Radiator - June 2024 Issue

Radia tor

POT OF GOLD

DRIVE TO THRIVE (NOT JUST SURVIVE) IN TOUGH TIMES

Repairer: Fitting

Collision

Dealer

Editor Gerald Rillstone

027 252 3229

gerald.rillstone@mta.org.nz

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Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800

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Write your own narrative

The theme of this month’s Radiator is an important one.

With media newsfeeds loaded with enough doom for a lifetime after the recently released Government budget, the message should be clear: the economy is misfiring.

But as business owners, you will know that you get to write your own narrative. Events themselves don’t own you - you have the freedom to choose how you respond.

So here is another frame: this can be a time of opportunity. An opportunity to cast a critical eye over your business; a time to make changes; a time to address some of those things that have been in the ‘too hard basket’; a time to ensure you emerge from the downturn a stronger and smarter business than the one that went in.

I can speak to this from personal experience in a former role. When Covid hit, I was fortunate to be working for a veteran of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. He

remembered how many businesses, including the one we worked for, had gone into full retreat. Spending was slashed, marketing dialled back, projects were shelved.

The business had fixated on the problem to such an extent that when things recovered, which they inevitably did, they were caught on the back foot, under-resourced and unprepared. Market share was lost to the competition, ultimately taking years to recover.

Learning from that experience, we took a positive approach to Covid. Before the extent of the Covid crisis was fully known, we were already planning for the end of it.

That meant viewing the challenge as an opportunity. Not just planning how we would pick up the pieces, but planning to emerge stronger and ahead of our competition.

Reduced customer volumes, in some cases absolute, meant we had one luxury previously missing. We had more time to think. More

things in common – they were resourceful, innovative, saw the moment as an opportunity, and they still spent money on marketing and advertising. They knew that when the tough times ended – as they surely would – they would be wellplaced to build and grow.

In short, so much of how your business will go over the next 12 months depends on your mindset. Yes, this is a challenge. But it’s also the opportunity you didn’t know you needed.

Think positive, be proactive, and the results will follow.

So I urge you to read the stories in this issue of Radiator. Consider the advice of Peter Morton, a valued long-term friend and

advisor to MTA and members. There are gems in there.

Members have also shared their experiences of how, by thinking creatively, they’ve added new strings to their bow.

And because we know financial pressures can be as great at home as at work, we have some valuable personal advice too.

We will continue to offer a range of communications on this subject over coming months. Keep an eye on your inbox and Toolbox.

In the meantime, let us know at any time if our team can support you. We’re here for every member.

time to consider how we could do the same with less. To consider what constrained us before.

To reconsider what worked and what didn’t. To consider what was really essential and to stop everything else.

And it really worked. As we emerged from the shadows of lockdowns, it would be no exaggeration to say that locally and globally, we smoked our competition. Market share grew to previously unheard of highs and business profitability grew by multiples.

Others were left playing catch-up, and now find themselves grappling with years of hard graft just to return to where they were.

If history is your thing, the lessons were the same from the Great Depression. Despite what the history books might say, there were businesses that flourished during that time.

Although they were from a range of sectors, they had a number of

Free business mentors for members

Radiator’s special feature this month on surviving and thriving in business also gives members a great opportunity to go into a draw for one of 10 free business mentor subscriptions.

MTA has partnered with Auxo, software leaders within the automotive industry, for this generous giveaway. Members will benefit from 12 months of professional support from a skilled business mentor passionate about helping businesses overcome challenges and build resilience.

Mentors are carefully selected and matched from Business Mentors New Zealand’s nationwide pool of 1,500 dedicated and experienced businesspeople. They offer everything from general business advice to technical and specialist knowledge.

The mentoring can take place online or in person as regularly as needed, whatever your situation.

With a value of $295 plus GST this is a not to be missed opportunity for all members.

To be in the running all you have to do is go to https://content.businessmentors.org.nz/motor-trade-association and include a line or two about why a mentor could help you improve your business.

For over three decades, Auxo has been providing software like SAM, webSAM, Orion and Systime, for the Australasian automotive industry.

Noho ora mai, Lee Marshall

The rainbow. It comes out when the storm is over.

Legend has it, there’s a pot of gold at the end of it.

The country is in a storm now.

This month, Radiator wants to help you do more than get through the storm. We want to help you get to the gold too.

Economic challenges bring opportunities

Former MTA director, automotive mentor and business advisor Peter Morton gives his expert advice on how to innovate and thrive during the stormy economic climate.

A rocky economy is being forecast for 2024 but it’s not necessarily bad news for members. In fact, it could well offer more opportunities than challenges for business owners.

Cashflow comes first when the economic outlook is challengingmembers need to take a long hard look at their cash position. Don’t wait, challenge yourself and your team to reduce expenditure and see what ideas emerge. Are you owed money and are there any repeat offenders on the books? It might be a good time to flush out your risky customers.

If a payment is late, get in touch with them, then email or call every day, and if you don’t like doing this yourself, get an external credit controller to do it.

Marketing

Often one of the first victims of cost cutting in business during a recession is marketing and PR spend, but this could risk damaging your business in the future. Take a look at the ways you win new customers. Focus on marketing that generates a good return on investment - advertising during an economic slowdown is more important than ever. Use your vehicle customer database to contact the customers to get servicing done, and explain what may happen if they don’t keep up the servicing.

Also, the other areas such as tyre rotations, air conditioning servicing and brake checks.

All are very important to get the customer to understand why these are important checks to keep the vehicle in top condition. Use emails and newsletters and even direct contact with the customer.

It might also be a good time to review your contracts to see if you’re getting the best deal and look at what costs have gone up.

Vehicle sales

What you might see is vehicle sales slowing down, but the repair side of the business, if you have one, is going to get better.

In the past the repair side of the business has been the star performer in any harder economic times. Use it to generate profits.

As the customers don’t replace their vehicles as often, the repair of their current vehicles will only increase.

To start, the consumer may extend the servicing times, but that will only mean larger bills as with the servicing extended, and the issues that happen will be bigger and require more work.

Remember straight after the first Covid-19 lockdown, all workshops were very busy getting the vehicles on the road again, battery sales were very high and service departments were busier than usual. Customers need to be

reminded of that issue and they know it is important to keep the car operational.

You don’t have to discount the repair, but you may need a carrot to help the customer into the repair shop. People are concerned about safety, and free brake checks and tyre checks work well to get them in the door and will most likely lead to extra work.

Service stations

If you are in the service station business, remember margin is all important to maintain both fuel margin and shop margin. Have your shop marketing some products at a good price, but keep the rest of the margins up to normal in the shop. Fuel margins are hard to get so maintain them as you can and avoid discounting if you can. If you are in vehicle sales, then maintaining the margin is still important to achieve Gross profit from what you are selling even if sales are slighter lower. Selling units for little margin means even lower Gross profits. Gross profit is more important than sales. Overall, our industry usually does well during any harder economic times, and it is even more important to take care of the customer during these times to retain them as your customer.

Diversifi cation drives the dollars in

The blessings in tough times for Collins Automotive owner Jason Land are the different strands to his business: automotive repair and electrical, ADAS calibration, entry compliance for imports and a busy parts department.

As it did for others in the industry, April served up a shocker of a month. Jason puts it down to people being anxious before the Budget and a month loaded with public and school holidays.

Diversification in your business is one of the keys to staying ahead, he says. “That brings in lots of different streams of work, absolutely.”

Jason’s advice is to add niche areas to your business that are less likely to be discretionary spending than a necessity.

“The ADAS [Advanced Driver Assistance System] calibrations has been okay because it relies heavily on the panel repair industry and insurance work, but the workshop is only at around 65 percent capacity at the moment,” he says.

He takes a similar approach to Glenn Thorley (see page 11) and suggests businesses must capitalise as much as possible on the opportunity to check for faults on customers’ cars while they are in the workshop.

“Customers might not always want to do the work, but there is always the chance they will, and it is a good thing to do as far as customer service goes,” Jason says.

“Without being too brash, it’s about making sure we give them the option to spend some more money.”

Advertising is another must-do, and Jason has engaged a marketing consultant to build his presence online.

He says it is easy to be complacent when times are good but can’t stress enough the importance of customer service.

“Ninety-nine percent of our work is from repeat customers and people who have been referred to us by a great review or one of our customers,” he says.

Members need to be proactive with their marketing even when they are busy, which can help smooth out the difficult periods.

Staff retention is important, Jason says: make sure you have a workplace where people want to work and stay.

Hustle, hustle, hustle!

After a great start to 2024, a slowdown really hit in April for Hamilton MTA member Glenn Thorley

And since then, Glenn, who owns urban repair shop Grimmer Motors, he has been “hustling” for work.

“We follow up every enquiry, we make sure we get back to every customer really quickly and don’t let any enquiry go without making a good effort,” he says.

The slowdown in April wasn’t a surprise for Glenn. It had traditionally been a difficult month over the past few years but when May rolled around it didn’t get much better.

“It is certainly a bit harder, and the other problem is keeping up with staff. It’s an ongoing issue, I am still trying to bring automotive techs in from overseas,” he says.

Jason’s top tips

•Diversify your offerings.

•Upsell your service.

•Advertise.

•Customer service.

•Keep staff happy.

a bit slow, they can spend a bit of extra time looking for potential problems.”

He says it’s a great way to generate more work in a slow period by just letting the customer know about things that might be coming up that will need work.

Another focus when the going gets tough is to look at the business’s organic web search advertising, so that Grimmer Motors shows up at the top of the list in searches.

And like Dave Boot (see page 12) Glenn’s other top tip is customer service.

“We want to retain the customers we have got and do follow ups, really push them and also get the guys in the workshop to find legitimate things on cars that need attention because when things are

“Once that’s done, we can see if the customer wants it done while the car is in the workshop.”

He’s loath to discount his prices as the workmanship is top quality, but Glenn says they are trying to be more competitive.

“We sharpened our pricing and took on jobs that we wouldn’t have otherwise done. We did engine jobs on European cars that we wouldn’t normally do because there is no real profit in those, but you do break even and it keeps the guys busy,” he says.

“In the past I have advertised free oil filters with a service, but we haven’t done this yet.”

