Repairer and Enviro sector Collision Repair sector Policy, Tyrewise and mental health

MTA has been requested to join the Vehicle Policy Forum in conjunction with Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi and other automotive organisations. The Vehicle Policy Forum’s purpose is to be a core information channel between the sector and Government, to build relationships, and help ensure Government has the best available evidence when making policy on vehicles. The Forum was well attended, and engagement was high, with a range of motor vehicle industry bodies invited and represented. Discussion covered Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi work plans at a high level, and a range of timely issues facing the sector.

MTA will (at the time of writing) in the next few weeks be joining the first Tyrewise meeting of the year. This was scheduled for early February but was delayed due to the weather events earlier in the year, so we hope to have some further information and timelines to offer shortly.

The previously advised timeframe was to have the Tyrewise scheme operational in 2023, but with recent events impacting the pilot scheme location, we will have to see how that stood up. We will update the scheme in upcoming Friday emails to members as information becomes available.

With the Coolsafe refrigerant programme gaining momentum,

MTA will be hosting the automotive sector discussion panel for the group to establish a working platform for accreditation and licensing for businesses and technicians. The goal is to have standards that are specifically suited to our industry and offer the safest work practices without imposing restrictions, costs and hurdles to the current workflow.

Look after yourselves

Following on from last month’s Radiator magazine article around EAP services, and after visiting a number of MTA members in and around Northland following the recent weather events, I’d urge all members to keep an eye on their

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

mental health.

We are seeing increased pressures applied from all corners within our industry as well as recent weather events. Business and life in general can often throw up challenges.

MTA offer a great benefit partner with EAP services for professional assistance when you need it but sometimes, unfortunately you may not realise you need a hand. Recently, I needed a bit of support and it took both my wife and my boss to point out what I thought was normal was actually anything but.

If you know someone affected by the weather events in the North Island, why not just reach out and say hi and ask, how are you going? Sometimes just a phone call and a yarn can go a long way.

Maybe just take a break at the end of the day, take stock of your situation and make sure you’re doing OK. We are a resilient bunch, but sometimes even we need to check under the bonnet. Right now is the perfect time to have these conversations.

I am glad I finally did and the only regret I have is I did not take the time to stop and look at myself sooner. Just remember, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.

Be a mate, and call a mate. EAP Services can be contacted in confidence on 0800 327 669.