Radiator March 2024 Issue

Radia to

FOR Check

The Great Big Hearing Check

Who do you hear for? Your mates, your favourite co-worker, your kids or your better-half? Whoever it is, New Zealand Hearing Awareness month is the perfect time to take your annual hearing check at greatbighearingcheck.co.nz. The quick online hearing check only takes 4 minutes, and it’s completely free.

Lesleigh Smith, Triton Hearing’s Head of Audiology, emphasises the importance of checking your hearing regularly, “We see a lot of people with noise-induced hearing loss in New Zealand. Because we have an extensive farming community, a large trades sector, and a sizeable manufacturing industry, a lot of Kiwis work in environments where they are regularly exposed to noise, and their hearing loss goes undetected.”

Smith further explains, “While there’s more awareness now of the need to use personal protective equipment, the issue is that people can be quite lax around using the hearing protection for a short-duration activity. But it’s that repetitive exposure over time that chips away at your hearing and accelerates your hearing loss.”

Untreated hearing loss can have a significant impact on quality of life, affecting not only the individual but also their partner and family, and ultimately resulting in greater permanent damage.

And the Great Big Hearing Check is more than just a great reminder to do your annual hearing check; it makes a meaningful difference in the lives kiwi kids who may experience hearing loss.

For every hearing check completed in March, Triton Hearing will donate $1 to the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, supporting their in-school screening program.

In addition to supporting this crucial cause, participants will have the chance to win their share in over $10,000 in prizes. Whether completing a hearing check online at greatbighearingcheck.co.nz or at one of Triton Hearing’s conveniently located kiosks in selected Unichem and Life Pharmacies, Farmlands stores and Triton Hearing clinics, everyone who completes a hearing check during March, will be in to win!

“We are thrilled to bring back the Great Big Hearing Check for another year,” said Ben Green, Managing Director of Triton Hearing. “With the support of our community and our partners, Unichem and Life Pharmacies, Farmlands, Motor Trade Association, WaikatoTainui and National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing we can make a real difference in raising awareness about the importance of hearing health and supporting those in need. Together, let’s make 2024 the biggest and most impactful year yet!”

Join the Great Big Hearing Check at greatbighearingcheck.co.nz.

Editor

Gerald Rillstone 027 252 3229

gerald.rillstone@mta.org.nz

Advertising Sales Associate

Anne Nicholas 027 369 1264

anne.nicholas@mta.org.nz

Production Editor

Peter Woodcock 021 100 2405

peter.woodcock@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 magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the

Confidential and free mental health advice to all MTA members and their families, plus your staff

Select 2 (or 9 for an emergency). Tell them you

Protecting your staff

I never imagined I would be talking on TV and radio about the escalating spate of crimes against petrol stations, but this role continues to be full of surprises.

MTA proudly calls over 900 service stations members, and we work hard to provide a voice for the many small and locally operated businesses that suffer at the hands of ever more brazen criminals.

As I write this, four service stations – two of them MTA members –have been the victims of ‘smash and grab’ attacks in the last three days where workers were left traumatised, and businesses out of pocket. Again.

I have every sympathy for the victims of crime and my thoughts are with them.

There is no excuse for these crimes, but I also found myself wondering why people commit them.

Inflation has seen costs for food and basic commodities raise far faster than wages, while house prices and rents have grown astronomically.

I’m not blaming the economy or the hardships of life for someone

wielding a hammer in a robbery. That is not justification.

But there is a link. The next generation may, on average, be poorer than those who went before them. And that’s a situation with no easy solution.

I believe we should hope for the best but plan for less luck. So, make this a timely wake up call to consider what actions you have taken to protect your people and your business.

MTA has worked hard to develop a suite of member benefits, targeted to your staff.

Are your staff aware that we offer Boost membership for them, free of charge because you are an MTA member? Have you made them aware that as staff of an MTA member business, they have free and limitless access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

As a business owner, have you considered the difference that providing medical insurance to your employees might make to their lives? (MTA have a discounted package available through NIB).

MTA and CRA join forces

The Motor Trade Association and the Collision Repair Association are pleased to announce they have formally agreed to enter a partnership together.

MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall says the collaboration by the two organisations, which sees CRA become a chapter of MTA, gives a stronger voice and united front to the collision repair sector.

“Both organisations have the interests of the industry at heart, with excellent people in both organisations,” Lee says.

And do you make your staff aware that MTA has a learning and development portfolio, where many courses are free or can be subsidised through your MTA Regional Committee on request?

Through time, we will continue to grow the portfolio of benefits we offer to MTA member staff. We want staff in the industry to know there are benefits from choosing to work for an MTA member.

So have a think about what you’re doing for your staff. If they’re struggling, there could be quick and easy wins that don’t cost you a cent.

In the meantime, MTA will continue to bang the drum about the issues that affect all of us. The new government has talked hard rhetoric about being ‘tough on crime’, but it will take more than 100 days to see what difference that makes and what issues follow.

Noho ora mai, Lee Marshall

“It’s a no-brainer that we are stronger together, so joining forces is both logical and powerful. In coming together, we have essentially the entire collision repair market as members, and as such, can advocate effectively on behalf of the industry.”

CRA General Manager Stewart Gibb says a lot of work has gone into bringing the two organisations together. “The CRA and MTA change is for the better, for the future and much of the benefit of working together will not be noticed until both organisations start working

together,” Stewart says. “There was overwhelming support from our members for the partnership.”

The convergence of resources and co-branding will provide members on both sides with enhanced tools and support across quality, technical aspects, industry engagement, and dedicated industry training facilitated by I-CAR.

All members will be given access to CRA's collision repair industryspecific business information, business networking events, buying privileges and templates. Additionally, members will have access to MTA’s tools, learning and full members' benefits.

Both MTA and CRA have been strong supporters and advocates for the industry for more than 100 years. The partnership means around 600 collision repair businesses will now carry the blue MTA badge, one of the country’s best-known quality marks, alongside the red CRA badge. The partnership officially began on 1 March.

CRA's Stewart Gibb with MTA Collision Repair Sector Manager Larry Fallowfield and Chief Executive Lee Marshall.

Remarkably old school

Living and working in the shadow of the Remarkables was all part of a master plan for MTA members Kevin and Sandy Dunlop.

And the pair have turned their dream into reality with a trio of businesses in picturesque Arrowtown.

As the name suggests, Old School Mechanical caters to classic and vintage vehicles, there’s boutique accommodation on the property and the pair run a thriving garden art business.

“I specialise in engine overhauls and mechanical repair, and do

a lot of motor and gearbox work also,” Kevin says.

“I have recently finished a big sixcylinder Bristol engine for a guy who is going to do the Peking to Paris Rally, I got all the bits out of the UK for it. I do a lot of MGs, and just finished a side valve V8 for a customer.

“I do a lot of Jaguars and in the next few weeks I have an E-Type coming in for a speedo cable and another one for the gearbox to come out of it, it’s jumping out of second gear, and a Mark 2 for brakes.”

the spanners! I am going to get it connected for next winter and it will be so nice,” Kevin says.

Ostrich farm

The pair’s dreams began when they purchased the property 10 years ago, with the view of eventually moving from their Southland base to live in the stunning Queenstown region.

“It had an old house and a big old shed and it fitted the brief perfectly, it had space to build a big workshop on,” says Kevin. In an unusual past, the property had been an ostrich farm, then later used for dog boarding kennels.

The 3.5-hectare property had two building platforms and the old shed was big enough to fit their collection of cars in while they got started on developing the site.

The old house was renovated, a substantial garage and workshop built, and work flowed in the doors.

There’s no mistaking Kevin’s roots - he’s got that lovely Southland accent marked by a rolled R. After serving his time as mechanic in Invercargill, he worked for his

father, Stuart, at the family garage, Lorneville Small Engines, working on lawnmowers and chainsaws.

Over 29 years he built up the auto repair side of the business, employing eight people, and eventually took over from Stuart.

Fixing classics is not for the fainthearted, Kevin says. Sourcing parts can take time and it’s not unusual for eight to 10 vehicles to be waiting for attention at any one time.

Luckily local garages have been supportive, directing any of the older, time-consuming work they are not prepared to do to Old School Mechanical.

A heated floor has been built into the workshop, but it’s not for luxury.

“Coming into the workshop at eight o’clock in the morning in the middle of winter, you can’t hang on to

Sandy and Kevin’s rare 1937 Hudson Terraplane coupé photographed on a classic Central Otago autumn day.

Old School Mechanical owners Kevin and Sandy Dunlop living the dream in Arrowtown.

A view from the office over the pristine classic workshop.

Family affair

There is a history of motoring in the family too, with a strand of the family running the Dunlop Brothers Garage in Clydevale, west of Balclutha.

“There were two garages in Balclutha that belonged to the family so the whole family were into motor mechanics,” Kevin says.

Sandy worked in the Lorneville business also, doing the buying, retail sales, advertising and administration.

In 2019 they bought Southern Lakes Mowers in Queenstown as part of the plan to move to Arrowtown.

“My dad and I did a lot of classic repairs and when I came to Arrowtown I missed working on the classics, so once the workshop at home was built, I got busier and busier and ended up selling the mower shop.”

Stuart was a member of MTA from 1956 to 1984 and Kevin says he was keen to join when he opened his new venture in Arrowtown.

“I wanted to make the business more professional, and it is a really good sign to have on the door. It means quality workmanship, there are loads of benefits and it’s good for networking.”

Private museum

Attached to the workshop is Sandy and Kevin’s private collection of classics. All are personal treasures. There’s the Morris Minor Ute that

was a complete wreck and was rebuilt with new floors, and a series 1 Land Rover that Kevin’s dad owned for a few years before selling it to a farmer.

“I found it about 15 years ago in a woolshed at Spring Hills and bought it off the same guy. Dad and I rebuilt it together as a project, we did everything to it and it’s a real gem.”

An old favourite of Sandy’s is a Fiat Bambina that belonged to a lady driver from Waimate; a Pontiac and a 52 De Soto also have meaning. “My dad bought that De Soto 50 years ago and it has been serviced for its lifetime by the Dunlop family of mechanics at the Clydevale garage and that’s quite special.”

There’s motor scooters, mowers and motoring memorabilia galore and the museum is open by appointment.

Kevin would love to add to the collection, but for now, he’s happy working on the amazing variety of vehicles that come to his workshop door in one of the most stunning parts of the country.

Sandy’s Fiat Bambina was once a daily driver but the roads around Arrowtown have got too busy.

A labour of love went into restoring this Morris Minor Ute, a rare British classic.

The interior of the 52 De Soto is all original and has always been worked on by a Dunlop mechanic.

The Hudson Terraplane grill, they don’t make them like this anymore.