A bit of diversification has paid off too – taking a job they wouldn’t normally have done, fitting undertray boxes on a ute. It was done for a good regular customer and turned out to be a bonus earner.

Glenn’s top tips

•Follow up every enquiry.

•Respond to customers quickly.

•Point out potential future problems.

•Check your search engine status.

•Diversify your jobs.

Customer service equals customer loyalty

MTA Coast to Coast Regional Chair Dave Boot is not only surviving the tough conditions in the second-hand EV market, he’s actually gained market share and puts it down to the extra effort put into customer service.

Dave owns EV City in Christchurch and despite tough conditions and a cold start to the winter, he’s seeing stable sales figures for secondhand EVs.

That’s despite the shock of road user chargers and cancelled subsidies.

Towards the end of 2023 the number of EVs the business was selling was “biblical”, Dave says.

“But it was ‘the storm before the calm’.

“If we look at last year’s figures, we are bucking the trend a bit for the same period. We have gained a bit of market share because the market has shrunk, there are fewer secondhand dealers selling EVs and we are finding we are selling the same number at the same time as we were last year,” Dave says.

From doing well to doing better

“One factor is our position in the market. The people buying our EVs are 55-plus and when times get tough, they don’t generally feel it. Our customer database is niche.”

Dave believes good customer service is an investment that will get you through the tough times, and the cost of going the extra mile for customers pays off in the future.

“It’s a customer base we have built over the happier times and those customers we have looked after don’t bother shopping anywhere else.”

He gives an example of a customer who bought a vehicle three and a half years ago who couldn’t turn their car off. It turned out to be the 12-volt battery, which costs around $150.

Dave delivered a new battery to them free of charge and the customer was blown away; this all but guarantees they will be a customer for life.

“She gave us a great review and that’s a very cheap way to advertise to the market and to have customer retention,” Dave says.

“In two weeks, a month, or two years, she will be back in the market, and she won’t even look at Trade Me.

“It is good long-term planning because when times are shitty your customer base will be very loyal because you have treated them with respect.”

The sky's the limit if you invest in top-notch customer service.

took a serious look at his business, and decided for his own good and the good of the business a change of direction was necessary.

There were two areas to Firth and Stephenson, automotive sales and service and the agricultural operation, selling and servicing farm machinery - they are the local Kubota agents.

Although the automotive sales and service side was doing well, Trevor was finding it a bit of struggle keeping it there.

“It’s about making change and

if you are struggling you have to make that change, if you are struggling you have to take a new direction,” Trevor says.

Finding staff for the automotive part of the business staff in the predominantly rural area was difficult and although that part of the business was doing well there was no one willing to take the work, Trevor says. Even when he tried to sell, there was no interest.

For his own good, Trevor decided the best thing to do would be to close the automotive side down and concentrate on agricultural work only.

“Staffing was a problem, and it was getting harder to manage, and it is disappointing more young people don’t want to pick up the trade and have a go,” he says. It was a move he had been planning for a while and with head winds in the economy the most logical option for him was to focus on the agricultural customers. Trevor took the plunge earlier this year, and so far the workshop is as busy as ever, but Trevor says he won’t know just how well it has gone financially until the end of the year

Dannevirke MTA member Trevor Stephenson

Ranger engine exchange boosts business

Hastings MTA member Reece

Lategan’s idea to boost his business came from thinking outside the box - of spare parts.

The nuts and bolts of his brainwave was to create an exchange programme for the popular 3.2 Ford Ranger engine.

Reece owns Quality Automotive Machinists and was rebuilding so many Ranger engines there were enough spares in the parts bin to

rebuild a complete one to have on the shelf.

From that point on, the idea grew into a full engine exchange programme and a nice little revenue booster.

“It was the done thing at one point in time but had died out since, and for this model of engine it makes a lot of sense for us,” Reece says.

“There are so many of them out there, and it’s a chance for us to get

offers for new engines, and a stock of engines ready for exchange on the shelf.

“The whole thing sort of grew organically from there, with us learning a few things along the way and fine-tuning our processes to make the rebuild of the engines as efficient as possible.”

At the same time, he came up with a standard that every rebuilt engine had to meet which, he says, is basically a blueprint of how they would be built at the Ford factory.

“Rangers are not only great vehicles, but they have been the top-selling vehicle for the last five or six years, so the number of them around is mind boggling. Last year they sold around 11,500 in New Zealand,” he says.

Even if one percent of those engines end up at his business, Reece reckons it will keep him busy well into the future.

Following on from the Ranger rebuilds, he’s looking at other popular engines that are common enough to be part of the exchange programme.

A great example of how thinking outside the box can benefit any business.

Smoko Stumpers

Test your knowledge with our fiveminute monthly motoring quiz.

ahead of the game.”

His confidence was boosted when the team in the workshop were an hour into assembling that first engine and a customer came in looking for one. Reece took this as sign he was on to something. From there he developed the exchange programme with competitive pricing – around $8,000 an engine - a full warranty on the engines, the same as Ford

“There are so many of them out there, and it’s a chance for us to get ahead of the game.”

1. How many tonnes of plastic bumper waste are sent to landfills every year? 40 tonnes, 240 tonnes, 440 tonnes?

2. When it comes to a luxury car brand, how are Charles and Henry better known?

3. What country is the largest oil producer in the world?

4. To the nearest 20kmh, what was the top speed of the original Bugatti Veyron?

5. Whose car carries the number plate CR1?

Answers on page 58.

Ratings:

1/5: Put your L plates back on.

2/5: Hit the books, rookie.

3/5: Middle of the road.

4/5: Close but no cigar.

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

Reece Lategan with a 3.2 exchange engine.

Getting ahead with your personal finances

The current economic conditions can be tough on your personal finances. But as Lending Advisor Kirsty Williams explains, there are ways you can ease the stress – and even take advantage.

The cost of living in New Zealand remains high, with businesses facing elevated costs and high pricing intentions. Insurance premiums and interest rates are steep, and wage growth is slowing. And despite the economy cooling, we’re still far from the Reserve Bank’s 2 percent inflation target.

At times like this, it’s natural to feel like you’re slipping behind with your finances. But with careful planning and commitment, it’s possible to stay on track and even get ahead.

Firstly, it’s important not to lose sight of your financial aspirations, such as retiring early to travel or helping your children buy their first home. Break these aspirations into small, manageable goals for the next one to three years, like paying off a chunk of your credit card.

Recategorise and reprioritise your expenses, identifying necessary costs, areas to cut back, and what remains to save, spend, or invest. Setting short-term goals and revisiting your budget puts you back in the driver’s seat, giving you more clarity and control over your finances.

specified term and may require a minimum equity. It's best to consult a mortgage broker to explore the options.

Streamline your mortgage

Even a small difference in mortgage interest rates can lead to big savings over time. But advertised rates aren't always the best available. If you're approaching the end of a fixedterm loan and facing much higher interest rates, now is the perfect time to consult an independent broker to find the best rates and terms for you.

You can also accelerate your journey to becoming mortgagefree by switching to fortnightly repayments instead of monthly.

With 26 fortnightly payments in a year compared to 12 monthly, you effectively make an extra month's worth of repayments each year. Mortgage rates are high, but

property prices are currently lower than in previous years.

Additionally, as of 1 April 2024, investors can once again deduct mortgage interest from their rental income, and the bright-line rule for residential property shortens to two years from 1 July 2024. Snapping up an investment property at a lower price could provide secondary income and put you in the fast lane towards substantial gains when prices pick up again.

But before putting the pedal to the metal, talk to a mortgage broker. They’ll be able to take a look into your finances and advise whether you can comfortably invest.

To avoid overpaying or being underinsured, keep your house and contents policies up-to-date.

Insurers automatically adjust sums insured annually to keep pace with inflation, ensuring your coverage remains sufficient. However, during periods of high inflation, these

adjustments can significantly bump up premiums. New Zealand's susceptibility to natural disasters, which ranks among the highest globally, means Kiwi policyholders already face steep premiums. Reviewing your cover at renewal time is crucial to ensure you remain adequately protected without facing additional, unnecessary financial strain.

Mortgage and insurance brokers offer personalised strategies to boost your financial progress. A good financial advisor will offer a broad perspective, helping you reassess your goals, identify any blind spots, and offer reassurance to keep you on track.

Kirsty Williams is a Lending Advisor at Moneybox. Visit www.moneybox.co.nz for more information

High-interest debt can be a major roadblock. Credit card balances that aren’t paid off in full each month accrue high interest, and the longer the debt lingers, the more it drains your finances. Prioritise paying off credit card debt and other high-interest loans like hire purchases and car payments to clear the road for future savings and investments.

Some banks provide EV loans with attractive rates, such as 1percent for three years on purchases up to $80,000, which can be attached to your home loan. However, these low rates are limited to the

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All in one place!

Prabha.raman@mta.org.nz. Yulene.knight@mta.org.nz

Recruitment and retention

When the labour market is tight, as it is right now, finding qualified and experienced new people that fit the role is hard work. Hanging onto the good people you already have is also a mission. That’s why developing best-practice strategies for attraction and retention is the best way forward. The pandemic has turned the employment landscape on its head. If you’re going to successfully recruit and keep good people in this environment, it’s time to hustle.

Quality-driven recruiting – advertise, interview and offer The first step when it comes to recruitment is getting people interested and excited about applying for the role. But how do you go about this?

more candidates to choose from. This means hiring without discrimination or bias, adhering to privacy and human rights regulations, and ensuring your new employee is entitled to work in New Zealand.

•Ensuring your new hires have a smooth recruitment and induction experience helps to reduce the possibility of them getting cold feet in the first few weeks.

Having a good advertisement is imperative. It is important to frame your advertisement positively by highlighting the perks of the role both tangible and intangible.

Tangibles:

•Remuneration.

•Benefits including health insurance.

•Incentives.

Intangibles:

• Team culture.

• Training & Certifications.

•It’s easier to attract the right sort of candidates if you start with a clear picture of what the organisation/business needs. These needs become a checklist for assessing candidates.

•Using logic rather than instincts or ‘feelings’ helps to accurately identify a shortlist of candidates.

