Radiator - May 2024 Issue

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Repairer:

Fuel & Heavy Vehicle: Prepping

Collision Repair: A united future

HR: Trial and probationary periods

Dealer View: Kiwi perspective on emissions

Market stats: April 2024

Editor

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

Production Editor

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

Postal address

PO Box 9244, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Physical address

Level 5, AIA House

34 Manners Street, Wellington 6011 E: mta@mta.org.nz W: www.mta.org.nz

Printing

Vertia, Wellington Mailhouse

Orange Box, Wellington

Radiator Magazine ISSN 1179-7800

The Motor Trade Association (Inc) (MTA) is not responsible for statements, opinions or factual matters published in Radiator magazine, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of MTA, its Board of Directors or its advisory/specialty committees, unless expressly so stated, and does not endorse advertisers.

Radiator magazine is available free to all members of MTA. Information on products and services contained in the editorial and advertising pages of this magazine is published as a service and no responsibility will be taken for inaccurate information.

Radiator magazine does not imply the endorsement of any product or service. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising and editorial at any stage.

Copyright: No part of Radiator magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the publisher.

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to all MTA members and their families, plus your staff and their families.

Select 2 (or 9 for an emergency). Tell them you are an MTA member.

Getting answers for you

The arrival of this month’s Radiator roughly coincides with the first six months of the coalition Government. It’s been an interesting ride.

Before taking office, the Government promised change at pace – and they have delivered.

Noble in spirit and intent, but not always smart. Three ’C-words’ also have their place when it comes to policy change: consultation, consideration and caution.

In recent times, that trifecta’s been in short supply.

It was painful, to say the least, to have the Panelbeater and Vehicle Painter roles we had fought to have added to the immigration Green List removed without consultation, and without notification.

Advocacy is the most important thing we do, according to our

recent member survey. We throw that word around a lot, but what does it mean?

In short, it means working on your behalf to convince Governments to make policy decisions that benefit you, the industry, and the public. It’s always been a core function of MTA, and one we’ve had some success with. Most notably, in the last 18 months we’ve had some real wins for our sector.

Getting those two roles added to the Green List was one of those wins. Having both removed last month, without so much as a headsup, was therefore a nasty and unwelcome surprise.

We let it be known immediately, to the minister directly, and through the media, that we are very unhappy and have no intention of accepting the changes.

the Minister to say her piece. And to her credit, she has.

But while it would appear immigration has been running at unsustainable levels and most of the changes suggested seem sensible, nothing excuses the blanket removal of roles we fought to have added simply because they were the most recent additions to the list.

So, rest assured that we are working hard for you in the background and will be meeting with the Government soon, with every ambition of seeing the changes reversed.

But sometimes the quickest way to cut through the clutter in a Minister’s inbox is to say our 4,000 member businesses want answers.

Ministers are smart enough to realise you contribute significantly to the economy – and vote. That’s what we’ve done this month. We wrote to the architect of the Green List changes, former Labour Minister Michael Wood for his reaction to the Government’s call.

To his credit, Wood pays tribute to the feedback he got directly from MTA members when he attended our annual conference. Naturally, he’s at odds with his successors on

this issue.

We also wanted to summarise some of the many strong reactions we received from you about the changes. You really let us know what you thought, and thank you. Your words are more powerful than ours with Government because you are the people and the businesses facing the consequences. We bundled that all up and invited

It piqued my interest to see that since 2023, we have only allowed 450 workers in these roles into the country. We had always said we were 1,000 short. Also, if we can easily report how many are arriving, then put a limit on the number! Don’t just close the tap.

It’s inexcusable to shut migration to those we need because we cannot control the entry of those we do not need.

The consequences of continued labour shortages are not just painful for our members, but are also painful for New Zealanders who will continue to experience long collision repair wait times into the foreseeable future.

While we work through these issues, rest assured we have your back and are fighting hard for you in the background.

Noho ora mai, Lee Marshall

Protecting your ‘crown jewels’

Cyberattacks are an everincreasing threat to businesses large and small. No matter what size your business is, cybersecurity should be at the top of your list. The risk of neglecting it can be devastating, as many businesses have found to their cost.

Cybersecurity is the act of protecting electronic devices, your identity and online services from theft or damage by unscrupulous individuals who gain unauthorised access to your business’s laptops, computers, phones and tablets.

CERT NZ's Manager of Threat and Incident Response, Tom Roberts, warns that even repair shops, panel beaters and dealerships need to be aware of cybercrime.

“It may seem like you wouldn't

need to worry too much about a cyberattack but if you collect customer information or do invoicing via email, then there's a real risk,” Tom says.

“One of the things we tell businesses is to make a list of the 'crown jewels' for their company. In terms of cybersecurity, that includes any client databases and financial systems they may use.”

MTA Information and Technology Manager, Brian Rumbelow, agrees.

“Protection will not only benefit your business, but ensure you comply with the Privacy Act also,” Brian says.

“These unscrupulous criminals are after two things, personal information and money, and even

basic client contact details are useful to these online bad guys.”

These can be used for phishing campaigns that target thousands of people at a time, or they could try a more specific scam, even to the extent of impersonating a firm.

“Scammers can imitate a particular writing style and even steal letterheads, making it seem even more legitimate,” he says.

“Having good communication channels with clients can mitigate this, but protecting systems and data can block that avenue for the scammers.”

Invoice scams are also prevalent for small to medium businesses, Tom says.

“This is where the scammer either replicates an invoice or they send a realistic looking email telling you to change the account you pay the invoice to. In either case they could pretend to be you or

one of your vendors.” They can do this by gaining access to the email system or by 'spoofing' the email address –where they disguise where the message is really coming from. You can thwart these types of scams by having good processes around financial transactions and verify everything.

“For example, if a vendor asks you to change the bank account details, call them and ask to make sure it is legitimate. These sorts of scams can cost businesses a lot of money and a real hit to their reputation as well.”

“One of the things we stress is that most cyberattacks aren't 'hacking the mainframe',” Tom says.

“You're more likely that someone gets email with a link, that takes them to an official-looking website asking for their login details.”

"One of the things we tell businesses is to make a list of the 'crown jewels' for their company."

Brian Rumbelow, MTA Information and Technology Manager

Tom Roberts, CERT NZ Manager of Threat and Incident Response.

Simple steps for safety

Brian suggests there are a number of areas to look at, starting with physical security. It’s worth thinking about keeping devices locked up when not in use, just as you do with diagnostic equipment and tools. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) so that you and your employees authenticate themselves with a password and a secondary means, such as a mobile phone.

Also make sure your wi-fi router, access points and network connections, are inaccessible to casual visitors and regularly change the wi-fi password.

If your business has an online booking system for customers or a system for online payments that involves collecting data, such as credit card details and personal information, that’s vulnerable to cyberattack and data breaches and it should be compliant with payment card industry data security standards, Brian says.

A few relatively simple things to keep hackers out include keeping regular backups of critical business data, ensuring all software is up to date, and implementing a password policy.

“Put procedures in place to protect your business from fraud and only connect devices to secure networks after ensuring the device has been scanned and has up-to-date security software installed,” Tom says. Brian also suggests members make sure their router/firewall is up to date and correctly configured.

“Change all of the default passwords and ensure remote administration is switched off.

“Ensure staff do not use ICT assets for personal reasons, checking their social media, personal email and remove all unnecessary software from your computers.”

Enforce Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users. If a hacker obtains a valid username and password, MFA means they cannot log on.

If the worst happens

While you don’t have a legal

obligation to report any breaches or hacks, it is best not to put your head in the sand.

Tom suggests creating an incident response plan will also help businesses act immediately in an incident, with clear roles and responsibilities.

“Knowing about the threats is half the battle. We recommend that everyone in the company learns the basics of good cybersecurity hygiene, such as, not clicking strange links or email attachments and having strong, unique passwords,” he says.

“If you suspect you’ve been the target of a cyberattack, or are just being overly cautious, you can report through to CERT NZ, and we’ll help you out.”

How you handle the problem depends on what the issue is — but it’s not always easy to figure out what’s gone wrong. Note down everything that’s happened, including when and how you noticed the issue, what’s been affected, eg website or email accounts, and any other relevant details.

If you don’t have an IT expert handy, there are a number of resources that can help you diagnose the problem.

CERT NZ’s online reporting tool asks you short questions to help you identify and diagnose the problem and steps to resolve it. It’s confidential. It won’t be published that your business has been attacked.

If you can’t afford to hire an IT expert, your staff will need to be more responsible than bigcompany employees when it comes to protecting data and using devices correctly. Make sure you have an IT and social media workplace policy, so staff know the rules.

A few relatively simple things to keep hackers out include keeping regular backups of critical business data, and ensuring all software is up to date, implement a password policy.

MTA member benefit includes cybersecurity package

MTA have partnered with Datacom to provide members across New Zealand with access to essential technology equipment and services at very competitive prices.

MTA Datacom Store has all the brands you know and love - Microsoft, Apple, HP, Lenovo, Dell, Asus, Jabra, Targus and more. From notebooks, laptop cases and backpacks to keyboards, mice and headphones.

Cybersecurity products and services are also be offered along with 'bundled ' deals that include full, end-to-end solutions involving hardware, software and professional services such as resolving issues arising from a security review or improving your security posture for better cybersecurity insurance premiums.

Check out MTA Toolbox for more information.

CERT NZ is running a series of business webinars going over the basics of cybersecurity, and members can sign up for free.