One of the vintage lawnmowers Kevin has collected might still run, but for now it’s garden art.

One of Sandy’s favourites, a 1961 Pontiac Laurentian.

Kevin cranks up the series 1 Land Rover he rebuilt from the ground up.

Old School Mechanical joined MTA, as membership means quality workmanship.

Garden giants

One of the other strands to the business is the importing of giant garden ornaments, dotted around the property in park like surroundings.

Sandy had spotted bronze cranes on the side of the road during a trip to Bali and thought they would be perfect for the large pond their Lorneville business had.

Things mushroomed from there. Sandy bought a container load back to New Zealand and the business grew into the Muddy Hill Garden Gallery.

She’s also developed boutique accommodation on the property, Muddy Hill Moments, with a tiny house.

The building came ready for use, apart from a bit of cleaning and organising.

“It is fully booked in advance, and it keeps Sandy busy with the cleaning; she also does the businesses’ books and the garden art and helps with the workshop running,” Kevin says.

• Preset for additional monitor or A4 printer.

• Preset for trolley use.

• Integration with system.

• Suitable for cars and light duty vehicles.

Four Hi-Q cameras with global shutter technology

Optimised low-distortion lenses with sunlight anti-glare coating. Operation light indications thanks to the integrated synoptic panel.

The “measurement by image difference” eliminates measurement problems in critical sunlight conditions or in glaring conditions.

Ergonomic work surface

The design is completed by the ergonomic work surface with additional USB ports and the presetting for an additional monitor or A4 printer (optional).

Date: 01.03.23

• No contact with the rim.

Four Hi-Q cameras with global shutter technology

Optimised low-distortion lenses with sunlight anti-glare coating. Operation light indications thanks to the integrated synoptic panel.

The “measurement by image difference” eliminates measurement problems in critical sunlight conditions or in glaring conditions.

The design is completed by the ergonomic work surface with additional USB ports and the presetting for an additional

Features:

• Four high-resolution cameras for HI-Q artificial vision to ensure maximum precision and accuracy.

Compatible with the new ClampOnTyre quick clamp:

• Fast mounting and demounting.

• Self-centring.

• Lightweight and ergonomic.

• New high-resolution light targets that are detachable from clamps with infra-red filter for high immunity to sunlight reflections.

• Suitable for the eccentricity compensation procedure with 3D wheel aligners.

• Range: wheel diameter from 19” to 32” (can be extended with specific accessories).

Product: 3D wheel aligners

• Targets compatible with new quick clamp and all other clamp options for 3D wheel aligners.

Compatible with the new ClampOnTyre quick clamp: No contact with the rim.

We are pleased to inform you that our 3D wheel aligner range will soon be enlarged with the new EXACT PRECISION QUATTRO model.

Fast mounting and demounting.

• New ROC (run out compensation) SMART function, suitable for use with ClampOnTyre quick clamps.

• Column-integrated camera beam lift with automatic target tracking function.

• No problems due to sun reflection thanks to measurement by image difference.

Product bulletin:

Suitable for the eccentricity compensation procedure with 3D wheel aligners. Lightweight and ergonomic.

• The Operating System is MULTILINGUAL Windows 10 IoT.

• The Full Pack version includes a professional Personal Computer with Intel Inside CPU and inkjet printer.

Range: wheel diameter from 19” to 32” (can be extended with specific accessories).

• Exact TOP graphic wheel alignment software, including a complete database with multi-brand technical specifications

• International Database including more than 84,000 cars and light-duty vehicles, divided by markets, with integrated search bar.

• Clear, easy to understand instructions for less experienced operators.

Date: 01.03.23

• Option to select a suitable steering angle (at 10° or 20°) during the caster swing operation.

3D wheel aligners

Product bulletin: 355

• New ergonomic design with new column and new cabinet. Additional USB ports on the work surface.

• Optional: drive on camera assistant, 2nd low mounted monitor, tablet remote.

Giant garden art is one of the three business Sandy and Kevin run from their Arrowtown base.

Restoring this old windmill was a side project for Kevin and although it isn’t pumping water, it does look the part in the Central Otago landscape.

Muddy Hill Moments a stunning spot to be under the Remarkables.

Always looking to the next project, Sandy and Kevin in their Land Rover.

Taking charge of sustainability

New to the battery remanufacturing space and new to MTA, Auckland company Infinitev is all about remaking rather than disposing. Their highly trained technicians remanufacture popular hybrid batteries and regenerate electronic components, helping to create a circular economy.

Now there are big plans on the table for a new ultra-modern EV battery 'motel'.

New Zealand Branch Manager Graeme Cochrane sees the motel storage facility as a huge opportunity to support EV suppliers.

“It will be a new facility in its own right; we are having some robust

environment where they will be somewhat pampered, regularly cycled through a mini grid, which means they will be drained under load similar to when it is in a car, he says.

“We have heard of some dealerships that have had batteries stored on a shelf for two years and when they go to put it in a vehicle it’s no good and the entire battery has to be scrapped. In some cases, it is taking eight to 12 months to get a replacement EV battery, which is hard on customers,” he says.

Infinitev’s parent company in Australia already has a motel up and running where batteries are stored in purpose-built containers that are climate controlled, with up to 12 batteries per container.

“With some batteries up to a tonne in weight, it will depend on the battery size as to how many we can fit in a container.”

The power pulled from the battery is stored in the motel’s grid and

cycled back into the battery to charge it, which means no power needs to be pulled from the national grid for the process.

“We are all about sustainability, and it makes sense for there to be one facility catering for battery storage, rather than each brand

building their own.

“We will also be able to test batteries for warranty issues and figure out what has gone wrong, give that information to the manufacture and possibly fix the battery,” Graeme says.

conversations with some of the players in the EV space,” he says. Here’s how the motel model works. Storing EV batteries can be problematic: they’re heavy, some models weighing up to a tonne, and they take up a lot of space, Graeme says. They can also degrade over time.

“One of the big problems we are seeing at the moment is that dealerships need to keep EV batteries on site in case they need a replacement for a warranty or the like,” Graeme says.

“Clearly that is a health and safety risk. They are big and bulky and don’t like to sit around too long without being cycled through a charge.”

Graeme expects the battery motel to get underway in the next six to 12 months. It will offer offsite storage for EV batteries in a safe

Infinitev New Zealand Branch Manager Graeme Cochrane.

ABS units are one of the most common components repaired by engineers.

Repairing and remanufacturing electronic components are all part of the sustainable journey for Infinitev.

One of Invintev’s technicians testing an instrument cluster.

Component remanufacturing

Injectronics is another part of the Auckland-based business and it is also all about sustainability.

Engineers at the Auckland site repair a range of engine and powertrain electronics including control modules, body control modules, air flow and air mass meters and ABS modulesbasically anything electronic in a vehicle large or small.

Graeme says Injectronics plays a pivotal role in fixing and remanufacturing a broad range of automotive electronic components and it’s a business that has become an important part of the industry.

“We see too much of the throwaway society in the automotive industry and realistically with most components that are dumped there is often stuff-all wrong with them.”

He says more and more repair work is being done for dealerships because the spare parts for older models are getting harder to source.

“Parts are becoming obsolete, or they are horrendously priced, and we can have it fixed in a couple of weeks,” Graeme says.

Battery rejuvenation

When a used batteries arrives, it is stripped down and all usable parts, the metal casing, fan and control module are cleaned and tested.

Cells are then connected to a computer and the viable ones matched up to form a remanufactured battery. The rest go to a recycler.

“We use ITrecycla to recycle the cells and they give us certification that they have been recycled in accordance with the current regulations,” Graeme says.

And there’s a lot of life to be had from used batteries. They can be

remanufactured several times up until the cells are around 10 years old.

“What we know is once a battery is ten or 11 years old the life span is greatly reduced and because we offer a three-year warranty we don’t want to put sub-par cells into batteries,” he says.

Used hybrid metal battery casings, fans and control modules left over from the recycling process are refurbished and fitted with new cylindrical cells that have better cooling capacity and offer a 200,000-kilometre capability. Repair shop mechanics can easily swap hybrid batteries, Graeme says. So long as they know how to safely depower the battery, it can be as simple as changing any other part on a vehicle.

“We offer tips and tricks for mechanics and things to look out for. The last thing we want is someone doing it in their backyard, they do something wrong, and get hurt.”

"Spare parts for older models are getting harder to source."

Stripping down testing and rebuilding hybrid batteries is a major part of the business.

Graeme connects a remanufactured hybrid battery to the computer programme to check it is balanced.

The yellow area shows all the modules are well matched.

Once remanufactured ,the battery has new safety stickers and the date of remanufacture placed on it.

Smiles for miles

Many MTA staff members love vehicles as much as you do, and have a story to tell about them. This month, Central North Island Membership Advisor, Nick Mills.

I’m a big fan of my 2007 Audi B7 RS4.

But don’t take my word for it. No less an authority than Jeremy Clarkson called its engine one of the best ever made.

That engine is a 4.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8 that can rev to 8,250rpm and generate 100hp per litre – amazing engineering.

That’s a real treat for the ears as well as the heart.

The six-speed manual is very sweet and combined with the All Wheel Drive (Quattro in Audispeak) makes for a smooth and exhilarating ride.

A ride where you’re held in place with Recaro wingback seats.

It looks awesome too, with pumped wheel guards, but has the practicality of a station wagon.

Sports mode sharpens the throttle response, tightens the seat bolsters, and opens the valves in the exhaust – making it sound even better.

Parts and servicing can be pricey so it pays to get on well with your local MTA mechanic (luckily I’m well placed there).

And insurance can be pricey, but if you’re an old fella like me it’s not too bad.

What’s not to love?

Well, the fuel bill after filling it up with 98 octane, but even so you get plenty of smiles for miles.

All in all she’s a black beauty with a ton of torque.

Clarkson might just know a thing or two.

So you can tell I’m a big fan. 4.2L, naturally aspirated V8 that revs to 8,250rpm and generates 100hp per litre.

What you're telling

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

Please email simon.bradwell@mta.org.nz.

us

"I have been asked for more quotes than previously and this takes time out of our work day for something that may not turn into a job."

It can be a frustrating part of the business and one way of dealing with it can be to ask for a minimal payment.

If the customer decides to get the job done then it can be taken off the final account otherwise it can be kept.

As the Benjemin Franklin quote goes: “Remember time is money”.

"The new Dekra inspector courses are great, staff are coming back feeling a lot more confident, and the older staff at the site are sometimes asking the ones who have just finished their training what the current rules are about things. This makes the young ones feel more confident, and they love being able to tell the older staff something they don’t know, or aren’t as up to speed on as them for a change."

Just goes to show that sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks.

"I am wondering what the process should be around cellphones in the workplace, they can be quite a distraction."