•While skill set is important for candidates, having a compatible personality is also important. Employees that don’t stick or don’t fit create stress, reduce productivity, and damage company culture.

•Having a recruitment strategy and adjusting it to ensure continuous improvement makes it easier to find the right person every time you go looking.

•Being open-minded about diversity ensures you’ll have

• Meeting a couple of your existing employees

• Reference checking Once you have decided on the best candidate for the role, you must make the first move by making an offer of employment for the candidate to consider, seek independent legal advice and sign.

An employment offer must:

•be made in writing

•must contain the drafts of letter of offer, employment agreement and job description

•must contain an ’offer open until’ date

An employment agreement must contain all the relevant clauses, including the conditional ones.

An employee must sign the offer of employment and return a copy prior to commencement of employment, especially if it includes a Trial Period clause.

Effective induction and onboarding

• Rewards and recognition.

• Flexibility.

• Wellbeing.

Studies have shown that a job advert that provides information about pay rates is more effective than one that does not.

Interviewing is an important part of the recruitment process, and it should not be left to chance. Ensure that the interview process is formal and is personalised.

Here are some elements of a robust interview process:

• Clear job description and role requirements

• Pre-employment assessments and checks

• Video or phone chat

• One-on-one interview with preplanned questions

• Tour of the premises

from their immediate team with a fun group photo, names and even a short, light-hearted message from each person.

Make sure that your employee is inducted into the role and adequate training is provided to them to carry out the duties of the role.

Retention strategies

Studies have shown that employees leave organisations due to inadequate remuneration, limited career advancement, poor work-life balance, and general unhappiness with management and culture.

While it may not always be feasible to offer higher wages, you can offer other intangible benefits to your employees, such as:

1. Positive work culture

assumptions, it is the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy. Offer tools for employees to cope with and manage work-related stress. Support workers with managing personal needs by encouraging good work-life balance and providing resources and tools. Include wellbeing conversations and build trust.

3. Flexibility and autonomy

Let employees choose how they approach their tasks and encourage them to find their strengths. Invite workers to participate in identifying and solving workplace problems including workloads. Give them a level of flexibility and support with decision making.

It is not enough to simply get a new employee on board. It is important to make them feel wanted and appreciated.

•Even if you’ve already confirmed employment by email, give your new hire a call to say how happy you are to have them on board.

•A couple of days before their start date, email a ‘welcome to your first day’ message that includes things like where and when to arrive, transport tips, what to bring, who will meet them, who to call if they have any questions and so on.

•Help them get to know their new workplace.

•Send your new hire links to information about your company’s mission, values, history, culture, community engagement, leadership team etc.

•Consider including an e-card

Boost team effectiveness by promoting learning and professional development, both formal and on the job. Promote camaraderie and fun, celebrate wins and make work a place that people feel happy being in.

2. Wellbeing

Wellbeing is usually associated with wellness and reduced to work-life balance. It means so much more than these traditional

4. Good leadership Develop managers to be coaches and do not tolerate a toxic work culture. Invest in their training. The MTA Learning Directory contains a myriad of courses, and most of them are free.

Log in to the MTA website to access valuable resources. If you want to chat further, please get in touch with MTA HR.

Meet Mercedes Mulder.

Timaru automotive technician

Mercedes shares her thoughts on work and life every second month in Radiator.

Fully qualifi ed at last!

Hi, my name is Mercedes, and I am an automotive technician at Centra Motor Co in South Canterbury. God, that feels good!

I am over the moon to tell you all that I am officially a qualified mechanic. It is such a relief to have finished my apprenticeship and it has also shown me that I am capable and that I should have faith in myself because I look back and realise that I have learnt so much since my first day on the job. It goes without saying that I have so much more to learn, especially as this is the kind of industry in which you never stop learning. But I am excited to continue to gain more knowledge in the industry and to continue to improve myself as a mechanic.

The kind words that I have received from the people around me since I announced the completion of my apprenticeship have been

I'm now a proud, fully qualified mechanic.

overwhelming and I am extremely grateful for every single persons’ love and support.

I can’t wait to see what comes next in my career.

Along with the excitement of becoming qualified, there has also been the excitement of Rally Otago and Rally South Canterbury since my last column. Things are definitely not dull around here!

Rally Otago was epic (as usual), mind you, every rally event is epic in my eyes because I am just head over heels for the motorsport scene these days!

Working for PRG again, I had the honour of being based on Emma Gilmour and co-driver Katrina

opportunity for friends and family to come check out the madness that I talk so highly of. I also recently went up to Porirua to have my first training at Mitsubishi following my work, Centra Motor Co, gaining it as a new brand. I had a great experience learning about diagnosis procedures and learning more about the brand itself. The facilities and the group were great to work with and very welcoming. I even got served by a robot for dinner, not sure how I feel about that one.

Besides my cancelled flight and unplanned extra overnight stay, I had a great time away.

Renshaw’s car. We also were lucky enough to have Indians’ Rally Champion Gaurav Gill running the Rally 2 car for the weekend, along with Andy Martin in the VW and Steward Reid in the Mitsubishi. The weekend was full of ups and downs as any rally is, but we managed to bring Emma, Katrina and the Citroen home with 6th place for the weekend. It was great to see them over the finish line and we also managed to make it down to see them flying past on the final stage, which was very cool to witness.

One month later and Rally South Canterbury was up. Very exciting to have a rally around my home town as it made it a great

Also recently, I was lucky enough to be a speaker at a careers event in Timaru run by Venture Timaru. I really enjoyed my time speaking to the students about my career choice and my experience as an apprentice automotive technician. I got to speak to some great students who were interested in this career as an option and the event felt great to be a part of. It's so great to be opening students' eyes to all the possible career opportunities out there.

Next on the calendar for me is the Southern Lights Rally, which is back after a 20-year break!

I am super excited to travel down to Invercargill and experience what seems like is going to be a great event, although possibly quite cold! I also have another careers event which I am excited to have in the works, one baby shower, and A LOT of birthdays (including my doggos!) I can't believe its June already!

Speaking at a careers event in Timaru.

With Emma Gilmour (left) and co-driver Katrina Renshaw.

What you're telling us

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

"With the economy a bit tighter, we are starting to get customers who want to supply their own parts for repairs, and sometimes second-hand ones, which can be a concern if we fit them, and they fail."

If members undertake this type of work, it is recommended that they make it clear to the customer that they are being hired for labour only. Members should ensure the customer signs a waiver which confirms that the customer provided the part, and the business does not provide a warranty for the part or take responsibility for any loss or damage the part may cause. Consumer law still applies to the work done, so the member should carry out all work with due care and skill, ensure the part they are supplied with is the correct part for the repair and refuse to fit it where it may cause problems with the vehicle. This minimises the risk of being held liable for any issues.

"What are the implications around servicing a New Zealand-new vehicles that is still under warranty, I am of the understanding that being an MTA member they can service vehicles while within the manufacturer's warranty without impacting the OEM’s manufacturer's warranty".

Radiator has received a couple of accolades from readers over the past month and, not wanting to blow our own trumpet, we thought it was worth sharing with members.

Richard Heaps of Power Trip New Zealand had this to say.

"Power Trip featured in the April 2024 edition of Radiator, the official magazine of the industry Motor Trade Association (MTA)!

There are some brilliant stories in this edition, from coverage of the Government's RUC and transport plans to an interview with New Zealand's fastest woman, to a great review of the new electric MG4."

MTA life member Bryan Jackson of Waikanae took the time to send in the letter featured below:

Mr G. Rillstone

Editor Radiator

Magazine

Dear Mr. Rillstone

24/4/24

I have just received the latest edition of Radiator, and it reminded me that I wanted to write to congratulate you and your team on another superb edition. The improvements over the last twelve months or so have made it 'World Class' in my humble opinion.

Please keep up the good work.

Bryan Jackson. (Life member MTA)

“Let us help fix

those raised eyebrows.”

MTA is frequently asked about the servicing of New Zealandnew vehicles and the possible implications around new vehicle warranty. MTA is aware that some members are of the understanding that being an MTA member they can service vehicles while within the manufacturer's warranty without impacting the OEM’s manufacturer's warranty.

To date, MTA does not have any contracts or agreements with any OEM vehicle manufacturer to allow MTA members to carry out servicing of vehicles while under new vehicle warranty. If MTA members are currently looking at servicing New Zealand- new vehicles while under warranty, we would suggest reviewing each manufacturer's terms and conditions regarding the warranty that they (the OEM) supply with the new vehicle to maintain the validity of the new vehicle warranty. It is also important to note that if unauthorised servicing of vehicles

while under OEM warranty is inconsistent with the respective terms of that warranty policy, it could impact future warranty coverage.

However, MTA and its members are the priority repairer for servicing and warranty repairs for extended or aftermarket warranties (Autosure, Protecta etc) supplied by vehicle dealers with the sale of used vehicles (this can also include NZ new vehicles sold secondhand). This is not to be confused with an OEM manufacturer's new vehicle warranty.

If you have any concerns in this space, we recommend you seek your own legal advice.

Get your customers back on the road faster and get paid for your hard work. With over 50 MTF Finance offices nationwide, simply jump on mtf.co.nz , choose your nearest office and ask them to help your customer, pronto.

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

‘Black Mass’ brings batteries back from the dead

It sounds like something out of a horror movie or a Stephen King novel, but a ‘Black Mass’ is breathing new life into dead EV batteries.

And despite the unholy name, it’s proved a blessing for Auckland business Upcycle.

It sounds devilishly simple: a special processing machine grinds used batteries to a powder that’s used for producing new batteries. But it’s a first for New Zealand. The old batteries are shredded and processed to form a black mass –

hence the name - containing high amounts of lithium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Reuse of these metals to produce new EV batteries helps reduce the need to mine new materials – a good outcome for the environment.

Auckland recycling business Upcycle General Manager Scott Yoon says there have been challenges around exporting used EV batteries. Until now, they had to be discharged and exported as dangerous goods.

But the black mass machine solves

amounts of minerals.

Scott expects the number of EV batteries coming in for disposal to increase markedly as they come to the end of their useful life, which is usually around eight to 10 years.

He built a machine to discharge the batteries before they are

processed, which are then soaked in saltwater for a week or so to ensure they are completely dead.

