Radiator - March 2023

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

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Chief Executive’s comment

The next chapter for Century Batteries is coming

As my time comes to an end with MTA, I have cast my mind back over some of the events of the last year. There are many, but one theme seems unfortunately apt as I write this in March 2023. My CE’s comment in the September 2022 edition of Radiator caught my attention.

Let me quote: “It feels like it’s barely stopped raining since I last wrote my Radiator column. I hope those of you in floodaffected areas have come through unscathed and with the minimum of disruption and inconvenience…The pictures from Nelson in particular have been hard to believe…”

I could have written the very same comment in January when Cyclone Hale was devastating Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel.

I could have written the very same comment, but with even more intensity, in February when Cyclone Gabrielle carved up Hawke’s Bay and the East Cape.

I’m not sure what this sequence of terrible events tells us.

Resorting to conspiracy theories or biblical end-time themes is not my style – but it does seem like something’s is going on…Here’s to a more settled spring, following the summer that for too many of us never was.

It is hard to fully appreciate the challenges many of our members have had to endure when faced with catastrophe on the scale seen over the last few weeks. The great news is that our team has been there for our members – our phones have run hot, webinars organised, hardship and morale boosting funds made available, teams have visited the most affected areas and more initiatives are being considered to provide assistance wherever we can.

On a brighter note, and weather aside, we have much to look forward to from a business perspective. The sustainability initiative kicked off this week;  great work is being done on the bringing together of an MTA Manifesto, which will be launched in Parliament in May; the website

will go live next month, our Strategy has been reviewed and renewed; our Learning Portfolio is kicking off with a WoF training roll-out in collaboration with DEKRA; we have completed our recruitment process to replace our CFO and CEO and we look forward to moving into our new Wellington premises.

My thanks to the board, management and staff as we navigated a period of invigorating change throughout 2023.

MTA has been successfully realigned. It is important to convey and emphasise that whatever we do has the interests of our membership front and centre.

Finally, a hat-tip to our members, many of whom are doing it especially hard at present, and my personal thanks to you all for your resilience, support and good-natured humour through the best and the worst of times.

IAN PIKE Chief Executive

Century

life. Our reputation for quality and innovation has been refined and proven over many decades, delivering a range of market leading products which continue to set new standards in technology and performance. But at Century we continue to innovate and improve, because that’s the Century way.

and

0800 93 93 93 | centurybatteries.co.nz

batteries incorporate industry leading technology and engineering innovation to provide ultra-reliability

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Epic journey amid Gabrielle’s fury

By Gerald Rillstone.

Amid post-apocalyptic scenes of flooding, slash and silt from Cyclone Gabrielle, anxious Abhay Sharma had just one thing on his mind: getting back to his wife and baby at all costs.

On a normal day it would have been an easy 10-minute drive from Hastings to Napier, but this day was far from normal, and the trip turned into six desperate hours.

Abhay lives in Napier and owns Global Auto Works Hastings, a business he took over late last year. Things were going well, but that all changed overnight when the cyclone struck.

There was a lot of wind and rain on the night the storm hit, power and communications were down, but thinking the worst was over the next morning

Abhay headed to Hastings to check on his workshop and a cousin he hadn’t heard from for three days.

“I woke up in the morning and got ready to go to work but when I looked outside there was flooding, the water was up to the sills of my car.”

Then came a knock on his door.

It was the police ordering the house to be evacuated and with a baby to worry about, Abhay waded through waste-deep water and hired a 4WD to get the family to a friend’s house.

“My son is only 15 months old, and I was worried about carrying him through the flood water,” he says.

“Luckily the house didn’t get flooded but all around it there was water.”

With his family safe, Abhay headed down the Napier to Clive Road to Hastings to check on the workshop and track down his cousin.

“Everything looked fine, life was normal, I checked the workshop it was fine, apart from one customer car which got flooded in the bottom corner of the carpark where it holds water,” he says. He found his cousin and was heading home to Napier when he discovered the main road through Clive had been closed. Panic set in.

“Goosebumps”

“There was more flooding, and they had closed the road so I was stuck there; my baby and wife were back in Napier, they would start panicking because there were no phones working, nothing was working in Napier and it had already been three hours.”

With a friend, who also needed to get back to Napier, Abhay started driving around looking for a way home and ended up parking his car in Clive with the intention of walking across the Clive Bridge - a 15-kilometre hike to Napier.

“I thought it would be easy enough, but there were cops everywhere and we were going to do a runner over the bridge, but they said, ‘Don’t dare cross the bridge’, I felt like someone was going to shoot me.”

“One cop did tell us there was one way in and out of Napier, but it was only for emergency services and not for the public,” he says. But Abhay wasn’t about to give up - he had to get home.

If he couldn’t get there by road, he thought there must be a path over the inland hills, and he even planned to drive to Palmerston North and fly to Napier.

“I went to Fernhill and Swamp Road and that’s when I got goosebumps, I couldn’t see the road - it was all water.

“I reversed back and went through Taradale and there was a very nice lady who said the road was also closed to cars, so I parked there we started walking towards Napier and a cop car came by and asked if I was all right and I said no, I just wanted to get home to Napier,” he says. Luck was finally on his side. The police gave him a ride on a route open for emergency vehicles only.

“It was six to seven hours in the rain, and I wasn’t the only one and at the back of my mind the whole time was ‘We have to look after our families’.

Recovery mode

“After a few days I went into recovery mode. There’s no water so we have to sort out water, and I have an electric stove and no electricity, so I went out to get gas bottles,” Abhay says. With home sorted, Abhay turned his mind to the community and went about helping others. In the weeks following the cyclone, MTA member Abhay and his mates have been putting together whatever food they can to feed those in need in the Hastings community.

“After seeing what has happened around the area, my mate and I decided to go out and help in the community. He owns a restaurant, and we chipped in to cook food and took it everywhere we could because people didn’t have food and they were afraid to come to town.

“For me it is all about the people in the community; after what I saw and what happened out there, I had to do something to help out,” he says. With the clean-up and recovery underway, the experience has left its mark, Abhay says; when it rains there is the fear of being flooded again.

“It was a scary time, four days without power and communications, never heard of in New Zealand,” he says.

But in the meantime, his family’s safe and the community’s bouncing back.

The road from Clive to Napier was impacted. Abhay’s flooded car.

Good deeds and survivor guilt

The photograph of a horse stranded on the roof of a barn during the cyclone was a harrowing image beamed around the country, and shared widely on social media.

It was all the property owner could do for the beast in the worst of times, and summed up the severity and desperation of the situation.

A few days after the event, the same man who guided the horse onto the roof called in on MTA member John Clare at Kings Autos, Hastings, for a warrant of fitness.

“He has lost two cars, his house, everything and it was a brand-new house and new car and now all he has got is his old ute and the clothes he was standing up in; I could hardly charge him for a warrant,” John says.

So he waived the fee as a gesture of solidarity and support.

John was lucky to get through the event without being flooded and feels for those in the community who have lost so much.

“We just want to help wherever we can,” he says.

But a side effect of such a harrowing event is survivor guilt.

“We had a bit of a chat with staff and said, ‘Beware that you do get a bit of survivor guilt and it is a real thing’.”

Mike says he even found it tough ringing the insurance company about business interruption insurance.

“When that’s all you have to claim for, it doesn’t feel as important as what other people are going through and I know the insurance company has far more important things to be doing than dealing with me. Even though it has to be sorted it can wait ‘til another time.”

“There have been a few instances already of customers booking in their car and not turning up.”

But it was doing what you could that was important during the tough times, John says. Even though he hasn’t lost material things himself, dealing with customers who are facing big losses because of the cyclone is tough.

“People are finding it tough already and as you would expect the last thing some of them are worried about if they have been flooded out is getting their car serviced or getting a warrant; they will be putting it on the backburner,” he says.

“There have been a few instances already of customers booking in their car and then not turning up.”

Recovering from the cyclone will be lengthy, John says, and will depend on what aid the Government gives and if the supply chain can cope with the demand.

“It is going to take years to recover; you can’t just go down to Toyota and buy four new vans,” he points out.

He watched as four Dodge forklifts were unloaded across the road - they had all been flooded and will not be easily replaced.

“You can’t just go out and get new ones that easily either,” he says.

Thinking outside the square in cyclone’s wake

By Gerald Rillstone.

With Cyclone Gabrielle hitting businesses like Napier forestry employer Pan Pac hard, Chris Greaney, owner of City Collision Repairs, Napier, sees a bleak outlook for the coming year.

But he’s already contemplating what he needs to do to keep the doors open if his worst fears come to fruition, and says he’s looking to take on work he normally wouldn’t.

“Our focus is keeping everybody’s jobs and if we have to do different work then that’s what we’ll do.

“It’s important at times like this to maintain insurance company relationships and time to start thinking outside the square in terms of what work we do to stay afloat.”

When Radiator featured Chris in October last year, he had invested heavily in his business specialising in repairing Teslas. Now he fears for the future of not only his business, but also others

in the motor industry, with a huge chunk of the customer base out of work.

“It has been devastating and I think it will have a big flowon effect for businesses in the Hawke’s Bay,” Chris says. “There will be thousands of cars taken off the road and writtenoff.”

When Radiator visited, Chris had already lost about a week of business with power and communication outages, but he says at least it’s not as bad as the flood two years ago when pumps put in place to protect the business precinct from flooding failed.

“They couldn’t get rid of the water, and we had $300,000 in claims; it was pretty traumatic.”

Chris says he feared it was happening again but never imagined the wider affect the community faces this time round.

This time both cities fared quite well but the area in between them is where it has been hit the hardest.

“We had already experienced a small slowdown in business beforehand and I think inflation is getting to our customers as well, and now with industries like Pan Pac, which has been wiped out, and others that all spend money on all of us businesses, going forward it’s going to be interesting.”

Chris counts himself lucky this time around too: he was evacuated from his home, but it didn’t get flooded.

“Two years ago, our house got flooded and we lost quite a lot of stuff out of the garage, tools and cars, but we had since moved and I thought, ‘No not again, I can’t go through it again’.”

And it was close this time.

“We got out of the house and then were told we could go back, but two hours later they banged on the door again to say the riverbanks had burst and we had to get out, but luckily this time I didn’t lose any cars or anything,” he says. “We are a lot luckier than a lot of other people in the area.”

John Clare of Kings Autos, Hastings.

Ham radio to the rescue

When communications went down in the East Coast region, Gisborne EIT Tairawhiti lecturer Steve Main came to the rescue.