Creating a practical cellphone policy for the workplace requires a thoughtful approach that balances connectivity and productivity. It can help set effective practices that respect the modern demands of constant connectivity and help employees thrive.

MTA has designed a policy template which members can access free by contacting our HR department. Radiator's HR section has more information on this topic on page 51.

"A lot of young people are vaping these days, what is the policy around this in the workplace?"

The law states that everyone who does not wish to smoke in the workplace will be protected and there is a total ban on smoking in indoor work areas.

This does not mean there is to be a total ban on smoking in the workplace, nor that workers have to give up smoking. It does mean that employers must have a policy and the type of policy chosen is up to employers in consultation with their employees (or their representative).

Some workplaces may decide to have a totally smokefree policy so that the whole work site is smokefree - not only the indoor work areas, which must be smokefree by law. In other workplaces, those who do not want to smoke will need to be protected from any smoking that does occur.. For example, there may be designated smoking areas outdoors.

It is good to be aware that employers who don’t establish or enforce a policy on smoking can be fined up to $4,000

Not only do our members go the extra mile, but so do certain baristas! Our MTA Radiator Editor had a welcome surprise while taking a break from Auckland traffic.

Shout-out to James at Espresso Cartello in Northcote!

2007 Audi B7 RS4.

Preparing for f loods

Here we are in March 2024 with the sun shining and El Nino providing some weather stability.

With a more settled outlook, it is an opportunity for members to be better prepared for flooding and other extreme weather events.

Things to look at:

• Regularly review Insurance policies – Speak to your insurer or broker and schedule a review. Items that should be reviewed include what is covered, max $ per claim and per event, what does the small print say, Is the cover sufficient to replace items under the cover. If you are renewing your insurance, consider the MTA Member benefit package by Gallagher (formerly Crombie Lockwood).

• Also review the cover versus excess, some members that did claim are reporting large increases in excess levels.

• Have processes in place to mitigate any possible loss, shift valuable tooling away from low lying areas, ensure downpipes and guttering are in good condition, move vehicles to a safer area or ensure they are on a hoist to minimise water ingress.

• Have an up-to-date inventory, at a minimum you should have a simple inventory list and carry out regular stocktakes, having stock management solution integrated to your workshop software is an even better solution.

Uninsured vehicles on your site:

One of the bigger issues that arose last year was that of uninsured customer vehicles on your site, that were damaged.

Business Insurance will not (generally) cover vehicles damaged by an “Act of God” event, as this is covered by the owner’s vehicle insurance. However, if the owner does not have insurance, this will result in a situation where the owner believes you are responsible as had a “duty of care”.

• Have some method of confirming if a vehicle entering your business OR in your care is insured.

• Ensure clear signage, speak to your insurer about wording for your individual policy but signage should convey that “a vehicle in our care is covered by the businesses insurance for an at fault incident.” At fault incidents are where you, your employees / engaged contractors or other person working for the business are at fault. Incidents outside of the businesses control, such as weather events are the responsibility of the owner and their insurance policy.

As a reminder, MTA has a member benefit with Gallagher

(Formerly Crombie Lockwood) and a policy specifically developed for MTA members. Information is on MTA Toolbox.

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Smoko Stumpers

Test your knowledge with our fiveminute monthly motoring quiz.

1. It’s illegal to carry a passenger in your caravan while travelling – true or false?

2. Which vehicle recently won the NZ Motoring Writers Guild Car of the Year title?

3. When was the spark plug invented? 1860, 1900, 1910?

4. What was the world’s best-selling car

Automotive events 2024

Answers on page 58.

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4/5: Close but no cigar.

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

0800MUSCLE Six Shooters + Stockcars + Auckland Streetstocks - 13 April 6:00pm

Waikaraka Family Speedway, Onehunga, Auckland

A Car Show Day - 14 April

Palmerston North, Te Kawau Recreation Centre, Wear St, Rongotea, 10.00am to 2.00pm, Gates open 9.30am

Old Skool Kool 2024 Christchurch - 28 April

Euromarque Motorsport Park

A day out exclusive to all Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, V8's, and old Skool Japs/rotaries/Euro's built pre-1990. The idea is if your car came out with Chrome bumpers from factory, you're good to go!

Cruise - Roll Race - Burnouts - Powerskids - Show & ShineTrade – Entertainment.

General Admission - $30, Kids under 10 free

Gates open 9am -5pm Tickets available at the Gate only.

Stricly no pets or alcohol to be brought into the venue

RE:Ignite - Rotary Drag Racing/Burnouts/

Show & Shine - Sunday 21 April

Napa Auto Parts Dragway, Meremere

Gates open 9am-5pm - Racing begins 10am

Spectators: $25 - Kids 10 and under free. No alcohol or pets.

Apprentice on the rise

Multi-skilled technician Travis Smith is a man on a mission.

In fact, even though he’s still relatively new to the industry, Travis, 23, already has an eye on taking over his father’s business. He has recently completed his second apprenticeship in auto electrical and undertook further training in airconditioning, laying the foundations for an exciting future.

“My plan fits in with Dad’s retirement plan also, so probably in the next 10 years it will happen, but Dad’s in no hurry and neither am I,” Travis says.

“Dad” is long-time MTA member Colin, who’s owned the Auto Super Shoppe Dunedin City business for over 20 years. And Colin is keen to see the plan fall into place, having supported Travis getting into the industry while he was at school, helping him get his licence so that he would be useful to the business.

“At the end of the day, so long as I get an income out of it in my retirement that would be great,” Colin says.

“And the reality of it is one day he’ll be doing the same, hopefully.”

Travis's Suzuki Jimny.

Travis Smith and dad Colin.

Go-karts to race cars

Colin encouraged Travis’s automotive interests from a very young age with go-kart racing when he was a six-year-old and speedway saloon racing when he turned 20.

His latest race car is a serious piece of gear.

“It’s a speedway saloon with a space frame chassis and runs a 350 Chev that puts out around 500hp,” Travis says.

The latest season has been a bit up and down with the odd accident, but Travis sees that as part of the joys of racing.

“This is my second season driving it and I got my first win last year.”

Social media

Travis drives a Suzuki Jimny that’s fitted with all the trimmings from the ARB brand of four-wheeldrive equipment the business sells. It’s a bit of a showroom and promotional vehicle for the business, with Travis promoting the ARB parts fitted on it through online media channels Facebook and TikTok.

“These days you have to be doing something different. I’ve bought a lot of camera gear and microphones and that sort of thing so I can shoot videos and post online.”

Further training

Air-conditioning repairs are a big part of the business. The Smiths recharge units in cars, trucks and buses – even a helicopter - and Travis is learning as much as he can about the process.

“The mix of work means I get to go out and about and talk to other mechanics and we get a lot of other garages’ diagnostic work

because they can’t do it.

“It is very specialised work, and especially with buses as no one else wants to do them.

“There is a lot of learning on the job and a fair bit of bush fixing with tractors and diggers when I am out in the field. Having variety in my work keeps me engaged and I never get bored.”

Now Travis is looking at doing the

Level 5 EV course because one of the businesses customers, Ritchies, is getting EV buses and the air conditioning systems on them are high voltage.

“My view is I need to keep picking up as many skills as I can before the time comes for me to take over the business,” Travis says. Which looks like it will be in good hands when he does.

He also joined the speedway committee as part of the promotions team which, Travis says, is great experience to have, dealing with councils and learning about the finance side of the sport.

Travis checking on air-con.

Prioritise your wellbeing with the new habithealth+ app

Habit Health’s new habithealth+ app has been designed to provide wraparound mental and physical health support. As an MTA benefits member, you can use the app alongside EAP services or as standalone support. The app provides handy tools to manage a range of health-related issues. It covers all those important things like exercise, nutrition, and sleep, and provides personalised recommendations to help people stay healthy and take care of themselves. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play and start using it in just minutes.

habithealth+ includes a convenient 'book now' function that takes users to our online booking portal allowing them to book appointments with a professional when they need. habithealth+ offers access to scientifically supported articles, videos, and resources to support users on their health and wellbeing journey. The information provided is relevant to specific needs, based on a chosen health journey. Users can manage their health on the go using mobile devices, they can customise notifications to boost motivation and perform regular digital

check-ins to keep track of their health.

habithealth+ compliments inperson services by providing education, self-help tools, and raising awareness of potential health effects. It gently guides users towards in-person support if it's

Kaimai karting challenge

A group of keen go-karting enthusiasts and MTA members from the Kaimai region took to the track in perfect weather recently to test their skills on the Taupo Motorsport Park. Using the best track driving skills they could muster members from the Kaimai region challenged each other to see who could do the fastest lap. With participants from Otorohanga Automotive and Extra Mile Auto, off they went on their first lap to see how they fared.

There was some very close racing and after a fabulous lunch in one of the corporate boxes, where members got to watch a local racing club test out their vehicles, it was back out onto the track for the second and final lap. After another action-packed round, the winners emerged, all were from Extra Mile Auto in Rotorua.

indicated in their health journey. You can also integrate other devices to gain insights about wellbeing.

The app is designed to help promote preventative healthcare.

The team behind the digital health platform uses scientifically validated measures, such as sleep, activity, and device use, to predict and gently prompt individuals who may be at risk of low mood.

Email us today to learn more about habithealth+ – workplace@habit. health or simply download from the App Store or Google Play

Well done to the boss, Nigel Crean, for coming in third place, second went to Sam Skipper and first place was taken out by Mike Page.

The winner was Mike Page, Sam Skipper second and Nigel Crean took out third place on the day.

Foundation bridging the skill gap

With a national shortage of over 1,000 automotive repair tradespeople, New Zealand Collision Repair Association’s recent apprenticeship grants are helping small businesses to attract and keep people in the industry.

New Zealand Collision Repair was able to provide these opportunities to apprentices after receiving grant funding from the Inspiring Futures Foundation.

Trinity Clegg (20) from Southern Lakes Panel Beating in Wanaka is one of six apprentices benefiting from the new grants provided by New Zealand Collison Repair.

“The funding gave me a massive confidence boost, especially as

a woman in a male-dominated industry.

“Growing up, I always wanted to work on cars, but so many people in my life told me that girls shouldn’t do that. Receiving this funding made me feel appreciated and reassured, like yes, I can do this. I’d love to see more women getting into the panel and paint industry.”

Stewart Gibb, General Manager of New Zealand Collision Repair, calls the country’s skills shortage ‘severe’.

"We’re having to look overseas for skilled workers when we have people here who just need a bit of support to be able to enter the industry. Our long-term goal is to

train more New Zealanders from all walks of life, and this funding is an important step towards making that path more accessible".

