Radiator - May 2023

telling

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

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

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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

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Hitting the ground running

I’m now about a month into the job of MTA Chief Executive, and what an introduction it’s been.

Visiting members, our huge Parliamentary event, Council Day, dealing with media ... it’s been a fun, but steep, learning curve.

It’s also been a chance to learn more about MTA and the crucial role it plays in our industry.

It is a fascinating time to be in the industry, with rapid developments in technology, changes to legislation, the climate agenda, and evolving consumer expectations all presenting risks and opportunities for the future.

As the voice of our industry and a network of business owners, we will need to be prepared to meet the coming challenges.

Call to action

This month I was proud to launch our election year document, Driving New Zealand Forward: Future-Proofing the Automotive Industry, at the Beehive. The speakers included Associate Transport Minister Kiritapu Allan (standing in for Transport Minister Michael Wood, who was in Auckland responding to the flooding), Simeon Brown (National), Julie Anne Genter (Green Party) and Simon

Court (ACT), among over 100 others from across the industry, business and Government. This comprehensive publication was months in the making, and is a great summary of the challenges the automotive sector faces – and how we can fix them.

It was also great to meet members from around the country at Council Day, which was held the same day as the Parliament launch.

I know Council Day is highly valued by the board and executive as a platform to hear from the regions what we as an organisation can do to support members.

All in all, it made for a long day, but a very rewarding and constructive one!

Regional visit

Getting out in the regions over the first few weeks was a great opportunity to get a feel for who our members are and what is important to you.

I took the opportunity to get to Hawke’s Bay and visit some members affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

That really brought home the challenges members face, not only from the devastating impact of it on the region, but also the long road

to cleaning up and getting back in business for some.

It was a real eye-opener to visit Alan and Sarah Smith in Taradale, owners of Farm Gear HB. They’re determined to get their business back on its feet after water and debris flooded their premises four metres deep - they lost everything. Sarah says the flood engulfed their property at such an alarming rate they needed rescuing from the top of their two-storey building via a passing jetski. They spoke of the struggle they now have to rebuild their business with little help from the Government or local council.

Alan says there was an initial payment from the Government fund of $20,000, and a promise of $40,000, but there has been nothing since that initial part payment.

They are a hard-working couple with a young family and despite the challenges they face, Alan told me he’s already found a location down the road to run his workshop from, and despite the setback, they’re adamant the business will back to its pre-cyclone prime in the near future.

Catching up with our Eastland Region Chair Kelly Stephens at

Hawke’s Bay Toyota, highlighted the ongoing struggle to find skilled staff and supply issues, Kelly says as the region is in recovery mode the pressure on the workshop is causing unprecedented wait times and will likely remain high for some time.

Scott Gallop at Pakowhai Motors was another who’s managed to keep his business moving forward after being inundated with 20 centimetres of water and silt.

Scott was getting back to business in his workshop when I called in; the GIB was stripped off the walls in the office so it could dry out. He told me there was a fair bit of mud through the workshop during the cyclone, but thankfully his losses have been minimal.

My heart goes out to them and other members in similar positions. The issues talked about are common to many in the industry, including the struggle to attract staff and to find good apprentices; issues that the MTA is already working hard to address.

In support of our members affected by the flooding in Hawke’s Bay, MTA has engaged a Claims Preparation Specialist to assist members with their claims’ preparation and handling of the process.

A webinar was prepared and streamed live, as well as recorded and posted to the Toolbox site, for members to understand the basics and what the service provides for.

This service is available to all members, with most being able to claim the costs as part of the claim under their Business Interruption insurance. Those without this ability have been covered by MTA for the first three hours of representation OR given a credit of up to $1,000 for an alternative preparation specialist.

MTA has also engaged a barrister specialising in Insurance work to help with any member/ Insurer disputes. The member benefit is the first half-hour of legal advice is free.

While in the region I also called in to see Murray and Jackie Bennett, owners of Murray Bennett Motors in Hastings.

They have been members for a number of decades and run a pristine workshop that is worth a visit just to see the memorabilia Murray has collected over the years. Murray and Jackie have worked hard to build their successful business and are getting close to retiring. Both spoke of the complex decisions around selling up and retiring, an unenviable task but one they are determined to get right.

I look forward to meeting more members in due course, and my electronic door is always open: lee.marshall@mta.org.nz.

Sarah Smith shares some photos of the flooding with Lee.

Pakowhai Motors owner Scott Gallop shares his thoughts on the industry with Lee.

Lee with MTA Eastland Region Chair Kelly Stephens.

Murray and Jackie Bennett with Lee in their pristine workshop.

MTA puts the next Government on notice

It was the night the Bright Blue Badge came to the Beehive.

MTA launched its call to action for the next Government at Parliament on 9 May.

And people in power came to listen – Ministers, MPs, industry groups, MTA members.

Titled Driving New Zealand Forward: Future Proofing the Automotive Industry, the comprehensive publication outlines the challenges and issuing facing MTA members and the wider automotive industry.

It calls on the next Government to address the issues, proposes solutions, and makes clear that MTA stands ready to work with them.

Transport Minister Michael Wood was scheduled to speak at the event but flew to Auckland to respond to extreme weather events there.

Associate Transport Minister Kiritapu Allan was a most able last-minute replacement, despite her own busy schedule.

National Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown, Green Party Transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter, and their ACT counterpart Simon Court also spoke at the event.

All speakers addressed the key points of the document, some in support, some in opposition –but the debate was healthy and robust.

MTA President Bob Boniface also gave an address, while member Dave Boot gave an impressive mihi and MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall emceed the event.

In his speech, Bob said that “safe cars, safe air, safe roads” must be the underlying goal for the next Government.

“Our manifesto tabled tonight covers quite a range of policy priorities, some in high-profile areas, and many in the detail of transactional machinery, fair processes etc.”

Bob added a conversation around emissions testing and servicing must be a priority for the incoming Government, their Ministries, MTA and other sector representatives.

More than 150 people attended, with media also in attendance.

What’s inside?

The document – dubbed the ‘MTA manifesto’ within the organisation – is the product of months of hard work, consultation, analysis and insight. Members and staff across MTA have been involved in its production. A copy will soon be sent to every MTA member.

The brainchild of MTA Advocacy and Stakeholder Manager Brian Anderton and co-authored and designed by Media and PR Manager Simon Bradwell, the manifesto is a comprehensive examination of the automotive industry.

Members were consulted for their first-hand experiences, while MTA Sector Managers and others gave their expertise.

The manifesto is divided into four sections, or as they’ve been called in the document, Roads: People, Safety, The Future, and Strong, Fair Markets (see page 42 for more information).

Amongst the biggest calls made by MTA:

Phase out the Clean Car Discount

Defer the Clean Car Standard

Reset the Warrant of Fitness

Expand the Green List

Mandate emissions testing

Accelerate EV training

Five MTA members also feature on the pages, after generously sharing their personal experiences and recommendations from the front line.

Lee Marshall responded admirably to the wave of media interest, doing interviews across a range of outlets.

He even managed to nail an interview with Mike Hosking at 7.15am the next day – success indeed.

What’s next?

The work doesn’t stop with the Beehive event. This laid out our calls to the next Government –now we follow up on them with the respective Ministries and Government agencies.

MTA will also be working to keep the issues in front of the media and the public.

Once the election has been held in October, MTA will be working with the new Ministers with influence in our industry.

Copies

‘Driving

Photo: Gerald Rillstone

Kiritapu Allen, Associate Transport Minister.

of

New Zealand Forward’ are available on the MTA website.

MTA: DRIVING NEW ZEALAND FORWARD MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MTA: DRIVING NEW ZEALAND FORWARD

What the MPs said

Simeon Brown, National Party Transport Spokesperson

“It is critically important as we prepare our policies that we engage with the sector and that we listen to what your views are.

“We also want to make sure that our industry training is led by industry … and focus on putting industry back in the driving seat of industry training.

“The National Party wants to be focused on working with New Zealanders. We want to make sure our roads are better ,not slower, we want to make sure they're safer, we want to make sure the industry has the skills and the policy settings it needs, and, most importantly, we want to make sure we work with you, not against you.

“That's our commitment and we look forward to engaging with you over the coming weeks as we finalise our policies.”

Julie Anne Genter, Green Party Transport Spokesperson

“I worked closely with MTA when I was an associate minister and we were looking at our emissions reduction programme, so I do laud outcomes set out in this paper. I also think we have to be honest about what’s going to achieve the outcomes we want to get.

“It says in this document that the CCD has been part of the huge uptick we’ve seen in low-emissions vehicles that we have seen in the past two years. And that’s true.

“When I was associate minister we researched the most effective policies to get the outcomes we needed. We came to a combination of fueleconomy standards combined with a price incentive. It has worked even better than forecast and that’s really good.”

Simon Court, ACT Transport Spokesperson

“This is a very high-quality publication, and it’s worthy of any think tank to have put together a policy proposal which sets out all the things that MTA wants to set out to achieve. It’s high-quality information like this that produces the best policy.

“ACT is happy to collaborate with MTA when it comes to things like immigration policy. Not just a Green List where a minister gets to choose who gets on the list and who doesn’t, and how long they might have to wait for a permit.

“We would say that anybody who needs to bring someone into the country, like a panelbeater, should simply be able to register and if there’s a high demand for those permits, then paying a fee, is a much simpler way to do it than having to queue up for months or years to bring people into the country”.

Kiritapu Allan, Associate Transport Minister

“MTA’s priorities for the sector - safe cars, safe air, and safe roads are essentially what this Government wants for our transport system.

“We may use different words and have different ideas about how to get there, but the goal is essentially the same.

“The Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard are having a big impact. The number of lower emissions vehicles available to new Zealanders has increased and EVs now make up 20 percent of vehicles introduced to New Zealand every year.