And it’s not just EV batteries that are being ground down but small, home-use batteries - AAs and AAAs, watch batteries and EV bike battery packs. The only batteries

Upcycle doesn’t process are mercury batteries. Meanwhile Scott, continues to keep a close eye on what his overseas partners in the industry are doing and is constantly looking at what new technologies he can adapt to the business

that problem as the batteries are no longer dangerous goods once in the powder form, making them easier to export - and the world market is hungry for the product.

The batteries go through several steps and processes (see next page), to break them down to a powder.

“It will have metal and plastic in it as well as other products and that will get separated out by whoever processes it,” Scott says.

The batteries go through the process in batches as different

It’s not just EV batteries that are being ground down, but small, homeuse batteriesAAs and AAAs, watch batteries and EV bike battery packs.

Upcycle General Manager Scott Yoon.

What is black mass?

Lithium-ion batteries are comprised of valuable metals such as lithium, copper, manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Once shredded to a powder mixture, it becomes what is called ‘black mass’—and it contains all the valuable metals that make up battery anodes and cathodes (the most expensive parts of a battery). The typical black colour is due to the high concentrations of graphite contained in the anodes of batteries, which has a very dark black colour. Black mass makes up about 40-50 percent of the total weight of an EV battery. They contain materials like the binder, copper, electrolytes, plastics, aluminium and steel. Once processed, the material appears black in colour with silvery metallic flecks sprinkled throughout.

Recyclers accept the black mass from pre-processors and convert it back into saleable commodity metals thereby circularising the battery metal supply chain

How is black mass processed?

There are two main processes in producing black mass:

Pyrometallurgy:

Some black mass producers will use high temperatures to burn off unwanted materials like plastics and remaining electrolyte. This can create hazardous emissions and waste that must be captured or mitigated, and result in less recovered material.

Hydrometallurgy:

Many producers use solution-based techniques using water, chemicals and electricity to crush and separate the materials from a battery. This eliminates the need for polluting furnaces and energy-intensive processing, creating a lower-carbon black mass.

Spend on participating brands this June and July to be into win the Ultimate Bathurst Experience or one of the below amazing prizes! For full details check out the latest Repco Trade catalogue today.

Many MTA staff love vehicles as much as you do, and have a story to tell about them. This month, MTA Repairer Sector Manager Glen McGarry.

Life on two wheels

MTA has recently been asked to showcase other parts of our industry besides our main staple of cars, and our team reached out to me to see if I could share with our members.

Besides being in the trade for over three decades, predominantly in the automotive car space either in private shops or dealerships, along with doing fleet management, motorbikes have been a part of my life since I was about 10 years old. Learning to ride on my grandfather’s farm in Otaua, Waiuku, on a YZ80 with no clutch, I was hooked on two wheels after the first ride.

Since then, till now, I have owned a large number of bikes both road and dirt since I first started on the old YZ, but if I had to pick my top two, it would be these.

Firstly (and not in any order here) was my 1989 GSX-R1100 K model with the 1127cc air/oil cooled engine. This was the bike I looked at as the ultimate machine when I was younger, and always wanted one. While owning later-model and faster bikes when I purchased this, it wasn’t long until the go-faster bug set in. Some additional bits were changed from removing the stock twin

exhaust system to a new complete Yoshimura 4-1 system, dyno jet kit and a dyno tune. A bit more power running through the rear 160, which substantially shortened the tyre life.

My second bike was a 2000 Honda SP1 RC51. A 999-cc liquid-cooled 90° V-twin bullet!

I was looking for a new V-twin and settled on this and was not disappointed after purchasing. Full titanium Arrow exhaust, power commander and a few additional modifications I carried out after the purchase.

I have to say at least I ride better than I take photos, looking at the pictures I supplied of my old bikes.

But as life goes on and your family grows, sometimes your favourite things have to be passed on. As well as being my two most favourite bikes, they are also the two regrets I have after selling them, but life goes on, on two wheels.

Electric vehicle diagnostics

Is your workshop ready?

The increase of EV's and hybrids (New energy vehicles) on our roads has similarly increased the range of components to diagnose, so it stands to reason that a new range of diagnostic tools is also required.

In addition to the usual control units in any modern vehicle, there are a host of unique EV control units based around the high voltage battery pack.

EV high voltage battery SOH (state of health) has the biggest effect on vehicle life span and resale value.

EV owners who understand how to maximise battery life by minimising degradation will have the best financial EV ownership experience, but that is another article on its own.

Battery technology is increasing the range of Evs pretty rapidly but in our current fleet you can expect an increase in requests for battery SOH reports, particularly around sale and purchase time. As sellers and repairers,

accurate reporting on this expensive and deteriorating part of the EV could be good for business.

Until recently, independent workshops have relied on traditional ICE vehicle scan tools to diagnose EVs. While fine in many diagnostic situations, we are Kiwis after all, in depth HV battery pack testing is often not adequately covered.

The EV specific control systems for diagnosis include the high voltage electric drivetrain, drive train controller, DC/DC converter, onboard charger, high voltage distribution box, high voltage heating/ventilation and cooling systems and of course the high voltage battery itself.

Enter the latest generation of EV diagnostic tools with vehicle and battery system diagnostic capabilities. Once Battery Diagnose is selected the tool is able to read and report on SOH/SOC, single cell voltage, pack

voltage, total voltage, minimum/ maximum voltage and variations, input/output current and power, battery temperature, ageing, internal resistance, number of charges and whether fast or slow.

An HV battery repair market is evolving hot on the heels of EV expansion and being able to provide a report on whether a cell or the entire battery is faulty could be the difference between a customer choosing to repair or not.

Finally, it's good to remember our skin can provide insulation preventing damage to human tissue up to around 50 volts when dry but when wet or through a wound, 40 volts can be lethal. Typically in EVs battery voltages range from around 200 to 800 volts so having the right equipment and training makes good sense.

For the full article including the Launch iSmart EV P01 visit aecs.co.nz.

The Honda VTR.

Sons shine bright for Hamilton member

Steve Daly counts himself a lucky man.

Not only does he own a thriving Hamilton-based auto parts business, but he also gets to work with his three sons.

“They’re my best friends, and we are all united and excited about the future for the business,” Steve says.

SD European has grown over four decades from Steve’s passion for exotic European brands to a

fully-fledged family business that’s expanding into the future with a new parts centre with a long-term plan to expand the business to other towns as they grow their relationships around the country.

Steve raised his family in the business, and with sons Justin and Garett, and Brook who is currently on a sabbatical, they have taken it from a shed in rural Waikato into Hamilton city, transforming a building to suit their needs as the

three years in the UK as a mechanic and car salesman.”

Justin returned home in his mid-20s to work as a service advisor, and car salesman, and now, nearly 20 years later, he's the general manager in the family business.

Brother Garett is the service operations manager and Justin says they all, surprisingly, get on well together.

“Everyone has their place in the business; we have clear goals and objectives, and if there is conflict, we settle it reasonably fast.”

Brook returned from a mountainbiking OE in January 2020 and worked as the marketing manager for a number of years before taking time out to follow his passion, biking in Rotorua.

Favourites

Steve’s passion for European cars began in the mid-80s while restoring a BMW, then moving onto an Alfa Romeo, Mercedes and other Volkswagen Audi Group brands.

business looks towards growing to a new level.

Justin is the general manager and has been part of the fabric of the business from a young age.

“Every school holidays for as long as I can remember, sweeping floors and pulling cars apart,” Justin says.

“I left school at 16 to work in the business as a mechanic; I did a short stint on the Gold Coast working as a parts advisor, then

Hands on, with a passion for all things European, Steve Daly loves nothing more than getting his hands busy on a customer's Mercedes.

There’s plenty room for future expansion at SD European’s new complex in Hamilton.

Steve Daly with his sons Justin, Garett and Brook are a united group excited about the future of the family business.

As far as a favourite goes it’s the classic 1973 BMW 3.0 CSI and CSL models on which he is an authority.

“Restoring and understanding the European brands, and the buying of an old BMW 7 Series for spare parts in the late 80s opened up my eyes to a new venture, which led me to the current business we have

“We have a really good business model and would love to expand the business to other towns as we grow our relationships and presence around the country.”

And as far as Steve’s concerned, long may the business continue.

today,” Steve says.

Justin’s had a few favourites too.

“One would be my first car, a classic 1973 BMW 2002, currently in long-term restoration.”

Justin credits his dad as being the best teacher.

“There are so many good memories growing up with a dad that could fix or restore anything. It shaped us to who we are now with all the learnings from him,” he says.

“We always had a workshop to fix our toys, bikes and cars so were very lucky.”

And the knowledge is being passed on to the next generation.

Justin now shares his workspace with his son Carson, who helps out in the school holidays.

“With my experience I have been able to support him in growing a passion and talent for go-karting,” he says.

Looking to the future, Justin wants to continue growing and expanding the company.

“My sons will eventually take over the helm; they are extremely skilled in their own fields of expertise, experienced, and the company will be in very good hands.”

One of the many great memories Justin has is growing up with his dad working an early classic BMW coupe.

Owning and restoring euro cars still puts a smile on Steve Daly’s face.

Steve (left) and Justin (right) with son and grandson Carson, a keen go-karter who already shares space in his dad's office.

Justin takes every opportunity to share his motorsport passion with son Carson, supporting his cart racing.

2024 Abarth 500e Scorpionissima

Following on from the Fiat 500e comes the Abarth version. Is it as mad as the ICE-powered 695? You bet.

Abarth has been tuning little Fiats since forever and as the 500 enters the electric era, that hasn’t stopped them turning out a scorpion on volts.

Known as the Abarth 500e, it’s got a bit more of everything to make it worthy of the stinger badge, including noise.

The guitar twang it makes when you hit the starter is just plain weird, but the ‘exhaust rumble’ that issues forth from the rear reminds of the throaty idle of ICE-powered Abarths.

Blip the throttle and it ‘revs’ while there’s a decent rendition of a clutch engaging the drive as you take off. The sound they’ve created

has a pinch of combustion about it, though it’s clearly digitised.