Know your cyberthreats

Data breach

Data breaches happen when private information held by an organisation is:

• compromised or stolen, usually by unauthorised access to systems

• released by accident, for example in an email to the wrong person.

Data breaches can happen to any business or organisation, large or small. The kind of information that’s released is usually:

• data that can identify particular individuals, known as personally identifiable information (PII)

• personal health information (PHI)

• trade secrets or intellectual property (IP)

• embarrassing information used to harm a brand or people.

For businesses, a data breach poses both a financial and reputational risk. It can mean that customers lose trust in the business, their brand, or see the business as being unethical.

Denial of service

A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack tries to stop your online tools and websites from working by overloading them.

Your customers may not be able to:

• access your website

• order goods or services from you

• pay you or contact you online or by email.

Insider threat

An insider threat most often comes from either a current or an ex-employee of your business. It might be someone who:

• knows how your business infrastructure works – for example, they may know how your networks are set up, and how to access your computer system

• understands the strengths and weaknesses of your infrastructure

• has physical access to things like your servers

• knows which of your employees have access to the kind of information they want

• knows which employees are an easy target in other words, they know which employees will give them any information they ask for without question.

The insider might use information about your business:

• to commit fraud

• to sabotage or cause harm to your business, or

• for revenge.

Insider threat can also happen when someone with inside information unintentionally exposes your business to risk, either through:

• negligence, for example choosing to ignore security policies you have in place, or

• accident – like accidentally sending sensitive information to an incorrect email address.

An attacker with inside knowledge can:

• steal your trade secrets or intellectual property (IP)

• bring down your network or your services, like your website

• cause brand damage, affecting your reputation and share price.

Phishing

Phishing is a type of email scam. A phishing email will ask you to either click a link and enter personal information or open an attachment in the email. The scammer might make it look like the email comes from your business.

One of the challenges with phishing is that it exploits people’s everyday behaviour. Businesses often send emails to customers asking them to:

• click on links to the business’s website

• log into their account when they get there.

Phishing scams mimic this behaviour to:

• trick customers into giving up their information or account login details, or

• install malicious software – like ransomware –on peoples ' computers.

Business email compromise

Business email compromise is when an attacker gets access to an employee’s email account without their permission to carry out attacks or scams.

Business email accounts usually hold a lot of information about billing cycles and bank accounts, and often have large contact lists. Once a scammer has access to an email account, they can use it for a range of attacks or scams, including:

• invoice scams – these are common and involve sending fake invoices pretending to be from a business

• intercepting legitimate invoices and changing the payment details to redirect payments to their bank account

• sending phishing emails

• sending malware.

Always verify emailed payment requests with an SMS or a call to the person or business who sent you the invoice.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (or ’malware’) that denies you access to your files or computer system unless you pay a ransom to get it back. It’s used to extort money from people. In some cases, the attacker will also threaten to leak your private data to the public if you don’t pay them.

Ransomware attacks can happen to anyone working online – from individuals and small businesses to large companies and government organisations.

It is strongly recommended that no one pays a ransom, even if the amount seems quite small. There’s no guarantee you’ll get your data back, and paying a ransom could put you at risk of further attacks because if an attacker sees that you're willing to pay them, they could try to target you again. It’s also a financial incentive for criminals to continue this type of activity and it may even breach sanctions regimes.

Smoko Stumpers

Test your knowledge with our fiveminute monthly motoring quiz.

1. If you use a skateboard on the footpath, you’re classified as a pedestrian – true or false?

2. What do the three points on the Mercedes emblem represent?

3. Which Chinese car manufacturer makes the Seal model?

4. According to AMI, what was New Zealand’s most stolen car in 2023?

5. What is the venue for the British Grand Prix? Answers on page 62.

Ratings:

1/5: Put your L plates back on.

2/5: Hit the books, rookie.

3/5: Middle of the road.

4/5: Close but no cigar.

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

Members condemn Green List changes

The Government announced last month that it was reversing the earlier decision to add Panel Beaters and Vehicle Painters to the Immigration Green List.

In recent years, MTA had advocated strongly for the roles to be added, after members told us how important it was.

We know the labour shortage is one of the biggest issues members face – for collision repairers, it’s the biggest – and we wanted action.

MTA strongly disagrees with this Government’s decision. To help us prepare our response, we asked for your feedback so they can hear first-hand the impact it’s had.

We also contacted former Immigration Minister Michael Wood, who added the roles during his term, for his reaction to the news. Radiator also asked current Immigration Minister Erica Stanford to reply and explain her reasoning.

You can read their responses on the following pages. But first, here is some of the feedback we received from you.

"We, like everyone else, were shocked to hear the response from the Government and could not comprehend any logical reason for their decision.

We have been advertising  for a panel beater and ainter for some time now and can not believe the lack of response (in fact zero) from qualified tradespeople within the country and we’re currently in the process of sourcing staff from overseas for these roles as there simply are NO options here in NZ.

Surely the Government has enough knowledge of the struggles this industry has endured over the past

" We have waited so long for a business-centric Government, and this is the result. Disgustingly tone deaf on their part."

"Over the last few years, as our business has grown, we have struggled to find tradespeople from within New Zealand and have had no choice but to look outside of New Zealand for qualified and experienced staff.

The shortage of qualified panel beaters and painters in New Zealand is extremely concerning for us. We are finding that there are a lot of older tradespeople around who are nearing the end of their working careers and no new blood coming through to replace them.

Whilst we are trying to encourage and replenish the tradespeople with our apprentices, that does not solve our immediate problem, being the lack of qualified and experienced tradespeople on the floor.

5-10 years in regards to staffing and what the ramifications of this is for both individual businesses, the industry as a whole and also the public with repair delays to their vehicles. If this issue is not aided in some way by the Government then the longterm effects are going to be far greater than they are at present - with businesses folding/closing doors due to lack of staff.

It simply is that bad! We hope MTA and CRA have another shot at getting us on the Green List and we appreciate you going in to bat for us."

Until such time as there becomes a shift to encourage younger people back into the trades, and they become experienced and qualified, we will continue to have this problem."

" We are feeling pretty hard done by with the ‘give with one hand and take back with the other’ approach of the present Government, who traded themselves into parliament with the promise of helping SMEs recover from a few tough years under a Labour-led Government, post pandemic.

Our industry has been dying for many years in terms of new staff coming through the ranks. After all, why would someone train in this industry where 98 percent of businesses' hourly rate and time to carry out work is controlled and dictated by the insurance companies and is never enough to pay top money to our workers,

when they can earn much more as a builder etc?

Being added to this list was a rare positive in our industry as the pool of workers in the country especially in our small rural area has dried up considerably in recent years with most now being over the age of 45 and a lot of workers now reaching retirement age.

Just one more kick-in-the-guts for us as SMEs in this profession."

Government’s knee-jerk reaction to immigration

As Minister for both Immigration and Transport, Michael Wood responded to calls from MTA and industry by adding panel beaters and painters on the Immigration Green List in 2023.

I remember coming along to the MTA conference in 2022, and spending the evening talking to people from MTA and MTA members that are running businesses around the country. I heard first-hand about the very real challenges they were experiencing and the need for Government to have policy that supported the legitimate needs that they had.

I found it incredibly useful, and that’s not to say we always completely agreed. There were some roles where we agreed there was an acute need and acted, and some other areas where we

thought further discussion was required.

It’s never the case when you are in political leadership that you are always going to agree with everything that a sector says, but time should be taken to sit down and genuinely listen. And certainly, when I was Minister of Immigration doing that with MTA and its members had an impact on the decisions that we made because it gave me an insight into what was happening in the real world.

With the recent changes this Government has responded not to the realities and evidence but to political pressure, and

closure pressures easing, a sluggish economy and rising unemployment. These latest changes are unlikely to impact immigration numbers all that much, but they will make it more difficult for some sectors who still have significant workforce pressures. The motor trade is one of those sectors that continues to experience some acute skills shortages.

One change that I do see value in is strengthening English language requirements. This will make it more likely that migrant workers are able to work safely and have a better awareness of their rights.

Looking to the future

While I hope that the broad direction of immigration policy will be steady, it is a policy area where regular adjustments will be made. The Government’s recent decisions have shown a disregard to listening

to sectoral needs, but, looking to the future, I think there is still real value in the industry continuing to engage in the political process, talking to Government and other political parties about the legitimate needs that exist and what support is needed.

No sector should look to immigration settings as a silver bullet. Motor trades, like every other sector, need to work hard on developing skills domestically. I believe that there is capacity for people who are coming to the end of their current careers to be retrained and reskilled to work for 10 or fifteen years in the sector and perform a really important role. There is also more work to be done on the apprenticeship system and how to engage young people by demonstrating that careers in the trades can be fulfilling and financially rewarding. We need

to double down on reaching out to young women as there is huge capacity there to rejuvenate the workforce.

Apprentices, once trained and confident, can work in the industry for 50 years, but, in the meantime if there are labour shortages you still need support to get people into your workshop who can just get to work, and this is where immigration policy plays an important role. There needs to be a complete policy mix to support the sector.