“To rapidly adopt low-emission vehicles and improving EV charging structure across the country will be absolutely vital to ensure all New Zealanders can charge when they need, and I want to acknowledge that was one of the key findings in this very useful policy document.”

What you’re telling us

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

“I loved your sustainability issue you did last year. I read the whole thing and got a few more things for our ‘ to do’ list.” Thanks, we are always on the lookout for what members are doing in the area of sustainability so we can share tips and strategies.

“There needs to be consistency between the WoF paperwork available for sites around New Zealand instead of different versions.”

MTA has had discussions over this and in the future these documents will most likely be online form of inspection-type documents. This would allow for live or semi-live transaction upload and download from the Waka Kotahi database, as well as reduce error and input time. There is a challenge with this format as it is costly to build and requires API’s into Waka Kotahi database, for both upload and download. Waka Kotahi has looked at being the producer and leader for this in the past, but has determined their role is better placed as providing the information required and letting each entity make up their own way of doing this.

“I talked to staff about changing their hours so they get more time off every third weekend, and it has made a big difference to the amount of work we get through in a week and they really look forward to a regular long weekend.”

It’s great when you can boost staff morale, we have heard of a few places trying varying hours with great results.

This is a huge topic at the moment, the fourday week is making real strides all across the world with many companies and even Governments trialling it, and all reporting huge successes. There is so much evidence showing that giving staff greater flexibility and time off boosts the productivity of the staff.

Studies have shown significant improvements in productivity and morale when employees are given the option to work according to their own schedule. Even if not allowing employees to set their hours, working with them to change their hours to work better for them is a great idea.

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EVs come to the ‘Naki

Wet weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm for an electric vehicle showcase in Taranaki last month.

Around 250 people turned up to Tasman Prospect Park in New Plymouth to see a range of around 40 EV models, including Tesla, Audi, Ford, Polestar, Hyundai – even Porsche.

“We wanted to show diversity, we wanted to show people there’s an EV for everybody,” says organiser Justin Smith.

While many eyes were on the Hyundai IONIC 6 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the probable showstopper was the country’s only electric ute, the LDV eT60.

“They brought it along towing a jetski to show it’s not only a ute but has the capacity to tow as well,”

Justin says.

A firefighter by profession, Justin owns two EVs: a humble Nissan Leaf, and a more glamorous Tesla Model 3 Long Range.

“With everything going on with global warming, if you want to make a difference, you’ve got to make that transition from ICE vehicles to EVs,” Justin says.

“If we don’t change our fleet out, we’re never going to achieve zero emission targets.

“And the secondary fact is, it’s much cheaper to run an EV.”

The event is run with the Better NZ Trust, a group committed to encouraging the uptake of EVs.

As well as private owners, six dealerships approached Justin to take part, and he’s hoping the event, which has been run five times, will be even bigger in 2024.

“We might need a new area that’s larger, because we’re aiming to get maybe 50 vehicles – even more if we can.”

Around 40 vehicles were on display at Electricarna.

A privately owned, top-of-the range Porsche Taycan. The smooth lines of the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Audi joined the EV line-up.

A new Polestar on display.

SUSTAINABILITY

Hydrogen hybrid trucks join the carbon reduction race

Stepping up in the race to decarbonise New Zealand’s transport fleet, Southland-based heavy transport company H.W. Richardson (HWR) has partnered with Christchurch engineering company Fabrum to develop a hydrogen refuelling solution.

HWR put its first dual-fuel, hydrogen-diesel truck on the road last month and has plans to convert another nine.

The two companies have developed a working hydrogen refuelling unit that can produce hydrogen on site at their Allied fuel stations with the view of creating a network in the near future. They have been trialling dual-fuel hydrogen technology for their truck fleets since late 2021 with the view of enabling them to transition to low-carbon heavy transport in a sustainable manner and say dual-fuel technology diesel engines can replace up to 40 percent of the diesel with hydrogen – resulting in a 40 percent reduction in emissions – without power loss.

To build a network of hydrogen fuelling stations

HWR-owned Allied Petroleum will be utilised with its network of around 110 fuel stops across New Zealand, from Stewart Island to Karikari Peninsula.

“As one of New Zealand’s largest companies, HWR can action big change that impacts its emissions and provides a sustainability and decarbonisation blueprint for heavy transport,” says HWR Chief Executive Anthony Jones.

He says it is the first step of a potential revolution for the industry as HWR alone has 1,300 of the 45,000 New Zealand fleet.

It is cost-effective, as well with around $150,000 for the truck conversion which gave 40 percent renewable generation, while a 100 percent

hydrogen truck could cost $1.2 million. He adds the company would convert 10 of its trucks into dual-fuel hydrogen trucks and would set up its first electrolyser in Gore.

The project

Anthony Jones says Fabrum is a key part of the company’s hydrogen project. He says the latest developments will help the heavy transport industry as a whole by removing barriers to accessing ready hydrogen fuel.

Fabrum Managing Director and co-founder Christopher Boyle says hydrogen is one of the most scalable and viable options to help the energy transition to a lower-carbon economy. “To leave the world a better place, we need to look to a new future with liquid hydrogen and we’ve developed the technology to make that future a reality. Our hydrogen fuel production technologies open new possibilities for sustainable long-distance transport, marine and aviation – and energy self-sufficiency, he says.

Anthony says the team made the decision 14 months ago to “jump boots and all” into dualfuel trucks with the view of converting another

nine trucks this year, while a hydrogen fuelling station would be installed in Gore.

When in dual-fuel mode, about 40 percent of the truck’s energy is generated by hydrogen gas, in five tanks behind the cab, and 60 percent from diesel. It can also run on diesel only.

HWR’s plan is to build more refuelling stations over time and eventually shift from dual fuel-trucks to solely hydrogen-powered trucks.

The detail

If it is classed as a hybrid, most people think a battery is included but is this setup also a hybrid?

No battery involved. We are utilising dual-fuel technology where we retrofit a purpose-built hydrogen injector into the air intake of an existing diesel internal combustion engine. This mixes a precise dose of hydrogen and air together which is then combusted. Diesel injection remains the same.

How does it work-is it the flick of a switch in the cab?

We have a screen inside the cab. Our computer system reads the CANBUS of the truck and runs a protocol to assess when the engine is within optimal operating status to inject hydrogen. It then switches to dual-fuel mode. This screen is also used to revert to diesel-only mode.

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HWR Chief Executive Anthony Jones.

CMB. TECH H2 INJECTION SYSTEM

Overcoming stereotypes and challenges

Mercedes Mulder is a young apprentice who’s going places. Read her thoughts on work and life in every second issue of Radiator.

The most expected challenge for me working as an apprentice is the stereotypes I face working in a ‘man’s world’.

Luckily for me, I have got pretty thick skin and it takes a lot to offend me, and the worst effect these stereotypes have on me is they make me laugh. There is no doubt these stereotypes are still out there. I’ve found myself under a vehicle with oil on my forehead and spanner in hand and there have been customers who have still walked up to me to ask if I am cleaning under there or ask for a mechanic.

I’ve been fitting a fuel filter out on the road and customers have asked me if I would like to clean their vehicle too!

When I state that I work at a dealership, the immediate response is always. “Are you a groomer or a receptionist?”.

At times these things have frustrated me, but they have also taught me not to give up, that everything works itself out and that it is okay to ask for help.

For me these have been some of the challenges I experienced and overcame, and I consider none of these things a negative aspect of the job, they are simply a small part of my job.

I view challenges as the most exciting things about life and the feeling of success when you overcome that challenge is epic

Beginners’ challenges

You do need to be strong, but technique plays a big part when it comes to heavy lifting.

I was very intimidated by all these things. Especially doing something that I had never done before! But luckily for me, all my colleagues were super friendly and supportive, which made settling in a breeze.

The fact that I was so fresh to the ‘mechanic scene’ as a new apprentice and the fact that I was a female living with the stereotype of knowing nothing about vehicles made this job very intimidating – but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.

When I started, I felt like I was in a different position from most new apprentice mechanics. I assumed most fresh apprentices would have been working on their own project cars for years and would have at least a basic knowledge of cars before beginning their apprenticeship. Some do pre-trade courses, which give them an idea of what the job entails and a brief understanding of the components in a vehicle. But that wasn’t where I was coming from, I didn’t do a pre-trade course and I had not been working on my or my friends’ project cars since I was young. I had watched my dad servicing my vehicles over the years, but the amount of information I absorbed was very minimal when it came to my new career.

Technique trumps strength

One of my hobbies is going to the gym and combining this with my quite physical job at my former employment, Silver Fern Farms Freezing Works, made me feel reasonably strong.

The funny part of starting as an apprentice mechanic was that this strength had nothing against the basic tasks of an everyday mechanic. Lifting wheels and tyres onto a vehicle, undoing a diff bung, rolling the vehicle forward from the hoist – these basic tasks made me so mad because my strong independent woman self couldn’t figure them out and I had to ask for help!

Meeting new people, all the new names to remember, finding my way around a new place and even just figuring out the basics of who does what was all part of a new challenge for me when I started at South Canterbury Hyundai as an apprentice mechanic.

A new type of strength definitely arose from my job; however I quickly learnt that although strength was helpful, the most beneficial skill I could gain was technique - and it is okay to ask for help when you are struggling or unsure about something.

One of my best friends, Indie.

One of my hobbies is going to the gym.

Dusty cowshed to iconic garage

Surrounded by tools and grease at a young age, Sandra Phillips was pretty much destined to be involved in the motor industry. The family business, Phillips Garage, was set up by her father John and is an icon in Tauranga. It’s been around for nearly 80 years, an MTA member since 1950, and has won a raft of MTA awards over the decades.