With communications badly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and hearing that people were desperate to contact family and loved ones, MTA member Steve and a team of operators used old technology – ham radio - to get them connected.

“It proved to be a godsend,” Steve says. “We have a huge repeater network spanning from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and we can use satellites and do point-to-point contact around the world.

“We set up a phone patch service so that people could talk to their families in Australia or England to say they are fine and they will be in touch, and that was the majority of our work.

“We also had two operators in Napier who were able to do welfare checks on people for families who couldn’t get through.”

All achieved thanks to a network of keen amateur radio operators around the country.

“There are many, many operators, and we had operators from Auckland down to Rangiora helping us achieve communications; they were using a phone patch system getting messages out.

“It was a team effort, that’s for sure, and once people started to find out they could use us to contact family it got really busy, especially with welfare checks.

“We had people communicating via social media and we would go out and check they were ok, and for some people we made phone links so family could hear their voices,” he says.

As the power was down for a day and half in Gisborne, Steve relied on a generator and battery backup. Now he says he would like to see ham radio have a higher profile.

“It is older tech, but just like in the old days sometimes it is the most reliable means and all you need is a battery, a radio and a wire,” Steve says.

For anyone wanting to know where to go if communications are down, the best start is their website NZART (New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters Inc), which has a list of who to contact for each region.

Another group connected with NZART is AREC (Amateur Radio Emergency Communications) who have dedicated members around New Zealand for emergency situations.

What is ham radio?

According to NZART, amateur radio, also known as ‘ham radio’, is a hobby involving experimenting and communicating using not only radio but a range of technologies including satellites, the internet and even beams of light!

In New Zealand hams are licensed by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). Once licensed, an amateur can operate two-way radio equipment from home, from vehicles and from anywhere in New Zealand, and in many cases when overseas too.

Bands of radio frequencies have been set aside for amateur radio use and they allow hams to communicate across town or around the world. The scope and possibilities are endless, from sending TV pictures and operating through amateur radio satellites to just having a quiet chat with friends at a distance

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Amateur radio operators provided a valuable service in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle using radio technology to connect people. They are pictured here at the amateur radio station at the EIT Tairāwhiti Te Pūkenga campus. Back row: Sam Spencer (left), Mike Mather (centre) and Steve Main. Middle row: Ian McLachlan (left) and Aleria Fraser. Front row:, Con Wassilieff (left) and Amber Davies.

Picture by Paul Rickard, The Gisborne Herald

“Gargantuan” insurance claim follows Auckland storm

Keeping the doors open for business at Dale Nixon Automotive in Browns Bay has taken a massive effort by owner Brett Piddington after a metre of water flooded his business during the Auckland storm.

so I went back to work for a couple of days,” Brett says. “I do need to progress it and get it working, there are a whole lot of things I need to buy, and I will have to spend the next few weekends to finish it off and it is way more complicated than it first appears.

“It is not as simple as getting a price on everything you have.”

On the upside, the business hasn’t had to close, Brett says, thanks to some incredibly long hours and the help from family, staff and friends.

“We worked all Saturday and Sunday, and everyone took a

day off on Monday and I came in and organised the logistics of what I needed to do,” he says.

“We have slowly improved the situation, the place looks a mess, but we are working a little bit more efficiently.

“Still, still every time we go to pick something up, we find it’s missing, and we need to replace it.”

Once the insurance is out of the way, Brett says he looks forward to tackling the backlog of work he has booked in.

“We have plenty of work; I am always booked two weeks in advance,” he says.

It’s hard to believe, looking at the CCTV images captured on the day of the late January storm, but Brett’s business is back on its feet.

Following the evening storm on Friday 27 January, Brett hasn’t wasted a minute getting things in order and getting back to work.

But he says there has been one massive extra challenge to deal with.

“The problem is, I have never dealt with an insurance company before and it is a gargantuan task.”

Most daunting of all is researching and pricing some 300 items for replacement, and

as he still had to diagnose and fix customers’ cars, Brett says he had to push it to the side for a few days.

“The insurance claim is such a massive thing for me to identify and price everything, it was just a complete mind bender for me.

“It was taking up too much of my energy and it was just killing me,

Brett Piddington.

CCTV footage of the inside of the workshop during the worst of the flooding.

The workshop forecourt during the 27 January flood.

Third time unlucky for new business

When Autozone Gisborne opened in March 2022, owner Jason Harding was looking forward to building his own business and enjoying the work.

Two Covid-19 shutdowns and a cyclone later, he’s worried about the long-term impact on the business.

Despite the three strikes, Jason feels luckier than others on the East Coast - his house and business weren’t flooded but the ongoing fallout of the cyclone worries him.

“I opened in 2022 and Covid-19 shut me down two weeks later. That was my introduction to going into business; we carried on, expanded and employed a couple of extra guys and then had the Covid-19 shutdown again.

“Then this cyclone hit us and we had to close the doors for another week because staff couldn’t get in.”

Jason’s now worried about the long-term impact on his business, which specialises in custom and classic cars.

“The flow-on effect for us is going to be huge because customers have got bigger problems to worry about than getting their car serviced,” Jason says.

Firefighter’s frantic rescue efforts as river roared

When the raging Waipawa River threatened to breach stopbanks, mechanic and Waipukurau volunteer firefighter Shontae Ellmers was frantically banging on doors warning locals to evacuate.

“You could hear the water slapping against the stopbank before it spilled over, it was really crashing and really rough. You would have thought you were at the beach and when the water breached over you could hear it coming; it was a roar, it was unreal,” Shontae says.

Shontae works at MTA member Mike Jane’s Auto Super Shoppes Waipawa, and when the call went out to back up the local brigade during the storm, Shontae was there to help.

Initially she thought all would be fine and the river would hold back, but as the storm continued through the morning and the river level rose, the community’s fears of flooding were realised.

“We went to help Waipawa Volunteer Fire Brigade evacuate, it is not a big town, but the number of people they were trying to get to was quite large compared to the numbers we were helping in Waipuk,” she says.

“We were going around and knocking on doors and letting people know they needed to get out, and quite a few people didn’t know what was going on and were a bit frightened.”

The whole time, the river was thrashing at the stopbanks. Once it breached, efforts were even more frantic as the water level rose a metre in 10 minutes, she says.

“We were down there when it breached and were still getting people out driving through the water in our vehicles; it came up very, very quickly.

“We just had to calm them down and tell them, if they had family they needed to go, take what they needed and go.

“It was hectic and luckily the flooding happened during the daytime, because if it was at nighttime it would have been a different story, especially with the young families in some of the houses.”

On the other hand, he’s been busy with urgent repairs since the cyclone.

“A customer came in because his Plymouth had water up over the roof and it has a new motor in it. They want the motor pulled out and stripped down before it’s too late. Another customer has a race car that was flooded and they can’t afford to let them lie.”

He has managed to get the office and Eftpos up and running using a Starlink device to connect to the internet.

Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video calls and delivering high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world.

“I got on to the idea of Starlink from friends who manually got in contact because I had no phone. They had drowned their truck and we cleaned the fuel tank out so they could go and check on his stock and he offered the use of his internet connection and that’s when I found out about using Starlink,” Jason says.

“That was him repaying the favour to me cleaning his tank out and I decided we needed one.”

Jason hopes life – and business - will soon return to normal.

Mike Jane would have been keen to help out also. He’s in the Waipawa Brigade, but he was laid up in bed with a severe bug and by the time he saw daylight the worst of the flood was over. His home and business got through the event unscathed, and he says although he’s grateful he does feel guilty about it when there are so many in the community who have lost a lot.

“It is hard to talk to people when they have been affected and you haven’t,” Mike says.

“But in saying that the community is bouncing back and the mood is pretty upbeat.”

Mike says it is back to business as usual, but getting freight to the town has become a challenge.

“If it is coming from Auckland it has to go all the way to Palmy and come up to us from there, so the old thing of telling the customer it will be overnight now - it could be two days or three days, so it is blowing things out a bit.”

Mike Jane.

Shontae Ellmers.

Wellbeing an important part of recovery

The recent events impacting much of the North Island, particularly the Auckland, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay regions, remind us of the importance of looking after ourselves, particularly our wellbeing. Mental health is just like physical health; we all must take care of it. Whether you have been impacted by adverse weather or have simply had a hard day at work, it is important to recuperate and focus on your wellbeing.

As business owners, you must look after yourselves and your staff who are your most valuable asset, particularly given the current labour shortages New Zealand is experiencing. It is important to look after them and support them while they look after themselves and those who matter to them.

How can you do this?

Make sure all your staff are aware of the EAP service that they have access to through MTA membership. The number is 0800 327 669 and it’s completely confidential

Insurance: don’t make a bad situation worse

MTA has consulted with insurance and legal experts to provide advice for members affected by the recent flooding and other natural disasters.

• If you are insured through an insurance broker, contact them for guidance. They can advise what cover you have, what claims you might make, when, and the process. If you are insured directly with an insurance company or mutual fund, then contact them.

Look out for these warning signs and reach out if you see any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing.

• Sleep problems - does anyone look constantly tired?

• Finding it hard to make decisions.

• Unable to concentrate.

• Unable to remember things.

• Constant worrying.

• Snapping at people.

• Biting nails.

• Picking at or itching skin.

• Being restless.

• Grinding teeth or clenching jaw.

• Eating too much or too little.

• Smoking more than they usually would.

• Withdrawal from people around them.

If staff are unable to come into work because of flooding etc consider paying them anyway; the stress they are under is probably huge and knowing they will still be paid will help lighten the load. If they have suffered loss/property damage, speak to them to see if you can help them out in any way.

• You will need to notify a claim to your insurer, generally through your insurance broker and with their guidance. Do not delay submitting an insurance claim (subject to your broker’s input). In some cases it may be appropriate to submit a preliminary claim promptly, and supplement that later with detailed inventories and other information.

• Take plenty of photographs, document what happened and what you see (make notes etc). Keep copies of all invoices, documents and correspondence, and identify high watermarks etc. Salvage what you can, including electronic records and stock.

• You can (and in many cases should) try to mitigate the loss or damage without making things worse or compromising the site/ evidence. But you should work through that with civil defence/emergency services, and any appropriate expert guidance; and check first with your landlord/the owner of any goods and your insurer through your insurance broker. Generally, don't start non-essential, non-emergency repairs or disposal of stock without your insurer’s approval.