Michael Wood served as an MP from 2016-2023 and held a number of ministerial roles including Transport and Immigration in the Labour Government.

perhaps some coalition politics, and that is a poor way of making immigration policy. I think what’s needed is steady, evidence-based policy in this area. Instead of a flat-out statement that no roles will be added to the Green List, the Government should look at different roles and sectors on a case-by-case basis and make decisions based on the evidence. Instead, the Government seems to be engaged in a political knee-jerk in response to criticism over the very high numbers we saw coming in over the course of 2023. In reality these numbers will likely fall on their own due to post border

"Motor trades, like every other sector, need to work hard on developing skills domestically."

Former Labour Transport and Immigration Minister Michael Wood speaking at MTA’s 2022 conference.

Minister defends decision

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explains her reasoning behind removing panel beaters and painters on the Immigration Green List, in response to the criticisms from Michael Wood and MTA members.

Immigration settings are a challenging balance that need to take into account a range of factors, including the changing economic context. Current levels of record migration are not sustainable.

They put pressure on our education

and health systems and having few checks and balances led to increased migrant exploitation, which tarnished New Zealand’s reputation.

The previous Government made a series of decisions that were both irresponsible and unsustainable

The requirement for three years experience is in roles that have relevant skills or experience – for example, someone applying for a role in hospitality could have three years’ experience in hospitality or another industry where the skills are deemed to be relevant to the role the employer is recruiting for.

Immigration New Zealand have said they are going to be taking a very pragmatic approach to this and the Minister is monitoring this closely.

Migrants who arrived after June 2023 will still be able to access the up to five years duration, the change to duration only applies to people who arrived pre June 2023 (and so they and their employers only expected them to be in NZ for up to three years).

when they removed almost all checks and balances from the AEWV process and instead just relied on the median wage as a proxy for skill.

This resulted in a surge in lower skilled workers, as well as the situation where some migrant

workers are now being paid more than New Zealanders in the same role.

The changes I introduced were necessary to address the levels migrant exploitation and unsustainable net migration. The changes, which include checks with Work and Income, is not the skills match that was used previously – it is simply a requirement to list their job advertisement with Work and Income at the same time they are advertising more generally. Work and Income also has the discretion to waive advertising with them if they determine they do not have any job seekers who would be suitable for the role.

The English language requirement (Level 4 IELS) is a very basic level of English. This is being brought in not just to reduce vulnerabilities to migrant exploitation but also because people need a basic level of English to be able to function in New Zealand. We know that there are a number of employers who provide on-site translation or access to English language courses, but people need basic English when they arrive to be able to navigate living in New Zealand (for example, entering into rental agreements, understanding health and safety, being able to contact emergency services etc).

Employers will still be able to employ migrant workers on AEWV pathways if they are not able to find employable New Zealanders .

It is an important point to clarify that panel beaters and vehicle painters have never been on the Green List and no vehicle painter or panel beater has lost their existing pathway to residency.

What happened is that the previous Government announced an intention to add them to the Green List this year and this Government has decided to pause the implementation. This has been informed by several things, including the significant number of vehicle painters and panel beaters that we have seen enter New Zealand under the accredited employer work visa settings over the last two years (numbers included below).

There is a broader AEWV review that this Government has committed to taking place. Work on that will commence later this year, and I will be listening to feedback during this process.

Employers will still be able to employ migrant workers on AEWV pathways if they are not able to find employable New Zealanders.

Keep print, keep name, don’t go ‘woke’

MTA Media and PR Manager, Simon Bradwell

We asked – you answered.

Last month we sent a survey to all MTA members asking for your suggestions, ideas and feelings about Radiator

We wanted honest feedback, and we got it. There’s a lot of things you told us you liked, some things you didn’t, and some good suggestions on what we could add to the publication.

I want to share with you the key findings. A sample of your comments has been included in italics.

First, only three people said the magazine was ‘not good’ or ‘poor’. Almost all of you said it was ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. That’s very encouraging for the team to see.

I do not feel any improvement is needed, it is a great magazine.

You could do more interviews with MTA members regarding their views on the industry

It is the variety that makes the magazine such a hit, please keep doing what you are doing.

I don’t think there is a need for a printed magazine, I read the members update emails you send out and find them interesting and useful.

The vast majority wanted the magazine to continue as a hard copy publication, and the reason followed common themes.

Sits on the smoko room table, generates discussion.

A hard copy can be shared with the staff … not all staff have access to a computer.

It’s nice to actually read something rather than scroll a screen.

I don’t need another bloody email I will never read.

Thinking

But there was support for going online.

Paperless, less impact on planet.

Magazines are a waste of paper, prefer reading online.

‘Excellent’ was the strongest response when we asked you to rate the magazine as a means of communicating with you.

A good tool and reminder about all things MTA.

You overwhelmingly told us that you read the magazine every month. Your staff are also regular readers.

When it came to what articles you value, the HR and Learning columns rated highly. In fact, the columns by all our sector specialists did. But there was room for more.

More learnings from mediation guys.

More articles on industry issues eg staff retention, upskilling, complaint handling.

I would prefer more training-type articles and fault case studies.

Profile pieces weren’t as favourably received –something for us to consider for the future.

And you wanted more ‘news you can use’ for the workshop floor.

More tech tips and information on repairer issues and solutions.

More technical problem-solving articles would always be nice.

We’ll be working on that too.

Radiato

There wasn’t a lot of support for changing the name, and you were pretty emphatic about the use of Te Reo in the magazine.

Go woke, go broke.

Radiator is the membership magazine of the Motor Trade Association, the leading voice for the automotive industry.

I am not a Te Reo reader so this would not benefit me or my workplace. If having more would benefit people, then go for gold, but the most important thing is to have well written and relevant information.

Every month 3,300 automotive business owners and managers receive Radiator. MTA also delivers Radiator to key decision-makers in the automotive sector. Potentially, Radiator has a pass on readership of 28,000, including our online version.

I can’t see how a name change would be of benefit. And while some of you were happy to pay a little more for Radiator, or publish every second month, we’ve no plans to do that.

Thank you all for your feedback. I can promise you we read it all, and will be using it to shape Radiator’s direction.

Radiator content combines interesting profiles, colourful features, specialist advice and industry insights. The magazine‘s full-gloss printed A4 format is the ideal size – easily read, handled and referred to

MTA’s bumper summit needs you

Keeping bumpers out of landfill and finding a viable recycling solution is something we would all support.

Now MTA’s calling on all of industry to be part of an MTA summit to find and make ways of bumper repurposing viable and effective.

There’s an average of around 115,000 new and used bumpers being replaced annually. At an average of 3.5 kgs per bumper, 440 tonnes of plastic bumper waste are sent to landfills every year.

Industry stakeholders have a moral responsibility to future generations to get behind MTA in solving the problem.

Currently, there is an Aucklandbased recycling company that is still taking plastic bumpers

Larry Fallowfield

and waste steel from collision workshops. They service around 26 Auckland workshops, and when I spoke to them, they told me that they have been stockpiling the bumpers since 2020 and it is quite a pile.

MTA has already reached out to some vehicle manufacturers, importers and a few insurance companies who are supporting the initiative, while other big players haven’t bothered to return our communications or calls.

MTA has already done some of the heavy lifting to source a solution, and we have found one, but we need industry to take it to the next level and launch a nationwide bumper recycling programme.

The story so far

Back in November 2022 MTA started working on a viable

How industry can help

Now we have to overcome some of the roadblocks. We need industry to work with us on other big challenges to get the programme off the ground rather than buried in the ground.

The main challenge being the cost to recycle, or repurpose plastic parts and we are calling on all who are part of the plastic bumper problem to be proactive in helping to secure a solution.

It took over a decade to organise a solution to waste tyres and the industry needs to be part of this future solution and assist MTA in protecting our environment. There are some tough questions that need viable answers.

1. Who is accountable for the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of plastic vehicle parts?

2. Who is going to fund the stripping of the bumpers and

guard liners of all steel, sound deadening, foam, rubber, bolts, studs, clips and components etc?

3. How do we set up a nationwide collection programme to deliver the bumpers to Future Posts sites for repurposing.

4. How serious is your company about sustainability and protecting the environment?

5. Is your company truly committed to solving this problem?

If you want to support leading the change to divert plastic vehicle waste away from landfill, then you should attend the Auckland MTA bumper repurposing workshop summit, in June 2024.

Contact Larry Fallowfield, MTA Sector Manager and to ensure you are a part of the long-term solution.

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz.

Recycling challenges

Traditional plastic materials, such as polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), are commonly used in vehicle parts and bumpers and are not straightforward to recycle. Internationally, recycling of plastic vehicle bumpers and plastic vehicle parts is common practice, with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) often using the recycled plastic as a substitute for virgin resin in the manufacture of new automotive parts or new bumpers.

solution, in conjunction with plastic recycling company Future Posts in Waiuku.

We funded our first Auckland trial in August 2023 with 12 bins distributed to MTA collision repairers; 178 bumpers were collected which equated to over 600kgs of plastic bumper waste.

That first trial saw around 10 percent of the product used in plastic fence posts, but due to the composition of the plastic, concerns were raised around post strength.

A second trial was successfully conducted late last year with around 500kgs of bumpers and inner guard liners processed into garden sleepers.

It went well, creating a New Zealand closed loop solution.

Without OEM in New Zealand, this is not an option for us and, unfortunately, most vehicle plastic parts end up in landfill which can take hundreds of years to break down completely. Some landfills are designed to prevent the release of potentially harmful substances into the atmosphere by burying the waste. The future risk with this process is that the degradation of plastic may occur at a much slower rate due to the lack of oxygen, sunlight, and microbial activity typically present in waste.