It’s loud too; if your ICE car was this noisy at idle, it would possibly fail a WoF. The other not-so-cool aspect is that it sounds like you’re in second gear at 50km/h; it needs to trail off on a constant throttle.

At motorway speeds, the noise can get tiring. You can turn it on and off but only when stationary. The kids thought it was a laugh and it adds to the car’s character.

The noise generator occupies all the underfloor storage area in the boot, meaning charge cables and the tyre repair kit are left to fill valuable space in the already tight hold.

Added venom

A few electrical upgrades, like a better inverter, extract more juice

It’s this pace at lower velocities that puts the sting in its tail; it’s a nippy, quick commuter. It’s away like a whippet from the lights, the wider Potenza sports tyres allowing it to hook up well. Just watch you don’t end up quickly on the wrong side of urban speed limits; it’s easy to find yourself doing 60 plus. In the Turismo drive mode, it’s more relaxed, power and torque are pegged back.

It’s a one-pedal mode too, the motor regen strong but smooth as it brings you to a complete stop. But we reckon you’ll like the Scorpion Street setting better, with its full amperage.

It’s also a max regen/one-pedal mode; while in Scorpion Track, this is dialled back to a more minimal effect.

Short and sharp

This has the same 42kWh battery (37 usable) as the regular 500e. But whereas that model has a stated WLTP range figure of 320km, the Abarth’s is just 253km on account of the more powerful motor, lower gearing and wider tyres.

from the 500’s motor, raising power and pull from 87kW and 220Nm to 113 and 235. It has a slightly lower ratio for its singlespeed reduction transmission too.

Abarth quotes a few whimsical acceleration feats, like ‘it is quicker in the urban pickup, which means 50 percent faster acceleration from 20 to 40 km/h than its petrolpowered counterpart’.

Our favourite is ‘it can reach 100km/h from 0 before you even realise it, in just seven seconds’. That makes it not quite as fast as the Abarth 695 in the traditional sense, which can hit 100 in 6.7sec.

The difference is the instant torque punch in everyday driving. Abarth reckons ‘from 40 to 60km/h it can reach the target speed in just 1.5 seconds’, which is apparently one second quicker than the 695.

That makes it one for the urban hipsters; it’s not the car to travel the length of the country in. Auckland to Hamilton (110km) it’d handle, but you’d likely need a quick charge to get back to curb any anxiety.

It’ll handle up to 85kW of DC, so 15min would likely get you back home. You’ll be plugging in every night to keep it around the 80 percent mark, so off-street parking and an accessible socket are musts.

On a portable plug-in charger, 13 hours added 26kWh, the DTE topped up from 80 to 200km.

Apex predator

Outside of the city limits, it is one of the more interesting electric vehicles to pedal. In typical Italian fashion, it doesn’t really like cruising at 80km/h on highways; it’s noisy on the coarse chip and the sound generator can drone on.

The ride is just plain lumpy as well. Find yourself on an interesting road and it all comes right. The suspenders work better with a bit more speed aboard, if still a little bumpy; blame that abbreviated wheelbase.

But that also makes it quick on the turn. While it’s not the most accomplished ‘hot hatch’ you’ll ever drive, let’s say it’s one with a bit of character. It’s never dull. Yes, it’ll follow the contours of the road and the steering will tug away through rough corners, but there’s good bite from the front tyres as you turn in and it’s planted at the rear.

While that battery pack adds mass, it’s evenly distributed for better balance. There’s some power-on understeer to manage when getting frisky in the tight bends but that’s part of the fun.

It’s not a powerhouse, which means you can use the full travel of the throttle more often too. Rounding out an amusing drive, the brakes feel okay, even when leaning into them, and there’s not much in the way of dive.

An urban star

Its petite dimensions make it a primo city car. It breezes into parks, turnarounds are done ‘before you even realise it’ and with its quick

The glass roof has a perforated (manual) blind, but the sunlight still streams in. You’ll need a hat during certain parts of the day to keep the glare at bay.

It’s not the most practical car, obviously. The rear seats are occasional-use items, and even the kids found them to be a squeeze. Probably better for toy dogs, which will probably be better behaved too. The boot is also tight. Seats fold down but not flat, not even close really.

A niche model

turn of pace, it can nab small gaps in the traffic effortlessly.

The ride is of the Italian sport variety, firm and jiggly. Speed humps need a cautious approach and with its ride height and low hanging bumper, so do testy driveways.

The seats look Abarth-appropriate and are easy to slide into, heated even. There’s a limited range of adjustment, and none in the lumbar zone however. After a couple of hours or so, the lower back is feeling it.

It’ll be time to recharge by then anyway, making it an ideal opportunity to stretch. Like the seats, part of the dash is Alcantaraclad, as is the wheel rim.

Pity there’s not more of it to soften up all the hard plastic bits. There’s good storage for a small car, though cup holders are tight.

The touchscreen is loaded with all the right things and operations are straightforward. Separate ventilation buttons are appreciated. There’s enough safety tech here too, none of it bothersome enough for us to worry about switching it out. Active cruise is absent, however.

If you thought the price of the Fiat 500e was a bit steep at $59,990 you’d better sit down for the sticker of the Abarth.

It goes for $74,990, except that this is a Scorpionissima limited model and so costs $76,990.

The $2k premium gets you the outthere acid green paint hue (poison blue being the other choice), the Abarth side decal and a ‘digital certificate of authenticity’.

At the price, it’s a niche vehicle with a small pool of prospective buyers. It’s not a machine one could ever buy with the head; it’s one for ‘the characters’ out there.

Blast from the Past

Every month we revisit pages from Radiator's history.

LVV Authority Cards, part two

Last month, we looked at the process for LVV Authority Cards in relation to fender exemptions, which is one of two LVV Authority Card systems, the second being the subject of this month’s article – motorsport. LVV Authority Cards for motorsport vehicles provide a way for these vehicles to be specifically modified for competition purposes, and allow for modifications that in some cases could not otherwise be LVV certified. These authority cards are administered by either Motorsport NZ (MSNZ), for circuit, hill climb, rally cars, etc., or the NZ Drag Racing Association (NZDRA), as the name suggests, for vehicles used for drag racing.

An LVV Authority Card for a motorsport vehicle is issued by a scrutineer appointed by the governing body for the class of motorsport the vehicle competes in, who ensures the modifications meet the safety requirements of the governing body. All LVV Authority Cards are renewed annually, and (for MSNZ vehicles) the applicant must have a current MSNZ competition licence, and the vehicle must have a competition logbook. Also, the vehicle logbook must record both a safety audit carried out as part of pre-event scrutineering within the previous six months, and competition in two MSNZsanctioned events within the last twelve months.

For LVV certified vehicles, the LVV Certification Plate must state ‘Current MSNZ Authority Card required’ or similar.

NZDRA Authority Card renewals are due on 31 August each year, regardless of when the card was issued. The vehicle must have a valid LVV Certification Plate stating ‘Current NZDRA Authority Card required’ or similar.

Note that depending on the modifications to the vehicle, there are cases where a vehicle can have a motorsport authority card without the need for LVV certification, but it is still required for some modifications. The addition of an aftermarket adjustable brake bias valve, for example, would need LVV certification as a brake modification, but the LVV Authority Card will allow that bias valve to be adjustable whilst the vehicle is in motion.

On a similar note, there are certain modifications that can only be permitted if a vehicle has a valid motorsport authority card – for instance, full harness

APPROVED EXEMPTION ITEMS

seatbelts and roll cages can only be fitted to a modified production vehicle that has a valid MSNZ or NZDRA Authority Card, as full-harness belts are not listed in the Land Transport Rule: Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002. They can also allow for a vehicle to exceed inservice exhaust noise limits, as in theory the only times the vehicle should be used on public roads are for travelling to and from dedicated events, or for servicing and repairs.

The following modifications can be permitted under a MSNZ Authority Card, with appropriate LVV certification where required:

• Competition safety harness

• Roll protection that extends forward of the front seating positions and/or modifications that affect the Interior Impact Rule.

• Removal of an airbag SRS system.

• Braided hydraulic brake lines

• Hydraulic handbrake

• Plastic glazing.

• Open (adjustable) brake bias system.

• The removal of a ‘manufacturer installed’ occupant protection system, including the fitment of competition seats.

• The installation of a safety fuel tank and/or installation of dry-break refuel adapters.

• The permanent disabling of a manufacturer installed Electronic Stability Control system.

NZDRA Authority Cards don’t allow for the same breadth of modifications, as while there are many different classes of motorsport vehicle that come under the MSNZ banner, NZDRA is focused solely on drag racing. An NZDRA Authority Card can permit the fitment of roll protection that extends forward of the front seating positions, competition seats, and harnesses.

This vehicle has several authority card-only modifications

- a hydraulic handbrake, full harness seatbelts, a full roll cage, and an adjustable brake bias valve.

Where an AVI is presented with a competition vehicle with an LVV Authority Card from either MSNZ or NZDRA, there are a few things to be mindful of:

• That the authority card is valid, and within its expiry date.

• That the modifications to the vehicle match what is listed on the card.

• That where the vehicle has above-threshold modifications, the vehicle is LVV certified, and the certification plate states that an authority card is required.

Sample MSNZ LVV authority card (front and rear), taken from the VIRM.

All go in Eastland

Eastland members have been keeping busy with trainings and social activities in the past couple of months so here’s a look back at some of the highlights.

Air conditioning training

A new introductory session on automotive air conditioning was held in Hastings with great support and very positive feedback.

Members from throughout the Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa attended the hands-on session, with Paul Findlater from GPC Asia-Pacific.

Thanks to Alan Wright for loaning his workshop for the session, which included basic degas/regas procedures, refrigerant charge rate analysis and some trips and tricks for servicing air con systems. There was also time for a Q+A session too.

Here’s some of the feedback received from those who attended:

“The course was outstanding, we all learnt heaps. Best one yet!”

“Great course, learnt a lot in a short time.”

“Great entry level course, learnt lots from this. Thanks.”

Taupo supercars

Eastland members attended the first ever Supercars event at Taupo International Motorsport Park. Tickets to The Engine Room corporate experience located on Turn 8 were snapped up, with guests enjoying the Supercars racing as well as that of support classes from NZ Formula Fords, the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Central Muscle Cars and the Toyota 86 Championship.