It was no surprise when Sandra took over the business and drove it to success with her practical, down-to-earth approach. More on that later.

When John Phillips arrived back from his WW2 tour of duty in the Solomon Islands, he gravitated to the family cowshed in

Tauranga and started tinkering with cars.

He fixed neighbours’, friends’ and family cars, and from agricultural beginnings a business grew.

“He was also buying and selling them because there was a shortage of cars back then and his brother Ray joined him, and they decided to rent cars and eventually built the garage,” Sandra says.

A pump was put in to supply gas to the rentals and the public.

Following footsteps

Meanwhile Sandra was hanging out at the workshop and enjoyed her dad’s company and the work

he was doing so much that she decided to follow his footsteps.

“I started a parts apprenticeship with the Ford dealer in Tauranga and then I was a sales rep on the road. It gave me good skills, especially back then. It hardened me up, I was the first female at the business and the first female out on the road,” she says.

Those were generally good days, but there was an element of resentment from some customers and one memorable customer who refused to interact with her altogether because she was a woman.

“He wouldn’t talk to me; he would rather talk to someone

who had started yesterday than deal with me, but I got my own back years later.

“He came in here one day because he was an engine reconditioner and was looking for some work and I said, ‘Do you remember me?’

“What goes around comes around,” she says.

After a stint overseas, Sandra returned in 1983 and John offered her a job at the garage.

Minimum wage and board

Despite offers from other businesses she listened to her heart and went to work with her dad.

“Basically, I worked for minimum wage and lived at home.”

Ray retired from the business, and two years later her dad took an overseas trip and left Sandra in charge. When he returned, they had a heart-to-heart.

“I felt the rental cars were holding us back and took a lot of commitment with not much profit and he agreed the boom years had gone. We had a rental licence to sell, and Avis came along and offered to buy the fleet and the licence, which was brilliant timing,” she says. They expanded the garage workshop and Sandra took ownership in 1991, with John helping out until he passed away in 2001.

“Dad was very good at stepping aside and at encouraging me, when people came in and wanted to talk to the boss, he pointed at me.

“I worked into owning it; I took very little in wages and eventually it was put in my name in 1991,” she says.

Creating local celebs

On an overseas trip in the 1980s, John Phillips spotted waving mannequins at a business in the UK and was taken with the idea of having one for the garage. On his return, he sourced an old shop mannequin, fitted a wiper motor to the arm, named it Joe and placed it out the front to wave to passing trade.

The addition to the business soon became a local celebrity and has featured in the local newspaper over the years.

Sandra says the idea her dad had was to have a side business selling waving mannequins and pretty soon a female version, Josephine, was created to keep Joe company. The locals went crazy over them - the newspaper came up with the idea the mechanical couple should get married, and the public loved it.

Josephine has since been retired, but Joe is still out front every day greeting customers.

“It’s the best form of marketing we could have done; everyone knows the mechanical man,” Sandra says.

Sandra Phillips at the original gates to the property.

MEMBER PROFILE: PHILLIPS GARAGE, TAURANGA

Women in business

Drawing on her own experience, Sandra was part of a group who set up a Tauranga ‘Women in Business’ in the 1990s to provide support to women in the automotive industry.

“It was really good because I remember one girl who was getting a really hard time in the parts department and the girls gave her tips on how to deal with it,” she says.

The group had guest speakers and helped create similar organisations around the country.

Attitudes have changed over the years Sandra says, but there’s still room for improvement.

Longevity

When 2026 rolls around, Phillips Garage will have been in business on the same block of land in Tauranga for 80 years, which is an achievement Sandra is proud to be part of. Her recipe for success: “Communication, customer loyalty, looking after staff, sticking to your principles. It isn’t easy, there are challenges as you go with it and learn on the job.

“But it was something I wanted to be, my dad wasn’t the sort of person to expect women to stay in the kitchen. His view was pretty much do whatever you are interested in.”

Phillips garage already holds the mantle of Tauranga’s longest-serving automotive centre with over 75 years in the trade and Sandra has no plans to step away just yet.

When that day comes, her hope is that it will go to someone who shares the same commitment to customers and the industry that she has.

“I have plenty of energy and have always maintained that I didn’t want the business to kill me. I haven’t made plans yet, but I am thinking about it.”

SANDRA’S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

Communication, customer loyalty, looking after staff, sticking to your principles.

Sandra is a long-serving member of the local MTA branch, on that branch’s Executive Committee for 19 years, and held the position of both vice-president and president. She has established a women’s network for MTA members and was awarded honorary membership of the Tauranga Branch in 2010.

As a nominated MTA business mentor, Sandra has shared her experiences and business skills with others in the industry.

In 2006 she was awarded the distinction of being admitted to the membership as a Fellow of the MTA

John Phillips poses with newly installed petrol pumps.

Sandra and her dad John in a photo taken for the Bay News.

Region news - Kaimai

Calling time after half a century

MTA Kaimai regional staff gathered in Whakatane last month to pay tribute to Richard Underwood, an MTA member of 50 years.

Region news - Cook Strait

Around 30 people attend the event from staff, friends, family and MTA Kaimai committee members. Richard and best mate Mike Wilkins started Underwood and Wilkins in 1973 a business born out of a love of motorcycles, they went on to build a solid following in the region and supported a range of motorcycling events over the decades.

MTA wishes Richard all the best for his retirement.

Ellie - Craig's guiding hand

MTA’s Good Sort winner for the Cook Strait region this month is Ellie Timihau, who was nominated by MTA member North City Motors Porirua owner Craig Nicol. Craig couldn’t speak highly enough of Ellie, who not only looks after the business’s accounts, she also goes that extra mile to make sure the place runs smoothly.

“Ellie is business focused, keeps the team informed and is always ready to pitch in when needed,” Craig says.

“Ellie does background office support, is office manager and accounts manager, looks after everyone and manages payments.”

“She even organised her overseas holiday around the 20th of the month so she could be at work to make creditor payments plus she provides me with ‘adult supervision’ to pre-empting mistakes.”

“At 72, she is a bundle of energy.”

Ellie started working for Craig when he bought the business eight years ago. He knew Ellie through a mutual friend, and a chance meeting at Mitre 10 got him thinking she was just what the business needed.

“Ellie had retired from being an accountant and was looking for something to do; I call her the guiding hand,” he says.

“I had quite a high-pressure job for 20 years as CFO for IndeServe and I retired when I was 60,” Ellie says.

“I had three months off looking after my daughter, who had cancer for six years, and after that decided, I didn’t want to work fulltime anymore and thought I would look around for a part-time job.”

For Craig, her contribution to the business has been a godsend. He says she was instrumental in reducing costs with the likes of waste disposal and utilities.

“One of the big savings she made was on our waste management; she saved close to $120 a month by sorting out a different contractor. that’s around $1,500 a year.

“She’s like a little Fox Terrier or Bull Terrier and manages to accomplish an eight-hour day in five hours,” says Craig.

Ellie was pretty familiar with the workings of a workshop; her husband is a mechanic and has worked from their home garage for the past 20 years.

“It is a no-stress job and I keep pretty busy outside work too; we look after three little dogs, and I play bowls and work on sponsorship for the club and also clean the kitchen at the bowling club.

“It’s a good job and I do enjoy it, although I don’t know if I will still be working when I’m 80, but we’ll see!” Ellie adds.

Ellie Timihau (left) with her boss Craig Nicol.

John Jones (New Owner), Kim Preston (RC Kaimai), Patrick Kwak (New owner), Karen Kwak (New owner), Richard Underwood, Dan Taylor (Kaimai Chair), Jason Land (Kaimai Vice Chair), Damian Fleming (Kaimai Committee), Luke Underwood (Richards son).

MTA Kaimai chair Dan Taylor presented Richard Underwood with a certificate marking his 50 years as an MTA member.

Region news - Central West

Throughout that mammoth project, original design and manufacturing methods were used as much as possible while adhering to today’s safety requirements. The Waimarie was originally designed and built in 1899 by Yarrow & Co Shipbuilders in London and transported to Whanganui in kitset. She remains New Zealands only coal-fired operating paddle steamer.

Following the cruise, the group enjoyed a meal and great hospitality at Whanganui’s Speedway Garage, where the group was joined by local Whanganui MTA members for the evening.

A big thanks to Repco/Napa who helped make the day possible.

Central West cruises Whanganui River

By Natalie Campbell, Regional Events Coordinator,

Nearly 80 MTA Central West members boarded New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer recently when they cruised the Whanganui River on the Waimarie. The event attracted all ages from throughout the region from Palmerston North to New Plymouth. Despite a soggy start to the cruise, the weather cleared and guests were able to get out on deck and enjoy the scenery. Adding to the experience was the ability to visit the engine room and talk with the crew throughout the two-hour cruise, including down in the boiler and engine room.

In 1952 the Waimarie sank and lay in the river for many decades before enthusiasts established a community heritage project in 1992 with the aim of salvaging, restoring and operating the paddle steamer again. Her restoration became Whanganui’s official millennium project and, following 67,000 volunteer hours, she was restored to her former glory and relaunched on 1 January 2000.

Max Bradley from Dittmer Collision Repairs in Palmerton North took the helm of the Waimarie

After a soggy start ,the weather cleared and MTA members were able to get out on deck and enjoy the scenery. Members travelled from New Plymouth and as far down to Palmerston North to enjoy the event.

Special thanks to Napa for their support of the event.

Fergus Adsett from Adsett Heavy Diesel Ltd, Feilding, enjoyed the cruise with his family.

Central West and Eastland.

Blast from the Past

Every month we revisit the pages of Radiator from 25 years and 75 years ago. MAY 1948

MAY 1998

No fault code faults

This article is a description of a technical case presented to the AECS technical support team.