Enabled by a grant from the Foundation, New Zealand Collision Repair has helped various businesses train and retain apprentices, covering their MITO Te Pūkenga fees, and includes hands-on mentoring by industry expert Rick Lunn from Smart Trade Solutions.

The next round of grant applications is open. For more information about applying for funding, visit www.inspiringfutures.nz

485 Great South

Penrose, Auckland New Zealand

Last month Auxo’s online systems were the target of a sophisticated international cyber attack. Immediately, we engaged the best international experts in the field of cyber security. The Auxo

Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have contained the threat and minimised the impact on customers. But I don’t want to look back – I want to look forward. Just because the issue is contained,

Let me be absolutely clear: The security of your information is always of the highest priority to Auxo. We are working harder than ever to secure our systems and take steps to safeguard your

That’s why we have enlisted the best expertise to develop a programme outlining what we are doing to improve your online security, and the steps you can take to protect yourselves.

If we work together to improve online security it will make our partnership safer and stronger. Watch this space for more details.

This work will never stop. Auxo will always look to review and improve how we do things, and how to support you.

Thank you for your recent support, patience and understanding. And thank you for being part of the Auxo family, and for your ongoing loyalty.

Yours sincerely

David Murdoch Auxo Chief Executive

2023 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117

Words: Peter Louisson | Photos: Isaac Western

Want to be seen and heard? Harley’s Breakout is one of the most ornerylooking bikes you can buy over the counter. What’s it like to ride?

Back in the day, the VRod was the Harley that everyone wanted, and for many that still holds true today; if you’re after a retro-custom look and something horrifyingly loud, this be it.

But if it’s a more modern custom design you’re after, then it’s hard to overlook the Breakout. This is the Softail model with the most raked out forks (34 degrees) and

with a huge 240/40R18 Michelin Scorcher rear tyre.

It (the bike, not the rear wheel) comes in a beautiful orange hue too, for not much extra, though matte black also works well, as you can see.

And there’s enough chrome to make sunnies absolutely mandatory on a clear day.

It’s now five litres bigger at 18.9 litres for an approximate touring range of 350km, and the wheel designs are new too, 26-spoke though still with a 21-inch front (130/60B21).

Riding comfort improves with a new horizontal shock that’s preload adjustable on the go, with the remote wheel just beneath your right leg.

The engine though is the main difference, Breakout picking up the 117 cubic-inch mill instead of the 114, so 1,923cc, and offering up almost 170Nm of torque at 3,500rpm.

There’s 76kW of power on tap, developed at just over 5,000rpm. Not that the old one was wanting in the output department. It’s just that a bit more grunt never hurts, right?

Equipment levels

As to equipment, this is somewhat limited, with no engine modes, but there’s the mandated ABS, while Traction Control is optional and switchable.

There’s keyless start and cruise control, the latter simple to work, with just a push in to standby mode and a push down to set speed.

There are some traditional features too, the self-cancelling indicators on the right and left switch blocks, and the unadjustable hand levers for the clutch and front brake. As per, these are built for the Jack Reachers rather than the Tom Cruises of this world. Being in the latter group (for hand, not wallet size), we’d put in a request for lever adjustability.

This has a fairly comfortable riding position, the bars slightly closer than they were on the 2021 bike as the risers are almost 20mm higher (they’re angled back towards you).

The LCD screen is so laughably small you might wonder where it is

without the ignition on. Turns out it sits atop the handlebar holders. While it seems to impart precious little in the way of information, we rather like that. Set the bottom readout to revs, trip, range to empty or whatever, only not fuel use; there’s a separate gauge for that and it doesn’t tell you the average consumption figure. Harley suggests 5.6L/100km.

Little distraction

There’s brightwork for the pipes, the right-sided 'heavy breather' air intake that’s close to your right knee, the bars, the indicators, the mirrors, the side covers, and even the rear fender brackets are chromed. Shiny. Visually, the Breakout is bbbad to the bbbone. New for the latest version is a larger tank, customers complaining of range with the 2018 model.

We quite like the minimalism of it though; essentially you only look down to check on the speed and what gear you’re in, so there’s very little in the way of distraction. Speaking of, you might find the hero blobs on the feet-forward pegs touching down on occasion, through tighter bends.

You only need to lean it over to 27 degrees before the sparks fly. But ride it in a more cruisy fashion as the design would suggest and progress is good

Better than on the last iteration too, which wasn’t so easygoing over rough roads; this soaks up the bumps better, though for real unruly roads it’s best to weight up the pegs and unweight your bum slightly.

Evidently the seat was reshaped to accommodate the bigger tank, and the riding position isn’t quite so raked out either.

Whatever, we managed a few longish stints with no sore bits resulting. If you’re feeling like a change of position, you can rest your feet on the rear pegs for a bit, which makes it feel more like a sports bike.

We rode the Fat Boy not so long ago, and that too had a huge 240section rear tyre but where that was a bit precious about taking tight turns and didn’t want to change direction that easily at slower speeds, this isn’t like that.

We’d suggest the bigger front

wheel with the skinnier tyre makes the difference, as the extra fork rake and 30mm longer wheelbase probably wouldn’t help in that regard.

Whatever, it isn’t so averse to tighter turns, and even U-turns aren’t as precarious as you might expect. You can do them feet up once you’re in the groove.

The previous version was pretty quick, not quite dragster fast but any figure under 4sec (3.83) for the 0-100 sprint isn’t hanging around for a cruiser, and nor is

Despite only having a single front disc, the caliper has four pots, and the rearward weight bias makes the back brake a significant contributor to stopping distances. It is more expensive than when we last rode it in 2021, now at $40,750 for this black version, but then there’s the new upsized engine and the Kiwi dollar is tanking against the Greenback so an extra $4k you wouldn’t quibble about. Except that some of its rivals cost less or are no more expensive and are quicker and handle better; we’re thinking Diavel and Triumph

Model Harley-Davidson Breakout 117

Price $40,750

Format Air/Oil cooled /Fuel Injected/V2

Engine 1,923cc

Max power 76 kW @ 5,020rpm

Max torque 167 Nm @ 3500rpm

Cylinder head SOHC/8v

Gearbox 6-speed

Drivetrain Belt final drive

Front suspension 49mm forks, no adjustment

Rear suspension Monoshock, preload adjustable

Front brakes Four-piston calipers, 300mm disc

Rear brakes Twin-piston calipers, 292mm disc

Safety systems ABS

Tyre size F–130/60ZR21/R–240/40ZR18

an overtake of 2.53sec. But the bigger dog is faster (3.70sec), more especially on the overtake, requiring just 2.17sec to gap it from 80 to 120km/h.

Its shift mechanism is typically Harley, best done sooner than later and with some early upward pressure and a brief delay to avoid clunking as you select a higher gear.

Downshifts require an assertive blip, but this is a solid, positive shifter when it’s done right. So it’s powerful quick, faster than all but a handful of cars, though that’s rather beside the point as you ride it mainly down around 1,8002,500rpm, not above 5,000 where it soon runs out of puff.

The open road speed is a loafing 2,250rpm in sixth, and 110 is still below 2,500rpm. Vibes are of the friendly variety, reminding you there’s almost a 2L mill between your legs.

Oddly, the mirrors are no use at 80km/h but are clear as day around 100km/h.

The best stopping distance was similar to that of its predecessor, a touch over 36m.

Family-friendly Honda wins top NZ Car of the Year award

The Honda CR-V has won the overall 2023 NZ Autocar Car of the Year award. The new CR-V was judged to be the Family Car of the Year, while also winning the overall Car of the Year award, edging out the other class finalists NZ Autocar Editor, Kyle Cassidy said; “The CR-V is a highly competent vehicle, doing most things in an accomplished fashion while managing to have few annoying traits.

“This SUV will suit a NZ family’s needs, and there’s something for everyone here, at a reasonably affordable price. It’s good value, a decent drive and it’ll be dependable.

“The CR-V is the complete package. With three well considered variants in the range, including a seven-seater

option, there is something for every Kiwi family here. It’s a vehicle that works for all New Zealanders, whether they live in the city or rurally.”

Other worthy points that saw the CR-V rise to the top include the choice of an efficient conventional ICE powertrain and a hybrid for those emissions-conscious buyers. This SUV offers good interior space for the active family, and plenty of driver assistance features to keep them all safe. There’s a good technology outfit, offering the conveniences needed for modem life, connectivity is sorted and it’s all straightforward to operate.

There’s also Honda’s price promise (everyone pays the same), enhancing residuals, and it’s backed by a big warranty.

Website and digital marketing solutions

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An affordable scan tool for your business

VACC MotorTech brings together the extensive online and physical repair, service and diagnostic information resources available from VACC with the global might of Haynes Publishing group, resulting in over 150 years, experience assisting the industry to repair motor vehicles.

Automotive information at your fingertips

Blast from the Past

Pulling the plug

The recent announcement by the Government to end the Road User Charges (RUC) exemption for light electric vehicles has created a flurry of enquiries to LVV Certifiers about modifying hybrid vehicles.

Specifically, due to the partial RUC rate applied to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), LVV Certifiers and LVVTA have been inundated with questions from people asking whether they can disable the plug-in function of their plug-in hybrids, so as to avoid the requirement to pay the additional RUC. The new changes take effect from 1 April 2024, and it has been decided that plug-in hybrid vehicles will pay RUC at a rate of $53 per 1,000km, rather than the full $76 per 1,000km – the logic being that the difference will be made up by the excise tax paid as part of the petrol the vehicle uses. While, in principle, it’s fair for everyone to contribute to the upkeep of the roads we drive on (and with the recent furore around potholes in the lead-up to the last election, it’s obvious that more funding for road maintenance is needed), there are questions around the fairness and implementation of the partial charge.

The PHEV RUC rate assumes that all PHEVs spend 69 percent of their time driving around purely on electricity. For a lot of older plug-in hybrids, though, this simply isn’t realistic. Battery capacity, technology, and charging efficiency have increased exponentially in the last 10 years, so the difference between a 2014 Toyota Prius PHEV and the equivalent 2024 model is drastic – even before taking into account degradation of the

battery life over the last decade. When new, the 2014 Prius PHEV could travel roughly 20km on electricity before its battery was exhausted (and it had to start burning petrol to recharge it), while the brand-new model will do around 80km before the petrol motor kicks in. After accounting for the loss of capacity that 10 years’ worth of use will have on a battery (after all, who still has their smartphone from 10 years ago?), an early generation PHEV is realistically no more useful, frugal, or environmentally friendly than the equivalent non-plug-in hybrid version. Owners are therefore incensed at having to pay RUC on every kilometre they drive, when most of their kilometres are travelled using petrol (which is taxed at the pump). Sensing a loophole, PHEV owners have approached LVVTA and LVV Certifiers about the legality of removing the plug-in aspect of their hybrid vehicles, in order to avoid

arise in terms of compliance, where a vehicle must remain as the class it was originally complied as – an example being that a Nissan Terrano turned into an air-bagged lowrider must remain an MC-class vehicle, even though it no longer features the characteristics that define that class (like four-wheel drive, or more than 175mm ground clearance). So, even if a PHEV could be LVV certified for the removal of the external charging system, would its owner still be required to pay RUC anyway because it originally went through entry compliance as a PHEV? Guidance is currently being sought from NZTA on all of these points. At the time of writing, no conclusion has been reached.

