when you are looking at making your purchase.

Two critical sheets that need to be drawn up, used and recorded are the SOP and HSI (hoist safety inspection) sheets. Recording these is also crucial for your health and safety compliance. An easy option here is our team at HSE Connect. They can assist you in the SOP, HSI and recording and storing the critical information.

Media

there’d be long queues and chaos at the pumps when the Fuel Excise Duty subsidy came to end proved to be largely wide of the mark.

Sure, there were stories of queues in Auckland, and some reports of people filling up everything from milk bottles to jerrycans to stock up. But largely, it was a pretty peaceful transition. To be fair it was reasonable to speculate that there would be a bit of a rush, but in Wellington at least, MTA staff reported few signs of urgency. It’s worth recapping the history of the subsidy. On 14 March 2022, the government announced a package of temporary measures to provide relief for New Zealand households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and the global energy price spike that resulted from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. One of these measures was a reduction in the FED of $0.25/lire, with the full FED to be reinstated in mid-June 2022.

At Budget 2022 on 19 May 2022, the FED reduction was extended by an additional two months to mid-August 2022. On 17 July 2022, the FED reduction was extended further to the end of January 2023.

At the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update on 14 December 2022, the government announced they planned to roll back the FED reduction. The full FED reduction was extended by an additional month, to the end of February 2023. The reduction would then be halved over March (ie the reduction would fall to $0.125/litre), before the full FED would be reinstated on 1 April 2023.

Then, after a change in Prime Minister and government priorities, on 1 February 2023, the government announced an additional extension to the full $0.25/litre FED reduction to the end of June 2023.

At the time of the initial FED cut in mid-March 2022, the price of regular 91-octane petrol was around $3.05/litre. The main port price of regular petrol peaked in July 2022 at $3.16/litre, despite a $0.25/litre reduction in the FED, meaning the non-discounted price would have been $3.41/litre.

The price of regular (91) petrol has since declined to around $2.31/litre at the end of June 2023 (Gaspy). Currently the national average price of regular (91) petrol is $2.60/litre (Gaspy).

A Government spokesman said the temporary removal of fuel excise was designed to support Kiwis through the global energy crisis last year which saw petrol spike about $3/litre.

“Petrol prices are now 70 cents per litre lower than they were in early March last year when fuel excise was removed.

“Other countries that also removed fuel excise at that time like Australia, Ireland, and Germany have already reinstated their fuel taxes as the global price of fuel has eased.”

National Party Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown said the National Party initially supported the temporary cut to fuel excise as a cost-ofliving measure in the absence of tax relief for working families. However, the cuts were not sustainable in the long term.

“We have no plans to reintroduce fuel excise discounts as the revenues are required to fix our roads.”

speculation

Collision Repair sector

Can 3D printing change the repair process in New Zealand?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has begun to make its mark in the automotive manufacturing industry. Some key aspects of 3D printing are already being used in automotive manufacturing, and they will eventually flow over into all sectors of automotive aftermarket industry

This all sounds good and while 3D printing offers numerous benefits in the automotive manufacturing sector, there are still some challenges ahead, such as intellectual property concerns, the cost of 3D printers and 3D scanners, ensuring quality and reliability, using the correct materials, material costs verses buying from the parts supplier, and being paid from work providers for 3D printed parts.

Currently 3D printing allows automotive manufacturers to rapidly create prototypes of various components and systems, enabling them to repeat designs quickly and efficiently. This helps in evaluating form, fit, and function, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional methods.

They are increasingly being used to manufacture end-use parts. While it may not be feasible to 3D print entire vehicles at large scales currently, certain components, such as interior trim, brackets, housings, and small functional parts, can be produced using 3D printing methods. This allows for on-demand production, customisation, and improved supply chain, especially given New Zealand’s distance from manufacturing and parts replacement suppliers.

Supply chain potential

3D printing has the potential to improve traditional automotive supply chains for smaller componentry, allowing for local and ondemand production, and reducing lead times, inventory costs, and international transportation requirements. This can result in a more agile and sustainable supply chain and waste reduction in inventory holding.

3D printers can work with a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, ceramics, resins, and composites. Each material has its own unique properties, such as strength, flexibility, durability, and heat resistance. The selection of materials depends on the intended application and desired characteristics of the printed object.

It’s already being used by manufacturers and aftermarket industries for:

• spare parts production

• customisation and personalisation

• performance upgrades

• retrofitting and modifications

• low-volume production

• rapid prototyping

• obsolete parts replication

• sustainability and eco-friendliness.