Toyota Altezza 2001 2.0L petrol

We have a client’s vehicle in today for WoF repair work. Our admin team noted that the client had experienced some vehicle performance issues that could be related to engine misfiring going by the description of issue given by client. We have scanned the vehicle for fault codes and have found nothing recorded in the vehicles control units. The customer mentioned the issue does not happen often.

We would like a plan of attack to get this problem diagnosed please. Our technician has road tested the car and seemed fine. The client has been to several garages already to try address this problem and had no results. The client feels that many professional workshops these days are only interested in fitting parts and not actually diagnosing and fixing problems. This client stressed that they owned an older car but were prepared to pay for the technician’s time to come up with the fix for this problem. These types of problems are the most difficult to resolve due to the fact of having no fault codes but also the fault only occurs at random times. To top it off, it was now late on a Friday

afternoon meaning time was limited, also being in Auckland the roads were now heavily congested with traffic.

For a fault code to be registered, a series of predetermined thresholds need to be exceeded known as ‘trigger levels’. These triggers can be voltage, time and plausibility. It is possible in fast- switching electronics for units to intermittently fail for a millisecond or nanosecond but not trigger a fault code because of being inside the trigger thresholds. This is what we would be dealing with here.

Toyota vehicles of this generation have a spark quality reporting system known as an ignition feedback system (IGF). So in theory, if we had an ignition system failure, we would expect a fault code.

ATS scope

The workshop that had an ATS scope had already measured the six coils power supplies, grounds and trigger pulse (coil charge time). The spark duration had been measured. This was well over one millisecond, which is a good strong spark

Road test

Next step would be road testing while having the ATS scope connected to the vehicle. If a misfire happens, we will experience a slowing of the crankshaft speed due to no energy delivery to it. So we want to measure crankshaft speed and reference this to the firing order of the engine by connecting one of our scope’s channels to, say, ignition coil 1 trigger. This allows faulting cylinders to be located by firing order. This engine is a 6-cylinder vehicle. Being short on time we decided to use the ATS scope’s G force sensor. This simply needed to be taped, the oil filler cap connected to channel 1 of our scope, channel 2 of our scope to ignition coil trigger 1, and off we go driving, waiting to capture a potential misfire. This saved finding obscured wiring with limited time. The G force sensor gives a very similar delta line as the crankshaft sensor recording does. Rocking in one direction on compression, another on power/combustion stroke. If no power to crank, no motion is measured by the sensor, which gives a flat line instead of a rocking pulse on our G force sensor

ATS scope recording of Toyota 6-cylinder ignition feedback acknowledge pulse (blue trace) vs coil trigger 1 pulse (red trace).

ATS scope’s G force sensor attached to the engine.

DIAGNOSTICS - AECS

After a brief road test, the technician captured the following G force vs coil trigger 1 recording.

Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label

Bingo! In the above recording taken while driving the vehicle you can see the ignition coil 1 being activated in the red trace. This is the charging of the coil to create spark. The blue line is the output from the G force sensor taped to the engine. When the coil is charged, we should see a spike up from the motion of the engine instead of an almost flat line sideways. There is no energy delivery from cylinder 1 at this moment. This went on for only approximately one second before returning to normal, ie intermittent.

Solution

Based on time constraints a replacement ignition coil was fitted to cylinder 1 of the vehicle. Normally we would measure ignition vs injection to drill down further into failure, then retest while driving. The following pattern was recorded on a brief final road test

The Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label (VEEEL) must now be displayed on vehicles offered for sale at car yards.

The VEEEL allows buyers to compare the carbon dioxide emissions and energy economy of one vehicle against another, and indicates whether the vehicle attracts a rebate, fee, or neither, under the Clean Car Discount. It is a legal requirement to display the label on all eligible light vehicles for sale and for online listings if the information is available.

Why do the labels include carbon dioxide emissions?

Transport is responsible for around half of New Zealand’s energy-related emissions, so enabling consumers to make low-emissions choices is a vital part of tackling climate change.

Find out more

For more information about your obligations and displaying the label, visit eeca.govt.nz/vehiclelabel

In this recording you can see the now-near uniform blue trace G force sensor pulses from compression and power delivery motions on its axis. A good running engine. The client reported back a week later to the workshop, delighted that the car was now running perfectly. A fast, timely repair done cost effectively and with accuracy in the diagnosis. This will create a valuable reputation for the workshop and even more valuable ‘word of mouth’ advertising. This is just another return on investment of quality equipment such as the ATS scope with technical support from the team at AECS. We help our clients to be confident in their daily work and succeed in business!

Hamish v Lier Trainer/Workshop advisor/Technical support

A vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions determine whether it is eligible for a rebate under the Clean Car Discount (green label), or whether it will attract a fee (red label). Cars with blue labels have neither a rebate nor a fee –typically because their emissions are in the neutral zone, the vehicle has been previously registered, it has a safety rating below 3 stars or it retails at $80,000 or more including on-road costs and GST.

ATS scope recording of Toyota crank G force (blue trace) vs ignition coil trigger 1 (red trace).

ATS scope recording of G force vs coil 1 trigger - good running engine.

2023 VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE

Volvo has released its first EV in SUV Recharge guise. Here we check out the top spec electric XC40, dubbed Ultimate.

Sweden’s Volvo is in the best place to do a good job of its first electric vehicle, given how they got a headstart with subsidiary Polestar and its popular 2. So no surprise that the compact SUV you see here, the XC40 Recharge, is a bit of a blinder, underpinned by mechanicals found in the $105k Polestar 2 Long Range. It’s not cheap at just under $100k but then what dual motor EVs are?

What we admire about it, apart from its uber cool compact SUV styling, lovely finish and rather fetching sage-green paint job, is that it is so simple to operate. About the only thing that would make it easier is full autonomous drive.

And that ease of use seems to be a thing with EVs; no gear changes to begin with, this one doesn’t even have paddles for regen, though you do get the option of coasting or single-pedal drive mode. Mention of which, there are no drive modes –just go or slow.

Start-up is similarly straightforward. Pull a door handle to unlock the Ultimate, select Drive and

you’re away – this would make an awesome getaway vehicle, no? Same with leaving the Recharge, as you just select Park, exit, lock up and walk away.

On the go it’s equally easy. The portrait-style screen has four areas, for the important stuff like phone, radio, driving conditions, and nav. If you’re feeling truly lazy you can get the Hey Google assistant to help. I even asked her what’s the hold-up (traffic, not bank) and she showed me the congestion around Warkworth on a Sunday evening on Google Maps. So there’s clever AI in this car.

I’ve never been a great fan of heavy one-pedal regen instead of braking, at least until I drove the XC40 Recharge. Here it seems to work well. On twisted roads the solid regen sets the speed for corners, and you can literally leave braking until the last minute. Go into the driving assistance settings, flick regen to off and you’re then coasting, great for open road work

Is the Volvo XC40 Recharge quick?

And so what’s under the covers? Well, there’s a motor for each axle, and the platform is essentially the same as that in the ICE-powered Volvo XC40. Only there’s rotors and stators instead of reciprocation and localised pollution. This Ultimate model costs $99,900 but some might well be happy with the Plus version that gets just a single motor, a smaller battery pack and slightly less specification, though no rebate as the ask is $85,900.

Ultimate gets twin motors, AWD and a larger battery pack (78 vs 69kWh) so effectively has a similar range to the single-motor variant. But it has roughly twice as much urge, with 300kW and 660Nm, so races to 100 in 4.9sec. It’s essentially as quick as an Audi RS Q3 which also has nigh on 300kW to play with and AWD. The Audi Sport model costs $120k, however, with a couple of grand in carbon tax fees on top of that. The driving range for the XC40 Recharge P8 Ultimate, to use its full name, is a claimed 438 kilometres by WLTP assessment. Later this year, it will get a slightly faster charging 82kWh battery, boosting optimum range to around 500 km.

Anyhow, where the RS Q3 is a fun machine for backroad antics, this is more the rapid urban runaround. It takes off like a jack rabbit if you mash the throttle, but in regular driving, you’d never know this had a dark side lurking. It’s smooth off the line and doesn’t feel like some kind of stealth monster.

WORDS: PETER LOUISSON | PHOTOS: TOM GASNIER

How does the Volvo XC40 Recharge handle?

As a drive, this is well rounded. It has lots of goodquality P Zero rubber on 20-inch rims. Despite that, we recorded no dB readings into the seventies; it really is plenty quiet, apart from a bit of whirring at low speeds for the sake of distracted jaywalking pedestrians. Dynamically, the ride and handling are about even-stevens, the former being always impressive, the latter you only really discover when you keep on pushing. Yes, it’s heavy at over two tonnes but the weight is carried low and isn’t really noticeable with roll well modulated.

On the safety front, everything is there, as you’d expect from Volvo. Over the single-motor variant this adds 360-degree camera, park assist front, rear and sides, and fog lamps with cornering function. At pick-up it had a range of 360km indicating the previous driver had been doing mainly highway running. We sometimes managed energy use of 20kWh/100km, on roads with a mix of 80km and 100km/h limits.

What’s the XC40 Recharge like on the inside?

Practically speaking this rocks too, especially given it’s only a bit over 4.4 metres in length. The front seats don’t move too far rearward meaning good legroom and headroom in the back, and there’s

easy entry with wide opening doors. Up front are vegan-leather-style seats (a type of vinyl), fully powered, like the fifth door, and with good lumbar adjustability (seats, not door, obviously). The view out the upright rear window is outstanding as the headrests out back flop down flat when not in use. And after rolling over the 60/40 seat backs there’s a completely flat load bay. Volvo reckons on 419 litre and the floor itself divides so you can compartmentalise the front section. Moreover, there’s a 30-litre frunk up front where the charging cables live.