This can further delay the decomposition process of plastic vehicle parts and increase the chances of the by-product leaching into our soil and waterways.

What you're telling us

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

" Since Covid-19 ended, we have implemented four day working weeks. We start at 7am and finish at 6pm, we have three half-hour breaks through the day, and pay the staff for this time and if it is quiet at the end of the day, we finish earlier. Our staff love it!"

Thanks for this, it might not suit all businesses but anything that keeps your staff happy, and the work flowing is a positive for business.

" We are in the deep south and just thought I would mention as winter is around the corner that we start work early and finish our day around 3 to 3.30pm in the winter so the staff can get home before it gets dark." Thinking outside the box can be good, and also make working at your business quite appealing to prospective workers.

" You guys do a great job of producing Radiator, it great to have something tangible from MTA to hold in your hands. When one of us see something interesting or important, the magazine will often get handed between people so we can all see the same story or occasionally read aloud. If it was on email, then all too often information is skimmed or simply missed altogether."

Thanks for the accolade, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team at MTA who enjoy putting together each issue as much as you enjoy reading them.

" If a prospective employee has a qualification from overseas, how do we find out the equivalent to it in New Zealand?"

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority can help with finding this out, but beware there is an added cost on top of a standard application for this.

" We have implemented an interim service process in our workshop. If a vehicle arrives that we haven’t seen before we check the oil levels and tyre pressure. It only takes an extra 15 minutes and allows us to charge a little extra."

This is a great tip that can be adapted to a wide range of businesses in the automotive industry. Anything that can help members make a little extra day to day is appreciated.

" To avoid tempting would-be thieves, we only sell tobacco and keep it on a trolley down low and wheel it into the office at night so it can’t be seen. It has helped so far, we have had no issues with break-ins."

Good on you for taking a proactive approach to protect staff and your business.

" We decided to change our approach to business and no longer do general repairs but focus purely on the agricultural side of the business, as the jobs are longer and more profitable, which means we deal with fewer difficult customers."

Smart thinking to regularly look at the productive areas of your business and a great reminder for members to re-evaluate their business models.

Many MTA staff love vehicles as much as you do, and have a story to tell about them. This month, Radiator Editor Gerald Rillstone.

Learning the hard way

All it took was a slippery farm track and an over-confident 18-year-old to spell the end for this treasured '72 XA Falcon.

I had always liked the shape of the Falcon XA, particularly the GT, and to me the vinyl roof and mag wheels on this one gave it a mean look, as if it could really go. In reality it couldn’t pull a maggot off a chop,

it had the smallest engine in the range, a 3.3 litre, and was woefully underpowered.

But I had big plans for it and already fitted air-shocks to the rear and had adolescent dreams of repowering it with a V8, that was until its untimely demise one winter evening in the backblocks of Gore somewhere around the small farming district of Waimumu.

Slip sliding away

I had not long owned it, around three months in the 80s after trading my 1974 HQ Holden Kingswood on this lovely metallic green beast, paying around three grand, when one dark and stormy Saturday night it met its untimely end.

I had a good mate and a couple of nursing students with me as we headed up a steep kilometre-long farm track to attend a party. The track was fine going up but after an hour or two of persistent rain that evening it had become slipperier than an eel in oil.

As we descended the slope later in the evening the old XA took on a mind of its own, slipping and sliding until it literally mounted itself on the poplar tree stumps bordering the track.

The poplar trees had been hit in previous accidents, I was told, and had been chopped down to make it safer.

I still remember the scream of the engine after impact; it sounded bad and it was. We all ended up with very minor injuries, one black eye from hitting the steering wheel due to a slack seatbelt, one broken nose due to no seatbelt in the back, and a bit of whiplash.

After this wee mishap my enthusiasm for cars was still as strong as ever. I claimed the insurance and bought a nice sporty Nissan 180B SSS coupe, and it could pull a maggot off a chop.

Although, I collected speeding tickets at such an alarming rate the authorities thought it best I took a break from driving for a few months, another lesson learnt!

The old man and family friends inspect the damage, and it soon became clear that the XA wasn’t going to be towed off and driven home.

One last photo with the Falcon before it was off to the wreckers.

The aftermath of a four-wheel drift.

A Nissan 180B SSS Coupe similar to the one a purchased after the demise of the Falcon. Sadly with only three months of ownership I didn’t have a chance to get a photo of the Falcon when it was straight.

The future’s Foxton bright

A landmark Foxton workshop is entering an exciting new era, with new owners and a new look.

Crombie Autos is almost as wellknown in the lower North Island township as the famous Foxton windmill just down the road, but after 37 years of MTA membership and 47 years in the industry, Richard Crombie has reluctantly sold the main street business.

And the new owners haven’t taken long to bring in a fresh approach. More on that later.

“I have always lived in Foxton and love the place, and I’ve enjoyed being part of MTA. My dad Ernie Crombie was a member also for around 40 years, so together we have clocked up nearly 80 years,” Richard says.

Richard started his journey in the motor trade at his father's Waikanae garage.

“School really wasn’t for me, and I left, just walked out the gate at 14 years old and never looked back, apparently they kept calling my name at assembly for six months.”

Code of Ethics

Richard’s extremely proud of the bright yellow business, and as a loyal MTA member also proudly displayed the MTA Code of Ethics in the front window.

In his early days, Richard drove the 50 kilometres from Foxton to Waikanae and back in a bright orange Austin A55. It took around an hour and gave him time, he says, to mentally prepare for the day.

“I had done my apprenticeship with Dad and then he retired, and I took over at the age of 18. We renamed it E & R Crombie Motors.

“He really left me in the deep end, I had no people skills or business

skills and went grey pretty quickly,” Richard says.

“But I manned up and did well, I learnt how to deal with people and did all right running the show.” All was well for a few years until out of the blue his dad sold the building and took the equipment. Richard was out of a job and on the dole for three months.

“I don't blame him for doing it, I hadn’t paid for the business, and he had been offered stupid money for the building, so he sold it,” Richard says.

“Although we didn’t talk for a few years after that!”

Reputation is everything What he was left with was his reputation as a hard-working, highly skilled mechanic and he eventually found work at a local Foxton garage working exclusively on V8s.

Richard Crombie (centre) with new owners Aaron and Jodie Girvan.

Long-time MTA member Richard Crombie wears the Bright Blue Badge with pride.

Then came the call that paved his way into business. He was asked to fill in for a couple of weeks at a Foxton business.

“The owner was in hospital and when he came back to work, he asked me to stay. He said he could see I was capable and wanted me to manage the business for him, so I did,” Richard says.

“Those two weeks turned into 37 years.”

At the time the business was heavily in debt with a large unpaid tax bill, Richard says, and unpaid bills to the fuel company, so his first task was to build the workshop’s reputation for doing good work at great prices and traded out of debt.

He then bought a half-share in the business, eventually buying the whole lot 13 years later.

Time to go

Richard loves the Foxton community and would have continued in the business for decades but has had a pacemaker-defibrillator fitted and with only 30 percent of his heart working he’s unable to do any heavy lifting and needs to keep an eye on his health.

So now he’s set on retirement and fishing on the Horowhenua coast.

Foxton locals Aaron and Jodie Girvan have taken over the business. Aaron had been working with Richard for the last two years and was keen to make a go of it,

and Richard thinks he will do even better in the business than he has.

“Surviving in business in Foxton hasn’t been easy but it has been enjoyable. It was never about the money, I just wanted to do the best job I could and treat customers well,” Richard says.

Aaron and Jodie have already started putting their stamp on the building with new paint, a few walls knocked out and a new name, Foxton Auto Works.

Ironically Aaron did work experience at the workshop with Richard 20 years ago while he was at high school, and now with his dual qualifications of auto electrical and auto mechanic, Richard says the business is in good hands.

2024 Jeep Avenger Launch Edition

It’s a nameplate that most boomers will recall, but the modern Avenger resembles the old one only on wheel count. Meet Jeep’s first EV.

I run into any number of people who state they will never go electric –we’re talking cars here – and will always drive ICE power machinery. You can understand why they might say this, prejudices aside.

Refueling is quick and easy with petrol power, while at best it takes roughly half an hour on a fast charger with an EV.

And that’s if you avoid the usual wait to hook up. Even then, if you’re on a road trip, the EV will only travel half as far as the petrol-powered vehicle. However, ICE power is slowly being legislated out of existence by global authorities, increasingly stringent

emissions regulations making it harder for car makers to clean up their act.

The only way they can do so is through hybridisation, which requires a battery pack. It won’t be long before petrol-powered vehicles cost as much as EVs.

Eventually they will be bundled into touch because only zero emissions vehicles will be sold new. That means about a decade more for new petrolpowered vehicles.

And that means even diehard makers of such machinery, like Jeep, for instance, are being forced down the electric path.

That brings us to the return of the Avenger nameplate, seen again on a brand that has been controlled by Chrysler since 1987.

The USA even got in on the act,

producing the Dodge Avenger which was exported to New Zealand for a time earlier this millennium.

It’s back

So here it is again, the badge attached to the sides of the first electric vehicle from Jeep, now part of the Stellantis group.

Riding on the same electric platform as the Opel Mokka-e and e-2008, the smallest Jeep yet (4.08m, 16cm shorter than Renegade) is designed and built in Europe for the European market and arrives here initially as a Launch Edition offering for $69,990 (drive away).