The corporate area provided great viewing of the track as well as a catered lunch, seating and TV and audio coverage of the racing.

Gisborne 2x2 railbike adventure

It was a stunning Gisborne autumn day that shone down on the six Gisborne Motors Ford team members and guests who undertook the Waipaoa Bridge railbike ride.

This was a relaxed and cruisey ride suitable for all fitness levels that has inspired those members to look to the next one.

The Waipaoa Bridge ride is an hour long (return) guided tour that covers 12km. Some of the sights include views of Nicks Head cliffs, crossing the Waipaoa railbridge, cycling past vineyards and picturesque countryside.

Here’s some of the feedback received following the ride.

“We enjoyed our Waipaoa Bridge Gisborne Railbike experience. We had the perfect weather - a fine autumn day. It was a relaxed, cruisey, easy ride - very enjoyable. Cool viewing the scenery from the tracks.”

“We did the Gisborne Railbike event, it was very enjoyable, would recommend to anyone else. How about the possibility of doing the Railbike beach loop for a future event.”

Keep an eye on the MTA toolbox for the most up-to-date events and trainings on offer. They’re proving popular in the region, so if you see something you like, book your spots sooner rather than later to avoid missing out.

Recently we had after-work drinks in Waipukurau, and have scheduled some in Gisborne for September. We’re currently rescheduling the fishing charter that was postponed recently due to bad weather. Keep an eye on your emails for what’s up next. And as always, if you need a hand registering for an event or have a training suggestion, please contact your Eastland Regional Coordinator –natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Paul Findlater from GPC Asia-Pacific talks to participants during his introduction to the automotive air conditioning session.

Some of the team from Deakin Trucks in Hastings travelled up for the day. From left, Dion Butler, Scott MacLean and Baldeep Singh.

Malachi, left, and Chris on the Gisborne Railbike Ride.

Traversing the Waipaoa River railbridge by railbike.

Some of the team from Gisborne Motors Ford on their railbike adventure with friends. From left to right (front), Lee and Mathew. Left to right (centre), Michael and Bevan, and at the rear, Malachi and Chris.

Don't sniff at hazardous chemical management

By Tony Hutchinson, HSE Connect

Ever seen the meme of why women live longer than men? In that short video, you’ll see blokes doing all kinds of silly things, some sporting, some motor- and work-related, and many just plain stupid. When it comes to solvents and chemicals in the workshop, we’ve all been guilty of dodgy practices at one time or another (like washing bits with petrol, without gloves, or eye protection). And yes, while there are an increasing number of women in the workshop, we all know it is more likely to be the lads misbehaving and potentially shortening their lifespans

But I’m here to tell you why this gallivanting must stop, and permanently. It’s dangerous and can even be deadly.

A case in point

There’s any number of solvents and chemicals in the workshop, with the most encountered being brake cleaner, contact cleaner, petrol and diesel, various oils and greases, and occasionally stuff like turpentine, methylated spirits, various paints, and so on. Any of these splashed in the eyes is an obvious problem; personal protective equipment is a necessity, and that includes hands as many solvents and substances are carcinogenic (cancer-causing).

I want to zoom in on one of the most common, which is brake cleaner. Back in 2019, an apprentice mechanic was sent into a catamaran with a few cans of the stuff, with instructions to clean the engine. In the confined space, the lack of oxygen combined with

the brake cleaner fumes resulted in a serious brain injury. The chap is lucky he escaped alive.

This was such a simple oversight, with such devastating and lasting consequences.

The WorkSafe investigation

There’s no way something like this will avoid the stern gaze of WorkSafe. In this case, it turns out that not only were safe procedures not being followed but it wasn’t the first such incident. The company directors were sentenced on a charge of exposing a worker to a hazardous substance (organic solvents) and exposing them to a risk of serious illness or injury.

Issues raised in sentencing include failing to develop a safe system of work relating to hazardous substances, and failing to properly supervise, train and instruct employees on how to work with hazardous substances.

Both company directors served jail time, faced a fine of $250,000, and paid emotional harm reparations of $50,000.

If that sounds severe, consider the young apprentice left with a lifelong injury.

Hazardous substances in your workshop

Nobody wants a story like that, but it can happen when attitudes are lax, and hazards aren’t identified and risks mitigated. The first step is knowing how what the specific risks of any solvent or substance is – and don’t assume that every employee will know that (Toolbox Talks!)

In my interactions with WorkSafe, they’ve said one of the biggest things they expect to see is an up-to-date chemical register (see the opposite page).

WorkSafe is there to help, too. This is a great site to register your chemical and get a control plan https://hazardoussubstances.govt. nz/calculator/.

Tony’s top tips

• Read all warning labels and instructions for use on every hazardous substance.

• Petrol and diesel are also hazardous substances!

• Discuss the chemicals in the workplace and their risks and hazards in your Toolbox Talks.

• Establish a chemical register and update it regularly.

• Always wear appropriate PPE and ensure effective ventilation.

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.

(if available) Hazard classification

Road to leadership

For self-proclaimed people person Tylar Pickering, a job focused on customer service was the perfect fit. She’s been working as a Service Advisor at David Jones Motors in Whanganui for the past two years and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love the customer interaction. I’m always up for a chat so taking the job was an easy decision to make.”

No two days are the same for Tylar, with a wide variety of

customer vehicles coming in each day. “Mornings are normally the busiest with customer drop-offs. I also go through the day with the guys in the workshop, making sure they’re on top of things. Throughout the day, I need to keep my finger on what’s happening with each customer’s vehicle, keeping in touch with them, making sure they’re happy with any extras we’re doing or letting them know of any safety concerns. And then the afternoon is normally invoicing and

do things. It makes my job easier.”

She says getting to hear from others taking the course is invaluable. “There’s such a wide range of people doing it. I get to hear about things that they are experiencing at their work, which might be a totally different industry and compare it to how I’m dealing with things at my workplace. It’s very interesting and easy to engage with because of things that you don’t talk about or think of in day-to-day life.”

The programme includes a mix of workshop, online and on-the-job training and is designed for current and aspiring managers, supervisors and administrators who would like to progress their knowledge and

skills in team management and development.

“That’s the next step, going from Service Advisor to Service Manager, but I lack some of the knowledge of the workshop side of things. It would be a step more into a leadership role with the guys in the workshop.”

Support from MITO is also not far away when it comes to programme issues and queries. “I haven’t had to ask for help too much but when I have, MITO are quick at responding and marking grades. I feel comfortable that if I did need help, I know there’s several people that I can ask, to get the help I need in a timely manner.”

“Janine, who runs the workshops - she knows the stuff like the back of her hand. It makes you feel confident to be able to ask questions throughout the day during the online workshops.” Tylar is all for giving things a go and thinks if you have a dream career, don’t wait. “Grab the bull by the horns and do it! It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Don’t wait around for it to come to you. Go and do it!”

Automotive events 2024

JULY

Rotorua Vintage Car Club Swap Meet - 13 July

Annual Swap Meet hosted by Rotorua Vintage & Veteran Car Club.

Paradise Valley Stock Car Raceway, 105 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, 7.00am to 2.00pm.

$5.00. Children free (if accompanied by an adult) Site enquiries - Neville Harper 07 348 2412 / 027 494 7249, Car Show enquiries - Bob MacKay 07 332 3849.

AUGUST

Chrome Horsepower Festival

catching up with paperwork.”

When it came to upskilling, it felt like a natural next step in her career to complete MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) Level 4.

“So far it’s been good but challenging,” Tylar says of the programme. “It really makes you take on board a lot about how other people work and how they think. I’ve learnt a lot about the people I work with and how they

Your chance to cruise with your mates around Hampton Downs Raceway in a controlled, safe environment. With plenty of sessions throughout the weekend, you get to let loose on the track to do all the things you aren’t allowed to do out on the roads. Chrome is open to anyone in any sort of vehicle, no WoF or Reg needed! Spectator tickets will be available at the gate.

Weekend Passes: $75 for all 3 days (including night drags). Kids 10 and under free.

Friday: 2 August - Hampton Downs Motorsport Park - Tickets $30. Gates open 2pm - 6pm.

Saturday: 3 August - Hampton Downs Motorsport Park - Tickets $30. Gates open 9am - 6pm.

Saturday: 3 August - Napa Autoparts Dragway, Meremere. FREE for Spectators with Weekend passes

Sunday: 4 August - Hampton Downs Motorsport Park - Tickets $30.

Tylar Pickering.

Maya.polaschek@mta.org.nz James.mcdowall@mta.org.nz

The future of industry training

This Government has committed to disestablishing Te Pūkenga, but is still working on a new structure for industry training. The new structure will shape training and has the potential to improve issues surrounding the skills shortage in New Zealand, so ensuring that the Government considers industry needs when determining the direction of travel is critical.

Industry training in New Zealand equips individuals with the skills needed to boost the economy and address the current and future demands of employers and the nation. This system involves active participation from all industry employers, regardless of their size. By providing relevant standards and qualifications, industry training contributes to both short-term and long-term economic productivity. It enhances on-the-job training opportunities for learners and strengthens the overall education system.

The former Industry Training Organisation (ITO) model, with its industry ownership and governance, provided for the industry and employers to have

a voice in governance structures, decision-making processes, standard setting, training, and advisory committees.

Before the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE), ITOs (MITO being the ITO for the automotive industry) were responsible for standard setting and arranging training for their industries. Workforce Development Councils took on the role of setting standards, and, after RoVE was implemented, Te Pūkenga took on the arranging training function. The lack of a unified approach to standard setting has meant that NZQA qualifications and the needs of industry are not always aligned, with qualifications failing to meet or keep pace with industry needs.

What we want

The aim is not to simply revert to the ‘old system’ but to take the lessons learned from both systems. Changes to MITO’s constitution can ensure that industry governance more proportionally reflects its learners, of which automotive would make up the greatest share, at around

MTA member-only benef i ts and offers

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90 percent of MITO learners. Industry training and standard setting must be responsive and agile to ensure relevant standards and programmes and timely, innovative, and responsive solutions. Given the rapid changes in technology, climate, and population demographics, agility and innovation are key to successful outcomes for vocational education.