On that, an overnight zap with the supplied emergency charger gets the battery pack from 80 to 100 percent easily enough. We used between one-quarter and one-third of a battery charge to do around 120km, so the 400-odd km range seems about right. Naturally, speed and how hard you drive are major determinants of range and the XC40 gives a sensible wide range estimate (250-430km) while the range optimiser adds about 20km by going to a lighter AC setting.

With a Google platform my Android phone hooked up easily and wirelessly (Apple phones require a lead, a bit of a turnaround from the norm) and there is a charge pad for good measure. Google Maps and all sorts of apps are there to play with, not while driving, mind you, unless you get the helpful ‘Hey Google’ AI assistant to run them for you. She was also genuinely helpful with radio tuning.

And the sound from the HK premium system is impressive, the 600wpc amp driving 13 speakers and a vented subwoofer. Woof is right. We were initially disappointed by the lack of head-up display but the instruments are straightforward, with speed and traffic sign recognition front and centre.

What are the XC40’s competitors?

So, all in all, a mighty fine first electric effort thanks Volvo. Go for the twin motor if you’re okay with the price because it’s one of the most convincing compact electric SUVs out there, even if none of the variants qualify for a rebate like the single-motor Tesla Model Y does ($78k drive away). Never mind, at least the Recharge isn’t seen on every street corner.

An alternative is Kia’s EV6, the long range dual motor variant - much the same price but with more space. The EV area is getting increasingly busy, as reflected by Tesla lowering its prices globally. If it’s more of a coupe look you’re after, check out the Volvo C40 Recharge, while sedan lovers might prefer the Polestar 2 instead.

P8 Ultimate

Price $99,900

Clean Car Discount Neutral – $0

Motor Single, 300kW/660Nm

Battery 75.0kWh

Range 400-425km (WLTP)

Drivetrain Single-speed auto, RWD Energy Use 23.8kWh/100km

C02 Output 0g/km

0-100km/h 4.80sec

80-120km/h 2.78sec (79.54m)

100-0km/h 32.74m

Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Tow rating 750kg (1,800kg braked)

Servicing 3 years, Unlimited km Warranty 3 years, Unlimited km

ANCAP rating 5 stars (2018)

Weight 2,188kg (claimed)

Model Volvo XC40 Recharge

Always report every hazard and reduce workshop risk

Hazards constantly surround us, but they don’t result in incidents so long as we maintain a constant lookout and prevent risks from becoming incidents harming us or our colleagues. By reporting every hazard, you’re contributing to a better workplace where safety is top of mind – and productivity gets a boost too. That’s not all: nobody likes being injured, and your safety consciousness helps everyone go home in one piece, after every shift.

Hazard, or risk?

The first thing we need to understand is the difference between a hazard and a risk. A hazard has the potential to cause harm, while a risk is the probability that a hazard will cause harm (see the diagram for a concise explanation – though sharks are unlikely in the workshop!) In other words, hazards become risks when they are likely to cause an incident.

Difference between a Hazard and a Risk

Your workplace is dangerous

That’s why it has a sign keeping customers out! Workshops are inherently hazardous places, and those hazards result in numerous and constantly evolving risks. In last month’s column, we discussed a forklift parked improperly and sunstrike contributing to a nasty injury; the forklift is always a hazard, it became a risk when it wasn’t stowed right, and an incident when our man came running around a sharp corner.

Reporting every hazard is so important because it establishes a culture of vigilance where everyone in the workshop is constantly scanning for potential problems. It’s a bit like how a good driver constantly assess everything and everyone on the road, constantly noting anything that might cause an accident or damage to the vehicle. When you have eyes in the back of your head, scanning for tools lying around, a wheel leaned against a car lift, a blowtorch left burning, an extension cable running across the floor, a jackstand absent from a hoisted vehicle, a container of old engine oil uncovered on the bench edge, all those potential hazards can be intercepted, corrected and eliminated before they become a risk, or worse, result in someone tripping and hurting themselves.

Tools, cars and substances: all hazards

We’ve mentioned toolbox talks previously; hazards extend to improper use of tools, too. Things like drill presses, jacks, even innocent items like spanners and wrenches, can cause injury if improperly used. You and your colleagues must learn (and teach) proper, safe techniques. The solvents and chemicals we use for cleaning, cooling and braking, too, are dangerous in the wrong hands; corrosions and explosions aren’t anyone’s idea of a safe day’s work. Even moving cars around (and lifting them up) is hazardous.

When we say ‘report all hazards’, we really mean ALL of them. This isn’t about getting someone into trouble or embarrassing your colleagues. It is about making sure neither you nor they get hurt. When everyone is looking out for every hazard and risk, it means everyone is looking after everyone else. And that means a better-running workshop where work gets done without the pain and unpleasantness of injury.

Take the hassle out of hazard reporting

The big question by now should be, ‘well, how do I report every hazard, then?’ Paperwork has always been a major limitation because it interrupts your work, it’s a hassle, and it’s somewhere in the office. Finding a form is one thing, knowing it goes anywhere or does anything, quite another.

That’s where HSE Connect really helps. By digitising all aspects of health and safety and putting it on your mobiles, reporting is fast, easy, and accurate. It happens there and then, while fresh in mind, and you can include pictures with the report.

Next time, we’ll look at how reporting every hazard contributes to better hazard management and control.

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.

Getting qualifiedthe best feeling ever

Karley Gorton always had a passion for cars, something that was inspired by her dad and her love of speedway racing. Fast forward a few years and Karley has been able to live out her passions and has just completed MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering (Level 3 and 4). She is now looking forward to learning even more in the future. “This qualification is a tool I can use now that I’ve completed it.”

Karley is working at Max Pennington Motors Limited in New Plymouth alongside Aftersales Manager Simoné Kuün. Simoné has been working with Karley over the last two years and has high praise for her. “Karley is very helpful and very friendly. She takes initiative and thinks outside the box.”

Karley has enjoyed having a woman as her supervisor. “I can talk to Simoné about everything, which is great. We have that trust in each other and such good communication. I love it.”

When Karley first entered the industry, she was slightly apprehensive as it is more maledominated, but that wasn’t going to stop her.

“I had the attitude from my dad that if a guy can do it then I can do it. I will prove that.” And now with one qualification under her belt, she has hopes for many more to come. “Over the next two years I will be going into front of house and more customer service. I am going to apply for a MITO scholarship and hopefully complete MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Business Skills (First Line Management) qualification.”

Simoné also sees a bright future ahead for Karley and will do anything to help towards that.

“I just put her through the Mazda training course, and she is one course away from being a Mazda Technician. She is set to come through to front of house and this will also help pass her technical experience onto other team members. I believe in supporting and guiding apprentices. A lot to do with that is motivating, supporting and believing in them.”

One thing that Karley said helped her a lot during her apprenticeship was the eLearning theory.

“For every eLearning task I did, I always wrote up notes. It helped me later throughout my apprenticeship and will still help me in my job.”

Her MITO Training Advisor Garry Auker was another huge support. “He has been amazing and very supportive. All the times he would come and see me I would have other things on my mind. He would point out that I only have this and that to do and then it’s done. He’d pick me up and remotivate me.”

As Simoné looks toward the future and hiring more apprentices, she hopes to see more females coming through the workshop. “If you get an application from a female in a male-dominated environment, I think it takes a lot of courage to send through the application in the first place. I respect that. For me, that already shows passion and that they want to be here.” Karley couldn’t agree more and says, “Don’t be scared, if a guy can do it, you can. Anything is possible. It may be a fear, but you can overcome that by doing it. The feeling once you’re qualified, and to say that you can do it, is the best ever.”

Want to develop your team with industryapproved qualifications? Visit mito.nz.

MITO Apprentice Karley Gorton at Max Pennington Motors.

Common postLVV certification modifications

Don’t take it for granted! Just because a vehicle is fitted with an LVV certification plate (engraved or electronic), this does not guarantee all of the vehicle’s modifications have been LVV certified.

A while ago we published a series of articles on the LVV Modification Threshold Schedule, and where the limits lie in terms of a vehicle needing LVV certification. A common misconception is that this Threshold still applies to vehicles that have already been LVV certified, but this isn’t necessarily true – any modification that causes a vehicle to differ from its LVV certification plate information means the vehicle must be referred to an LVV certifier. This is because the sort of low-level modifications listed in the Threshold may be fine for a vehicle that is otherwise unmodified, but a vehicle that has undergone substantial modifications may have characteristics that mean any further modifications need careful consideration. For example, fitting the OE wheels to a vehicle LVV certified for a brake upgrade (involving larger rotors and six piston calipers), could cause clearance issues between the LVV certified new brakes, and subsequently refitted original wheels.

There are also modifications that are often carried out to vehicles post-LVV certification, and while these should be picked up at WoF time, they are not always recognised. With that in mind, below is a handy list of things to watch out for when looking at an LVV certified vehicle:

• Tyre size changes – while this was not usually recorded on an older LVV engraved certification plate, as part of the change to electronic data plates (EDPs), the information is now captured in the ‘Wheels and Tyres’ information field of the EDP. This change was necessary, as previously the tyre size was only recorded on the Statement of Compliance form, which was filled out as part of the LVV certification - and due to its paper-based nature, often went missing. Obviously, changing the tyre size can have detrimental effects on a vehicle’s handling and braking abilities, particularly if the tyre diameter is increased. With the tyre size very rarely recorded on an older LVV engraved certification plate, things aren’t as clear-cut. Some tell-tale signs that indicate the tyres fitted to the vehicle aren’t the same size as it was LVV certified for are signs of tyre rub on the body or chassis at the extremities of steering and suspension travel, an inaccurate speedometer,

or just simply terrible braking performance. If in doubt, ask the owner for a copy of the F001 Statement of Compliance - we can provide a copy to the vehicle owner on request, but there is a retrieval fee for this, as our archives are kept offsite.