Making its debut in January 2023 at the Paris Motor Show, it is now here as the entry point into the Jeep family, though we’d expect after the Launch

Edition models have sold, there will be a follow-up that retails for closer to $60k than $70k.

The first 50 special units get two-tone machined alloys, each engraved with the Jeep seven-slot logo, and leathertrimmed bucket seats.

Award winner

It may be the first fully electric offering from Jeep, but it has

clearly impressed motoring critics, taking out the 2023 European Car of the Year gong, the first time a Jeep has won this accolade. It swept the field too, almost half of the 55 judges rating it their first choice, clearing out from the second-placed VW ID. Buzz, and Nissan Ariya in third position.

Certainly from a styling standpoint this has serious appeal, the sevenslot grille finished in plastic instead of metal and with the telltale blue e-badge signifying its green credentials.

At the rear, the X-shaped stoplights remind of Jeep Renegade’s while the profile is sweet, nicely proportioned, with short overhangs.

Instead of a squared-off shape, like traditional Jeeps, the lines are softer, more rounded. It’s a really good look, amongst the best in the compact SUV sector.

The interior is not quite as flash, with rather too many hard plastics in something with an almost $70k sticker price. They line much of the dash, the centre console, and plenty more besides.

And while there are numerous storage spaces, most are unlined, so items clatter about on the go. There’s a deep bin behind the wireless charger below the gear selector.

Small but roomy

the normal ones plus sand, snow and mud, presumably altering TC, while there’s also hill descent control. And with 200mm of ground clearance, along with 360-degree plastic cladding and front and rear skid plates, this at least has a semblance of off-road ability, unlike most of its rivals.

Good enough range

Of course, it will mainly find its way around city streets where Jeep suggests the possibility of 570km of roaming from its 54kWh (51 usable) battery pack. However, that’s doing 50km/h or less; the combined WLTP figure is 400 kilometres.

We found energy use in the 17-18L/100km area for the most part, and range of about 330km, mostly on 100km/h roads.

Smooth progress

The latter consists of a row of buttons that will be a bit of a stretch for some. We rather like that not everything is assigned to the 10.25-inch touchscreen – heating and ventilation controls are separate – while those functions that are most often cancelled can be accessed by shortcut buttons

Despite its compact size, which makes placing it on road oh so easy, the Avenger has a reasonable amount of space both in the rear seats and in the luggage compartment, the latter accessed by a powered fifth door. There’s said to be 380 litres of capacity back there. Leg room is hardly generous in the cheap seats but the accommodations for two adults are okay, the lack of a sunroof meaning there is decent headroom.

In the boot, there’s a place beneath the floor for charging cables, though the emergency charger is a little too big to fit, which means it sloshes around in the boot or back seat footwell.

Don’t bother looking under the hood for extra storage space. Under there instead is an electric motor that shunts out 115kW and 260Nm, a little more power than what close relatives e-2008 and Mokka-e get, though no more torque. The output goes to the front wheels only. Oddly, there are six drive modes,

It made it around our longer drive loop comfortably enough, one of the few vehicles with a small(ish) battery pack that has managed this. We used Eco a bit but Normal is much better on the highway. Sport’s good for passing. It has 100kW of onboard charging capacity so can ostensibly be rezipped from 10-80 percent in just under half an hour using a fast charger. An 11kW wallbox can restore a dead battery to fully charged in 5.5 hours, apparently.

Our wee emergency charger added about 10 percent charge in hree hours. That’s the nice thing about modestly sized EVs; because this battery pack weighs in at 340kg, the total kerb weight of the vehicle is only 1,600kg so it doesn’t feel obese.

It's not exactly a speedster; 0-100 still takes nine seconds (our best was 8.63sec) but that’s no different from petrol-powered rivals in the same class.

An overtake is done in 5.7seconds (163m). The most impressive aspect of performance is the emergency stop from open road speeds, dusted in 34.7 metres.

Regen options are limited to a D and B button, so you need to look down to change it.

There are a couple of other real drawcards to this vehicle. The first is its truly plush ride quality, and wellcontrolled road noise to go with that. But it’s not at the expense of road manners that also impress. It’s amongst the best handling Jeeps I’ve driven. And we’re beginning to get the feeling that this is becoming the norm in the electric area.

Stick a big weight between the axles low in the chassis and it acts like a keel on a yacht, offering stability and nifty changes of direction. Of course, it helps not having a boat anchor of an engine hanging over the front wheels.

We suspect most EVs manage to come close to a 50/50 weight split, which is why even the front drivers handle with panache. And for that matter even those that ride a little higher than sedans or hatches.

And another bonus, looks and zero emissions aside, is the spec level of this vehicle.

Setting aside Launch Edition items like special wheels and powered leather pews, ours also featured the electric fifth door and driver’s seat, autolocking and unlocking doors, seat heating, smartphone connectivity, front and rear parking sensors plus self parking, enough safety features to warrant a five-star Euro NCAP rating, LED head and fog lights, dual zone AC and a heated screen.

There’s no sat nav but traffic sign recognition is handy. The Avenger comes with a three-year/100,000km vehicle warranty and eightyear/160,000km battery guarantee. Quality of cabin plastics aside, there’s a lot to like about Jeep’s first foray into the electric arena. Enough to persuade the ICE power zealots? Probably not but a good start all the same.

2024 Jeep Avenger Launch Edition

Price $69,990

Motor 115kW, 260Nm

Battery 51kWh net

Range 400km

Drivetrain Single-speed auto, FWD

Energy use 15.4kWh/100km

C02 output 0g/km

0-100km/h 8.63sec Stability systems ABS, ESP

(claimed)

Blast from the Past

Every month we revisit pages from Radiator's history.

AECS builds its brand

It’s an exciting time for Wairarapabased MTA members Sean and Jodie Squires, who formed AECS Equipment Limited in June last year.

Together they purchased the Equipment Sales and Technical Support elements of AECS from Hastings based Herbert Leijen and are now building their brand.

Since then, it's been a whirlwind journey building a warehouse at their base in Masterton to service customers the length and breadth of New Zealand.

“It has been busy and exciting since we took over, moving stock out of Hastings, bringing staff on board and developing our own business systems while maintaining business continuity.

“Still, that’s the thing about starting a business and it’s great to have that stage behind us and to be in a position to grow our brand,.” Sean says.

Relocating to home turf in the Wairarapa was also valuable and important for them to be closer to family and to be back on the land.

Although they love the country life, they are not quite proper farmers and Sean yearned to be back in the

automotive industry and spending time working with the heavy transport and AG sectors in Wellington and Masterton respectively.

With over 20 years of customer support experience Jodie works on the business business to streamline processes and software to deliver an efficient outcome for customers.

Relationships started by AECS with key suppliers were strong enough for them to maintain continuity of supply after the takeover and they remain committed to a great group of topquality suppliers for New Zealand’s automotive diagnostic, repair and compliance sectors.

Sean has been working closely with all key suppliers since August 2023 to develop and strengthen relationships, including recent trips to Cosber Technology in China, Launch in Sydney and Jaltest coming to visit AECS in Masterton.

“We are both proud of our unique business model, which includes highly skilled staff who can install, set-up, use, calibrate and service the products we sell, meaning customers receive unparalleled support from prepurchase to end of life,” Jodie says.

Having been in the automotive industry a fair while, Sean’s experience tells him the best way to succeed is to collaborate. Jodie and Sean’s goal is simple really. “We want to succeed by helping the automotive repair industry succeed,” Sean says.

Sean and Jodie are also excited to re-engage with the MTA members and friends they have made during their time as members in Tauranga, Queenstown, Bay of Plenty and Kaimai regions.

Herbert and Cunie Leijen will continue to run the training side of the business.

Sean Squires.

Jodie Squires.

Sean visiting Cosber in China.

Hamish visiting Launch in Sydney.

LVV Authority Cards, part one

LVV authority cards are something that’s often assumed to be bundled in with LVV certification, and that one necessitates the other. However, this isn’t always the case – there are separate entities that administer these systems, depending on the kind of authority card in question. The purpose of an authority card is to enable a vehicle that meets certain criteria to be modified for a specific purpose, in some cases enabling modifications that could not otherwise be permitted through LVV certification. There are two kinds of authority card – those for fender exemptions, and those for motorsport/drag racing. In this article we’ll look at the fender exemption authority card process administered by the NZ Hot Rod Association (NZHRA), and next month we’ll go through the Motorsport NZ/ NZ Drag Racing Association authority cards. The Vehicle Equipment Rule 2004 requires all vehicles to be fitted with effective mudguards, if it is reasonable and practicable to do so. There are exceptions to this for certain types of industrial vehicles, some unfinished vehicles on trade plates, and vehicles for which a valid LVV authority card has been issued.

A fender exemption authority card enables people who want traditionally styled hot rods to legally use a vehicle that does not have fenders or mudguards covering the tyres. Such vehicles can trace their roots back to the origins of hot-rodding, where pre-war vehicles had their fenders removed by owners to reduce drag and weight, in the pursuit of speed. This created an iconic and instantly recognisable look, which builders today continue to replicate – the fenderless, chopped-roof pre-war Ford V8 is the archetypal hot rod. Because the trend originated in the United States, the term ‘fender exemption’ is used, as American cars have ‘fenders’ rather than ‘mudguards’. The current fender exemption system was established in the early 1990s, and is unique in that it is self-governed and selfadministered on behalf of NZTA by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

NZHRA fender exemption authority cards enable traditionally styled hot rods to be built and driven without mudguards.