Across the board

In any case, this may become a moot point in the next few years as the Minister of Transport has stated that the Government is committed to implementing RUC across the board:

“Transitioning EVs and plug-in hybrids to RUC is the first step in

delivering on the National-ACT coalition commitment to bring all vehicles into the RUC system. This transition to RUC is about fairness and equity. It will ensure that all road users are contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of our roads, irrespective of the type of vehicle they choose to drive.”

The mechanism through which this will happen is currently unclear, and this may have unintended side effects – the implementation of RUC at the current rate onto all vehicles will penalise the more fuel-efficient members of the New Zealand vehicle fleet. At the time of writing, the fuel excise component of petrol is 70 cents per litre, and RUCs are charged at $76 per 1,000km. Leaving aside the actual price of the petrol it uses, a vehicle that uses less than about 10L/100km will be paying more on RUC than it currently would in fuel excise tax. For instance, a sensible, economical, classic daily driver like a Mazda 323 station wagon has an average

fuel economy figure of 6.5L/100km (or around 43 miles per gallon, in old terms). Currently, after travelling 100km, that little Mazda has paid $4.55 towards the upkeep of the roads it drives on. After being put on RUC, that same 100km will cost $7.60. That’s a 67 percent increase in the amount of tax that vehicle must pay – even though the vehicle hasn’t suddenly started causing 67 percent more damage to the roads it uses. On the face of it, this doesn’t seem fair, or equitable.

Currently, this is mere speculation, but it will be interesting to see how equitable the proposed changes are, once the details have been established.

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 future LVVTA column at: info@lvvta.org.nz

the RUC requirement. This, unfortunately, doesn’t have a simple answer.

Modifications

The reason for the establishment of the LVVTA and the LVV system was so that a vehicle could be modified, but still meet the requirements of any applicable Land Transport Rules, which a vehicle must comply with when new and continue to comply with throughout its life. Currently, it’s not clear how removing the 240V charging system from a PHEV affects its compliance with any of these rules, and therefore whether this is something that comes under the jurisdiction of LVVTA. Counter to this is the fact that any modifications to the vehicle’s high voltage systems can cause injury and need to be inspected by a professional, and LVV certification is the most logical way of ensuring this happens. However, a larger issue may

A conventional hybrid vehicle (pictured) currently pays for upkeep of the roads it travels on through the excise tax built into the price of petrol. Its plug-in equivalent will shortly need to pay Road User Charges (RUC) in addition to this.

Don’t slip up on safety: lessons from an oil drum escapade

By: Tony Hutchinson, HSE Connect

Funny things happen in workshops countrywide on a practically daily basis. Some of those things are funny ha ha, others are funny strange. And some are downright funny-odd and therefore dangerous.

Sometimes these sticky situations evolve out of seemingly harmless causes. Take the (100% true) case of the mechanic’s shop storing oil drums above the office, with the stuff automatically pumped to the workshop floor.

So far, so good. But when servicing the drums, a new contractor was blissfully unaware of the difficult access: no stairs made the ladder he lacked essential equipment. Rather than sourcing one, he backed up his ute and climbed up on that instead. Ladders are no joke

Now, something you should know about ladders and falls. Always set up securely, for starters, and use an AS/NZS 1892 approved ladder for another (a ute most definitely doesn’t count). Ladders are no joke and falling from them even less so.

As for falls, cats are renowned for twisting and landing on their feet –what most don’t know is that humans instinctively do this too.

But only if the fall is higher than three metres. Below that, your head almost always takes a massive whack. That means falls from 1-3m are often more dangerous than those from 3-18m. Counterintuitive, sure, but that’s what the evidence says.

Back to our story. Imagine the shop owner happening upon the unlikely scene of the contractor halfway between ute and heaven, with all the associated hazards and risks of a decidedly slippery situation.

A safety-conscious individual, once he recovered from the near heart attack, our man got the contractor down immediately. What could have been the world’s worst single use slip‘n slide, and a potentially devastating day for the contractor and shop owner alike, was safely averted.

The owner rang me, asking what could have happened had injuries resulted from the impromptu ladder. A check of his HSE Connect, where all records are instantly accessible, showed the contractor’s company prequalification was completed (the prequal confirms the contractor company’s health and safety standards align with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015).

What’s more, the records confirmed the contractor company’s induction through the HSE Connect portal. In other words, they’d received a briefing and acknowledged risks and hazards, including the realities of accessing those oil drums.

Avoid incidents, investigations, and consequences

This meant a 90 percent chance that even in the case of injury, the workshop wouldn’t get a WorkSafe investigation.

Without that prequal (and proof of upto-standard H&S), potential WorkSafe

Don’t

slip up on

Health and Safety

penalties for the workshop and contractor could include fines of up to $3 million and/or three years in prison

Quite apart from dealing with the horror of a person hurt at work, that’s something everyone would rather avoid.

Tony’s top tips

• Mechanics and contractors are exposed to heights more often than you think (hoists, jumping on Utes or trucks – not as ladders, but performing maintenance tasks –and many other jobs see you between one and three metres off the deck

• The ‘death zone’ for a fall is between one and three metres

– Words from WorkSafe: It is mistakenly believed that no controls are needed when a person faces a fall of less than three metres. That belief is wrong and ignores the overarching duties in the HSE Act.

• Always keep records complete and up to date. It could mean the difference between an investigation and major consequences… or nothing at all.

• Safety isn’t about that paperwork, it is about protecting life and limb.

Peace of mind, thanks to HSE Connect Built specifically with WorkSafe in mind, HSE Connect’s easy-to-use software already provides peace of mind to hundreds of MTA members. Members get discounted pricing and free set-up. Find out more here: www.hseconnect.co/mta or call HSE Connect on 022 643 1832.

2024 MITO/INSPIRING FUTURES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

MITO, in partnership with the Inspiring Futures Foundation, is pleased to announce that 69 individuals received a 2024 scholarship.

Every year, with the help of the Inspiring Futures Foundation, MITO selects aspiring, current or graduate learners to take their education and training to the next level. This significant partnership with the Inspiring Futures Foundation supports the talent pipeline by investing in workforce skill development.

“We were delighted to receive many exceptionally talented applicants vying for our 2024 scholarships,” says

MITO Executive Director Verna Niao.

“As these dedicated and promising recipients embark on this transformative journey, we look forward to witnessing their continued success and impact on the industry. This achievement not only reflects their commendable efforts, but also underscores our commitment to fostering and empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.”

Sturrock Saunders, Chair of the Inspiring Futures Foundation, adds:

“The Inspiring Futures Foundation shares the belief that people are the driving force behind the future of

The 2024 scholarship recipients are as follows:

The MITO Business Skills scholarship is awarded to:

Abigail Mann - Drummond & Etheridge Ltd, Richmond

Angela Wolfe - Tasman Toyota, New Plymouth

Chris Bruin - Napier Port, Napier

Emma Dennison - Taylormade Motors Limited, Dunedin

Jack Miller - C3 Limited, Tauranga

Jeremy Cain - McMillan Drilling (N I)

Limited, Auckland

Josh Ansell - Auckland Motors Mitsubishi, Auckland

Karl Archer - Team Hutchinson Ford, Christchurch

Kyle Symons - Mills Collision Repair Centre Ltd, Hamilton

Laura Dorreen - Go Bus Transport Ltd, Christchurch

Lisa DeSilver - Booths Logistics, Palmerston North

Logan Riley - Avon City Ford, Christchurch

Luke Brown - Penrose Motors Ltd, Auckland

Luke Busch - Avon City Ford, Christchurch

Manjinder Jassal - Booths Logistics, Palmerston North

Marie Shailer - Booths Logistics, Palmerston North

Melanee Bush - King Toyota, Lower Hutt

Michael O’Callaghan - Mobile Mechanical Solutions, Palmerston North

Michael Sands - Booths Logistics, Hastings

Mohammed Aziz - Terra Cat, Christchurch

Nathan Hayward - Winton Motorcycles, Winton

Kadin Wihongi - Lockheed Martin New

Zealand, Palmerston North

Wayne Newton - Truck Tech Solutions

Limited, Auckland

William Walker - Booths Logistics, Palmerston North

The MITO Business Skills – Pacific People scholarship is awarded to:

Donald Raj - Go Bus Transport Ltd, Christchurch

The MITO Alumni Advanced Technical scholarship is awarded to:

Curtis Watkins - Scania NZ, Christchurch

David Stuart-Palmer - Bridge Motors

Kaniere Ltd, Hokitika

Dennis Taui - Fulton Hogan Northland Ltd, Whangarei

Dexter Parkes - DC Equipment Ltd, Nelson

Flynn Higgins - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Seddon

Frederick Lezar - AB Equipment Ltd, Auckland

Jackson Winstone - Ashburton

Contracting Ltd, Ashburton

James Wiggins - Brendon Foot Motors

Limited, Lower Hutt

Janaka Liyanapathirana - Blackwell

Motors Limited, Christchurch

Liam Gee - Drummond & Etheridge Ltd, Blenheim

Luke Busch - AB Equipment Ltd, Richmond

Prasad Horathalge - Hyundai NZ

Dealership - Rotorua Hyundai, Rotorua

Richard Taylor - Nicholson United Autos, Rotorua

The MITO Alumni Advanced Technical – Māori scholarship is awarded to:

Duncan Robertson - Pacific Tourways Ltd, Christchurch

Gagandeep Sandhu - New Zealand Automotive Association, Auckland

Gareth Williams - Rangiora Mitsubishi, Rangiora

Liam Donnelly - Wynyard Street Motors Ltd, Auckland

Lily Henderson Tuapou - Transport Engineering Southland Ltd, Invercargill

Luke O’Shanassy - Mike Page European Ltd, Paraparaumu

Madeleine Robottom - RealNZ, Te Anau

Samuel Bridger - Wanganui Auto Electrical 2011 Ltd, Whanganui

The MITO Alumni Electric VehicleMāori scholarship is awarded to:

Jacob Stevenson - Queen Street Auto Limited, Upper Hutt

Sarah-Jane Taylor - GWD Russells Limited, Invercargill

Wiremu Ngaropo - Madcanix Limited, Kawakawa

The MITO Alumni Electric Vehicle – Pacific People scholarship is awarded to:

Levi Salesa - Subtech Performance Services Ltd, Auckland

Lucas Lilo - RealNZ, Te Anau

The Clyde Cunningham QSM Memorial scholarship (Hawke’s Bay region) is awarded to:

Lucy Johnson - Power Farming, Hastings

The Janet Lane MNZM scholarship is awarded to:

Matthew Greene - Dunedin City Motors, Dunedin

industry, echoing the ethos of MITO. Our commitment lies in providing everyone with the chance to thrive and succeed. Our goal is to ensure that all New Zealanders can pursue their aspirations and carve out fulfilling careers.