There are various 3D printing technologies available, including fused deposition modelling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and digital light processing (DLP), to name a few.

If you are considering using 3D printing in your business, it is best to seek out a local supplier to discuss your requirements, and the on-going backup, service, and supply of materials.

3D printing could revolutionise the aftermarket landscape in New Zealand by enabling greater customisation, replication of hard-to-find or obsoleted parts, flexibility, and availability of automotive parts and accessories in a timely manner.

Check out the Vital Auto video on youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CTkH_3WC5s

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

Market overview Dealer sector

Don’t relax, there’s more to come

If you feel you've been facing a seemingly neverending stream of changes introduced by the Government, that’s completely understandable. Because you have been.

All in the name of well-intended aims and to do our bit to limit the impacts of climate change but, as with most things, the devil’s in the detail. Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps we were all looking forward to some sort of reprieve. However, that has obviously not been the case.

Don’t relax too much because the Clean Car Discount (CCD) might need further revision.

By way of a recap, it all started on 1 July, 2021, with the introduction of the CCD when, overnight, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) suddenly attracted substantial rebates.

The automotive industry was caught on the hop, and it took a while to ramp up supply of related products.

Then, in April 2022, the full version of the CCD followed, which is when traditional petrol hybrids also became eligible for incentives along with a few smaller-engine models with internal combustion engines.

At the other end of the spectrum, fees landed on the higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emitting vehicles. That’s to say, those with CO2 output ratings of more than 190g/km.

Significant impacts

The impacts were significant, and two things happened. The supply of electrified vehicles improved and along with that came a major shift in buyer behaviour toward such models. The downside, if it’s fair to call it that, was that the draw on the ‘fund’ was much greater than expected. The CCD was meant to be a self-funding scheme with penalties funding the incentives. It proved too successful, creating a budgetary hole.

Roll on another nine months to 1 January, 2023, which is when we saw the introduction of the Clean Car Standard (CCS).

Tony.everett@mta.org.nz

This brought another mix of rebates.

The CCS is a below-the-line exercise or, to put it another way, a supply-side initiative. The impacts aren’t directly visible to consumers, but make no mistake, they are still there.

It’s up to the vehicle importer as to how the pricing will be set.

Seven months later on 1 July 2023, the CCD was tweaked because it had been too successful, and the kitty was in deficit. Outgoings, in the form of rebates, were considerably higher than incomings, that’s to say the fees.

To stem the flow, the Government revised the settings by reducing the incentives and increasing penalties. The so-called ‘neutral band’ was also moved down the CO2 scale.

Only the passage of time will inform as to whether the adjustments and related forecasting have led to getting right.

It is essential that car dealers don’t forget to update all their vehicle emissions energy economy labels by 15 July – for online listings as well as stock sitting on yards.

So, there have been four very significant changes across a two-year period. If you feel like a boxer with both arms tied back, now you know why. As mentioned above, the CCD might need further revision if the sales mix doesn’t match expectations.

If there is a change of Government following October’s general election, the CCD is on notice to be scrapped; however, that might be easier said than done.

The good old days!

Remember the ‘good old days’ when the business was much simpler? Order a vehicle from overseas, new or used, and you knew what you were up for.

It’s not so easy now when pondering the impacts of the CCS and whether your competitors have more offset credits available to them, or even whether the CCD will still be the same by the time your stock eventually lands on our shores.

New vehicles

23,560 units in June, 96 percent ahead of same month last year, and the best June result on record. The market is up 3.5 percent across the six months of the year, and the best H1 result on record.

17,302 new passenger vehicles, up 81 percent on same month last year, and up 8 percent YTD.

6,258 new commercial registrationsup 152 percent versus same month last year, but down 7 percent YTD.

The result this month reflects market reaction to Government changes to the Clean Car Discount settings, which took effect on 1 July 2023. Buyers have acted to avoid the respective rebate reductions or fee increases. Market volumes in the coming months will consequently be lower than usual.

Brand performance

Tony Everett04 381 8827

New Vehicle Market Passenger and Commercial - June 2023

Toyota had an enormous month and obviously claimed market lead for the month. YTD Toyota holds a dominant 20 percent share across H1 - more than double the next best contender. MG, Volkswagen and Haval all achieved stronger than usual results in June.