There are several conditions for obtaining and keeping a fender exemption authority card, including that the holder is a current member of an NZHRA-affiliated hot rod club, has been a member for at least a year prior to applying for the card, and that the vehicle is pre-1935 vintage (or if scratch-built, it replicates a pre-1935 vehicle). This ring-fences the exclusion to traditionally styled hot rods, and provides a method of self-regulation for NZHRA – the fender exemption application must be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner, endorsed by

their club, and renewed annually. So, if someone holding a fender exemption is driving irresponsibly, or bringing the hobby into disrepute, their club can swiftly reprimand that person, and in some cases (or for repeat offences) this can result in the fender exemption being rescinded. After all, it would only take one person driving irresponsibly in a fenderless car causing an injury to someone, to bring the entire system into jeopardy. NZHRA members have the most to lose from this, so they ensure that their fellow members behave in accordance with the association’s expectations. Also, as part of a person’s authority card application, their club needs to vouch for the character of the authority card applicant. One of the conditions of the fender exemption authority card is that the vehicle must be LVV certified, and the words ‘current NZHRA fender exemption required’ will be added to the LVV Engraved Certification Plate or Electronic Data Plate (EDP).

In terms of what an AVI needs to know when looking at a fenderless hot rod, there are a few things to be mindful of. The vehicle’s LVV certification plate or EPD must have the aforementioned wording –‘current NZHRA fender exemption required’. If it doesn’t state this, an AVI would need to question whether the vehicle was LVV certified with fenders fitted and has since been further modified – this in

This is an example of an LVV Authority Card, taken from the VIRM.

itself would be a reason for rejection. They need to sight the current NZHRA authority card stating that the vehicle has a fender exemption, and the name on the authority card must be that of the vehicle’s registered owner – if someone buys a fenderless vehicle, they need to apply for their own authority card, as these aren’t transferable. The authority card must also be within its expiry date, as fender exemptions are renewed annually, and the details on the authority card must match the vehicle, including the LVV certification plate or EDP number and VIN.

Keep your guard up (and on) at all times

By Tony Hutchinson, HSE Connect

There’s something men (generally, but not exclusively) are known for: removing safety guards on tools like grinders, circular saws and other power machinery. We’ve all done it before, even though most of us know exactly why the guard is there in the first place. And I’m here to tell you why you should absolutely not do this, ever. Particularly if you like having 10 fingers and two eyes.

Working in Health and Safety for years means more than a few anecdotes turn up. While I always prefer the ones with a happy outcome, the reality is that horrible things can and do happen at work. That was the case for one of our customers in the timber industry (but the lessons apply to every workplace, including motor workshops).

The incident

Down at the mill, a newly arrived staff member was on a saw, cutting timber. With the raw material wet and the guard getting in his way, the chap thought of a better plan. Off to the bench, got on the tools, and off with the guard.

He’d been flicking the wet sawdust out the way with his fingers ahead of interfering with the saw’s safety systems, but this habit came back to bite hard. Without the guard in place, the next flick saw two of his fingers straight off.

It’s a horror story nobody wants to see or even worse, experience for themselves. There’s a lot of pain, unpleasantness, a long recovery,

and the possibility of permanent disfigurement. That’s before any loss of personal productivity and income is considered, or impact on the business.

The

investigation

And there is a very definite impact on the business. One good worker down, and yes, WorkSafe gets involved in any incident of this nature. The investigation found that the company was liable because the tools used to remove the guard were within easy reach on the workbench, rather than locked away so the safety systems could not be tampered with.

More than that, it emerged that the company had very little in the way of Health and Safety systems. The resulting fine was far from inconsequential, at $124,000. After sorting that, and realising the necessity for sound systems and processes, they came on board as an HSE Connect client.

A debrief helps us all learn

They say Health and Safety regulations are written in blood, and this case demonstrates the point. Reviewing incidents like the one besetting this unfortunate worker is invaluable, because it helps everyone else avoid similar mistakes.

As I started out, we’ve all been guilty of interfering with safety systems (go on, admit it). That means there is no moral high ground, or any reason for criticising the victim. Instead, we should reflect on the horrible and permanent outcomes of seemingly trivial actions.

You may have heard that removing a safety guard is OK if you record the risk. And I understand that safety guards can get in the way in tight spots (like grinding under a vehicle). This is a myth. NEVER remove guards.

Tony's top tips

• Safety guards are there for a reason. Look at your hands. Those are 10 good reasons not to interfere with a tool. Your eyes are a further two.

• Do your Toolbox Talks. Know how the tools operate, and how guards prevent accidents. Many are adjustable precisely so you can get into those tight spots safely.

• Workers should not be able to remove or tamper with safeguards. A safeguard easily made ineffective is no safeguard at all.

• Safety guards are no replacement for the safe operation of any tool. If there’s a manual, read it. (And, again, we all know men especially, are reluctant to read manuals).

Peace of mind, thanks to HSE Connect. Built specifically with WorkSafe in mind, HSE Connect’s easy-to-use software already provides peace of mind to hundreds of MTA members. Members get discounted pricing and free set-up. Find out more here: www.hseconnect.co/mta or call HSE Connect on 022 643 1832.

Conducted by:

Encouraging diversity in the trades

From the age of eight, Kerrie Thompson Booth knew the automotive industry was the career for her. Forty one years after starting her apprenticeship at Fitzroy Automotive, she’s now Managing Director and a Women in Automotive Ambassador. We caught up with Kerrie about her career so far and why it’s so important to encourage women to get into a trade.

What do you get up to on a day-to-day basis?

I work at the Polytechnic currently as the Deputy Director of the Trades School at WITT - Te Pūkenga. However, I still work at the workshop when I can to keep current and to ensure I keep my WoF certificate. When there, my day to day involves dealing with the clients, carrying out WoFs, repairs and maintenance on vehicles and interaction with staff. You can learn a great deal from the team collectively when you have tricky issues. My passion has been classic English automobiles and we still have several Jaguars and MGs that I look after when required.

What do you love about your job?

I am a very practical person and from a young age I enjoyed

attitude is there. These days, the trade requires a great deal more diagnostic work to be carried out so having or acquiring skills in technology is also important. Be on time, be professional - we only get one shot at making a first impression. And enjoy your job!

Why would you recommend doing a trade to those leaving school?

This trade has been very good to me. The catchphrase, ‘earn while you learn’ is so true. I was able to work and save some money whilst learning. My qualification has taken me from being an apprentice mechanic to working on Rolls-Royces in Australia. I own my own business and have moved into the training sector where from a tutor, I am now one of the Deputy Directors of the Trades school at WITT - Te Pūkenga. Completing a trade opens so many doors for our graduates as we are seriously lacking qualified people and the workforce is aging. Complete a trade and the world is your oyster!

Are you seeing more women in the industry nowadays?

When I started my apprenticeship in 1982, I was the only female in my year and the second female to start an apprenticeship in Taranaki. We now see a great deal more females in workshops, at our block courses and signing up for our Level 3 Automotive programme. It’s also not only in automotive, we are also seeing more and more women across the trades.

Automotive events 2024

making things and pulling engines and other things apart. The satisfaction of a vehicle coming in with an issue and being able to diagnose and rectify the problem is something I really enjoy. Whether that’s brakes that aren’t working or an engine that needs tuning, it is all about the customer service and getting it right

What qualities would you say are important in an apprentice?

A great attitude with a willingness to learn and be shown how to do things correctly is very important. I always say I can teach the skills required if the passion and right

As a Women in Automotive Ambassador, how important do you think it is to encourage young women to get into the industry?

I am a firm believer in being passionate about whatever your chosen career may be. I encourage not just those moving into the workforce but also those who influence our youth and those looking for a change to support diversity. Women in male-dominated trades add a balance. They often look at things differently, and if we combine the positives we all bring to the table, things can only get and be better. I believe women in trades is the way of our future and I’m excited by it.

Kerrie Thompson Booth.

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

Minimal consultation on immigration

MTA strongly disagrees with the Government’s recent decision to no longer include the roles of panel beater and vehicle painter in the Green List. This move was made with minimal consultation, if any, with our industry, despite preelection commitments to engage with various sectors on immigration policy.

The decision was sudden, catching many by surprise on a Sunday afternoon. The implications of this decision are significant, and MTA is advocating for reconsideration.

The Minister of Immigration, Erica Stanford, justified this change based on the number of panel beaters and vehicle painters who obtained work visas in 2022 and 2023. The Government’s argument is that the incentive of the Green List is no longer needed – in other words, that there are no longer any workforce shortages in collision repair.

Further, much of the Minister’s response focused on the issues of high migration in other sectors,

migrant exploitation, and problems with the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme. This left us scratching our heads somewhat – the number of migrants in our sector pales in comparison to others, and our members would be right to take issue at any suggestion of migrant exploitation.

Wait times for collision repair are already high across the country, and in many locations are becoming worse. In a recent MTA survey, 92 percent of employers reported having at least one unfilled panel beater or vehicle painter vacancy; many with multiple vacancies and some larger businesses with more than 10. Respondents also told us that staffing shortages was a bigger concern than even the cost of living.

According to the Collision Repair Association, a chapter of MTA, the panel and paint industry is short of approaching 1,000 skilled workers nationwide.

The initial addition of these roles

around adding these roles to the Green List was thorough, and that acute need remains to this day. Employers, having gone through several years of significant immigration policy changes, now face even more uncertainty about the future of the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme and residency pathways in general. Essentially, the entire system is up for review, largely due to public and political pressure on migration levels.