• Exhausts – note that while exhausts are not usually covered under an LVV certification unless the vehicle is scratch-built, an LVV certified vehicle must still meet applicable noise limits (an LVV certification plate does not cover an excessively noisy exhaust). A vehicle that is scratch-built, or has been green-stickered for excessive exhaust noise previously, will have an exhaust system fitted with an LVVTA objective noise test label, which is proof the vehicle has met the LVV Exhaust Noise Emissions Standard. One notable exception to this is for motorsport vehicles that have a valid LVV Authority Card, as noise limits do not apply where the vehicle is being used on a road for the purpose of servicing or repair of the vehicle - or driving to and from a competition

Calculating ride height tolerances:

Here’s a quick guide on how to work out height tolerances for an LVV certified vehicle, using a raised Nissan Safari as an example. In this case, the ‘Suspension’ field data on the LVV certification plate reads:

‘RAISED SUSPN/535mm F 535mm R +or- 5%’.

As part of a WoF check, an AVI would do the following:

• Express 5 percent as a decimal, which is 0.05.

• Multiply the recorded height by 0.05, which in this case would be 535 x 0.05 = 26.8mm. This is the amount the ride height can differ by, either up or down. To figure out the downward travel amount, subtract the tolerance (in this case, 26.8mm) from the quoted height, or add it to the quoted height for the upward travel amount. Our example vehicle would therefore have an absolute minimum ride height of 508.2mm (535mm – 26.8mm = 508.2mm), and an absolute maximum ride height of 561.8mm (535mm + 26.8mm = 561.8mm).

• Measure the vehicle’s ride heights from the centre of the wheel to the top of the guard, and compare to the minimum and maximum values.

• External projections – hood scoops, blower hats, and high-rise air intakes also have a habit of being fitted to vehicles, or growing in height after a vehicle has been LVV certified. Often, these components are removed for LVV certification, as they cause the vehicle to fall outside of LVV sight-line requirements. Looking at the EDP photos is a quick way to check whether the vehicle was fitted with a bonnet protrusion at the time of LVV certification, and if so, as part of the LVV certification a measurement of the scoop or protrusion height is recorded. It’s important that this is checked as part of a WoF inspection to ensure it has not been changed (see Image 2).

• Handlebars – one of the advantages of the EDP is that it makes it very easy for an AVI to detect components that have been changed post-LVV certification. This includes handlebars fitted to a motorcycle, which are often changed or increased in height after a bike is LVV certified. Careful attention needs to be paid to the EDP photos to ensure the vehicle hasn’t been further modified.

• Suspension heights – this one is obvious, but checking the ride height of a vehicle LVV certified for suspension modification, is part of a WoF inspection. You can translate the height percentage tolerance on the LVV certification plate into the maximum downward or upward height difference by converting the percentage to a decimal and multiplying this by the recorded height. See Image 1: ‘Calculating ride height tolerances’ for an example of how to work out the maximum and minimum suspension heights of a modified vehicle.

For a vehicle with a bonnet protrusion, it is important an AVI checks its height is the same as the LVV certification data.

It’s also important to check any conditions listed as part of the LVV certification, such as a reduced number of seating positions, or in-service weight limits (particularly for vehicles with water tanks, or other heavy equipment). These limits are generally in place to prevent the vehicle exceeding its rated GVM, as often, vehicles will subsequently (post-LVV certification) have seats refitted to removed seating positions, or a full water tank where an empty tank is stipulated for on-road use. AVIs need to check any listed conditions carefully, as they may not be immediately obvious when inspecting the vehicle.

Image 2.

Image 1.

brian.anderton@mta.org.nz

michael.wells@mta.org.nz

Aotearoa’s future: A ride through MTA’s ‘Driving New Zealand Forward’

On 9 May, MTA’s ‘Driving New Zealand Forward’ manifesto roared to life at Parliament, attracting members, politicians, and industry insiders. But what truly fuels this powerhouse of a document? Let’s buckle up and explore the four roads it maps out: People, Safety, The Future, and Strong, Fair Markets.

PEOPLE: Fuelling the industry’s engine

Without skilled workers, the automotive industry would sputter to a halt. Businesses need a strong workforce to keep their engines revving. However, a talent shortage has left some running on fumes, threatening livelihoods, communities, and safe travel.

Alongside other proposals, to help fill the tank, the Government should widen the immigration Green List and promote vocational education pathways. This way, we can ensure that the industry’s future workforce is responsive, accountable, and skill-ready SAFETY:

A smooth ride for all

Safe roads, safe cars, and safe air are crucial for every Kiwi traveller. To avoid the tragedy of losing loved ones in accidents, MTA calls for a review of Warrant of Fitness safety requirements and more frequent tests for vehicles older than 15 years.

Reducing harmful emissions is essential for cleaner air and healthier communities. MTA urges mandatory emissions testing for vehicles over 10 years old and increased awareness around the topic.

THE FUTURE: Navigating the road ahead

The automotive industry is at a historic crossroads, with new technologies and innovations steering

us towards a better future. MTA advocates for a phase-out of the Clean Car Discount and a twoyear deferment of Clean Car Standards goals so it remains practical. This will ensure a smooth and fair transition. Consulting with the industry is vital to make this journey successful.

STRONG, FAIR MARKETS: Accelerating growth

With over 62,700 jobs and $5.5 billion contributed to GDP, the automotive industry is a key player in Aotearoa’s economy. To maintain growth, we need a level playing field with fair competition policies. MTA calls for regulation of power dynamics between small and big businesses, particularly in the fuel and car franchise sectors.

Fairness benefits everyone. The Consumer Guarantees Act should be amended to consider depreciation in forums like the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.

Ready for the ride?

You can find the ‘Driving New Zealand Forward’ manifesto on our website or expect it in your mailbox soon. The proposals mentioned here are only a glimpse into the comprehensive content of the document, and we hope you will read it soon. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and cruise into a brighter future for Aotearoa’s automotive industry.

Servicing Cardan shaft park brakes

A new method for testing Cardan shaft park brakes (also known as transmission type park brakes) was introduced on 1 December 2022.

Service providers must be able to correctly diagnose, maintain and adjust these brakes to the manufacturers’ specifications in order for them to pass the new in-service test, especially if they have already failed.

When servicing a Cardan shaft park brake, the following steps should be followed:

• Only use lining materials that are recommended by the manufacturer. The linings for Cardan shaft park brakes tend to be a softer compound than normal service brake linings.

• Brake drums and shoes may need to be radiused in the same manner as other drum brakes.

• Some burnishing of the linings will help to bed in the new parts.

• Cables, linkages and actuators must move freely and be correctly adjusted, especially if a bell-crack is used.

• Brake shoe to drum clearance must be minimal but not induce any drag.

• Always refer to the manufacturers’ specifications.

For more information, including a video on servicing Cardan shaft park brakes, visit: nzta.govt.nz/cardanbrakes

Repairer and Enviro sector

WoF inspections on flood-damaged

vehicles

After the recent flooding events, there could be a number of vehicles that have been affected by the floods but may not have been insured.

What this means is that there will be vehicles on the road that, possibly, should have been removed.

If you are presented with a vehicle for a WoF inspection, vehicle inspectors need to take extra care when carrying out their inspections.

Some flooded vehicles may not present with normal tell-tail signs of flooding as the vehicle owners may have dried them out, so looking a little further could help you identify these vehicles, and employ greater diligence at the time of inspection.

The majority of engine bay components and fixtures are designed to have some amount of water or moisture around them, especially when being cleaned. Interior parts on the other hand should be looked at in the first instance for signs of flooding damage. These

can include seat mount bolts, runners and especially seat squab springs. Under the dash, the main crash bar support is predominantly made from uncoated mild steel, as well as pedal box components and return springs.

All of these items will be highly susceptible to surface rust after a flooding event, even if the water level did not reach these heights. Another place to have a visual inspection is in the boot, under the parcel tray and in

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

Fuel and Heavy Vehicle sector

EV and towing standards under review

Both the standard reviews are important pieces of work for their respective industries. MTA wants the best outcomes for the respective industries and their workforces. MTA’s Heavy Vehicle Advisory Committee and Service Station Advisory Committee have both contributed industry expertise and their continued insights and support are invaluable.

the tyre well. Return springs on sedan boot lids can also be other points of identification when looking for signs of flooding or rust. All of these can be inspected as a normal process of the inspection, with little to no additional time taken.

Greater review of check lights should also be reviewed, especially around ABS and SRS for their self-check diagnostics. If something doesn’t look right, investigate to the prescribed VIRM regulations allowable

If you are presented with a vehicle for a WoF inspection, vehicle inspectors need to take extra care when carrying out their inspections.

First, Standards New Zealand P5446 Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections - Drawbeams and Drawbars Advisory Committee. This work will be of interest to our members involved in the heavy vehicle sector – including both sales and repair. The objective of the standard is to establish design, manufacture, installation, testing, maintenance, repair and certification criteria necessary to ensure that a secure connection can be maintained between towing vehicles and drawbar trailers. Although primarily covering applications incorporating pin or hook-type couplings, this standard also applies to other types of couplings covering both rigid and hinged drawbars (source: Standard Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars).

You may recall that a number of significant road safety concerns relating to this specialist area were identified a couple of years ago, and this piece of work springs from the consequence of those problems.

Waka Kotahi approached Standards New Zealand with an interest to review the standard. Changes included revision of the respective wording in the standard to better define the

requirements. Previously, towing connections for vertical loadings were over-engineered and lacking in consistency of vehicle design. The towing of heavy loads plays a fundamental part in New Zealand’s transport distribution network. When drawbeams, drawbars and couplings are designed, constructed, and installed to standard they should perform as intended. Should the standard of manufacture and installation be below standard, there could be a genuine risk to life should a load break free during transport (source: Standard Heavy Vehicle Towing Connections – Drawbeams and Drawbars).