• Where practical, keep clear inventories of damaged goods, stock or other items, and what is done with them, even if you expect someone else to prepare a report.

• Your insurer is likely to want to inspect the damage and may send a representative, assessor or expert to inspect and prepare a report.

• You may need an expert or assessor to prepare a report too. Your broker and in some cases a lawyer, may help you with this.

Check in regularly with your staffjust speaking to them and seeing how they are doing can make a big difference.

Whilst it is easy to see the importance of looking after your staff at a time like the present with the destruction that the weather has brought, this is something that you should always be doing. Support with wellbeing is the most important factor that people consider when looking for a job or staying where they are. The best way to retain your current staff is to look after them. So, reach out and ask, “Are you ok?”.

• Goods may need to be removed if they pose a health or safety risk: for example, badly saturated carpets or soft furnishings. But ensure you have good photographs and records of their condition, and ideally reports from experts if you can. If possible, it would be best to let your insurer to have an opportunity to see these on site before they are removed. Retain any other damaged items that don’t pose a health and safety risk. If in doubt, wait for insurer approval if you can.

• If you’re unsure, or there are complications or big amounts involved, work with your broker, and/ or a lawyer (preferably an insurance specialist) –sooner rather than later.

This list is not exhaustive – check Toolbox for a complete version. We urge you to seek whatever advice you need and work with experts as best you can. You don’t want to make a bad situation worse by prejudicing your possible insurance claims.

If unsure of anything please contact your MTA advisors, who will provide what advice they can.

A very modern apprentice

Meet Mercedes – our new columnist. Mercedes Mulder is a young apprentice who’s going places. Read her thoughts on work and life every second month in Radiator.

Welcome to the life of a female apprentice mechanic called Mercedes, who drives an Audi and works for a Hyundai/Isuzu dealership in Timaru.

With that combination, you can imagine I’ve heard a few lines.

“Shouldn’t you be working at a Mercedes dealership?”

“Have you heard the song by Janis Joplin?”

“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?”

“They should have called you Audi!”

I’ve heard it all before and the short answer is, I was not named after the car Mercedes Benz. I was an IVF child so my parents chose to name me after the name of Spanish origin meaning ‘gracious gifts’. Now that I’ve got that out of the way, I’d like to share a little about what’s it’s like to be an apprentice in New Zealand in 2023. To start with, let me share a bit about my journey into the industry.

Many people don’t look forward to their Mondays, because that means going back to work, and many people don’t enjoy their jobs. I, however, am quite the opposite. I love my job and my colleagues and I’m very passionate about what I do; I look forward to the next challenge that will drive through the door in life and at work.

I didn’t start off working with cars. Straight out of school I worked for Silver Fern Farms for a season and a half. I enjoyed it - I have always been a passionate person and someone who likes to make

the best out of every situation. Working at the freezing works allowed me to take some time while earning some good money to decide what I wanted for a career. Working there also allowed me to save for my first car, a 2008 Audi TT 3.2 V6, which I adored.

I was also able to purchase my first home along with my partner during the Covid pandemic. This is an achievement I am very proud of as I was only 19 at the time.

My first day at work.

With my very supportive mum and dad.

Me with my prized Audi.

My first home.

Not long after we bought our first home, the freezing works had its annual off season.

Although I loved my job, I was hungry for something more, a challenge and a qualification.

I didn’t want to be at the freezing works forever, so I decided to go around some of Timaru’s motoring industry businesses and ask for work experience so that I could see if the job I had been wanting to do since a child was for me. That job was to be a mechanic.

My dad is a mechanic and I grew up watching him work on vehicles and I found it fascinating. I always had an interest in cars, and I have fond memories of watching the V8s on TV with him every Sunday. As I got older though, I didn’t give it much thought as it wasn’t a university qualification, and I am a female and it was a very male-dominated industry.

I visited a couple of businesses and found that they didn’t really intrigue me, but when I found myself on the doorstep of Hyundai Isuzu South Canterbury, it felt like I was in the right place.

It had a lot of familiarities to me: it was the dealership my dad worked at 10 years ago when it was John Bradley Hyundai; I could remember myself running around the place as a 10-year-old and a few of the staff members were familiar. It instantly felt like home.

Fate plays a hand

I think fate was playing its hand here as there was a job for an apprentice in the workshop! Financially, I was apprehensive; I thought there was no way I could do it as I had only bought a house a month earlier and the pay change from freezing works to an apprentice wage would most likely be impossible to manage.

After that visit I didn’t want to go anywhere else and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an apprentice mechanic for Hyundai Isuzu South Canterbury. I checked it out a few more times and ran some numbers, decided it would be tight, but I knew this was what I wanted to do.

I took a leap and applied for the job.

I am a firm believer that if it was meant to be, it would happen and it all happens for a reason. When I want something in life such as to achieve a goal like this, I’ll work hard to get it (so sorry if I emailed you a few too many times, John).

A few weeks later, I accepted a job offer and I was starting my new apprenticeship as a mechanic. This is where my story begins.

I have achieved many goals that I have aimed for and I know there are plenty more goals and adventures to arise throughout the next year and my lifetime. I want to share with the MTA members and perhaps reach a wider audience about my experiences and what it is like to be a young female apprentice. Not only would I like to share my stories, I would also love to inspire people to take the leap and give an apprenticeship a go themselves.

Toolbox resources

Keep up with the wide range of information needed to run a business using the MTA Toolbox.

The Toolbox is a one-stop-shop for members looking for anything from employment contract guidance, through to the latest in Covid information and advice.

Go to mtatoolbox.org.nz to find resources, information and answers to your questions

SUSTAINABILITY

Power up your business with an EV charger

Installing an EV charger is one way MTA members can attract and please customers, one business owner says.

While debate about the EV charging network has focused on vehicle owner access, public charge points and home charging, there’s been a quiet increase of automotive businesses who have charging installations for EVs.

MTA member Cameron Panelbeaters, a collision repair facility in Auckland for more than 40 years, had a charger installed late last year and, although they haven’t advertised it to attract EV repairs, says it has been a great asset.

Co-owner Brent Cameron said at the time of installing it that the number of EVs in the market had increased dramatically and he expected there would be more demand to repair them when they are involved in a collision.

“We installed an EV charger to keep up with the times and continue to offer great service to our customers,” Brent says.

Often vehicles have to go into a de-energised state and having a charging station makes a difference, co-owner Colin Edwards says. It enables them to charge customers’ vehicles for them before they are picked up or delivered following repair.

“We will charge it before giving it back to the customer, it is quite a lot cheaper to give them a full electric tank rather than a full petrol tank, there’s no significant extra cost that we have noticed.”

“It is one less thing for customers to worry about and that’s good for business,” Colin says. A step that could be good for other member businesses too.

Have you a sustainability story you would like to share, which may be of benefit to other MTA members? Please contact:

Datsun-believable!

Apprentice’s remarkable resto

When Geraldine apprentice Flynn Coskerie ticked off his last year of an automotive finishing apprenticeship, he had a good reason to be prouder than most.

Putting his tools down after four years of study, he finally had a chance to stand back and admire the craftmanship he put into a complete restoration on a 1970 Datsun 1200, all done during his modern apprenticeship with old school knowledge.

Flynn works for MTA member Geraldine Auto Restorations and was given the job of restoring a customer’s cherished Datsun in his last year of a fouryear apprenticeship last year.

“It’s pretty cool to be working on someone’s pride and joy,” he says.

And it wasn’t a job for the faint-hearted either. The 53-year-old Datsun was in pretty rough shape and had to be wheeled into the workshop on a trolley halfassembled, with no motor and no running gear. There was a pretty long list of parts needed too: a new bonnet, driver’s door and front guard, which were all reproduced panels.

“I took it under my wing and did everything myself with guidance,” Flynn says.

“And I am now a Level 4 automotive refinisher, so I’m done;, I qualified about a week before the Datsun left the workshop.”

With his apprenticeship done and dusted, there’s plenty of work on the radar for Flynn.

“We have got cars coming out our ears at the moment, and they are all classics - we don’t touch any modern stuff.”

And testament to how good the workmanship at the business is comes from the array of models awaiting a craftsperson’s hand.

“We have got a Porsche 356, it’s a ‘write your phone number down and you could probably buy it’ sort of car. It’s the first one sold in New Zealand, and it has been raced by Stirling Moss, so it is a pretty special car,” he says.

“We have a GT Falcon replica, a Mark 1 Cortina, a big old 1930s Cadillac and an early ’30s Buick, and it’s a major one that needs to be just perfect, everything just… perfect.”

Not so unusual, but special to its owner also is an old Falcon ute waiting to be tended to.

“A cocky has owned it since new and he’s towed horse floats around the farm with it. It’s rusted out once and been fixed and now it is in for a full resto, and the first thing we have to do with that one is get it on a trolley and jig it before it folds in half.”

Flynn’s interest in cars came from the Gateway course he did through the local high school. From there he was hooked on auto refinishing as a career, and with Geraldine Auto Restorations just down the road, Flynn says he found the perfect place to start.

“I spent a few days there and decided I liked it and a few days turned into holidays spent there and I did that for a year. Spending my holidays there turned into getting an apprenticeship and, hell yeah, it is enjoyable, I really love my job,” he says.

With all his finishing skills sorted, you would imagine he would have a personal project to work on, and he does, a 1978 HZ Holden one-tonne ute. But this isn’t going to be a classic restoration job, he’s going all out to build a hot-rod.

“It is going to be a custom hot-rod type of thing. I am putting a ’67 Camaro front end on it; something different, something to throw people off.”

“We have got cars coming out our ears at the moment, and they are all classics - we don’t touch any modern stuff.”

What you’re telling us

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

“We received an email this morning saying we could apply for the fog cannon subsidy. I went in and applied and within 30 seconds had an email reply that we have been accepted and what to do next. In the application there is a section that asks what your business is and ‘service station’ is one of the options.”

This is great news. When the Government widened the criteria for the fog cannon subsidy for retailers, they didn’t make it clear whether that included smaller, independent service stations. We argued that it should, so it’s really pleasing to hear you’ve been successful. More details on how to apply for the subsidy can be found at www.mbie.govt.nz – search for Fog Cannon. Let us know how you get on.

Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label

We understand that cost is a concern for some of our customers, so we’re excited to offer another solution that’s both affordable and feature-rich: webSAM. Starting at only $99 per month, webSAM is a cloud-based solution that can help your business save time and money. Plus, as an MTA member, you can enjoy your first three months free.