“We take great pride in investing in the nation’s future through these scholarships, which are awarded to deserving individuals across Aotearoa. We’re excited to see the great things these recipients will achieve in the coming years. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients on this welldeserved achievement.”

Nicolas Ekron - AB Equipment Ltd, Dunedin

Paul Roozendaal - Independent

Stevedoring Ltd, Tauranga

Petra Savicova - C3 Limited, Tauranga

Savannah Oxnam - Foxpine Haulage Ltd, Palmerston North

Stephen Hunter - Hamilton Panel Works (1963) Ltd, Hamilton

Yirga Woldegabriale - Midas Hornby, Christchurch

The MITO Business Skills – Māori scholarship is awarded to:

Angeline Fraser - Terra Cat, Christchurch

Joseph Snowdon - Booths Logistics, Taupo

Joseph Waho - Booths Logistics, Palmerston North

Hamana Wharerau - Autokraft Electrical and Diesel Limited, Palmerston North

The MITO Alumni Advanced Technical – Pacific People scholarship is awarded to:

Genesis Kilepoa - AB Equipment Ltd, Wellington

The MITO Alumni Electric Vehicle scholarship is awarded to:

Andre Galbraith - Euromarque, Christchurch

Clinton Van Pletzen - Rapid Radio, Auckland

Colin Wright - Truck Stops (NZ) Ltd, Lower Hutt

Daniel Blackwell - The Design Coach & Body Company Ltd, Christchurch

The Duncan “Sandy” Fraser Memorial scholarship (Wellington region) is awarded to:

James Matthewman - King Toyota, Lower Hutt

Melanee Bush and James Matthewman from King Toyota, Wellington, receive their 2024 MITO scholarships from MITO Executive Director Verna Niao (second from left), alongside Training Advisor Brian Scott (left), King Toyota Service Manager Danielle Chin, and Inspiring Futures Foundation Trustee Nick Leggett (right).

Health and safety: necessity, not option

MTA recognises health and safety as one of the most importance aspects of running a business, and for that reason health and safety is a standard embedded into our membership framework.

It is a top priority, like wearing a seatbelt when you drive. It keeps members and their staff safe, and from a legal standpoint, compliance with the Health and Safety Work at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) is not merely a suggestion or option, but a legal necessity.

On 19 November 2010 an explosion at the Pike River Mine resulted in the death of 29 men, a tragedy that instigated a serious review on health and safety.

Following the Pike River tragedy, the Government established an independent task force to find a solution to support health and safety.

In 2013 WorkSafe was established and is New Zealand’s primary workplace health and safety regulator, and in 2015 the HSWA became law. The law is designed to support a working environment that keeps people free from harm or danger, disease, and illness.

It protects workers and other people from harm to their health and safety by eliminating or minimising risks that could occur from work, including mental health and wellbeing.

It encourages everyone to take a leading role in the health and safety of their working environment and assists

Auckland fuel tax removed

employers and workers by providing a framework and guide to achieve this.

Education

To support members with health and safety, MTA offers a suite of resources available in the members-only section of the Toolbox, along with training courses and member benefits to manage health and safety through HSE Connect.

One of the important factors to health and safety is education. In fact health and safety is a consistent educational opportunity, either by attending structured courses, or simple toolbox talks in the workshop. The most important thing to remember is to record every initiative, just like a job sheet.

MTA offers the Health and Safety Essentials course, an interactive 90-minute workshop, delivered online, specifically designed for the automotive industry, and led by HSE Connect Director Tony Hutchinson.

This programme offers members the opportunity to understand all the fundamentals of what is expected in your workshop and how to manage the logistics of health and safety.

The HSE Connect app is a member benefit that is not only cost effective but removes the stress and pressure around health and safety, offering a continuous suite of learning courses around the legislation.

It also records and stores MTA members’ information in addition to alerting members when there are changes to legislation or an action required, giving members peace of mind in the knowledge that they are compliant.

Health and safety is not only a legal requirement, but it is also the right thing to do, for employees and customers.

Failure to adhere to the stipulations outlined in the act can result in severe legal ramifications, including hefty fines, prosecution, and reputational damage.

The removal of the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax marks a significant policy shift in New Zealand's transportation and taxation strategy. While it offers relief to consumers and businesses, it also poses challenges in terms of budgetary realignment and funding for public works.

Moving forward, policymakers must navigate these complexities to ensure a balanced approach that promotes economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability for the New Zealand public.

The Auckland Regional Fuel Tax was initially introduced as a means to fund crucial infrastructure projects to help alleviate traffic congestion in and around the city. Implemented on 1 July 2018, the tax levied an additional 10 cents per litre plus GST charge on fuel purchases within the Auckland region, aiming to generate revenue for much-needed transportation upgrades.

However, its effectiveness and fairness have been subject to scrutiny since its inception.

As of September 2023, around $780 million in Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) revenue had been raised, with approximately $341 million remaining unspent (the equivalent of more than two years’ worth of revenue).

“The RFT was supposed to help fund important projects like Mill Road and Penlink. While Mill Road was cancelled, and Penlink received full Crown funding, Auckland Transport has used the Auckland RFT revenue to fund many non-roading

projects including more cycle lanes, redlight cameras, speed humps, and lowering speed limits across the city,” Transport Minister Simeon Brown said in a media release.

Reasons for removal

One of the primary reasons cited for the removal of the fuel tax is its burden on households and businesses. Critics argued that the tax disproportionately affected low-income individuals and small businesses, who rely heavily on private vehicles for transportation and delivery services. Despite its intention to reduce traffic congestion, the fuel tax failed to demonstrate significant improvements in Auckland's traffic conditions. Many argued that alternative measures, such as investment in public transportation and infrastructure optimisation, would yield better results without burdening taxpayers.

The decision to remove the fuel tax

also reflects political dynamics, with coalition parties leveraging public dissatisfaction to push for its repeal. As public sentiment turned against the tax, policymakers faced mounting pressure to respond to the concerns of their constituents.

Minister Brown noted: “Fuel tax is becoming an increasingly regressive form of taxation and costs people on lower incomes with less fuel-efficient vehicles more than those who have newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. We intend to fully remove the legislative framework for regional fuel taxes.”

Impact and implications

The removal of the fuel tax is likely to bring relief to consumers, who can expect to see a reduction in their transportation expenses. Lower fuel prices may also contribute to alleviating cost-of-living pressures for households, particularly those already grappling with economic challenges.

Small businesses, in particular, stand to benefit from the elimination of the fuel tax, as it reduces operating costs associated with transportation and logistics. This should enhance their competitiveness and potentially spur economic growth at the local level. With the removal of the fuel tax, policymakers will need to reassess budget allocations for infrastructure projects previously funded by the tax revenue. This may necessitate reprioritisation of spending or exploration of alternative funding sources to ensure that essential transportation initiatives are not compromised.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

100-day plan: what's happened?

The Government has now reached the end of its 100-day plan, with many aspects of it relating to the automotive and transport industries. The key points for our members to note are: the repeal of the Clean Car Discount, removal of Auckland’s Regional Fuel Tax, the development of a new Government Policy Statement on public transport and Roads of National Significance, halting speed limit reductions, withdrawing central Government from Auckland Light Rail and Let’s Get Wellington Moving, repeal of Fair Pay Agreements, re-introduction of 90-day trial periods, work on a National Infrastructure Agency, work to enable more housing, more stringent focus on crime and abolishing prisoner reduction targets (of interest to our retailers), the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, and repealing of the recent amendments to Smokefree Environments and the Regulated Products Act.

We have been pleased with the shift towards openness to engagement from this coalition Government. We are excited to see industry included in decision making, and hope this means MTA and its members will see some wins during this term

Government Policy Statement on Land Transport – back to basics

With a new Government means a new Government Policy Statement (GPS) on land transport. Our prediction is that this Government is going back to basics. This means fixing potholes, focusing on roads of national significance, and, hopefully, another look at the National Land Transport Fund. Last year in our manifesto Driving New Zealand Forward, our call was clear: restore the principle that taxes levied on road users are used for improving and maintaining our roads. We all know that New Zealand is not immune to adverse weather, and we have seen the impact this has on the state of our roads,

so ensuring that our roads are safe and maintained into the future is key. In our political debate last year, we challenged transport spokespeople (including the current Minister of Transport, Hon Simeon Brown) to commit to using the fund for roads and restoring that principle. During the debate, the Minister told us that building and maintaining the roading network “has to be a number one priority for that fund”. We intend to hold him to that.

The future of Te Pūkenga

While Hon Penny Simmonds, the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, has confirmed that she wants to disestablish Te Pūkenga, we understand her focus to be re-establishing the independence of Polytechs, leaving a great deal of uncertainty of ITOs like MITO. MITO is financially viable alone, and MTA does not want to see it merged with other ITOs to keep them afloat. As you will all be aware, one of the biggest challenges faced by our industry is finding enough good people to fill the huge number of vacancies across the board. While ensuring that key roles are on the Green List so that businesses can hire from overseas is a good starting point, we have always seen this as just a short-term fix for the labour shortage. One of our main goals this year is to secure the pipeline by advocating for an industry-led MITO. Industry-led training will put more of the decision making back in the hands of the businesses that employ the apprentices and learners. We hope this will ensure that those entering the industry come with the skills they need to support the changing environment.

Get in touch

If you want to get in contact with us about MTA’s advocacy work, email James.McDowall@mta.org.nz. We want to hear about what you are seeing in our industry, and how you think we can help.

Cellphone safety guidelines

The daily average time a person spends on their smartphone is approximately hree hours and 15 minutes. An individual checks their phone 58 times a day on an average and approximately 30 times while at work. Also, the frequency and time spent on smartphones are higher on weekdays than on weekends. These are alarming statistics.

Cellphone usage at work is a huge distraction and has an adverse impact on workplace productivity. In a recent study 19 percent of global employers thought their employees were productive for less than five hours a day, and more than half believe that cellphones were to be blamed. The 2023 Productivity Commission report states that New Zealanders work more but produce less than most OECD countries. As a small or medium business, this can be a real impediment and have a direct effect on your revenue. In addition to lowering productivity due to distraction, they may also

negatively affect employee safety at work. Cellphones are here to stay and while their downside is often discussed, there are several advantages that we can’t ignore. So, what can you do to ensure that your employee is not distracted by their cellphone at work? A well-drafted cellphone policy may be your answer.