Outside the top 10 ranking, Isuzu, Skoda, Mini, Ssangyong, Mahindra and Jeep all showed marked volume increases in June. Across the first half of the year, almost all brands in the 'top 10' list are ahead versus same point last year, with Mitsubishi being the obvious exception. Despite a solid result in June they are unable to match the stellar volumes achieved across H1 last year. Top 15 models included: 10 SUV, three Utes and two Cars, Many models, too many to cite, achieved volumes well above usual levels. Those outcomes are reflected in YTD changes.

Honda’s new mid-sized SUV, squeezing in between CR-V and HR-V, made its presence felt with a credible 147 units in its first month60:40 split in favour of the hybrid variant.

Drive technology mix:

ICE 65 percent, Hybrid 18 percent, EV 11 percent, and PHEV 6 percent.

4,202 Hybrid - including: 983 RAV4, 261 C-HR, 246 Niro, 235 Corolla and 230 Jazz

2,644 EV - including: 765 Tesla Model Y, 440 BYD ATTO 3, 260 MG ZS, 182 Hyundai Ioniq and 98 Ford Mustang Mach-E.

1,324 PHEV - including: 498 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, 258 Mitsubishi Outlander, 135 Kia Niro, 110 Ford Escape and 77 Mini Countryman.

Market overview - June 2023

Used import vehicles

17,698 units in June, up 128 percent versus same month last year, and the best June result on record.

YTD the used import sector is down 12 percent.

16,680 used import passenger vehicles in June, up 125 percent on same month last year. There were 1,018 used import commercial registrations, up 193 percent on June last year.

The result this month reflects market reaction to Government changes to the Clean Car Discount settings, which take effect 1 July 2023. Buyers have acted to avoid the respective rebate reductions or fee increases. Market volumes in the coming month or so will consequently be lower than usual.

Brand and model performance

Toyota dominated with 6,390 units, followed by Nissan 2,762, Mazda 2,245, Subaru 1,459, and Honda 1,132. Top 15 models included: 9 cars, 4 SUV, one MPV and one Van.

Toyota Aqua remains dominant with 10 percent of the used import market in June.

Registration activity jumped across the board due a mix of buyer action and dealer advance registrations seeking to get in before higher CCD fees in July.

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX:

ICE 58 percent, Hybrid 39 percent, EV 2 percent and PHEV 1 percent.

Hybrid: 6,852 units including: 1,736 Aqua, 1,255 Prius, 505 Serena, 409 Corolla, and 361 Fit.

EV: 304 units including: 271 Leaf, 8 Genesis GV70, 5 Tesla model S and 3 Nissan E-NV200.

PHEV: 228 units including: 169 Outlander, 31 Prius, 12 BMW 3 series and 6 RAV4.

Used Import Vehicle Registrations Passenger and Commercial

Motorcycles

554 new motorcycle registrations in June, down 11 percent on same month last year, and down 13 percent YTD.

87 used import motorcycle registrations, down 22 percent versus same month last year, but down 21 percent YTD.

Overall, the combined new and used import road market of 641 units was down 13 percent on same month last year, and down 14 percent YTD.

The motorcycle market reflects ongoing product shortages along with the tougher economic times and the cooler weather, which is less encouraging from a motorcycle perspective.

Nissan Serena sales were 2.5 times their normal monthly levels70 percent of registrations were in hybrid form.

Top 10 Used Import Models – June 2023

Brand and model performance

Suzuki clawed back market leadership in June, although Honda leads YTD (605 vs 564).

Harley Davidson, Triumph, Ducati and Indian are ahead across the first half of the year.

Outside the top 10, pretty much everyone is running behind the same point as last year.

Top-selling Models – June 2023

Top

Motorcycle Registrations by Brand

Member classifieds

Situations vacant - North Island

Auto mechanic, service technician – Wanganui

Guthries Auto Care Wanganui is looking for a qualified Automotive Mechanic and a Service Technician that can diagnose, problem solve and work unsupervised. Email your CV to guthriesauto@xtra.co.nz or contact Paul for more information 06 347 9881.

Service manager – Foxton

Looking for a service Manager to run a successful Automotive business working on a range of vehicles. A current WoF authority is a necessity. Must be able to manage day-to-day running of the business with the possible opportunity to purchase further down the track. Contact Richard 021 055 5151 or 06 363 8074.