To find out more, please contact Matt Wynn at 0272 443360, or visit our website at https:// auxosoftware.com/websam/ to learn more about webSAM.

“Is there going to be a ban for importing vintage cars into New Zealand re carbon neutral rules?”

Any vehicle that is 40 years or older does not attract a charge.

“I have been looking for the MTA signs but can’t seem to find them. ”

We have had a few calls about this; they can currently be found in the ‘Flags’ section of the Stationery (ECOS) store on our Toolbox website. This is a bit odd, but all will be easier once we get our new MTA website (one to bind Hub and Toolbox together), which we are confident will be happening late March early April.

“I haven’t received the latest issue of Radiator magazine. Is there an online version?”

If anyone isn’t getting a copy of Radiator, it can be viewed online.

Go to MTA Toolbox and you will find the latest issue.

“Why does the ETA for gift cards keep getting bumped back?”

There have been delays caused by supply chain issues and coordinating overseas suppliers and the expected delivery now is the end of March to early April

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

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

Why do the labels include carbon dioxide emissions?

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

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

Find out more

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

“AUXO/SAM is too expensive for a lot of smaller garages to continue using.  Especially with their prices having just gone up. Does MTA have any cheaper company software packages?”

a look and thought, we could actually make this work,” Logan says.

That was in July 2022 and “we were shitting ourselves”, Frank says.

“It was almost like buying a house quite of bit of stress.”

The pair dived into it anyway, buying the business off owner Ian Capewell, who took over the business in the 1980s from his father who owned it since 1967.

Ian had been on the tools since he was 14, helping his dad out and at nearly 70 years old he felt it was a good time to step away.

Famous connection

The business has been an MTA member since the start. Back then, the workshop was in Bath Street, Plimmerton, later moving to its current spot near the lights on what was once State Highway 1.

Bold step for mates into business ownership

Buying their own business was a bold but terrifying move for Logan Drysdale and Frank Anderton. But they took the plunge and are now proud owners of landmark business, Plimmerton Motors, north of Wellington.

Logan and Frank, mates as well as colleagues, were working for a Toyota dealership in Wellington last year and looking for the next step in their careers.

“We’d both got to the stage where we couldn’t progress any further,” Frank says.

“I was at Toyota for five and a half years and Logan had been there 10 years. I was foreman and Logan was workshop controller and we worked side by side managing a workshop of 20 guys.

“I went to Logan one day and said, let’s buy our own workshop and go halves in it.”

Both had experience in the management side of the dealership and had also worked as technicians, which has proved to be key.

Diving in

“We looked at a couple of workshops, but they didn’t turn out to be what we wanted, then this one in Plimmerton popped up.

“Next day we were in here having

It’s a main road landmark with a nostalgic gas station charmand a connection to the famous Kirkcaldie family of Wellington. The workshop sits on the tennis courts for the Kirkcaldie family beach house, Tangi Moana, around 1900, as Frank recently discovered when he had to install a new hoist in the workshop.

“There was no steel in the concrete and when we dug through the floor we found the old asphalt from the courts,” he says.

It was game, set and match for the court when farmer and mechanic Alexander Reith bought the property off the Kirkcaldie family and built the workshop in 1938.

Owners Logan Drysdale and Frank Anderton with mechanic Roger Lee.

A customer’s pickup ready to go on the new hoist.

The front of the business will get a repaint at some stage, Frank says, but it will be in keeping with the style of the building.

The new hoist on a new reinforced concrete pad.

MEMBER PROFILE: PLIMMERTON MOTORS

Work ethic

Eight months on and early fears of financial disaster are gone for Frank and Logan.

“After the first couple of months of work and seeing the results of the business and realising that we weren’t going to die in debt or be destitute we found much better,” Frank says.

And the years spent working for Toyota weren’t wasted either. Logan says it taught them to have a good work ethic and they have been able to increase the customer base.

Frank says supporting the community can help with the business, and they support the local school with sponsorship, and locals recognise the name.

“We do it at our own pace and call the shots and our problems are our own making and so are our successes. We get to take the credit and the benefits for our own successes, which is really, really nice,” Frank says.

It’s not the tidiest workshop, but it has a great patina with old posters on the walls, and a bonus of buying from Ian was the business came with all the tools.

“We will repaint the front at some point but the interior has a charm to it and we will try and retain as much of it as we can, but there are some modernisations we need to do.”

Both say the move into the partnership has reignited their passion for the industry and even though they still work as hard as ever, ownership makes all the difference.

“I would highly recommend getting into your own business for young guys looking for something else, so long as have had a good amount of experience,” adds Frank.

It is an enormous two-storey home, recognised by the Porirua City Council as a heritage building, but it is a treasure that few people notice. Designed to be a holiday house for quiet weekends at the beach in Plimmerton, it is ironic that it now sits at the edge of one of the busiest roads in the country.

Tangi Moana (crying sea) was the beach house of the Kirkcaldie family of Wellington, best known for the Kirkcaldie & Stains department store.

Roger is a key member of the team. “Every garage needs a grumpy mechanic,” he says.

Motorbike repairs are all part of the business, and Logan takes time out to work on his own one.

More than happy owning the business Frank gets on with the job.

A photo from the ’60s prior to becoming Plimmerton Motors.

Alexander Reith purchased the property in 1938 and built the existing garage over the tennis court.

Plimmerton Motors in the early 90s.

Reith’s Garage prior to the office and the lube bay being added.

Region news - Eastland New chair takes the reins

Kelly Stephens is the new chair of MTA Eastland, picking up the mantle left following the resignation of former chair

Andrew Holtham late last year.

Kelly has been a valued committee member since she joined about three years ago and has worked in the automotive industry for 10 years – with all of those years at Hawke’s Bay Toyota.

Andrew resigned from the Eastland MTA committee after a 10-year-stint as he and his family relocated to Manawatu.

He was chair for four years and says he thoroughly enjoyed his time – this includes working with and meeting a lot of great people.

Another highlight was growing the executive committee from just three members to its current team of eight dedicated members. Another highlight was attending the Council Day and the National Conference in Auckland late last year.

Region news - Kaimai

A large group of our Kaimai members enjoyed a fantastic day at Skyline Rotorua over the last weekend of February. Young and old family members took to the Skyline Luge for a fun filled ride followed by food and refreshments.

.

“That was a great event to attend just before I finished. I’ve really enjoyed my time on the MTA committee,” he says.

Kelly joined the committee after being approached by a former chair, who had identified her as a good fit.

“It sounded like a great opportunity. I wanted to be part of the work that MTA does for the region and it sounded fun – it’s been both so far,” she says.

Kelly says as chair she hopes to continue the work of Andrew and the rest of the executive that’s been done over the past few years and she’d like to continue to grow and improve Eastland’s engagement with members as well as the service offered to members.

“Oh behalf of our Eastland members, we really thank Andrew for his contribution over many years – he’s done a great job. And I want members to know, I’m only ever a phone call or email away if they want to have a chat or raise something with me.”

Kelly, who is Hawke’s Bay Toyota’s Fixed Operations Coordinator, is kept busy with a household of animals, walking her dogs, reading and baking.

MTA Eastland Committee

Chair: Kelly Stephens

Vice: Mike Jane

Executive members: Chris Gee, Scott MacLean, Steve Main (Gisborne based) Corey Townsend, Blair Carswell and Brendon Godwin.

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Kelly Stephens, MTA Eastland Chair.

Departing Eastland Chair, Andrew Holtham.

MTA Kaimai region chair Dan Taylor with daughter Olivia at the Rotorua Skyline Luge.

2023 MITO/Inspiring Futures Foundation scholarship recipients announced

MITO, in partnership with Inspiring Futures Foundation, is pleased to announce that 74 individuals received a 2023 scholarship, including 62 recipients from the automotive industry.

MITO’s annual scholarship programme supports aspiring and graduate learners to further their education and training. This year also saw the introduction of the newly offered Janet Lane MNZM scholarship created to appreciate the 22-year tenure of former MITO Chief Executive, Janet Lane. The significant partnership with Inspiring Futures Foundation supports the talent pipeline by investing in workforce skill development.

“It was heartening to see so many talented applicants for our 2023 scholarships. Each year we see more diversity in our applicants and we are excited to support them to build their careers in industry,” says MITO Executive Director Verna Niao.

“People are the future of industry. Like MITOTe Pukenga, the Inspiring Futures Foundation believes in giving everyone an opportunity to grow and shine. We want all New Zealanders to have the opportunity to follow their dreams and build their careers,” says Inspiring Futures Foundation Chair Sturrock Saunders.

“For that reason, we are very proud to invest in the future of the country with these scholarships, which go to a range of worthy recipients across Aotearoa. The Inspiring Futures Foundation looks forward to seeing the significant contributions that these recipients will make in coming years.

We congratulate all the recipients on their scholarships and would like to acknowledge Matthew Clark, the inaugural recipient of the Janet Lane MNZM Scholarship – a very worthy recipient.”

The 2023 scholarship recipients are as follows: The MITO Business Skills Scholarship is awarded to:

Abigail Pretorius - Murphy Panel & Paint Ltd, Auckland

Aline Vaz - C3 Limited, Tauranga

Alistair Trounson - Go Bus Transport, Dunedin

Barry Rhodes - Norwood, Morrinsville

Bryan Anglesey - Self Loader Logging Ltd, Taupo

Daniel Fu - Botany Toyota, Auckland

Dharminder Dhanjal - Andrew Fink Marine Ltd, Hamilton

Edward Biggs - HireKing, Christchurch

Gaganpreet Wadhwa - Go Bus Transport, Dunedin

Grant Schooley - Self Loader Logging Ltd, Taupo

Guo Cao - Manukau Toyota, Auckland

Jaden Roeske - Nigel Bryant Ltd, Nelson

Jamie Bowmar - Self Loader Logging Ltd, Taupo

Kelvin Bennett - CLAAS Harvest Centre Waikato, Hamilton

Kris Montgomery - Stihl Shop, Rolleston

Maximiliano Sarquisian - Max Pennington’s AutoCity, New Plymouth

Megan Turner - Waste Management NZ Ltd, Whakatane

Michael Dalton - Dodson Motorsport Ltd, Auckland

Mohammed Tanzeem - Manukau Toyota, Auckland

Rhothia Smit - North Harbour Ford, Auckland

Richard Gander - C3 Limited, Tauranga

Scott Hall - Drivetech Ltd, Invercargill

Skyler Heathcote - Red Bikes Waikato Ltd, Te Awamutu

Songhang Li - Manukau Toyota, Auckland

Stephen Botha - Archibald & Shorter Roverland Ltd, Auckland

Tammy Heeps - Torbay Service Station, Auckland

Taylor Franks - Rutherford & Bond Toyota, Kapiti

Thomas Fairweather - Manukau Toyota, Auckland

Wayne Parker - Self Loader Logging Ltd, Taupo

Zach Coote - Nigel Bryant Ltd, Nelson

The MITO Business Skills – Māori Scholarship is awarded to:

Donna Thompson - Lockheed Martin New Zealand, Palmerston North

Gene Kapea - Mondiale VGL, Tauranga

Harry Ririnui - C3 Limited, Tauranga

Jason Harrison - C3 Limited, Tauranga

Kiterangi Lewis - Lockheed Martin New Zealand, Palmerston North

Tui Reeves - Lockheed Martin New Zealand, Palmerston North

Whakarerenga Williams - AB Equipment Ltd, Auckland

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

Ashnil Prakash - Go Bus Transport, Christchurch

Keenan Billing - Grant White Autobody Ltd, Hastings

Lucas Lilo - Real Journeys, Te Anau

The MITO Alumni Scholarship is awarded to:

Alexander Ross - AA Vehicle Testing, Christchurch

Benjamin Loopstra - Safe R Brakes Ltd, Christchurch

Cody Perrin - Barry Armstrong Motors, Waihi

Cole Jones - Truck Stops (NZ) Ltd, Wellington

Corey Daubney - SBL Group Ltd, Nelson

Jackson Simmons - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Blenheim

John Nyemetz - Lyndale Motor Services, Auckland

Keegan Downey - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Blenheim

Kieran Burton - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Blenheim

Kieran Darrell - Heavy Diesel Parts & Services Ltd, Christchurch

Layla Hunter - Komatsu, Christchurch

Liam Kydd - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Blenheim

Mark Duncan - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Blenheim

Matthew Brooker - Mexted Motors Mitsubishi, Wellington

Matthew Mallett - Brian Tunnicliffe Nissan, Morrinsville

Natarsha Smith - Hyster, Tauranga

Petrus De Noon - Ritchies Transport, Auckland

Robert Lammie - Southern Mechanical Services, Invercargill

Sam Webb - Takapuna Panelbeaters, Auckland

Shane Price - SBL Group Ltd, Nelson

Stanislav Yermolenko - Brian Tunnicliffe Nissan, Morrinsville

The MITO Alumni – Māori scholarship is awarded to:

Alex Langrope - Tractor Repairs & Spares Ltd, Blenheim

Benjamin Handley - Miles Toyota Airport, Christchurch

Damien Stratful - Joe’s Panel and Paint Ltd, Auckland

Hamish McLean - Kumeu Huapai Panelbeaters, Kumeu

Shanel Chapman - N R G Auto Service Centre Ltd, Invercargill

The MITO Kickstart Scholarship is awarded to:

Ayden Gerrard - Scania, Invercargill

Gevany Rinos - Phil's Motorcycle Centre, Matamata

Kelly Davey - Jilesen Group Ltd, Taumarunui

Nichollas Bush - Henson & Murray Engine Rebuilders, Rotokawa

The MITO Kickstart - Māori Scholarship is awarded to: Richard Griffen - The Tractor Centre Ltd, Auckland

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

Timothy Gordon - Mills Honda, Waipukurau

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

Dale Vickers - AB Equipment Ltd, Wellington

And lastly, congratulations to Matthew Clark –SSA New Zealand, Tauranga, for being awarded the inaugural Janet Lane MNZM scholarship 2023.

Cole Jones from Truck Stops (NZ) Ltd receives an Alumni Scholarship to complete a New Zealand Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering (Level 5) from MITO Executive Director Verna Niao, alongside Training Advisor Brian Scott (left) and employer Tim Gresham (right).

REVIEW: NZ AUTOCAR

WORDS: KYLE CASSIDY PHOTOS: TOM GASNIER

2023 OPEL MOKKA SRI

While the buzz is all about the electrified Opel Mokka-e, the firm also has a couple of variants powered by our old friend the internal combustion engine.

Sure it has helped heat the planet and entrenched our unhealthy dependency on increasingly expensive oil, but people know engines. For those who fear embarking on a new energy journey, the Mokka (sans the e) SRi is done the old way, with no electrification whatsoever. As it is sourced from Europe, where carmakers and buyers alike have been conditioned via taxation and regulation to resist high emission models, this is a small SUV with a modest motor. The 1.2 triple meets the more stringent Euro 6d emissions standard, so CO2 output is 130g/km. That’s enough to net buyers a

$1,923 rebate, but the Mokka is a pricey small SUV option at $44,990. Still, that’s cheaper than the $69,990 asked of the Mokka-e.

For those wondering, you’re not likely to recoup that premium in lower running costs, even with the rebate, reduced servicing costs and much cheaper ‘fuel’. Also, EVs will have to pay road user charges from 2024.

The iced Mokka is a decent enough drive, as the tiny turbo and eight-speed auto are a willing combo. For performance, it is much the same as the Mokka-e.

The long-stroke triple makes easy torque in the everyday driving zones, along with an endearing sound. The only time it feels ‘laggy’ is when you really try to gas it; there’s a bit of a lull before it hits the fat of the pull. They say it’s good for 5.7L/100km (WLTP) though 7-8L/100km is what you should expect day-to-day. It has an idle/ stop function which we wish only worked when it was stopped and idling rather than conking out as you come to a crawl; roll up to a give way junction and just as you’re about to go it stops. However, one of the easy-to-access buttons on the console switches this off.

A few things the Mokka has inherited from the Peugeot 2008, upon which it is based, include chunky A pillars that can obstruct your view (watch for those smug and fast moving e-cyclists at intersections) while the high-set sills are something you need to negotiate every time you get in. Worth noting if you have a dodgy knee or similar ailment.

This is a black-on-black machine; all colours other than the shocking green carrying a $550 surcharge. It does look rather snazzy with its red trim, however.

The interior is darkened too with a black headlining, which makes the cozy cabin seem that much more compact. There are some funky red highlights inside as well, and some faux carbon trim to highlight the sporting appeal, but there are also liberal amounts of hard plastic linings with only a smattering of soft touchpoints.

Touchscreen

The seats are fine, supportive and comfy. Its touchscreen covers the basics and while the response to inputs could be quicker, the menu buttons help with the operation. The dedicated HVAC controls will be appreciated by those who like things done the traditional way.

The little recessed gear selector is easy to use, and when you pull up at your destination, just hit the stop button and it automatically selects Park and whacks on the brake. And then upon walking away, the car auto locks. However, sometimes it fails to recognise you have returned, so doesn’t auto unlock as smartly. It’s a compact offering so don’t expect generous accommodations; it’s not really for family types, but it will ferry the grandkids around occasionally, no sweat. The boot is a respectable size at 350 litres.

The interior is darkened too with a black headlining, which makes the cozy cabin seem that much more compact.

Opel tends to set its suspension tune a little firmer than its Peugeot stablemate so some of the bumps are translated through to the cabin at both town and country speeds, particularly from the rear end. On the highway there is some tyre noise as it has decent feet for a little guy, and that helps it hang on in the bends better. The steering assistance is sorted, and it turns sweetly, though there is a bit of rack rattle over the bumps. It’s an okay thing to thread from corner to corner on the occasional times when you might find a few of them in front of you.

For general town running it has light steering, a tidy turnaround and is easily parked with a passable reversing camera. The brakes are a touch sensitive underfoot; their action is not as progressive as it could be. While it’s not what you’d call a bargain, pricey vehicles are the new normal in 2023. The ICEpowered Mokka is rammed full of safety kit and convenience features, helping to justify the ask. If it falls just outside the budget, there’s also the Edition model at $6k less with fewer items on the spec list.

What is your job role and your main responsibilities?

I am the Service Manager and responsible for overseeing the service department. This involves managing the team’s workload and just generally ensuring customer service is high. I also oversee the training of our apprentices. I make sure they get the jobs they need and are keeping up with their theory work.

How many current apprentices does Mexted have?

What qualifications are they completing?

We have three MITO apprentices and a couple from WelTec-Whitireia. We’ve always had apprentices and I normally keep two on the go. We are lucky at the moment that we have five apprentices, all at different stages of their qualifications. They are all completing the New Zealand Certificate in Light Automotive Engineering.

What do you think the best thing about on-job training is?

With on-job training you learn that much faster. It’s invaluable. You can physically see, and action, what you are being shown in the theory.

What qualities do you look for in apprentices?

Just a really positive attitude. People that can pick things up relatively quickly. Everyone can be shown how to do something, but you’ve got to want to learn.

What value/benefits does Mexted Motors see in training apprentices?

Over the last few years a lot of people have been short-staffed. We are all struggling to get decent technicians through the door as the borders have been closed over the last couple of years. You’ve got to train people, you’ve got to get the young people and encourage them to come in, otherwise you’re going to have a shortfall in a couple of years’ time. I think this is what the industry’s found since Covid. The people who weren’t prepared to invest in apprentices are struggling now to get staff to cover their gaps.

How does the training of apprentices work for you? What is that process like?

The apprentices get signed to the technicians and they work very closely with technicians. As far as the jobs they do, they learn with the technicians. Occasionally you’ll get second- or third-year apprentices who will be able to work on their own on certain jobs but will be supervised by our foreman. Our apprentices keep in touch with what they need and require to get through their MITO training. We try and be as accommodating as possible. We want them to succeed as quickly as they can.

Would you recommend the MITO training programme to other employers? What is the most helpful thing about the MITO programmes? One hundred percent, everyone I’ve dealt with at MITO has been really good to deal with. The follow-up has been great, the encouragement is really good. One of our guys didn’t have a laptop and that was all organised through MITO - he was given a loan laptop. I thoroughly recommend it.

The training is easy to track as well on the MITO portal. You can see exactly where the apprentices are at and where they need to be. If they have been inactive, you can see that and I make sure I give them a nudge to get their stuff done.

Would you have any advice for employers looking at hiring and training apprentices?

Do it, you’ve got to. As far as I’m concerned there is a lot to gain when you can train apprentices on the way you do things. You’ve essentially got a blank canvas and can mould them to fit your business. We have a very low turnaround of staff and have technicians who have been here for 40+ years. But you’ve got to train them from the get-go. When hiring and training an apprentice, you’re investing in your company’s future. It is definitely worth it.