A cellphone policy is a set of guidelines or rules related to cellphone usage at work. A good policy can help set clear expectations with employees about what is acceptable and not acceptable with reference to cellphone usage at work. It can help keep employees safe and can help with keeping the employee productive at work. And a welldrafted policy can be customised to the roles and the nature of the business and the industry.

What do you need to consider while writing a cellphone policy?

• Relevant legislation and regulations.

• Safety, security, and privacy concerns.

• Exceptional circumstances. What should you include in the policy?

• Purpose of the policy.

• Clear definition of who this policy applies to (Staff, contractors etc).

• Clear definitions of what is acceptable and unacceptable. Eg, calls, texts, social media usage etc.

• Consequences of not adhering to the policy, including disciplinary processes and actions.

• Considerations for exceptional circumstances.

• Information on related policies.

• Contact for questions about the policy and its contents. It is important to consistently review and update the policy document to maintain correctness and relevance. You must ensure that the policy is communicated to employees using effective channels such as:

• including it in the employment offer documents while onboarding a new employee

• placing it in the employee handbook that they can refer to easily

• placing it on the company website for easier access

• sending an email or memo when the policy is updated.

Creating a practical cellphone policy for the workplace requires a thoughtful approach that balances connectivity and productivity. It can help set effective practices that respect the modern demands of constant connectivity and help employees thrive in our interconnected world.

We at MTA have designed a policy template and you are free to contact us to receive a copy

A unif i ed voice

MTA was delighted to announce in late February an exciting development that strengthens our community and enhances our collision repair membership experience. As of 1 March 2024, the Collision Repair Association (CRA) became a chapter within the MTA family.

In the chapter arrangement both associations retain their own governance, financial and management systems and cooperate to improve efficiencies, economies, advocacy and improving benefits for members.

MTA and CRA are enthusiastic about the opportunities this collaboration brings and look forward to a new chapter in the collision repair sector.

Lee Marshall, MTA Chief Executive, says, “It’s a no-brainer that we are stronger together, so joining forces is both logical and powerful.”

Like MTA, the CRA is steeped in history with its establishment dating back to 1913. Previously known as the NZ Motor Body Builders’ Association, it underwent a name change in 1998 to better reflect the evolving nature of the trade, and this year it will be celebrating 111 years of existence which is a great accomplishment. With its roots deeply embedded in the collision repair sector, it is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

the collision repair sector that aligns with the MTA ethos.

The CRA adds a wealth of repairindustry-specific insights, networking opportunities through their roadshows and national conference, along with specialised industry training through I-CAR. CRA will take on significant responsibilities, such as handling invoicing and standards appraisal for all collision repair members, ensuring all members meet the standards to consistently deliver work of the highest calibre, guaranteeing quality and safety assurance to New Zealanders who have vehicles repaired.

Together, our aim is to navigate the dynamic terrain of vehicle repair today and in the foreseeable future. With the combined influence of the associations, we stand as a unified voice representing the best collision businesses in New Zealand providing advocacy strength to advance the industry and safeguard the welfare of our members.

Stewart Gibb assumed the role of General Manager at CRA on 13 February, 2023, and he brought a wealth of business knowledge to our collision members. With a professional background in the chemical and energy Industries, his working career began at Shell, traversing various facets such as marketing, technical, development,

and management across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Stewart says, “The allure of the CRA position was its commitment to bolstering member businesses, fostering their success, and fortifying the industry's reputation as a vital contributor to the New Zealand economy and one year on we are now in a position with MTA that strengthens our already strong position in the collision repair industry.”

We look forward to you joining and meeting the new chapter team at the upcoming CRA 'Sailing into the Future' conference in Auckland. Together MTA and CRA have an exciting future.

Over 400 delegates and more than 40 exhibitors are coming to Auckland for the Collision Repair Association conference 2024.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE

Stewart Gibb.

Te Radar – MC Stewart Darling

Doug Blair Phil O’Reilly

Register reporting is a must-do

There are new requirements in the revised terms of use for the motorvehicle register (MVR) whereby gazetted changes to section 241 of Land Transport Act 1998 came into effect from 1 November, 2022.

Dealers who are accessing the MVR for a trade-in assessment to confirm the customer is the registered person or to verify a change of ownership should now be meeting new requirements.

These include displaying a general access statement on either your website or physical signage, while every user in your business should have a unique and identifiable logon.

You should also be keeping a record of every log-on access for a period of at least 18 months, and any privacy breaches including errors or mistakes made. If the latter happens, the user must immediately notify the NZTA Waka Kotahi and the Privacy Commissioner.

From 1 November 2023, a log had to be kept and then submitted to transport agency detailing all annual access from that date until 31 October.

It should also include evidence of staff training, and a summary of all unauthorised access occurrences as previously notified to NZTA and the Privacy Commissioner.

As detailed online at gazette.govt.nz website, there are rules on authorised access to certain names on the MVR.

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

New vehicles

ICE vehicles dominated the market again in February 2024 with 74.5 percent of the units registered, EV registrations increased slightly in February, up from last month’s low of 2.2 percent to be at 4.5 percent of the registrations.

The new passenger and commercial vehicle market saw 9,661 units and was a 1.3 percent increase over February 2023.

New passenger vehicle registrations for February totalled 5,950, compared with February 2023 of 6,259, a drop of 5 percent.

New Vehicle Market Passenger and Commercial - February 2024

Point 19 states that if the user or any staff – whether or not they are acting within the authority of the user – breach any conditions, then NZTA may immediately suspend or cancel the user’s access to personal information on the MVR under section 241.

Dialogue

MTA is in ongoing dialogue with NZTA regarding the MVR and the completion rate by MTA authorised users.

At our November meeting and given this is the first-time the year-end reports had been requested, the transports extended the deadline to the end of November last year for the annual report for 1 November, 2022 to 31 October, 2023.

During our recent meeting, it has come to our attention that dealers who are accessing information via Motochek or an approved thirdparty portal still haven’t completed or submitted their annual reporting.

As the new terms and conditions commenced on 1 November 2022, the first annual report was due on 1 November 2023.

To avoid any future punitive measures for non-compliance of not submitting the year-end report, it’s vitally important to complete and submit your annual report as quickly as you can to the NZTA by emailing it to s241@nzta.govt.nz.

Your annual report must contain

evidence that clauses 11 to 16 have been complied with, a record of staff training done in accordance with the requirements in clauses nine and 10 over the past 12-month reporting period, and individual users and their training completed, such as internal training, Privacy 101, Privacy ABC and on portal use. Also to be included are all actions taken in relation to all instances, or suspected instances, of unauthorised access over the 12-month period, all privacy breaches, and breach descriptions and notification sent to NZTA and the Privacy Commissioner.

Make copies

MTA has suggested to members who use the MVR that they make electronic copies of all look-ups at the time in an annual reporting template capturing data by each month so that each year-end report contains the relevant data from 1 November to 31 October. This can then easily be submitted on 1 November of every year. If you are using a third-party portal, contact your provider to see if it can assist with compiling that information.

If you have any questions regarding this information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at:

larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz.

New commercial registrations increased 13 percent over February 2023 with 3,711, a jump of 431 registrations over 2023.

Brand performance

Toyota again topped the new brands registered in February 2024 with 2,026 units and Ford came in

second with 21.0 percent of the total monthly volume with 1,468 units, Mitsubishi came in third for overall registrations with 1,017 units. Ford Ranger was 21.1 percent of the monthly registrations, down 516 units over last month, but up 96 units on February 2023. Toyota Hilux with 692 units was up 34 on last month and 15.3 percent volume for February 24. Toyota Rav4 came in third with 466 registrations, a big jump on February 2023’s 201 units.

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX

In fuel type categories for February, ICE stayed strong with 74.1 percent, Hybrid had a small increase on January 2024 to 19.2 percent, EV doubled last month to be at 4.5 percent and PHEV came in at 1.7 percent.

Top 10 New Vehicle Brands - February 2024

Brand February units Monthly %

HYUNDAI 229 3.3%

Top 15 New Models - February 2024

The GWM Tank Hybrid hit the market with 43 units registered in the first two months of 2024.

Used import vehicles

The used import sector has continued its strong start to the year with another month of growth, up 13.1percent on February 2023 with a total 9,476 passenger and commercial vehicles registrations.

Toyota was again the brand leader with 3,742 or 42.5 percent of the units sold for the month of February, followed by Nissan with 15.5 percent, and Mazda was the only other brand with double-digit percentages at 14 percent.

Brand and model performance

Toyota, Honda, BMW and Mitsubishi all saw a small increase over January 2024, with 76 units for Toyota, 65 Honda, 20 BMW and a

Used Vehicle Market Passenger and Commercial

Motorcycles

age from 2002 to 2020 models.

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX:

Top 10 Used Import Brands - February 2024

The total new road motorcycle and scooter market was up on February 2023 from 736 to 798, a 4 percent increase for February 2024. Triumph was the big mover up four spots into second place with an increase of 39 units over last month. Registrations year to date are down 4.4 percent over 2023. Honda was back on top for the month with 18.7percent of the total month’s registrations, Triumph came in second at 15.7 percent and Suzuki with 14.5 percent rounded out the top three. The over-60cc class saw 625 units registered, down from 636 units last month and 173 units registered in the under-60cc category up 47 units on January 2024, with 126 registrations. The used space is very similar to last month with a total of only three extra units over January, 107 unit registrations in the over60cc and 25 in the under-60cc category. The top-selling model was the TNT Roma again with 47 units and 17.3 percent market share in February 2024, Honda CT125 came in at second place with 38 units and 14 percent, the big mover was the Triumph Speed 400 with 35 units and 12.9 percent of the registrations rounding out the top three.

Brand and model performance

The top-selling model again was the TNT Roma with 26 units and a 10.7 percent market share in January. Forza Ciclone and Suzuki UZ50 rounded out the top three.

Top 15 Used Import Models

Top 10 Motorcycle Registrations by Brand

Top-selling Models - February 2024

Respite for record keeping

With the 11th-hour announcement to the 1 March amendment being delayed, it affords more time for the industry to further discuss the limitations this could impose on the motoring public, and on our inspectors. MTA originally presented a submission as requested in March 2023 on this issue. MTA also supplied further information to the agency after the proposed release in December. We cited numerous issues within the amendment and continued our communications from the industry to the agency.

We are now offered further time to continue having these discussions with the various government agencies around the number plate issue, and more specifically, trailers. If you are able to supply any information, photos or have constructive comments to aid MTA in our further communications, please email them directly to me, glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz.