Panelbeaters and Painters – Auckland, Onehunga

Auckland Panel and Paint is expanding with new contracts, and requires additional top skilled tradesmen. Two branches in Auckland City and Onehunga. Great wages, with an emphasis on training (CRA Trainer of the year 2022). Benefits include Health care and flexible hours. Assistance with relocation if required. Ph: 021 888 000 or bob@rabon.co.nz.

Automotive technician/WoF – Taupo

Morrell Motors is an award winning, multi-franchise dealership requiring a qualified Automotive Technician to join our team. WoF certificate an advantage, not essential. Live in picturesque Taupo whilst working for a progressive company with ambitious growth. Contact Mark Morrell mark@morrellmotors.co.nz or phone 021 759 070.

Motorcycle technician – Tauranga

Bayride Motorcycles is on the hunt for an experienced mechanic, WoF authority preferred. We service Aprilia, Triumph and Yamaha motorcycles. Contact Catherine@bayride.co.nz 027 348 4792.

Automotive technician – Wellington

European vehicle workshop specialising in Porsche, looking for an experienced tech who is passionate about cars. The role requires problem solving and diagnose faults in a wide variety of modern and classic vehicles. Work ranges from basic service and WoF through to engine and gearbox rebuilds, auto electrical, performance modifications and electric cars. Email CV and cover letter to office@powerhaus.net.nz. Phone: 04 4998715.

Mechanic – Kumeu, Rodney

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 ability to work under pressure essential. Email Mike: admin@manukaautomotive.co.nz.

Motorcycle technician – Auckland Takapuna

Qualified technician required for busy Service department. Great team with a new well-equipped Service department. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Contact Sandra – sandra@cyclespot.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.

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.

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. Please contact us at herbstauranga@gmail.com or call us on 07 577 6535.

Automotive technician - Auckland

Giltrap Nissan (Auckland) part of the Giltrap Group is seeking a Qualified Auto Technician with fulltime WoF Inspector certificate. We offer a wellequipped workshop along with continuous and ongoing training. To apply, please email your CV to Javed at: jsoyab@giltrapnissan.co.nz

Auto electrician – Gisborne

Gisborne Autoelectrics currently have an exciting opportunity for a qualified auto electrician or apprentice. We specialise in commercial and private motor vehicles. Email dani@gisborneautoelectrics.co.nz or Phone 06 868 8012.

Automotive technician – Havelock North

We require a mechanic with WoF authority, not frightened of being busy and can work on a variety of vehicles. Must be reliable and trustworthy.

Email: mcclintockmotors2014@gmail.com if interested along with your c.v.

Oil change/ battery fitment mechanic –Auckland (Henderson)

Lubeking/Battery Express is looking for a vehicle servicing and battery fitment mechanic (Entry Level Role). Mechanically minded person with basic workshop experience, basic computer skills and good customer service. Full NZ Drivers licence required. This is a fulltime role with Saturday morning work. Email CV and cover letter to: lubekingbookings@gmail.com

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 is required.

Phone: 06 758 3535.

Automotive technician/mechanic – Hastings

DC Autocare require an experienced technician/mechanic. A busy workshop servicing all makes and models 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 – Auckland

Busy Automotive workshop - Auckland Howick Central. Are seeking a mechanic with any experience. Contact Vlad: 021 261 2604 or email: info@somarservice.co.nz.

Automotive technician – Northland

Busy workshop looking for an Automotive Technician preferably with WoF authority. Contact Luke on 021 111 5683.

Senior technician/ Foreman - Papamoa

Work, play and enjoy life on the beach in Papamoa. Relocation costs may be subsidised. For a qualified, 10yrs+ experienced mechanic, we offer a competitive remuneration. Send CV to jobs@coastalautos.nz.

Automotive mechanic/technician – Manukau City

We are a busy workshop who prides themselves on quality workmanship and customer service. Needs to be able to work unsupervised, have good diagnostic skills and be able to work on a wide range of vehicles and a good command of English and a full driver licence with NZ residency or a valid work visa. Email: workshop@autoking.co.nz or phone: 09 262 1271.

Estimator – Wellington

If you have automotive industry experience and you are committed to providing exceptional customer service while managing relationships with key partners such as suppliers and insurers, then we want you. The role has primary responsibility for detailed estimates. Also involves liaising with technicians on requirements for parts and/or specialist subcontractors. Send CV and cover letter to Mike Tustin at enquiries@tustins. co.nz or contact 021-771 685.