Owners of off-road vehicles looking to enhance the braking performance and safety of their four-wheel drives, now have a much wider choice of rotors following the release of Bendix’s dedicated new Ultimate 4WD™ Disc Brake Rotors.

Disc brake rotor manufactured using SAE J431 material standards.

Protective zinc coating which is ready to fit. 39 38 MTA Radiator Magazine March 2023 MTA Radiator Magazine March 2023

SUPPLIED CONTENT

Left to right: MITO apprentices Natasha Half and Fillan Don Silva, Service Manager Kenny Brighton and Braden Fahey.

A lot to gain when you can train!

Mexted Motors in Tawa, Wellington, was formed in 1926 by Cecil Champion Mexted and continued to be a family-run business until 2021. We had the opportunity to chat with Service Manager Kenny Brighton, to discuss his role, apprentice training and the benefits it has had for Mexted Motors.

Blast from the Past

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

“Alarming” rate of hearing loss in NZ

One in six Kiwis experience hearing loss according to research by the New Zealand Hearing Industry Association.

And a 2021 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) says this number is expected to rise to one in four - or around 1.2 million - by 2050.

“These are alarming findings,” says Lesleigh Smith, Head of Audiology at Triton Hearing. “Hearing loss can have a significant impact on quality of life, not only for the individual but also their partner and family.”

Smith says the impact of this on so many New Zealanders is the reason Triton Hearing created the Great Big Hearing Check which runs throughout March to support of New Zealand Hearing Awareness Month MTA, Farmlands, Unichem and Life Pharmacies, WaikatoTainui and Triton Hearing are getting behind the Great Big Hearing Check by encouraging all New Zealanders to get their hearing checked for free.

“There are so many misconceptions that stop people doing something about their hearing loss,” Smith says. “So, getting your hearing checked annually even just as a precautionary measure, is an important step in looking after your hearing. Joining the Great Big Hearing Check is a great way to do it.”

Smith says hearing loss is increasingly being identified as a risk for a range of long-term impacts, from social isolation and depression to the onset of dementia and can go unnoticed because it is often a gradual decline. “But this means the brain is often under a lot of pressure trying to understand what someone is saying, causing exhaustion, frustration, and isolation.”

“Healthy ageing is something we should all strive for, and we know that early intervention with hearing loss can help us live our lives to the fullest,” she says.

Triton Hearing client Glenn Brooks says hearing loss is something that creeps up on people regardless of age or past

“It took me personally by surprise. I rocked up to a machine in a chemist shop one day took the test and that was my introduction into realising I had a hearing problem,” he says. The month-long initiative is being promoted to highlight New Zealand Hearing Awareness month and is an official event of the WHO’s, World Hearing Day on 3 March. This year the WHO is focusing on the prevention of hearing loss through safe listening practices and promoting ear and hearing care. If the free online hearing check indicates a potential hearing loss, Triton Hearing is offering a free diagnostic hearing assessment with an audiologist at one of their 63 locations throughout New Zealand.

Book your free hearing check-up at Triton Hearing and if your hearing needs a bit of a tune-up, MTA Members, employees, and their families save an extra 10% on hearing devices and hearing protection.

For every hearing check completed during March, Triton Hearing will donate $1 to the National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing help identify and treat Kiwi kids with hearing loss. Last year nearly 4,000 children were screened with 967 identified as having an abnormal result.

Since it began in 2019, nearly 30,000 New Zealanders have participated in the Great Big Hearing Check, resulting in thousands of dollars being donated to National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

For more information: www.greatbighearingcheck.co.nz

Blended-learning programme

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

Easily accessible updates

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

Reporting now a breeze

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

Three-point seatbelts in the front of older American cars

We’ve talked about upper seatbelt anchorages in several previous Radiator articles, but another situation arose recently that we haven’t covered in depth before.

Seatbelt requirements for older vehicles can be complex, and where imported vehicles are concerned, often depend on the regulations in force at the time of vehicle manufacture in the vehicle’s home country. The Inservice certification (WoF and CoF) VIRM, under General Vehicles, Section 7-5, Table 7-5-3, spells out the seatbelt requirements for different vehicle classes, but there are also myriad clauses and exclusions that can affect what type of seatbelts are allowed, depending on factors like a vehicle’s tare weight, seatbelt origins, and year of manufacture etc. In some cases, vehicles are not required to have seatbelts at all, such as pre-November 1979 MA/MB/MC/NA-class vehicles with a tare weight exceeding 2,000kgs. Some of this can be hard to follow, and previous LVVTA Radiator articles have attempted to demystify these requirements.

A situation arose recently, where an early 1970s American coupé was presented for LVV certification, and as part of his inspection the LVV certifier noticed the vehicle only had lap belts fitted in the front. While this isn’t something that is generally covered during LVV certification of a modified production vehicle (unless there are modifications

that affect the seatbelt anchorages), it is something the LVV certifier thought the entry certifier should be aware of, and noted it on the rectification sheet.

It’s fairly common knowledge that according to the VIRM, pre-November 1979 cars can have lap belts fitted to the front outer positions, usually because there is insufficient or no structure where the upper anchorage would go. There is a predominance of American vehicles in New Zealand that utilise this exclusion, because there are a great number of these vehicles imported into the country, and pillarless designs were common on American cars from the 1950s and ’60s. Some people don’t realise that often this exclusion is only applicable (in terms of vehicles of US origin) to vehicles that were manufactured prior to 1968, as Federal Motor Vehicle Standards were introduced that year to mandate the fitment of lap-and-shoulder seatbelts. While there were exclusions to this of course (particularly for convertibles), for the most part, any 1968 and onward American vehicle with a fixed roof is highly likely to be fitted with lap-andshoulder seatbelts.

Specifically, vehicles from halfway through the 1968 US model year were required to have lap-and-shoulder seatbelts fitted to the front outer seating positions – this is because the US

model year actually starts from September of the year previous (so, the 1968 model year actually started from September 1967). The wording from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 is as follows:

Passenger Cars (Effective 1-1-68)

Lap or lap-and-shoulder seatbelt assemblies for each designated seating position. Except in convertibles, lap-and shoulder seatbelt assemblies are required in each front outboard seating position.

In simple terms, this means any vehicle with a fixed roof had to be fitted with lap-andshoulder seatbelts in the front outer positions, and at the very least, lap belts in other positions from 1/1/1968. This rule change was well known prior to implementation, and because manufacturers were (and still are) loath to change things halfway through a model run, it’s very likely that any 1968 model car will have a lap-andshoulder seatbelt for both front occupants (as long as it’s not a convertible). If not, it’s highly probable the vehicle at least includes provision for them to be fitted.

The key difference here is that the lap-and-shoulder seatbelts referred to here are exactly that – a lap belt, and a separate shoulder belt. These aren’t the same as the standard threepoint seatbelts that were

(and still are) fitted to other cars around the world – US manufacturers persisted until the early 1970s with a separate seatbelt for the shoulder section that clipped into the lap belt receiver, so you could wear either the lap belt, or the lap belt and shoulder belt (or just the shoulder belt in some cases). This is primarily because while it became mandatory to fit seatbelts to a vehicle from 1968, in many states of the US it was not compulsory to wear them until decades later. Manufacturers offered people the option of wearing both seatbelts, only the lap belt, or neither. When not in use, the shoulder belt clipped into a receiver in the roof lining to keep it out of the way.

If a vehicle originally fitted with these seatbelts is subsequently fitted with retractable threepoint belts (or has the lap section of the seatbelt replaced), these will require LVV certification. Confusingly, re-webbing the OE seatbelts through an NZTAapproved agent is considered a repair, and the vehicle may retain its OE seatbelt setup, including pre-68 vehicles with lap belts only - the lap belt(s) can be retained. It’s important for inspecting agents to be aware of the introduction of this FMVSS rule, as this is a good indicator of whether a vehicle has the required structure to retrofit three-point seatbelts, or was originally fitted with them.

Have you a question that needs answering? or a specific topic you would like covered. Please contact us at info@lvvta.org.nz

Pictured above is an OEM shoulder belt fitted to a late 1960s Chevrolet Camaro.

Fuel and Heavy Vehicle sector

Hydrogen: brown, grey blue and green

Following on the heels of electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting EV infrastructure, another future energy source, green hydrogen, has been earmarked as a contributing factor to decarbonise New Zealand Inc.

The Government has identified green hydrogen as having the potential to play a significant role in our energy system and decarbonising parts of our economy. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) plays a central role in shaping how green hydrogen can support our energy profile, economy, and environmental footprint. Green hydrogen has the potential to help reduce emissions by replacing fossil fuels in some harderto-decarbonise sectors, such as long-distance and heavy transport; iron, steel, and chemicals production; and the marine and aviation sectors. So what is green hydrogen – and other types of hydrogen fuel?

It takes energy to produce hydrogen. The source of energy and the production method used to make hydrogen determines whether it’s classified as brown, grey, blue or green hydrogen.

Brown hydrogen is produced by gasification, where carbonous materials, fossil fuels ,are heated into a gas. This extraction process involves turning coal into gas and produces large quantities of carbon emissions that are released into the atmosphere.

Grey hydrogen is hydrogen produced through steam reformation of natural gas. Grey hydrogen accounts for roughly 95 percent of the hydrogen produced in the world today. In 2022, 94 million tonnes of grey hydrogen were produced globally using natural gas and are therefore a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Blue hydrogen is similar to grey hydrogen. Blue hydrogen is produced through steam reformation, a process that uses steam to separate hydrogen molecules from natural gas except that most of the CO2 emissions are sequestered (stored in the ground) using carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using

Mat.alderdice@mta.org.nz

electricity from clean energy sources. Green hydrogen is considered low or zero-emission hydrogen because it uses energy sources such as wind and sola,r which don’t release greenhouse gases when generating electricity.

Source: MBIE - Hydrogen in New Zealand

New Zealand has considerable renewable energy resources that could be used to produce green hydrogen. MBIE has signalled that growing the country’s hydrogen industry can help us achieve commitments to reduce net emissions of all greenhouse gases (except biogenic methane) to zero by 2050 and has the potential to support the Government’s goal of reaching 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030.

Similar to the EV space, where a national EV charging network is being constructed by ChargeNet, NZ business such as Hiringa, based in New Plymouth, are constructing a nationwide refuelling network to produce and distribute green hydrogen. They already have four sites operational (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Palmerston North) that provide coverage for key heavy freight routes in the North Island, and another 24 sites under construction for completion by 2026, with a target of 100 green hydrogen stations operational throughout New Zealand by 2030.