The new organisations should be able to use Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and Private Training Establishments (PTEs) to supplement training where it makes sense to do so.

With the shortage of skilled workers our members are facing, exacerbated by the decision not to add key roles to the Green List, we want to make sure that the fate of industry training is not just Te Pūkenga in all but name. Our view is that industry is best placed to drive skills and development needs, and we have called on the Government to let MTA stand MITO back up as industry-owned and led

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Automotive - the lifestyle career

Of the many professions targeting youth engagement, few fields offer the diverse range of opportunities for lifestyle integration quite like our industry.

It's not merely a job, it 's a lifestyle career that beckons enthusiasts with promises of excitement, innovation, boundless fun along with joining a community of likeminded individuals. Unlike other trades where the workweek ends with the closing of the toolbox, our industry is where passion meets profession, and where hobbies seamlessly blend with livelihoods. While builders and electricians may craft and repair, their endeavours often remain confined to the worksite. Automotive experts, on the other hand, find their playground extending far beyond the confines of a workshop.

Whether it's revving engines at beach hops or navigating the twists

and turns of motorsport circuits, vehicle enthusiasts in the trade transform their hobbies into vibrant expressions of their craft.

This distinction is crucial, especially when enticing the youth into the fold of automotive careers.

The allure of the industry lies in its ability to showcase the possibilities and opportunities beyond conventional employment.

For those who have a love for cars, motorcycles, or any mode of transportation, the prospect of turning that passion into a livelihood is not just appealing, it can be a reality.

Inspiring the next generation of technicians is about creating a culture of mentorship and empowerment.

Initiatives like Inspiring the Future led by the Tertiary Education Commission play a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of tomorrow.

It is an organisation offering

Loretta.thompson@mta.org.nz

employers the opportunity to become a volunteer and role model for their industry and share their journey with their local intermediate and secondary school students. You’ll attend a one-hour event with other role models from different industries to promote your chosen career. Being a role model is structured and you’ll get all the support you need to be a role model for the automotive industry.

As we look towards the future, it 's important that we continue to champion the industry to engage youth, not just as a career choice but as a lifestyle, together we can inspire the next generation of automotive technicians.

If you are interested in volunteering to become a role model in the automotive industry to support youth engagement, I’d love to hear from you. Alternatively, you can learn more about how to register at: www.inspiringthefuture.org.nz.

Fitting customer supplied parts

Following on from the subject in our ‘What you’re telling us’ section, customers supplying their own parts seems to be a growing trend lately.

Six months ago, the majority of our members would refuse to entertain such a request, but from the phone calls and emails I have taken from our members around this, the mind set does seem to be changing as work and bookings do seem to be tapering off slightly.

For whatever the reason is for the client wanting to supply their own parts or maybe questioning the margins you may be putting on the parts that you supply, businesses could take the time to explain to their customer around this.

The supply of parts will contain a certain margin of mark-up on the part, and this can be explained to your customer if they are querying the cost.

Mark-ups on parts could have a number of reasons to justify the cost, from trade vs retail, stock held components, the fact that it has taken the skill and knowledge of the technician to diagnose the suspected fault, to covering any warranty component labour replacement should an issue arise. And also, the time it has taken for someone in your business to actually order and receipt that part into your business.

All of these items are a cost to your business, and need to be accounted for, and passed on within the cost of each part you provide.

If your customer requests you to ‘fit a part’ only, then it should be explained to them that as previously mentioned, you are being hired as labour only, and any issues or concerns with the parts supplied is at the cost of the customer.

If the part fails or has issues (due to a manufacturing defect), this will be at the cost of the customer to take up the warranty with the supplier of that part, and any additional or secondary labour to install will be at the cost to the customer as the MTA warranty does not cover this scenario, only if the part was damaged by the installer.

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

If the customer has used the Google mechanic to diagnose a fault and supplies you with the fault, the diagnostics and parts to rectify, it should be clearly outlined at the start of conducting the repair that if you undertake this repair it is for labour only, and that if this does not rectify the fault that they (the customer) has diagnosed, any additional cost of diagnostics or repairs will again be at the their cost.

All this being said, it is the choice of the repairer if they decide to accept and undertake these repairs. The above discussions with your customer do need to be handled with a delicate touch so as not to be seen as being heavy-handed, more an informative conversation to ensure the customer and your business are on the same page.

Managing our own destiny

This month I look at the collision repair sector from the point of view of influencing our destiny.

The automotive industry is undergoing change – consider what was the bestselling vehicle a few years ago, some of today’s big sellers were not even in the market 5-10 years ago. Collision repair is not exempt from change, fewer shops exist, large investments have been made by insurance companies and offshore investors, vehicle manufacturers are doing their own repairs and servicing excluding anyone else outside their networks.

Recruitment into collision repair is a challenge, there is a shortage of trained staff and the yearly uptake of apprenticeships is not going to cover the expected demand for skilled labour. Modern technology means collision repair standards can be better than ever, although the cost of technology is high.

Current average returns in the collision repair are declining as costs such as labour, technology, and materials increase. Aggressive pricing paid for repair work by insurance companies is in some cases making it uneconomic for shops to continue in business, particularly where these businesses have a high proportion of their income from insurance work. In New Zealand, the few businesses that pay for the majority of collision repair work are driving the market.

This is not unlike other sectors where the interplay of forces creates change.

You may recall the Warehouse being used as a reason many small-town businesses closed.

The Warehouse itself is now under attack with failed initiatives and a declining share in its core Red Shed business.

The Warehouse example highlights a business cycle in the market

where nothing stays static.

All the above, in my view, supports an argument for strong industry organisations. There is no doubt that where sectors can speak and function as a single voice, the results are better than in sectors with different groups competing to do the same things.

Some things are inevitable and putting resources into fighting a losing battle wastes time and money.

An association should have the resources to look at what is coming, what needs to be done and how to be effective in doing that. Someone running a business with its day-today demands often cannot spare the time or energy to look ahead or create a strategy.

One of the factors behind the CRA Chapter of MTA is to represent the best businesses in the collision repair industry and use the resources of both to be effective at what we focus on.

There are many benefits in belonging to the CRA and MTA additional to these; however, being able to ensure we have a viable and stable collision repair sector to meet the current and future needs of New Zealanders is a primary concern. When you think of the CRA and MTA as a sector body, think of it as one of the most effective ways of managing our own destiny in the auto sector.

Speed dating at ReFuel

Fuel, technology and convenience suppliers met with fuel wholesale and retail operators for what was an intense but productive couple of days of learning and in-depth corporate speed-dating. The conference presentations and panels allowed for detailed exploration of the challenges facing the fuel industry in the Asia Pacific region. The structured one-to-one meetings allowed delegates to spend quality time with suppliers and technology leaders from around the world exploring their solutions to the problems retailers are facing today and will tomorrow.

Dieter Billen, Partner Energy Practice and Mobility South-East Asia, for Roland Berger, kicked the learning off with a keynote designed to lead delegates through an exploration of the current and future state of the decarbonisation of transport fuels in the context of road, air, and maritime markets.

Chi Fong Lou, Technical Director APAC, PDI Technologies, challenged delegates to get real about cybersecurity in a retail setting as the prevalence and economic impact of cyberattacks increases.

After a quick refresh at afternoon

tea, the forum delegates got down to the real work of the event, the one-to-one meetings that “allow us to do a years’ worth of meetings in a couple of days; it’s hard work, but well worth it”.

Armed with valuable insights,we had a quick morning tea before getting down to a long and energising day of unique 20-minute speed-dating meeting sessions that gave us a deeper understanding of each other’s businesses, pain points and solutions.

The business speed-dating component of the ReFuel conference is where MTA was able to connect with regional suppliers in the fuel and retail convenience market.

MTA Member Benefits Manager,

and

are currently engaging with regional fuel and retail suppliers to investigate and develop potential strategic partnerships that will offer our members a broader market segment for goods and services that support their businesses at competitive market rates.

After two days of intensive structured meetings and presentations retailers and suppliers headed home with new and deeper relationships and partnerships ready to rise to the challenge of today and to take advantage of the opportunities of tomorrow. MTA will be sharing the strategic business partnerships and opportunities with its members.

Fuel industry comes together in Kuala Lumpur for ReFuel APAC 2024.

Luke Weatherill,

I

Stewart Gibb.

A change of attitude needed

2023 was the 17th year of the Dealer Attitude Survey, and first one to be created in a digital format to make it easier for the sector to engage.

This new change dramatically reduced the number of participants, which is disappointing as we know that dealers consider the survey a useful tool in aiding the dealer/ distributor relationship. All franchise dealers were sent the 2023 digital survey via direct email, and this was a big change from the previous paper version. All dealers who sell new light vehicles, whether MTA members or not, were invited to participate in the survey.

In an effort to encourage more participation, we extended the close-off date to the end of quarter one of 2024, but unfortunately this still didn’t translate into a higher level of participation.

As with previous versions, the survey questions set in 2023 followed the same path and have been constant since 2014. Last year we reworded two questions from previous reports; these small changes still make comparison in scores from 2023 back to 2014 valid and in 2024 we see the value in retaining those core question sets.

As we head toward the 2024 survey, we have made some further improvements to the 2023 digital survey platform.

One big change is that we now have an auto-save function that will make the transition between dealerships' internal departments easier. This year senior management, head of sales or heads of parts can logon to complete their relevant section.

This year we are also looking at adding a couple of new questions

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

and currently reviewing the name of the survey to encompass the value that the final report delivers.

As we drive toward the 1 October 2024 survey, you will see and hear more from us about this year’s survey, as we aim to get better engagement and produce an accurate report that reflects the relationship between dealers and distributors.

Thanks to the distributors who engaged with us and encouraged their dealer network to participate in 2023.

Please note to receive a copy of the final report, you must participate in the survey.

Congratulations to the South Island participant who took away the $500 Prezzy Card for completing the 10-minute 2023 Annual Dealer Attitude Survey.

New vehicles

Total new passenger and light commercial vehicle market was up 10 percent on April 2024 with 10,181 units and down nearly 24 percent on May 2023 and 13 percent behind last year for the same period.