The modification and revision of the standard is expected to be completed and published by December 2023.

Secondly, Standards New Zealand P6013 Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers for On-journey Public Charging PAS revision committee (PAS = publicly available specification).

Smart EV charging is needed to accommodate the predicted increased electricity demand from EV uptake. It’s a focus for multiple

Mat.alderdice@mta.org.nz

government agencies and is needed to minimise a potential $50 billion infrastructure investment. New Zealand transport, commercial and electricity sectors are seeking up-to-date EV charging information, to ensure all investment in infrastructure is both fit for purpose and future-proofed. Technology solutions move quickly: transport, commercial and electricity sectors are seeking upto-date EV charging information, to ensure all investment in infrastructure is both fit for purpose and future-proofed.

At a high level, the revision of the EV Chargers for On-journey Public Charging will ensure businesses, technology suppliers and the electricity industry are kept informed of international best practice and are provided with advice and guidance in a local context.

The modification and revision of the standard is expected to be completed and published in October 2023.

If members would like more information on the standard reviews, please contact Mathew Alderdice on 04 381 8843.

MTA is working with Standards New Zealand to review two standards.

Collision Repair sector

Hearing loss in our industry

A good time to reflect on the unseen challenge that is big in our industry was on 3 March 2023, World Hearing Day.

A few months on I thought I would highlight the importance of monitoring hearing loss, some preventative measures and the stigma around wearing hearing aids.

As a business owner or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), there are specific laws and regulations that require you to manage the risk of exposure to noise pollution at your workplace.

Continued exposure to noise pollution may damage your hearing and cause other health effects that we never think about, or we see them as isolated unrelated issues such as stress, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate. It may also cause anxiety, depression, and loss in productivity- or worse, the potential to put you, your staff or visitors to your site at risk of harm or serious harm incidents.

Sound levels over 85 decibels present a hearing risk. If a sound is too loud, and/or prolonged people are at risk of hearing damage.

Hearing loss is permanent and irreversible, even when exposure stops, and it happens so gradually that by the time you or your staff notice it, it is too late. You need to be aware that every day you should be keeping your workers protected from the unseen damage that could be being caused.

If you think there are challenges around getting staff to wear Personal Protection Equipment, there is even more stigma around the wearing of hearing aids.

Prevention and protection is important. As a PCBU you must, as is reasonably practicable, make sure that your workers (or people

who visit your workplace) are not exposed to noise levels that are:

• equivalent to 85 decibels averaged over eight hours, or

• a peak noise level over 140 decibels.

You must firstly try to eliminate or minimise the source of noise. If you’re not reasonably able to eliminate or minimise the noise, you must:

• Provide your workers with hearing protection appropriate for the levels of noise in your workplace.

• Make sure that it provides enough protection and is suitable for each worker’s environment or location.

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

Hearing protection comes in five different classes. The class of hearing protection to use will depend on the noise level in your workplace or is based on their tasks and duties being performed. The higher the noise level, the higher the class of the hearing protection required. Always train your workers on what the key risks are and how to protect their hearing. Ensure you have an annual hearing assessment for all your staff to capture any changes early. Hearing loss can often occur so gradually that most people don’t even notice they have a problem, so it’s important to be able to recognise the signs!

Sound levels for nonlinear (decibel) scales

I recently spoke to some collision repairers who have taken the leap to get hearing aids. When asked why they went to get a hearing test two common reasons came through:

• “My wife kept telling me the TV was too loud, yet I struggled to hear it”

• “I kept asking people to repeat what they had said”

Below are five common indicators that you or your staff may have hearing loss:

1. Do you/they have difficulty hearing people talking on the telephone?

2. Do you/they have difficulty hearing in noisy environments?

3. Do you/they speak too loudly?

4. Do you/they misunderstand what people say?

5. Is the volume high on work radios?

Data Source: Triton Hearing

There are three areas that hold people back from getting a hearing test:

• Admitting having a hearing issue

• Doing something about it

• Realising that anyone can suffer hearing loss, at any age

Common myths about hearing aids

• Hearing aids are only for the elderly/infirm.

• Cost is seen as an insurmountable barrier.

• It’s considered a medical experience.

• People think technology is outdated.

Fact: 56 percent of New Zealanders with hearing loss don’t wear hearing aids and 68 percent of New Zealanders who wear hearing aids think they should have worn them sooner.

Source: NZ Trak ‘22

If you or your staff are identified as having reduced hearing, contact Triton Hearing on 0800 454 549 and mention that you are an MTA member to book your free hearing check, or visit www.tritonhearing.co.nz for more information.

Market overview Dealer sector

New vehicles

Global view provides a valuable insight

This month I want to expand on the impact of the tough economic times I covered in last month’s Radiator.

As business owners, you need to understand the markets you operate in, and be able to and be ready to adjust to meet the changes.

Hardly a day goes by when we as consumers or perhaps as business operators are not confronted by price increases somewhere – whether that be in the essentials of food and power as we head into winter, or via the slower-burn sectors, including rates, insurance etc.

New Zealand isn’t unique in this regard, with similar situations taking place in many countries around the world.

It was interesting to read an article in the Australia-based motor-industry journal GoAuto News, which covered the rising costs and impacts on the retail motor industries across the Tasman and in the US.

Inflation bites

“Inflated car prices, bigger loan repayments and breakdown costs leaving financial stress.”

Rather than attempt to paraphrase the article, I have reiterated the opening paragraphs here simply because they might as well have been written for our consumption anyway.

It states: “The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Americans who have signed up for used cars at prices driven up by a lack of low-mileage cars in the market are now struggling to meet their loan repayments.

“As a result of monthly payments being much higher than what they are used to, owners are falling behind on their repayments and defaults on car loans are rapidly rising.

“To make matters worse, because of the shortage of stock, many buyers were forced into much older cars than they would have normally bought. These are now breaking down, leaving owners without a car because they cannot afford the repairs.”

Yes, used-vehicle prices have increased in New Zealand in the face of tighter new product supply and Government policies, such as the clean car discount (CCD) and clean car standard (CCS).

Tony.everett@mta.org.nz

Yes, some consumers have reduced disposable income because of inflationary pressures. And, yes again, spending budgets in some cases might have forced them into older vehicles with greater risk of them breaking down.

Seemingly reflective of the expected outcomes, it’s interesting to note that MTA’s mediation helpline team is reporting an increase in calls from owners who are obviously under financial pressure and looking for ways – valid or not – to get out of their cars.

On the flip side, the latest data for the consumers price index shows an unforseen decline – economic forecasting is hard these days – to 6.7 percent for the March quarter.

So a glimmer of hope on the horizon maybe? But perhaps it’s still timely to recall the old saying, “when America catches a cold, we catch pneumonia”.

In other words, it would still be wise to take stock and scrutinise business overheads and practices where you are able.

Change impacts stability

We don’t have the luxury of stability in our market with yet more changes being muted, so forecasting is no easier.

Changes to the settings for the CCD take effect on 1 July which has not gone down well with many industry participants and representative organisations along with the potential imposition of another step upwards in used-vehicle exhaust emission standards later this year, that’s to say Euro 5 compliance for used imports from 1 September.

As a final note, used-import dealers who have pay-as-you-go CO2 accounts need to plan for settlement in June of their January to May CCS balances, and from 1 June, they will have to meet individual CCS fees if no credit offsets are available as vehicles pass through compliance – no more on account-accrual privileges or “putting it on the tab”, so to speak.

So there’s a bit of a cashflow double whammy for those affected next month.

Registrations of 10,178 were up 4 percent on April 2022, but to be fair, that was due to advanced registration activity leading into CCD last year.

The market is down 15 percent across the first quarter of 2023 but comparable with the last five-year average.

There were 7,061 new passenger vehicles, down 17 percent on April 2022 and down 6 percent YTD.

New commercials at 3,117 were up 155 percent on April last year, given the market at that time was living in the shadow of volume advance registrations pending CCD introduction.

Model and brand performance

Product shortages continue, but to a lesser extent than previously.

Toyota again claimed market lead for

the month, and holds a dominant 19 percent share for the year so far.

Across the first four months of the year many brands are behind same point last year. Toyota, Kia and Suzuki are the only brands in the top 10 ahead YTD.

Outside the top 10 ranking, brands showing positive increase across the first four months include: Tesla is up 10 percent, Cupra up 15, and Chevrolet up 39 percent.

Top 15 models included: nine SUVs, three utes, two cars, and one van.

Top

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX:

ICE 66 percent, Hybrid 18 percent, EV 11 percent, PHEV 6 percent .

1,814 Hybrid - 493 RAV4, 157 Highlander 143 Corolla, 113 Swift and 87 Niro.

1,087 EV - including: 184 BYD Atto 3, 127 Tesla Model Y, 111 MG Zs, 87 Kia EV6, and 70 Tesla Model 3.

566 PHEV - including: 284 Eclipse Cross, 84 Sorento, 56 Ford Escape, 19 MG HS and 19 Lexus NX.

KONA 136 -25%

Tony Everett04 381 8827

The new Ford Mustang Mach-E hit the market with 65 sales, placing it 6th in the EV sales rankings for the month.

Market overview - April 2023

Used import vehicles

With 8,374 units, April this year was up 23 percent on April 2022, which was lower than normal following the advance registrations of CCD feeattracting vehicles. YTD the used market is down 38 percent.

There were 7,945 used import passenger vehicles, up 22 percent on April 2022.

There were 429 used import commercials, up 54 percent for the reasons noted earlier.

Model and brand performance

Eleven cars, three SUVs and one MPV. Toyota Aqua defines the used import market at present, with a 15 percent share in April.