Sector Manager nights

And that’s a wrap for our new Sector Manager nights. We have set up and hosted 15 events from Invercargill to Whangarei, and in between. I would like to personally thank all of our members who took the time out of their busy days to attend and engage with me and with MTA. I was able to meet hundreds of our members at the evenings, discuss industry issues, what MTA has been working on and what is in the pipeline. The responses that we have had back from our members who attended have been all positive

and members leave the evenings hopefully with a clearer picture as to what is happening, and what is upcoming. We also had an open discussion platform at the end of the evening to ask questions of myself and generally engage with us. This is critical so I am able to be informed and updated as to the complexities of day-to-day issues our members are facing. As I am no longer in a workshop myself, this information is vital to me. So, for everyone that attended, engaged and discussed issues with me, thank you again and if this is something you would like to see more of, reach out to your regional committees and have a chat.

We have also completed the draw for the two digital brake decelerometer’s with Bruce from Cavanagh Motors, Te Puke, and Le Roux from Water Street Motors, Whangarei, the winning members. Congratulations to you both!

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

MTA Industry Surveys

Our new revised MTA Industry Surveys are now out, and we are asking our members to take a few minutes out of their busy day to complete them. The information we record assists MTA in a number of different aspects and helps us to have greater conversations to shape our industry. Once the surveys are completed, we will also publish the results so you will be able to review and see what the responses have been from around the country. These survey results will only be available to members who complete the survey, and they will also be in the draw to win a $300 voucher just for participating. If you have not yet received an email with the link to participate in the surveys, you can go onto the MTA Toolbox and search ‘Survey’ to find more information, a complete list of the questions in each survey and links to complete.

MITO Job Hub

Connecting Jobseekers and Employers

Access the profiles of jobseekers actively looking for work in the automotive industry in your region and contact them directly.

Advertise job vacancies – and if it’s an entry-level role, we’ll feature it on the MITO Facebook page.

Register for free today!

Sean Stevens, MTA Membership Manager and Glen McGarry, draw the winners of the digital brake decelerometers.

CLASIFIEDS

Situations vacant - North Island

Automotive technician/mechanic TARADALE

TM Autos require an experienced technician/ mechanic. We offer WoFs,services, pre purchase checks in a well equipped workshop. The applicant will be confident in carrying out mechanical repair and diagnostic tasks. WoF inspector authority preferred. Hold a full NZ drivers license, NZ residency and pass police vet and drug test.

Email CV to go.tmautos@gmail.com, or see Matt at TM Auto’s Taradale.

Auto mechanic/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.

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. Contact Mark Morrell, mark@morrellmotors.co.nz or phone 021 759 070.

Auto technician/WoF Inspector

PAIHIA

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

Automotive technician

WELLINGTON

European vehicle workshop specialising in Porsche. 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: 04 499 8715.

Automotive technician/WoF

TAUPO

We are a busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF certificate preferred. A team player with excellent communication skills. Email CV to: office@mainlandeng.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. Please contact Sandra –sandra@cyclespot.co.nz.

Senior technician

TAURANGA

Herbs Vehicle Repairs are in search for a Senior Technician to join our team in our Central Tauranga based workshop. If you are capable of carrying out all types of mechanical repairs in our busy workshop that will keep our customers happy then we would like to hear from you. Contact us at herbstauranga@gmail.com or call 07 577 6535.

Panelbeater

WANGANUI

Tom Ditchfield Panelbeaters & Restos are seeking a passionate, qualified panelbeater or 3rd year apprentice for our small shop with BIG results. Small to medium repairs with restorations also. Drivers licence and residency a must. Looking for the right person who wants to further their career. C.V required. Enquiries to tom.don66@mail.com or phone 027 308 0614.

Mechanic

PAPAKURA

Small busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and able to work under pressure and without supervision essential. Phone Graeme 09 299 9706.

Qualified mechanic

BIRKENHEAD

Busy workshop looking for a qualified mechanic to work on various makes of cars. Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm. WoF authority preferred, but not essential.

Email CV to birkenheadcarrepairs@xtra.co.nz

Automotive technician

HAVELOCK NORTH

We require a mechanic with WoF authority, not frightened of being busy and can work on a variety of vehicles, be reliable and trustworthy. Email: mcclintockmotors2014@gmail.com if interested along with your c.v.

Automotive technician

NEW PLYMOUTH

A great opportunity for a motivated, qualified technician to join our growing team. You will have a full drivers license, be trade and WoF certified or have the ability to obtain. No weekend work required. Phone: 06 758 3535.

Automotive technician/mechanic HASTINGS

DC Autocare require an experienced technician/ mechanic. 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.

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 full driver licence with New Zealand residency or a valid work visa. Email: workshop@autoking.co.nz. or phone: 09 262 1271

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.

Experienced mechanic

TAIHAPE

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

Senior technician/ Foreman

PAPAMOA

Work, play and enjoy life on the beach. Relocation costs may be subsidised. For a qualified, 10yrs+ experienced mechanic, we offer competitive pay.

Send CV to jobs@coastalautos.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.

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.

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

NAPIER

Wanted! motivated – reliable and trustworthy qualified technician who prides themself on quality workmanship and service, to join our small friendly team. WoF Authority a bonus, 3rd year Apprentice considered. Competitive remuneration. Phone Logan: 027 6442210 Email: logan@onsiteservices.co.nz

Automotive tech/WoF Inspector

TE AROHA

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

Mechanic –

TAUPO AREA

Qualified mechanic required for busy workshop. Must be able to work unsupervised. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Great team with new, well-equipped workshop. Contact Heather on 027 244 2331.

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.

Mechanic/WoF inspector –

KAIKOHE

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

Qualified mechanic

PORIRUA

Join our busy, friendly team at Porirua Motors. Contact Murray Phone: 04 237-4975 or directly to our workshop. Phone: 04 237-7979. 12 Norrie Street Porirua.

Automotive technician

GISBORN E

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.

Diesel mechanic

WYNDHAM

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

Situations vacant South Island

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 an AA Breakdown contractor. We would be willing to offer assistance with relocation and finding accommodation.

Email chris.perrysauto@gmail.com with CV or contact owner Chris Atkins 021 540 286.

Automotive technician

KAIAPOI

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

Automotive technician

SOUTH CANTERBURY

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

Automotive electrician INVERCARGILL

We are looking for a qualified automotive electrician to join our small friendly team. 40 hour weeks.

Email: service@dominionelectric.co.nz with CV.

WoF Inspector NELSON

With over 30 years of experience, DS Auto Ltd is a trusted name in the Nelson automotive industry. We are seeking a qualified and diligent WoF Inspector to join our team. Competitive hourly rate offered. For further information please contact Derryl Henman 029 2412839 or email office@dsato.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

INVERCARGILL

New car dealership, Southland Vehicle Sales has a long term opportunity available for a qualified mechanic to join the team working on Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Please contact Mark Lee on 021 0832 3373 or mark@leerecruitment.co.nz.

Motorcycle technician

NELSON

We require a qualified technician to work us in our well-established Honda dealership. The successful applicant will need to be honest and hardworking, have a clean driver’s licence, attention to detail and the ability to work with our existing staff of nine. Contact Ian on 027 221 9162.

Businesses for sale

Automatic Transmission Specialist - NEW PLYMOUTH

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

Grant: 0275 320 611 Email: automatics@xtra.co.nz

Automotive Workshop HASTINGS

Long established business since 1991 family owned and operated. 3-bay workshop all plant and equipment, SAM computer system, WoF, servicing, tyre sales and general repairs. Contact Clark 06 879 9487 email: clarkkelly@xtra.co.nz.

Automotive Workshop

NORTHSHORE (O rewa)

Prime location/Long established business

3 Bays 2x2 post Hoist, 1x4 post Hoist

WoF, Tyres, Batteries. Phone: 09 4265 783 021 022 45219 Email: orewa.auto2016@gmail.com

Ludemann Motors, Weston, OAMARU

Modern 360m2 building, fully kitted out. Quality offices, spacious workshop, lengthy and profitable business history. Located on the main street of Weston, top-notch work environment.

Asking $265,000 Plus GST (if any). Business only. Contact Tony 027 435 5275 or Sam 022 062 9782.

Businesses for sale Services

Automotive WorkshopAUCKLAND (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.

Automotive Workshop/Service Station – TASMAN

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

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.

Need some help?

Simple, personalised H&S system, documented policies and procedures, hazsub inventories and office optimisation service - clearing the clutter!

Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted022 151 1243.

Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz. www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

Let us drive your recruitment success

At Muster, we understand that recruiting top talent in the automotive industry requires a winning formula: a blend of expertise and cutting-edge technology. What really sets us apart is our personal touch. We believe in building meaningful relationships and making sure every interaction is tailored to meet your unique needs in the automotive industry.

Reach out to our team today! Ph: 09 394 7444 Freephone 0508 MUSTER info@musterrecruit.co.nz - www.musterrecruit.co.nz

UPPER NORTH ISLAND

MIKE BURD

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

SOUTH

AUCKLAN D

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

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

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

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

DANNY GARRICK 027 478 0593 danny.garrick@mta.org.nz

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

SCOTT GORDON Team Leader

0800 001144 mta@mta.org.nz

JENNY FOY

Member Support Officer 0800 001144 mta@mta.org.nz

TODD SPENCER

Member Support Officer 0800 001144 mta@mta.org.nz

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

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

We encourage all members to attend the training courses, professional development opportunities or networking events taking place in their areas. Our region coordinators will let you know what’s on and when. They are also keen to hear your ideas for other training or get-togethers that you’d like to take part in.

The region executive committees meet approximately every six weeks and all MTA members are most welcome to attend. The more you get involved, the more you can benefit from membership. Just contact your coordinator or region chair to check the dates of the meetings in your region.

KAIMAI

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

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

NORTHERN REGION

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

Rob Wilson Region Chair

MITESH PATEL Member Standards Coordinator 0800 001144 mta@mta.org.nz

SAVANNA CAINE Reception

0800 001144 mta@mta.org.nz

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

021 268 1781 rob@supershoppealbany.co.nz

EASTLAND

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

CENTRAL WEST COOK STRAIT

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

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

COAST TO COAST

Region Coordinator 021 152 8232 jody.worsfold@mta.org.nz

www.evcity.kiwi

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

AORAKI EAST COAST

Region Coordinator 021 152 8232 jody.worsfold@mta.org.nz

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

Supporting our industries in attracting, retaining and growing people

Grants are available in the automotive, transport and logistics, drilling, mining and quarrying, and gas industries, seeking to provide a positive impact on learners and the learning environment

Over $400,000 granted to date

APRIL 30