Parts advisor – Matamata

We are requring a parts advisor to join our dynamic team of eight. This role involves finding, ordering and delivery of parts. Please contact us on 07 888 7579 or office@onsiteae.co.nz.

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.

Mechanic – Woodville

We’re looking for a qualified mechanic to join our busy country workshop. Focused on friendly service, we cover diagnostics to engineering. WoF certification beneficial but not essential. Phone: 06 376 5239.

Mechanic/ AVI – Kapiti Coast

We are looking for a new mechanic, or suitably qualified person to join our team. NZ licence and residency minimum requirements for the job. AVI preferred, or someone who can get certified. Class 2 and 6 licences an advantage. Scan tool experience a plus too. A decent wage and conditions offered. We have a random drug test regime and the 90-day clause applies. Apply with CV to Dayal at gckapiti@gmail.com or call: 021 329257

Automotive technician – Gisborne

We are looking for an experienced technician who prides themselves on quality workmanship and outstanding service. By joining us you get a modern workshop with comprehensive diagnostic equipment and ongoing training and development with our Nissan, Isuzu and Hyundai franchises. Send your CV to Justin @ justin.kent@enterprisemg.co.nz.

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/WoF Inspector – Te Aroha

Immediate start. Qualified or equivalent experience and WoF authority required. Excellent working conditions. Please email CV to: service@summitmotors.co.nz or call Garth on 021 511 911.

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.

Situations vacantSouth Island

Automotive

technician – South Canterbury

We are the South Canterbury Honda service centre, after hours AA roadside contractor and carry out salvaging throughout the district. The successful applicant needs to 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 technician – Dunedin

Opportunity for a qualified/experienced Automotive 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 – Dunedin

Dj Auto is looking for an experienced technician to work along side three young men. The ideal candidate would be adaptable and have a passion for cars or engineering. Position would be 25-40 hours per week. Contact Thomas Laue on 03 4730 068.

Mechanic/WoF Inspector – Balclutha

Seeking a full time qualified, motivated Automotive Technician to join our friendly team at our busy workshop, hours: Monday to Friday. Preferably with WoF authority. Full NZ drivers’ licence. We service all makes and models. Phone Allan Finch on 027 768 6697.

Automotive technician – Tasman

We are looking for a Senior qualified technician to join our team. Preferably with WoF authority. We are a mechanical workshop/service station and AA Breakdown contractor. We would offer assistance with relocation and finding accommodation. Email chris.perrysauto@gmail. com with CV or contact owner Chris Atkins 021 540 286.

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. Contact Mark Lee on 021 0832 3373 or mark@leerecruitment.co.nz.

Automotive technician – Kaiapoi

A busy general repair workshop looking for an experienced technician, with a current WoF certificate. Contact Jason on 027 918 8685

Qualified mechanic - Christchurch

We require a fully qualified mechanic with current warrant of fitness inspector ticket. Email: office@blighsroadservicestation.co.nz Phone: 021 085 64498.

Diesel mechanic – Wyndham

Enthusiastic diesel injection technician with common rail experience to join a thriving rural garage. The business boasts a fully equipped diesel fuel injection facility. Generous package to reflect the experience of the applicant, with a possibility for future investment into the business. Email: redbarron222@gmail.com or phone 0272 417614.

Oil change/ battery fitment mechanic –Auckland (Henderson)

Lubeking/Battery Express is looking for a vehicle servicing and battery fitment mechanic (Entry Level Role). Mechanically minded person with basic workshop experience, basic computer skills and good customer service. Full NZ Drivers licence required. This is a fulltime role with Saturday morning work. Email CV and cover letter to: lubekingbookings@ gmail.com.

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.

Businesses for sale

Automotive Workshop/Service Station – Tasman

Situated in Mapua in the middle of the Tasman Bay. Area is growing rapidly and therefore 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 and training etc. For more information call Chris 021 540 286 or email chris.perrysauto@gmail.com.

Automotive Workshop & Rental Car AgencyAuckland Northshore

Well established with strong customer base, operating since 1990. Automotive workshop 4 bay 2x2 post hoists, tyre bay, WoF site, brake lathe, SAM computer system and more. International Rental Car agent. This is a 5 to 5-1/2 day operation with room to expand. Owner retiring. Please contact 0274 887721 for more information.

Heavy Vehicle Workshop – Greymouth

Looking for a lifestyle change and want to run your own business?