There is also no set way for industries to apply to have roles added to the Green List, and the criteria for when roles go on and off appears to be loosely based on ‘a feel for the numbers’ gaining work visas.

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to the Green List followed a rigorous consultation process, but their removal was done with no consultation of any kind.

The Minister has explained to Radiator that “panel beaters and vehicle painters have never been on the Green List and no vehicle painter or panel beater has lost their existing pathway to residency”. While this is technically correct, last year’s promise of inclusion served as a strong incentive for attracting workers looking to gain residency in the near future.

Employers could legitimately sell the dream to prospective employees, but the rug has been swept out from under everyone.

I appreciated the comments from former Minister of Immigration Michael Wood, where he noted that there were “roles where we agreed there was an acute need and acted, and some other areas where we thought further discussion was required”. The decision-making process

MTA has received significant feedback from members who are disappointed in the news, and we have let the Minister know that the process and outcome of this change is a big blow for our industry.

While MTA and our members absolutely want more locally trained apprentices, this is a medium-long term solution. It takes years to train people up, and with the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga we can only hope the Government is sensible enough to restore the likes of MITO to being industry-led and owned, so that we can get an efficient and effective pipeline of trainees into our workshops. Ultimately, poorly consulted policy decisions such as this will mean motorists can expect their cars to be off the road for longer with worsening delays in collision repair, through no fault of our sector.

We have been promised a meeting with the Minister. We will push hard for this decision to be revisited, on behalf of the collision repair industry.

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Understanding work culture

Have you found yourself questioning the differing work ethic of millennials and Gen Z?

Now days convenience and flexibility reign supreme, the subscription mindset has permeated every aspect of modern life, including the way the new working generations approach their careers.

Raised in an age of helicopter parenting and instant gratification, characterised by overprotective and highly involved parents, choices were often made for the new generations along with an increased focus on academic achievement and extracurricular activities.

While this level of support can be beneficial, it may also result in a lack of independent problemsolving and resilience-building.

Subscription mindset

Millennials and Gen Z have

developed a unique perspective on work, viewing it through the lens of a subscription mindset. New generations desire autonomy which translates into seeking jobs that offer flexibility and a sense of fulfilment—a subscription to a work experience tailored to their preferences.

The concept of subscriptions has revolutionised the consumer landscape, offering access to a plethora of goods and services for a fixed recurring fee. From streaming platforms to meal delivery services, the appeal lies in the convenience, variety, and flexibility they offer.

This same mindset is reflected in how the new working generation approaches their careers. They seek jobs that provide not just monetary compensation but a holistic experience to subscribing to a service—a package deal that fulfils their professional and

Loretta.thompson@mta.org.nz

personal needs and aspirations.

Adapting

Radiator guest columnist, Jason Land, fills in for Repairer and Environmental sector manager Glen McGarry this month.

Jason has been an MTA aspiring director, is Kaimai regional chair and owner of Collins Automotive in Hamilton. He’s also a passionate advocate for industry training on Advance Driver Assisted Systems (ADAS).

Near enough not good enough

I have been involved with ADAS for a number of years and it is part of my business, so I have firsthand experience of the system and where we as an industry need to be looking.

There’s a massive misunderstanding around ADAS, when they need recalibrating, when they need repair, and the whole industry isn’t grasping what needs to be done.

There is no doubt ADAS is already having a positive impact on vehicle safety, and when it is calibrated, it works as it was designed to.

At present, awareness of the need for recalibration amongst consumers, insurers and mechanics is low, and we need to change that.

Employers must adapt to this evolving mindset if they wish to attract and retain top talent from the new working generation. Traditional notions of job security and hierarchical structures no longer hold the same allure. Instead, organisations must offer a compelling "subscription package" that includes elements such as flexible work hours, opportunities for skill development, and a supportive company culture. Companies need to prioritise transparency and communication to build trust and loyalty among their employees. Just as subscribers expect clear terms and conditions from service providers, employees expect transparency regarding their roles, expectations, and career progression. Jason@collinsauto.co.nz

It must be done in a controlled environment, it can’t be recalibrated accurately in places like a carpark, or a workshop that isn’t set up for it.

Space is a defining factor in getting the system 100 percent calibrated. When a radar is being calibrated it sends a beam out and receives it back from a target that is placed in a precise area prescribed by the manufacturer. If there is anything foreign in the area of testing that reflects a radar beam you can get a false positive reading, and when

that happens it is dangerous to both drivers and other road users.

Differences model to model Training is needed because how the system is calibrated differs from model to model.

Some Toyotas and Mitsubishis will need five to six metres of clear clean space either side of the vehicle to calibrate the blind spot camera and even longer on other systems.

Some front radar systems need 10 metres depth by three metres wide, sometimes even more. Each radar and vehicle manufacturer have different set up instructions and requirements for calibrations.

The crazy part of all this is in the glass industry. If a windscreen is replaced, insurance companies mandate that a recalibration of the ADAS system must take place, but for panel repairs there is no requirement at all.

It makes no sense.

The radar behind the front bumper in a vehicle is way more sensitive and senses a much greater distance than the camera in the windscreen, so the risk from misalignment is so much more, and yet it is not being taken seriously.

There is a ‘near enough is good

enough’ attitude and at the moment this attitude isn’t good enough for our industry.

Imports need calibration

When used vehicles are imported there are no ADAS system calibration system checks at the border. Buyers won’t know the integrity of the car, has it been calibrated and if so has it been done correctly, nor will they know if the ADAS system operates as the vehicle manufacturer intended, and as the driver expects it to operate. They can be miscalibrated or misaligned and not have a warning light on the dash, or even not show up a fault code in the vehicle ECUs because they don’t have a selfcheck capability.

As an industry we need to take a responsible approach to this.

I would like to see some licensing around who can undertake recalibration of ADAS systems, something like a WoF style of standard where anyone doing them has a business that comes up to a prescribed standard.

A technician who is trained and understands the system and an audit process to make sure it is done right is what is required now.

Prepping for winter driving

It’s the time of year heavy transport owners will be prepping drivers for challenging winter conditions, and it is crucial to take it seriously and adopt safe driving practices to ensure the wellbeing of drivers, passengers, and public road users. I would like to outline some of the essential tips for safe winter driving in New Zealand for our Heavy Vehicle members and their staff, including vehicle preparation, adjusting driving habits and behaviours, and understanding winter road conditions.

Vehicle preparation

Before embarking on any winter journey, it is vital to prepare your vehicle for the challenging conditions. Consider the following key steps:

Winter tyres: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate winter tyres, which provide better traction on icy and snowy roads. Check the tyre pressure regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Battery and lights:

Cold weather can put a strain on your vehicle's battery. Ensure your vehicle battery is in good condition, and check that all lights, including headlights and taillights, are functioning correctly.

Mathew.alderdice@mta.org.nz

Windshield and wipers:

Replace worn-out windshield wipers and top up the windshield washer fluid. Make sure your defrosting system is working effectively to maintain clear visibility.

Antifreeze and fluids:

Ensure that the coolant and other essential fluids, such as oil and brake fluid, are at appropriate levels. Consider using antifreeze to prevent the engine from freezing.

Adjusting driving habits

During winter it is crucial to adapt your driving habits accordingly. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

Reduce speed:

Slow down and maintain a safe following distance to allow for

increased stopping distances on slippery surfaces. Remember, it takes longer to stop on icy roads. Under normal conditions remember the two-second rule. In bad weather or when the road is icy, wet or slippery keep your following distance to four seconds from the vehicle in front of you, because you’ll take longer to stop if you need to.

Smooth acceleration and braking: Apply the gas pedal and brakes smoothly to avoid skidding or losing control. Sudden movements can lead to a loss of traction.

Use headlights: Turn on your headlights, even during the daytime, to improve visibility for yourself and other drivers. Be sure to keep them clean and clear of snow or ice.

Avoid overconfidence:

Improved traction in heavy vehicles does not guarantee complete safety on icy or snowy roads. Drive with caution and don't let improved traction give you a false sense of security.

Understanding road conditions

Check weather forecasts and stay updated on weather conditions before your winter journey. Be prepared for potential hazards, such as snowstorms or black ice, and plan your route accordingly. Also check for road closures and conditions using the NZTA Waka Kotahi journey planner and local district council websites for advice. Pay attention to road condition updates provided by local authorities, transportation agencies, or electronic road signs. Adjust your travel plans if necessary.

Watch for warning signs:

Look out for warning signs indicating hazardous road

conditions, such as ice warning signs or temporary speed limits. Take these signs seriously and adjust your driving to the conditions.

Carry emergency supplies:

Prepare an emergency roadside kit that includes items such as a first aid kit, tow rope, shovel, ice scraper, spare tyre and spare tyre kit, blanket, extra clothing, food, and water. These supplies can be vital in the case of unexpected delays or accidents.

Be prepared for possible sunstrike when driving at sunrise or sunset, especially when turning or driving towards the sun.

Be especially careful in winter, when sunstrike is more likely to occur because the sun is lower in the sky.

Keep your windscreen clean, inside and out. Dust and grime on the windscreen can make the effects of sunstrike much worse.

Wear sunglasses when driving with

the sun in your eyes. Use your car’s sun visors to block the sun.

If you experience sunstrike, it may be best to pull over and wait for a few minutes until your eyes adjust or visibility improves.