A challenge for New Zealand businesses working in the green hydrogen space is the regulatory settings. Although hydrogen is already well regulated for its traditional uses, the existing regulatory systems are not well set up to support new hydrogen technologies and applications. It is important to evaluate how fit-for-purpose the current regulatory settings are for new hydrogen technologies and novel applications of hydrogen, such as a low-emissions fuel, and ensure they are consistent with international best practice standards.

MTA is participating in discussions regarding future energy states for New Zealand and informing our members of developments and initiatives in clean energy.

Some helpful links for more information green hydrogen and the supporting infrastructure in New Zealand: New Zealand Hydrogen Council: https://www.nzhydrogen.org/

MBIE: Hydrogen in New Zealand https://www.mbie.govt.nz/building-andenergy/energy-and-natural-resources/ energy-strategies-for-new-zealand/ hydrogen-in-new-zealand/

Hiringa: https://www.hiringa.co.nz/projects

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brian.anderton@mta.org.nz

michael.wells@mta.org.nz

The implications for members of the Smokefree legislation

As of 1 January 2023, a significant change has taken place in New Zealand’s tobacco industry. The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act has come into force, meaning that the sale of smoked tobacco products is now limited only to approved retail outlets. Furthermore, the Act has now prohibited the sale or supply of smoked tobacco products to individuals born on or after 1 January 2009.

MTA anticipates that this will have a significant impact on its members in the fuel retail sector. Under the new regulations, only a limited number of retail outlets will be permitted to sell smoked tobacco products. The outlets will have to meet strict criteria to be approved, including obtaining a license from the Ministry of Health and complying with specific storage and display requirements.

Distribution of stores

The proposed regulations limit the number of stores allowed to sell smoked tobacco products to 600 across New Zealand, with the regulations defining the distribution of these stores based on whether an area is classified as rural or urban. For example, in Taranaki, there are several urban areas – one city and then some smaller towns, such as Hāwera, and rural areas between these. An example of how these stores therefore might be distributed in Taranaki urban and rural areas can be seen in the image on the next page.

Service stations that wish to continue selling smoked tobacco products (whether they are in a rural or urban area) will therefore have to vie for one of the store allocations in their designated region. It is important to note that the pins on the graphic above are only

general locations (not existing stores) as no decisions have been made by the Ministry of Health yet.

Criteria that retailers must meet

The responsibility of assessing applications to sell smoked tobacco products lies with the DirectorGeneral of Health. The proposed regulations establish the essential criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for approval. Importantly, the DirectorGeneral must be satisfied that:

• the applicant is fit and proper and is a New Zealand resident, or for an entity, each responsible person is fit and proper, and the entity is carrying out business in New Zealand or incorporated or registered under New Zealand law and,

• the retail premises are a fixed permanent structure and appropriate to operate from and,

• that the applicant’s security, training, delivery and other business systems meet any requirements in regulations and,

• any other relevant regulatory requirements are met. If the proposed regulations go ahead, service stations that want to continue selling tobacco will need to make sure they jump through some hoops to be considered as tobacco retailers. Even if they manage to meet these criteria, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll get the green light.

Summary

The outcome of this collaboration remains to be seen; however, MTA is committed to supporting its members throughout the transition to a smokefree future.

Repairer and Enviro sector Collision Repair sector

Undertaking work on flood-damaged vehicles

In light of the recent flooding of Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle, it is likely that many of our members will receive inquiries from customers about vehicles that have been damaged during these severe weather events. Some vehicles will be easy to identify as flood damaged, but others may be harder to spot once water has subsided and vehicles have been dried out and cleaned.

If you are presented with a vehicle that is obviously or suspected to be flood damaged, have a conversation with your customer suggesting they contact their insurance company and/or broker and let them direct the client on the best next steps to take.

It is MTA’s understanding that following the Auckland floods, insurance companies are finding most cars are being written off due to the scale of the water damage, but insurance data for Cyclone Gabrielle is still not available at the time of writing this article.

If a vehicle has flood damage and is insured, do not undertake repairs on it without first contacting the insurance company to confirm that these repairs have been authorised. If a vehicle is flood damaged and not insured, MTA would strongly recommend that you carefully consider undertaking any work on the vehicle.

The danger in repairing flood- damaged vehicles

Water-damaged vehicles can experience new and continual faults for months or years after they have incurred the damage. This can cause a multitude of issues from easy-to-establish

Speed of change

faults in the engine due to water intake or hydro-locking, water getting into mechanical gearing through vents and breathers, to more covert and longlasting issues such as wiring and connector sweating and corrosion. Water does not discriminate where and how it can enter a space. The distinction between fresh water and saltwater damage in flood-damaged vehicles is only in the time it takes to start damaging components. Hence, disputes about ‘only being freshwater damage’ do not hold much significance.

In today’s high-tech vehicle landscape, cars are essentially computers on wheels, filled with advanced technology and controllers to monitor and operate them. While most exterior controllers in engine bays (such as ECUs and ABS) are waterresistant to some extent, they are not waterproof. Interior controllers (BCMs, SRS modules etc) vary in construction, with some being exposed to the exterior and others being sealed. Although sealed interior modules are designed to withstand dust and debris, they are not meant to be submerged in water for any length of time, and the chances that water has entered them if submerged is high.

Even if modules and controllers look dry, the likelihood of them having water inside them is high. The pressure from being submerged in a flood can force water through dust seals, but the water cannot escape once the floodwater has dissipated. This, combined with a few hot, dry days, can lead to internal sweating and condensation,

Glen.mcgarry@mta.org.nz

causing internal components, connectors, and circuit boards to fail rapidly, sometimes within days, not years. Additionally, it is important to consider the presence of pyrotechnic charges mounted low in some vehicles, such as in seatbelts.

Given the potential risks and complications associated with working on flood-damaged vehicles, MTA strongly advises against repairing them. Doing so could put you, the repairer, in a vulnerable position if the vehicle continues to experience faults, which is a likely scenario.

The speed with which we see change and disruption in the collision and refinish space has increased dramatically, as has the technology within our modern motor vehicle.

Technology that was pioneered in exclusive or premiumbranded vehicles would slowly trickle down over years to mainstream motor vehicles.

Take the driver’s-side airbag they were first patented in the early 1950s and introduced in the 1970s as an optional extra. It wasn’t until the early 90s that they became a standard feature in everyday vehicles. AntiLock Braking Systems (ABS) followed a similar 40-year introduction pathway.

The rate that technology is becoming available in every day cars is staggering, it seems like just yesterday that airbags, ABS including traction control were the big improvements. Now Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), multiple airbags (6-10+), 3600 cameras are all becoming the norm from most manufacturers across their premium, mid and entry-level vehicles.

MULTIPLE STEEL USE AND THE WEIGHT SAVINGS

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

The 360O camera, first showcased by Nissan in 2007, is available less than 15 years later and is currently in vehicles that sell for under $30,000 in New Zealand. In addition to the technology advancements all original motor manufacturers (OEMs) continue to look at ways of sacrificing weight for improved economy (fuel or battery) and strength, we are now seeing multiple steel and composites making up a vehicle. In the drive to reduce weight, we are seeing third-generation ultra-highstrength steel (3GenUHSS), being used in key structural areas that have a 10-20 percent weight saving. The strength, especially in 3GenUHSS will continue to make the repair process more technical, resulting in an increase of bonding and riveting as a means of returning the vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

If

you undertake work on a flood-damaged vehicle

If faced with the situation where a customer insists on repairing their uninsured, flood-damaged vehicle, MTA strongly advises proceeding with caution and exercising extreme care during any repairs.

It is recommended to present a notice and or a disclaimer for the customer to sign, acknowledging the flood damage and the exclusion of normal warranty claims and future MTA warranty coverage due to water damage and ingress. A notice/disclaimer like this may not offer complete protection but offers a mechanism for the customer to acknowledge that they are aware of the potential risks and limitations associated with repairing a flood-damaged vehicle.

If you have any further questions around the possible implications of working on a flood-damaged vehicle, we recommend you seek your own independent legal advice.

MULTIPLE STEEL USE AND THE VARYING STRENGTH

• Steel parts are colour-coded based on their tensile strength in megapascals (MPa).

• High-strength steel (HSS) is defined as any steel with a tensile strength of 340 MPa or higher.

• Ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) is defined as any steel with a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher.

• Steel repair and welding procedures vary depending on the tensile strength of the parts involved.

Dealer sector

Post-disaster: time to tighten your trade-in processes

Tony.everett@mta.org.nz

able to dig up the evidence, but if you’ve asked the right questions you start with a foot in the door.

New vehicles

Registrations of 9,539 were down 19 percent on February 2022. The market is down 16 percent across the first two months of 2023. There were 6,259 new passenger vehicles, down 19 percent on February 2022 and down 7 percent YTD. New commercials at 3,280 were down 33 percent on February last year, and down 31 percent YTD.

Flood damage can sometimes take quite a while to appear, but the consequences can be very, very significant – as in making the car next to worthless and being of scrap value at best.

Electrical corrosion might appear quickly, but body rust can take much longer. And remember, once the car is in your care, then the monkey could still be on your back even after you have on-sold it.

I apologise if this sounds like a trip back to ‘selling 101’, but no harm done if it jogs your memory. It’s easy to let the basics slip, so this is the time to revisit good practice methodology.

In this context, that starts with a thorough scrutiny and evaluation of buying and trade-in opportunities.

The geographic spread of potential flood impacts covers most of the North Island and the top of the South Island, and it’s a sure bet there will be owners out there trying to offload uninsured, flood-damaged vehicles. At a physical level, check the vehicle thoroughly and look for the expected tell-tale signs.

These include a musty smell, fogging of interior windows and lights, tidelines in difficult or less-visible places, silt and flood debris in nooks and crannies, and so on. Ideally, the vehicle should go up on a hoist so you can get a good look.

On the flipside, it’s important to be alert to the opposite effects. These

can include an older vehicle now being in immaculate condition as if it looks like it has just been through a substantial groom.

Pay close attention to the current owner’s address. Check to see if it’s a known flood location, while recent changes of ownership might be a warning signal – if recently purchased, why are they seeking to sell now? And, of course, watch out for the old “selling on behalf of my friend or relative” type of situation.

Always ask relevant questions, notwithstanding that showing an interest in sellers and their vehicles helps to establish rapport. It’s worth remembering that the car is their baby and, if they’re genuine, they might have some good information to impart.