Models showing a strong increase in popularity include Toyota Prius, Nissan Note, Mazda Demio, Nissan Serena and Toyota C-HR, Vitz, Subaru XV and Toyota SAI.

Motorcycles

There were 638 new motorcycle registrations in April, down 21 percent on March 2022, and down 15 percent YTD. There were 97 used import motorcycle registrations, down 18 percent from April 2022 and down 25 percent YTD.

Overall, the combined new and used import road market was 735 unitsdown 20 percent from April 2022 and down 16 percent YTD.

Model and brand performance

Honda again grabbed the lead in April, and is up 46 percent YTD. Product shortages continue to impact brand fortunes.

A solid start to the year by Honda, Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, and KTM.

Toyota SAI midsized car ranked 20th in April and sales are up 182 percent YTD.

Top 10 Used Import Models - April 2023

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX:

ICE 49 percent, hybrid 46 percent, EV 3 percent, PHEV 2 percent.

Hybrid: 3,893 units, including:

1,194 Aqua, 812 Prius, 251 Corolla, 205 Fit and 158 C-HR.

EV: 217 units including: 202 Leaf, 4 Nissan E-NV200, 3 BYD E6H, 2

Peugeot 2008 and 2 Mitsi i-Mev.

PHEV: 182 units including:

135 Outlander, 20 Prius, 7 BMW 330e, 4 RAV4 and 3 Merc E350.

Top-selling Models - April

Top-selling Model

Member classifieds

Situations vacant - North Island

Auto mechanic, service technician – Wanganui

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

Service manager – Foxton

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

Panelbeaters and Painters – Auckland, Onehunga

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

Automotive technician/WoF – Taupo

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

Motorcycle technician – Tauranga

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

Automotive technician – Wellington

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

Mechanic – Kumeu, Rodney

Small busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and ability to work under pressure essential. Email Mike: admin@manukaautomotive.co.nz.

Motorcycle technician – Auckland Takapuna

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

Mechanic/WoF inspector – Kaikohe

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

Mechanic – Taupo area

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

Senior technician – Tauranga

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

Automotive technician - Auckland

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

Auto electrician – Gisborne

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

Automotive technician – Havelock North

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

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

WoF Inspector – Gisborne

We have an opportunity for a full time WoF inspector to join the EMG team. As our WoF inspector you will be solely responsible for carrying out WoF checks for our customers. The only qualification needed is a current WoF issuing authority (AVI) and a valid drivers licence. Interested?

Please contact Justin @ justin.kent@enterprisemg.co.nz.

Automotive technician – New Plymouth

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

Phone: 06 758 3535.

Automotive technician/mechanic – Hastings

DC Autocare require an experienced technician/mechanic. A busy workshop servicing all makes and models We are Hastings’ VTNZ Certified Repairer. Full NZ drivers licence. NZ or equivalent automotive qualifications (3rd year apprentices will be considered) Ability to work unsupervised. Email CV to admin@dcautocare.co.nz or contact Dylan 06 878 8138.

Mechanic/WoF Inspector – Auckland

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

Automotive technician – Northland

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

Senior technician/ Foreman - Papamoa

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

Automotive mechanic/technician – Manukau City

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

Estimator – Wellington

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

Parts advisor – Matamata

We are requring a parts advisor to join our dynamic team of eight. This role involves finding, ordering and delivery of parts.

Please contact us on 07 888 7579 or office@onsiteae.co.nz.

Automotive technician - Pahiatua

We are looking for a motivated, qualified technician to join our small friendly team. A WoF authority is preferred but not essential. Contact Kevin at laskeysauto@xtra.co.nz. or 021 803 238.

Mechanic – Woodville

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

Mechanic/ AVI – Kapiti Coast

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

Automotive technician – Gisborne

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

WoF Inspector/technician – Tauranga

Earn more money then you are currently, come and work with us. We offer a family friendly environment. Email: tauranga@midasnz.co.nz. Phone: 021 102 9743.

Automotive technician/WoF Inspector – Te Aroha

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

Service advisor – Papamoa

To ensure customers have an excellent experience, you’ll be a person who is passionate about providing outstanding customer service. Email your CV to jobs@coastalautos.nz.

Situations vacantSouth Island

Automotive technician – South Canterbury

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

Automotive technician – Dunedin

Opportunity for a qualified/experienced Automotive Technician to join our friendly team in our busy Dunedin workshop. WoF Certified preferred but would be happy to help you get qualified. Competitive remuneration. Contact Garry 0274 545 040 or email bgapplegarth@xtra.co.nz.

Automotive technician – Dunedin

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

Mechanic/WoF Inspector – Balclutha

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

Automotive technician – Tasman

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

Automotive technician – Invercargill

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

Qualified mechanic - Christchurch

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

Phone: 021 085 64498.

Diesel mechanic – Wyndham

Enthusiastic diesel injection technician with common rail experience to join a thriving rural garage. The business boasts a fully equipped diesel fuel injection facility. Generous package to reflect the experience of the applicant, with a possibility for future investment into the business.

Email: redbarron222@gmail.com or phone 0272 417614.

Automotive technician – Christchurch

Dubworld is Christchurch’s number one team of Volkswagen and Audi service technicians. Seeking a full time Auto Technician who can think outside the box when diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Experience with Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda would be an advantage however full training will be given. You will have: • Clean NZ full driver's licence • Certified WoF Inspector • Excellent diagnostic & mechanical skills • Be eligible to work in New Zealand. Contact Nathan@dubworld.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.

Automotive technician – Kaiapoi

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

Businesses for sale

Automotive Workshop/Service Station – Tasman

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

Automotive Workshop & Rental Car AgencyAuckland Northshore

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

Heavy Vehicle Workshop – Greymouth

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

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

Panel Repair shop - Palmerston North

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

Automotive Workshop – Auckland Mt Eden

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

Businesses for sale

Member classifieds Services

Automotive Workshop – Hamilton.

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

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

Businesses for lease

Hunterville workspace available

We have a fully facilitated large workshop space available for lease with all necessary tools and compliance to start operating. For further information, email your application to ahmad@bp2gohunterville.co.nz.

VIRM In-Service Certification Questionnaire pack

Training resource for prospective and current VIs. 14 questionnaires, marking and certificate of completion. Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted. Phone: 022 151 1243. Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz

www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

QMS and PRS Manual (Administration)

Help and guidance for those working in the WoF Inspecting Organisation space. I provide a pre-assessment check, to get your QMS up-to-date before your next NZTA visit. Happy to take calls from anywhere in the South Island. Acceler8 Automotive Solutions - www.acceler8.co.nz.

Phone: Chris Lambie 027 442 0899.

Need some help?

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

Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted - 022 151 1243www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

Classified ads will appear in the next available edition of Radiator after being received. Due to increasing volumes and space limitations, each Classified ad will now run for two issues only, unless you contact us at radiator@mta.org.nz to advise if you’d like it to be repeated. Please contact MTA if the position has been filled, or the business sold.

Auto exchange

MTA Board of Directors 2023

Region coordinators and chairs

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

MTA Membership Advisors

UPPER NORTH ISLAND

SOUTH AUCKLAND

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

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

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

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

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

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

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

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

Kaimai

Northern region

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

Eastland

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

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

Central West

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Cook Strait

Shannon

Kim Preston Regional Events Coordinator Team Leader 027 280 0707 kim.preston@mta.org.nz 027 682 4191 mel.tukapua@mta.org.nz

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

Coast to Coast

Southern Mainland

The region executive committees meet every six weeks or so and all MTA members are more than welcome to attend. The more you get involved, the more you can benefit from membership. Just contact your coordinator or region chair to check the dates of the meetings in your region. 027 682 4191 mel.tukapua@mta.org.nz

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

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

Aoraki East Coast

Kelly Stephens Region Chair 027 366 0050 kstephens@hbtoyota.co.nz 021 706 503 hamish.miller@op.ac.nz

Sturrock Saunders Tony Allen tonysauto@xtra.co.nz

Tom Ruddenklau truddenklau@gmail.com

James Candish Region Chair 027 226 3053 jc@vva.co.nz

Samantha Sharif samanthahsharif@gmail.com

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Morbey

Grant Woolford grantw@cyclespot.co.nz

DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

TOP 5 THINGS THAT TOP WORKSHOPS DO

RIGHT — EVERY TIME.

Auto Super Shoppes are proud to host a one day seminar, run by industry expert Bryan Stasch that give you the tools to take your workshop to the next level.

INTRODUCING BRYAN STASCH – Chief Instructor at the Automotive Training Institute USA

With 40 years’ experience in the automotive industry as a workshop owner, and the last 20 as a mentor and trainer with the USA-based Automotive Training Institute, Auto Super Shoppes are excited to share Bryan’s level of expertise with workshops owners throughout New Zealand.

In this one day seminar Bryan will teach you about the Top 5 Things Top Workshops do Right, Every Time. If you have an appetite to succeed and a drive for constant improvement, then this is the day you need to step away from your business to hear from an industry expert with a proven track record of taking workshop owners to the next level.

Open to all MTA Members, Repco & Auxo customers and any workshop that understands the need to invest in continuous improvement.

AUCKLAND

Wednesday 21 June 2023 | Grand Millennium, 71 Mayoral Drive

CHRISTCHURCH

Thursday 22 June 2023 | Rydges Latimer, 30 Latimer Square

WELLINGTON

Friday 23 June 2023 | The Oaks, 89 Courtenay Place

TIMETABLE

Seminar | 9am – 4pm

Social Networking | 4pm – 5.30pm

Morning Tea, lunch & afternoon tea provided.

Hosted by:

Proudly supported by:

EARLY BIRD PRICE

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!

mito.nz/jobhub

$299 PP

$349 Per Person

$349pp after 30 April 2023