Come to the affordable West Coast. A well established business with a strong and diverse customer base, service and quality workmanship. Service pit, pit jack, truck hoist and 2-post hoist for light vehicles. 3 qualified mechanics and an apprentice. Selling due to health and retirement only. Email office@dtmechanical.co.nz.

Panel Repair shop - Palmerston North

Well-equipped panel repair shop. Established over 55 years Owner retiring. Chassis machine, measuring system and hoist etc. Loyal customer base. Close to town centre. Phone: Terry 0274 844758.

Automotive Workshop – Auckland Mt Eden Established 1980. Located Mine Road, Mt Eden Road. 2 x 2 post hoists 1 x 4 post hoist. Tyre bay with tyre and balance machine. WoF site. Just bring your own staff. High quality client base. For more information Email: johnbiparva@yahoo.com.

Automotive Workshop – Napier

A great opportunity to live and work in Napier. This Automotive Workshop has 4 bays with 2 hoists ( 1 x 4 & 1 x 2 post hoists ). Plenty of onsite parking and great location. For more information Call Glenn on 027 442 1090 or email info@taradaleservicecentre.co.nz.

Automotive Workshop – Hamilton.

Well established since 1997. 300sqm workshop with 3 hoists, 10+ car parks. Well setup workshop with a large client base and SAM computer software. Has all the equipment you would need. Please call 021 790 651.

Automotive Workshop - Auckland Howick Central. Long time successful business. High customer base. 2x2 post hoists, one pit plus more. WoF site. For information email: info@somarservice.co.nz.

Member classifieds Services

VIRM In-Service Certification Questionnaire pack 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.

QMS and PRS Manual (Administration)

Help and guidance for those working in the WoF Inspecting Organisation space. provide a pre-assessment check, to get your QMS up-to-date before your next NZTA visit. Happy to take calls from anywhere in the South Island. Acceler8 Automotive Solutions - www.acceler8.co.nz. Phone: Chris Lambie 027 442 0899. Email: radiator@mta.org.nz

Auto exchange

National Service available • PRS, QMS and EVIRM Training

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

Phone: 021-2777-228

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

A cost-effective way of connecting your business and services to MTA members.

To advertise in this section please email: radiator@mta.org.nz

MTA Board of Directors 2023

Region coordinators and chairs

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 every six weeks or so and all MTA members are more than 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.

Kaimai

Kim Preston Regional Events Coordinator Team Leader 027 280 0707 kim.preston@mta.org.nz

Northern region

Amy Lai Region Coordinator 021 292 7652 amy.lai@mta.org.nz

Eastland

Dan Taylor Region Chair 022 014 7802 dan.taylor@toiohomai.ac.nz

MTA Membership Advisors

UPPER NORTH ISLAND

SOUTH AUCKLAND

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

Rob Wilson Region Chair 021 268 1781 rob@supershoppealbany.co.nz

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

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

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

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

MIKE GREENE 027 497 1568 mike.greene@mta.org.nz

Central West Cook Strait

James Candish Region Chair 027 226 3053 jc@vva.co.nz natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Kelly Stephens Region Chair 027 366 0050 kstephens@hbtoyota.co.nz

Shannon Morbey Region Coordinator 021 031 0075 shannon.morbey@mta.org.nz

Coast to Coast

027 682 4191 mel.tukapua@mta.org.nz

Aoraki East Coast Southern Mainland

Katrina Garrett Region Coordinator 021 225 5528 katrina.garrett@mta.org.nz

Leslie Baxter Region Chair 03 208 1234 leslie@carnabycars.co.nz

027 682 4191 mel.tukapua@mta.org.nz

021 706 503 hamish.miller@op.ac.nz

Sturrock Saunders sturrockcsaunders@gmail.com

Tony Allen tonysauto@xtra.co.nz

Tom Ruddenklau truddenklau@gmail.com

Samantha Sharif samanthahsharif@gmail.com

Grant Woolford grantw@cyclespot.co.nz

Ready to start your WoF journey with us? Register your interest now at Shannon.Morbey@mta.org.nz

Blended-learning programme

Our new WoF programme includes both online and face-to-face learning, providing you a pathway to your authority from start to finish.

Easily accessible updates

With us you will promptly receive any technical updates as they are released. Keeping you up-to-date always on the important stuff.

Receive $500 per month to support each first-year and second-year apprentice.

mito.nz/apprenticeshipboost

Forget about piles of paper. With our online QMS system you can document everything in one place, keeping you ready for any audit.