Check out the vehicle’s service history; have they had any problems and what’s been done to the car in their care.

And here’s the real ‘gotcha’ question. “Is there anything you [the owner] know about this vehicle that I [the dealer] should know about?”

This last question forces the owner to either come clean or withhold information.

In general, the Consumer Guarantees Act does not typically apply to private transactions but the Fair Trading Act does, so even private sellers can’t withhold or provide misleading information.

Yes, recourse may later rest on being

Be mindful of the seller’s body language, which might serve to contradict the verbal answers. Hesitation, a shifting stance, looking away and so on might all be clues in themselves. Reading body language really is an important part of every salesperson’s operating manual. A set of pre-defined questions on a trade-in evaluation sheet could be a good strategy. Notwithstanding this is good practice anyway, it also serves as a valuable record if ever needed later.

Remember, a disputes tribunal often cites that a salesperson buys or sells lots of vehicles, but a customer only buys or sells one.

The customer is immediately ahead, so anything that helps balance the ledger will help you. His or her signature on the form would bring added credence. Ultimately, a written summary and agreement shows customers that their responses are being recorded and that might help bring some honesty to the occasion even if it doesn’t manifest in an outright mea culpa at the time, but perhaps later through rejection of your trade-in offer.

And for future reference Waka Kotahi maintains a damaged vehicle register Written off and damaged vehicles Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz). This tracks vehicles written-off by insurance companies, and is a useful resource to check the vehicle you are appraising doesn’t have history – ie as is written-off, bought at damaged auction, ‘fixed up’ and rebirthed. Good practice should always be applied, but in these flood-ravaged times it carries extra relevance. Be careful out there.

Model and brand performance

Top 15 models included: Nine SUVs, four utes and two cars. Hilux, Swift, Eclipse Cross and RAV4 have started the year strongly.

Toyota again claimed the market lead for February, and is already building a strong lead for the year so far. Product shortages continue, but to a lesser extent than previously.

Across the first two months of the year many brands are behind same point last year. Toyota, Suzuki and Kia are the only brands in the top 10 bucking that trend.

Outside the top 10 list, Skoda, Land Rover, Peugeot and Porsche have started the year well.

Suzuki Swift

Took out first place in the passenger/SUV market with 487 units, including 171 hybrid varients.

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX:

ICE 75 percent, Hybrid 13 percent, EV 8 percent, PHEV 4 percent.

1,268 Hybrid - including: 171 Swift, 151 jazz, 122 RAV4, 99 Corolla and 89 CH-R.

773 EV - including: 143 BYD Atto3, 104 MG ZS, 95 Tesla Model Y, 94 Kona and 73 Tesla 3.

354 PHEV - including: 170 Eclipse Cross, 32 Sorento, 23 Escape, 16 Range Rover and 15 MG HS.

Now is the time to take extra care when buying vehicles from the existing fleet or when assessing trade-ins.

Market overview - February 2023

Used import vehicles

With 8,239 units, February was down 29 percent on February 2022, and down 29 percent YTD.

There were 7,762 used import passenger vehicles, down 28 percent on February 2022, and down 28 percent YTD.

There were 477 used import commercials, down 45 percent on February 2022, and down 40 percent YTD.

Model and brand performance

Twelve cars, two SUV and one MPV. Toyota Aqua defines the used import market at present with annual sales so far more than double the next contender and regularly around 10 percent market share.

Models showing a strong increase in popularity include Nissan Leaf, Nissan Note, and Toyota CH-R.

Used Import Vehicle Registrations Passenger and Commercial

Motorcycles

There were 736 new motorcycle registrations in February, up 1 percent on February 2022, but down 5 percent YTD. There were 110 used import motorcycle registrations, down 16 percent from February 2022 and down 24 percent YTD. Overall, the combined new and used import road market was 846 units - down 2 percent from February 2022 and down 8 percent YTD.

Model and brand performance

Suzuki regained its tradional spot as market leader for the month and YTD. Product shortages continue to impact brand fortunes.

Solid start to the year by Honda, Harley Davidson and BMW.

Top

Used

Nissan Note up 83 percent across the first two months of the year, and like many small Japanese cars it comes in ICE and Hybrid form.

Models - February

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX:

ICE 53 percent, hybrid 43 percent,

EV 2 percent, PHEV 2 percent.

Hybrid: 3,523 units, including:

1,183 Aqua, 675 Prius, 221 Corolla, 179 Honda Fit and 146 C-HR.

EV: 181 units including: 164 Leaf, 5 BYD E6H, 3 Peugeot E208, 3 Nissan

E-N200 and 3 Smart Fortwo.

PHEV: 155 units including:

106 Outlander, 21 Prius, 5 VW Golf,

4 BMW 330e and 3 Mercedes C350.

110

top scored and helped pull Suzuki back into the lead position.

Member classifieds

Situations vacant

Auto mechanic, service technician - Wanganui

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

Service manager- Foxton

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

Panelbeaters and Painters - Auckland, Onehunga

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

Automotive technician/WoF – Taupo

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

Motorcycle technician – Tauranga

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

Automotive technician – Wellington

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

Mechanic – Kumeu, Rodney

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

Motorcycle technician – Auckland Takapuna

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

Mechanic/WoF inspector – Kaikohe

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

Service foreman – Te Aroha

We service all brands and models of vehicles/machinery. Required to assist the Service Manager with the daily running of the workshop, completing service administration tasks, providing technical support in-house, 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.

Automotive technician – Christchurch

Dubworld is Christchurch’s number one team of Volkswagen and Audi service technicians. Seeking a full time Auto Technician who can think outside the box when diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Experience with Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda would be an advantage however full training will be given. You will have: • Clean NZ full driver's licence • Certified WoF Inspector • Excellent diagnostic & mechanical skills • Be eligible to work in NZ. Contact Nathan@dubworld.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. Contact Mark Lee on 021 0832 3373 or mark@leerecruitment.co.nz.

Panelbeater- Otaki

We are looking for a full time experienced qualified panelbeater able to work a full 40 hour week from 8am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday. We are an approved insurance repairer. Car-O-Liner chassis machine with Car-O-Tronic Vision 3D measuring system, 2-post hoist and an inverter spot welder but will require their own hand tools. Required to complete ongoing training through I-Car to bronze qualification and have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. Email CV: otakicr@gmail.com.

Automotive technician - Tasman

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

Motorcycle technician – Nelson

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

Automotive technician – Kaiapoi

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

Auto electrician - Gisborne

Gisborne Autoelectrics currently have an exciting opportunity for a qualified auto electrician or apprentice. We specialise in commercial and private motor vehicles. Apply Now. We're keen to meet you. Email dani@gisborneautoelectrics.co.nz or Ph 06 868 8012.

Automotive technician – Havelock North

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

WoF Inspector – Gisborne

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

Automotive technician – New Plymouth

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

Automotive technician/mechanic - Hastings

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

Mechanic/WoF Inspector - Auckland

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

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 – Northland

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

Automotive technician - Auckland

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

Automotive mechanic/technician – Manukau City

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

Estimator - Wellington

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

Parts advisor – Matamata

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

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 technician – South Canterbury

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

Automotive technician - Dunedin

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

Automotive technician - Dunedin

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

Panel shop foreman - Wellington

Previous foreman experience is not essential for the right candidate. You must be comfortable with all aspects of structural/non structural vehicle repair process. An eye for detail and the ability to support others to deliver quality work is essential. The position involves leadership of a small team and the development of apprentices. Send CV and cover letter to Mike Tustin at enquiries@tustins.co.nz or contact 021-771 685.

Mechanic – Woodville

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

Automotive technician - Pahiatua

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

Mechanic/ AVI - Kapiti Coast

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

Automotive technician – Gisborne

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

WoF Inspector/technician – Tauranga

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

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

Qualified mechanic - Christchurch

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

Phone: 021 085 64498.

Diesel mechanic – Wyndham

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

Senior technician/ Foreman - Papamoa

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

Businesses for sale

Automotive Workshop & Rental Car AgencyAuckland Northshore

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

Heavy Vehicle Workshop – Greymouth

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

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

Panel Repair shop - Palmerston North

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

Automotive Workshop – Auckland Mt Eden

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

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

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

Situations wanted

Member classifieds Services

WoF inspector available for relief work if staff are away or off sick. Need someone to cover? please call 027 332 3564.

Businesses for lease

Hunterville workspace available

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

VIRM In-Service Certification Questionnaire pack

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

www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

QMS and PRS Manual (Administration)

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

Phone: Chris Lambie 027 442 0899.

Need some help?

Simple, personalised H&S system, documented policies & procedures, hazsub inventories & office optimisation service - clearing the clutter! Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted - 022 151 1243www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

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

MTA Board of Directors 2023

Region coordinators and chairs

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

MTA Membership Advisors

UPPER NORTH ISLAND

SOUTH AUCKLAND

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

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

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

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

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

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

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

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

Kaimai

Northern region

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

Eastland

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

Central West

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

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

Cook Strait

Southern Mainland

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

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

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

Coast to Coast

Aoraki East Coast

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

Sturrock Saunders sturrockcsaunders@gmail.com

Tony Allen tonysauto@xtra.co.nz

Tom Ruddenklau truddenklau@gmail.com

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

Samantha Sharif samanthahsharif@gmail.com

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

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

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

Grant Woolford grantw@cyclespot.co.nz

PARTNERS IN QUALITY IGNITIONSYSTEMS

Optimising an ignition system requires perfectly paired components. An NGK Ignition Coil is designed to harmoniously work with NGK Spark Plugs to ignite the fuel mixture and provide the very best engine performance and fuel economy.

SENSOR SPECIALIST

Manufactured with state-of-the-art techniques, NTK’s dedication to quality ensures outstanding reliability across a range of sensors that are vehicle specific.

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

mito.nz/apprenticeshipboost

COMPLETE SUSPENSION SOLUTION

KYB is the Original Equipment Supplier to 1 in 5 cars in the world. A strong commitment to ongoing research and development paired with advanced technologies and strict production quality control, KYB provides a complete suspension solution with a premium range of suspension accessories.

A QUALITY CONNECTION.

Rely on NAPA Auto Parts to provide the widest range of automotive electrical accessories.

We’ve got the widest range of connectivity, circuit control and protection, voltage control, towing, communications, batteries, chargers and jump starters, safety and visibility, and more.

We’ve sourced quality ranges and partnered with industry leading brands to ensure you’ve got everything you need to complete the job at hand.