Hitting the ground running

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

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

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

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

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

Call to action

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

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

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

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

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

Regional visit

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

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

That really brought home the challenges members face, not only from the devastating impact of it on the region, but also the long road to cleaning up and getting back in business for some.

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

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

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

Catching up with our Eastland Region Chair Kelly Stephens at

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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