New passenger vehicle registrations increased over April 2024 by 247 units or up 4 percent, compared to May 2023 the units dropped by over 33 percent or 3,202 units to finish the month at 6,366. New commercial registrations were up by 22 percent or 701 units over April 2024 with 3,815 verses 3,114, the sector increased over May 2023 albeit by a small margin of 27 units and 0.7 percent. Battery Electric Vehicles climbed by a total of 1.3 percent over last month to finish with 4.4 percent of the May 2024 registrations.

Brand performance

Toyota finished May 24 down by only 4 units over April 24 with 2,375 over 31percent market share for May 2024. Ford stayed strong in second spot with just over 19 percent of May's registrations, Mitsubishi held on to third increasing by 155 units over April 2024. Ford Ranger cracked the 1,000 units for May with 20.6 percent of the registrations, up 231 units over April 24, Toyota RAV4 dropped back to second for the month with 761 units down 250 units on April and Toyota Hilux rounded out the top three up nearly 200 units on last month to finish with 709 and nearly 14 percent monthly share. Mitsubishi, Triton,

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX

In the fuel type category for May 2024, ICE moved up to 69.4 percent for the month, Petrol Hybrids dropped by 5 percent from April 24 to 21.6 percent, Battery Electric registrations increased from 3.1 percent to 4.4 and Diesel Hybrids also increased to 4.5 percent.

Volvo EX30 with 49 registrations so far in 2024.

Used import vehicles

The used import sector has continued its steady performance to the end of May, up 5 percent year-to-date. In May the total passenger and light commercial vehicles registrations increased by 209 units on April 2024.

May 2024 saw 8,885 passenger vehicles registered up almost 2 percent on last month and 538 light commercial vehicle registrations Which jumped by 11.4 percent on April 2024, to push them ahead of last year by 19 percent for the period.

Brand and model performance

Toyota was again the brand leader with 3,504 at 40.5 percent of the units sold for the month of May 2024 down 151 units on April 2024, Nissan came in second with an increase of 80 units to 1,318, and Mazda dropped 71 units to finish with 1,140 registrations.

Used Vehicle Market Passenger and Commercial

Motorcycles

The total new road motorcycle and scooter market saw registrations drop by 33 units on last month to 578 and year to date they are behind by almost 11 percent. May 2024 was down 5 percent on April 2024 and it seen almost 27 percent less registrations than May 2023.

Brand and model performance

Royal Enfield jumped from seventh last month to top May 2024 with 67 registration and nearly 15 percent of the total month’s registered units, up 33 units from April 2024, Yamaha came in a strong second up 14 units on last month to 63 registrations, and Harley Davidson rounded out the top three, also up 14 units from April 2024 with 51 units or 11.2 percent of May 2024 registrations.

Top 10 Used Import Brands - May 2024

Toyota Aqua topped May 2024 with nearly 17 percent of the monthly registrations, down 8 units on last month to finish with 840. Prius held second spot on the table, down 58 units to 716, this was followed by Mazda Axela also down 23 units from April 2024 to 351 units with 7 percent of the May registrations.

TECHNOLOGY MIX

increased to 56.3 percent, Hybrid dropped again from last month’s 43.1percent to finish at 41.6 percent, BEVs and PHEVs held steady at 1 percent each.

Top 15 Used Import Models

Seventy one years after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay " knocked the bastard off" in the Himalayan mountain range back on 29 May 1953, Royal Enfield with the Himalayan 450 in May 2024 had a their own " knocking the bastard off" by topping the model registrations with 38 units and a dominant 23 percent of the models registered during the month, this was followed by the MT450 by CFMoto with 12.1 percent and 20 units, Suzuki UZ50 rounding out the top three with 18 units and almost 11 percent of the monthly registrations.

Top-selling Models - May 2024

Top 10 Motorcycle Registrations by Brand

120 Golf’s were registered in May 2024 ranging in age from 1980 to 2022.

Situations vacant - North Island

Automotive technician/mechanic TARADALE

TM Autos require an experienced technician/ mechanic. We offer WoFs, services, pre-purchase checks in a well equipped workshop. WoF inspector authority preferred. Hold a full NZ drivers licence, and NZ residency. Email CV to: go.tmautos@gmail. com, or see Matt at TM Auto’s Taradale.

Automotive technician/WoF

TAUPO

Morrell Motors is an award winning, multi-franchise dealership requiring a qualified Automotive Technician to join our team. WoF certificate an advantage. Contact Mark Morrell, mark@morrellmotors.co.nz or phone 021 759 070.

Automotive technician

WELLINGTON

The role requires problem solving and diagnose faults in a wide variety of modern and classic vehicles. Work ranges from basic service and WoF through to engine and gearbox rebuilds, auto electrical, performance modifications and electric cars. Email CV and cover letter to office@powerhaus.net.nz. Phone: 04 499 8715.

Automotive technician/WoF TAUPO

We are a busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF certificate preferred. Must be a team player with excellent communication skills.

Email CV to: office@mainlandeng.co.nz.

Automotive technician

NAPIER

T M Autos requires a technician. We are a small fully equipped workshop in the centre of Taradale. 3rd year apprentices will be considered. Must have Full NZ drivers licence. Contact: Matt at go.tmautos@gmail.com

Senior technician

TAURANGA

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

TAURANGA

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

Panelbeater

WANGANUI

We are seeking a passionate, qualified panelbeater or 3rd year apprentice for our small shop with BIG results. Small to medium repairs and restorations. Drivers licence and residency a must. C.V required. Contact tom.don66@mail.com or phone 027 308 0614.

Qualified mechanic

BIRKENHEAD

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

Automotive technician

HAVELOCK NORTH

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

Automotive technician

NEW PLYMOUTH

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

Automotive technician/mechanic HASTINGS

We are Hastings’ VTNZ Certified Repairer. Full NZ drivers licence. NZ or equivalent automotive qualifications. (3rd year apprentices will be considered) Ability to work unsupervised. Email CV to admin@dcautocare.co.nz or contact Dylan 06 878 8138.

Automotive mechanic/ technician MANUKAU CITY

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

Mechanic/WoF Inspector

AUCKLAND

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

Qualified mechanic

PORIRUA

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

Diesel mechanic

WYNDHAM

Enthusiastic diesel injection technician with common rail experience to join a thriving rural garage with a fully equipped diesel fuel injection facility. Generous package to reflect experience, with possibility for future investment into the business. Email: redbarron222@gmail.com or phone 0272 417 614.

Auto technician/WoF Inspector

PAIHIA

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

Automotive technician

PAHIATUA

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

Service advisor

PAPAMOA

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

Automotive tech/WoF Inspector

TE AROHA

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

Mechanic –

TAUPO AREA

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

Mechanic

KUMEU, RODNEY

Small busy workshop seeking a mechanic with recognised qualification. WoF authority a bonus. Great communication skills and ability to work under pressure. Email Mike: admin@ manukaautomotive.co.nz.

KAIKOHE

Looking

Automotive Technician

WHANGAREI

This

Situations vacant South Island

Mechanic/WoF Inspector

BALCLUTHA

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

Automotive technician

TASMAN

We are looking for a Senior qualified technician to join our team. Preferably with WoF authority. We are a mechanical workshop/service station and an AA Breakdown contractor. We would be willing to offer assistance with relocation and finding accommodation.

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

Automotive technician

KAIAPOI

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

Automotive technician

SOUTH CANTERBURY

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

Automotive electrician

INVERCARGILL

We are looking for a qualified automotive electrician to join our small friendly team. 40 hour weeks. Email: service@dominionelectric.co.nz with CV.

WoF Inspector

NELSON

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

Automotive technician

DUNEDIN

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

Automotive technician

INVERCARGILL

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

Motorcycle technician

NELSON

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

Automotive WorkshopAUCKLAND (Howick Central)

Long time successful business. High customer base. 2x2 post hoists, one pit plus more.

Automotive Workshop HASTINGS

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

Automotive Workshop

NORTHSHORE (O rewa)

Retirement Looms

Prime location/Long established business 3 Bays 2x2 post Hoist, 1x4 post Hoist Wofs,Tyres,Batteries. Phone: 09 4265783 021 022 45219. Email: orewa.auto2016@gmail.com

Businesses for sale Services

Automotive Workshop/Service Station – TASMAN

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

Automatic Transmission Specialist - NEW PLYMOUTH

Current owner for 40 years. A very successful family business now for sale so owners can retire. Automatic transmission repairs, Power steering and general servicing and repairs. Currently working out of two workshops with the capability of reducing to one. SAM computer system and Excel run through the accountant. All hoists, specialist tools. Grant: 0275 320 611 Email: automatics@xtra.co.nz

VIRM In-Service Certification Questionnaire pack

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

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

Need some help?

Simple, personalised H&S system, documented policies and procedures, hazsub inventories and office optimisation service - clearing the clutter! Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted022 151 1243.

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

To advertise your Situations Vacant or Business for Sale in this section please email: radiator@mta.org.nz. Free for members up to 30 words.

Let us drive your recruitment success

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

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

Andrea Andrew WoF Consultant

L-R: Tony Allen, Grant Woolford, Bob Boniface (President), Sturrock Saunders, Ross Verry, Andrea Andrew, Joris Sanders.

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

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

KAIMAI

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

Jason Land Region Chair 0274 452 635 jason@collinsauto.co.nz

CENTRAL WEST

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

NORTHERN REGION

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

EASTLAND

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Rachel Beattie Region Chair 027 496 6275 rachel@neighbourhood mechanic.co.nz

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

COOK STRAIT

UPPER NORTH ISLAND CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

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

SOUTH AUCKLAND

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

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

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

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

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

SHELLEY CARTER 027 497 1568 shelley.carter@mta.org.nz

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

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

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

COAST TO COAST

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

www.evcity.kiwi

SOUTHERN MAINLAND

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

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

AORAKI EAST COAST

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

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

Level up your career.

Take the next step in your career with MITO’s New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management).

This programme is designed for current and aspiring managers, supervisors and administrators who would like to progress their knowledge and skills in team management and development.

Scan the QR code or apply at mito.org.nz/first-line-management

MITO is a business division of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. We support on-job learning and career development for the automotive, transport, logistics and extractive industries.