Be careful if snow has fallen and the sky is clear – sunlight shining on snow can cause ‘snow blindness’, which produces similar effects to sunstrike.

Safe winter driving requires good vehicle preparation, adjustment of driving habits, and awareness of road conditions. By following these guidelines, our Heavy Vehicle members and their staff can minimise the risks associated with winter sun strike and icy and snowy roads. Remember, the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users should always be the top priority. Drive cautiously, be vigilant, and make responsible decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey during winter.

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A united future

The NZ Collision Repair Association (CRA) is now a chapter of the MTA, it follows that as CRA General Manager I should write the collision repair article for Radiator magazine. Larry Fallowfield wrote in the February 2024 issue of Radiator around the work that went into setting up the CRA chapter of MTA; I want to focus on the future and what a chapter means.

Getting the two industry associations together has been a long time coming. It now means one voice on collision repair matters, and a combined strength to tackle sector and industry issues. The value to our members increases, as we take the best from CRA and MTA and jointly work on the areas that aren’t as good as they could be.

There is a lot we can do, and in no way does this reflect badly on what has been done in the past, it instead reflects that things have been changing quickly and will continue to do so. Part of the response to change has been creating CRA, a chapter of MTA. Our challenge is to consider what other changes are needed and work on the best way to achieve them.

Combining the CRA membership with MTA collision repair members is the first step in acting as one. The process is underway and as with everything new we are learning as we go.

The future

In future CRA and MTA will create strategies reflecting the new relationship while recognising each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We will look at who provides services to us and how these can be improved, we will focus on what is in the way of our members prospering and look at what we can do about it. While this sounds a bit like an election manifesto, these points are all within the MTA and CRA chapter agreement.

In early 2024 CRA has focused on re-registering under the Incorporated Societies Act. We upgraded our constitution in line with the Act and took the opportunity to modernise the constitution along with changes that allow the CRA National Executive to make decisions that previously required general meetings to vote.

The MTA and CRA agreement was created to allow both organisations to work together while maintaining their independence. This agreement was not as difficult to draft as it could have been, as MTA and CRA as member-focused organisations already had much in common. We both want to improve the lot of our members, we want to promote and advance the industry, and both focus on ensuring the New Zealand public benefits from safe and competent service. Even our mission statements essentially say the same things,

although the language used is different.

Conference

On 6-8 June CRA holds its Annual Conference, this year it’s in Auckland at the Viaduct Events Centre in the Viaduct Harbour. The theme for 2024 is ’Sailing into the future’ – deliberately futurefocused, as one of the key responsibilities of a member’s association like ours is to prepare and then shape the sort of future our members want. All the comments made above reflect this attitude, our conference will give members perspectives from industry experts, views on the economy and an address from a leadership expert, whose previous life involved highly challenging leadership roles in military intelligence. His skill is in passing on the practical learning from these years on to people running their own businesses.

Dialogue with other members and industry experts at the conference allows the CRA Chapter of MTA to clarify the things concerning members and hear ideas on what we need to do to create the future we want. We welcome all new members to the conference and encourage you to share your views and ideas. A registration link can be found on the CRA website: www.collisionrepair.co.nz.

Stewart Gibb is General Manager of the Collision Repair Association.

Trial and probationary periods

Trial and probationary periods are a good way of assessing a suitability of an employee for the ole that they have been hired for. It helps employers determine whether the said employee has the right skills and is fit for your business. These periods look very similar and are used for similar reasons: however, they are fundamentally different.

The fundamental difference is with respect to termination and risks of a personal grievance if an employee is terminated by invoking these clauses.

An employee, if dismissed within the 90-day trial period, cannot bring forth a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal. They can, however, bring forth a personal grievance on any other grounds in accordance with Section 103 (1) of the Employment Relations Act 2000.

An employer must have a just cause and provide valid reasons to dismiss an employee within the probationary period. The employer must follow a due process. An employee can bring forth a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal if dismissed within the probationary period.

A probationary period cannot be operated after a trial period and vice versa.

Trial period

On 23 December 2023, the New Zealand Government announced the extension of the use of trial period clause to all employers regardless of the number of employees employed

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

by them. Earlier only employers with 19 or fewer employees could operate them.

Trial periods are only for new employees and can be operated for a maximum period of 90 days from commencement of the employee’s employment.

To operate a valid trial period, the employee must have signed the employment agreement containing the Trial Period clause prior to commencement of their employment.

The clause must contain a valid notice period of termination (usually lesser than the regular termination notice).

If ending an employee’s employment by relying on the Trial Period clause, termination notice must be given within the agreed valid notice period. You must maintain records.

Probationary period

A probationary period can be used to find out if an employee is fit to do a new job. It can be even used for existing employees who are changing jobs with the same employer.

Probationary periods are not limited to 90 days and can be for a longer assessment period as long as it is reasonable and mutually agreed.

An initially agreed probationary period, if required, can be extended at any time, by mutual agreement.

To operate a valid probationary period, the employee must have signed the employment agreement

containing the Probationary Period clause prior to commencement of their employment.

The clause must contain the assessment period and process to be followed to manage performance issues within the probationary period.

The clause must also contain a valid notice period of termination.

Employees’ performance must be consistently reviewed within the probationary period clause and an indication on the progress must be provided. You must maintain records.

If ending an employee’s employment by relying on the Probationary Period clause, termination notice must be given within the agreed valid notice period.

Probationary periods provide a prolonged window for employees to understand their role, receive feedback, and improve their performance. This means that the employer will need to invest more time and effort to provide support and guidance to employees under probation.

Trial and probationary periods can be very helpful for businesses to sufficiently gauge whether the employee is a good fit for the role. In saying this, employers must be aware of their legal obligations while operating these periods to avoid serious liabilities.

Please contact MTA HR if you need specific advice on these matters

Stewart Gibb.

Perspective on emissions

As part of MTA’s manifesto last year, we asked the next Government to review the previously set globalleading carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction targets for New Zealand.

Those targets would severely impact our automotive market because we don’t control the manufacture of vehicles in our country and, due to our size, our influence over manufacturers’ CO2 levels is very minimal.

The previous CO2 levels for 2026/27 were unrealistically set well below Australian, European and USA targets, and now we’ve seen the slowing of electric vehicle (EV) sales since the end of the clean car discount.

It’s now up to dealers to bestow the benefits of low-emission vehicles to continue uptake from the business and private sectors.

Price pressures

Without EV credits, it puts upward pressure on pricing. It possibly forces companies and private buyers to hold onto their vehicles for longer, which in turns pushes the average age of our old fleet even higher.

In New Zealand, nearly 70 percent of our fleet is six years or older. Of that, almost 50 percent is more than 15 years of age. The older the fleet, the more environmental, health and fuelefficiency challenges we create.

Importing low or zero-emissions vehicles is just one aspect of reducing CO2 levels in the auto sector and it’s a good start.

Larry.fallowfield@mta.org.nz

The importance of keeping up the maintenance schedule, not just because of warranty compliance, is another great starting point because a regularly serviced vehicle translates into better fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs.

By curbing CO2 emissions in new models or correctly maintaining inservice vehicles, we also improve air quality.

Cleaner air means healthier Kiwis due to fewer respiratory sicknesses, preventing premature deaths, hospitalisations or reducing the workload of our already stretched emergency rooms to create better quality of life for all.

Climate change

Lowering our CO2 levels contributes to global efforts to combat climate change. It’s not just about us. It’s about our shared responsibility toward the planet for today and future generations.

As New Zealanders, we spend a lot of time driving, such as commuting to work, doing the school run, taking children to sports, going shopping or just driving while on holiday.

As Kiwis, we cherish our pristine landscapes and our wonderful country, from the South Island’s west coast road to the white-sand beaches of the Far North.

Exploring is in our blood and motoring around New Zealand has become the means for our homegrown getaways.

New vehicles

Diesel hybrids jumped into the top five for fuel type in April 2024 thanks to 212 Toyota Hilux diesel hybrid registrations. Battery electric vehicles saw a drop, down from 524 units last month to 281 in April down to 3.1 percent of the registrations in April 2024.

The total new passenger and light commercial vehicle market was down 9.3 percent on April 2023 with 9,233 units and down 20 percent on March 2024.

Our great journeys change with the seasons and what better way to see the country than by motor vehicle.

In the North Island, there are some wonderful highways, such as the Thermal Explorer, Forgotten World, Twin Coast Discovery, Volcanic Loop, Pacific Coast and Surf Highway 25. Across the mainland we have the mountain passes – Arthur’s, Lewis and Lindis – the Crown Range, the Catlins, West Coast Scenic Drive and Aoraki Mount Cook Road.

Breathtaking adventures

From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South and everywhere in between, there are breathtaking road adventures and experiences that capture the essence of all that’s Kiwi.

The more you drive this wonderful country, the more you realise we need to commit to safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come.

And one fundamental step in this endeavour is reducing CO2 emissions from our vehicles because our natural treasures rely on us to keep doing our part and reducing our footprint.

Lowering tailpipe pollution from our fleet will help protect New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy as they experience some of our awesome road trips, enjoy the calls of native birds, marvel at ancient kauri forests, journey along coastal roads or cruise one of our many great day trips.

New passenger vehicle registrations slowed for April totalling 6,119, compared to March 2023 at 7,561, a drop of 1,442 units or down 19 percent and down 942 units on April 23 to finish 13 percent behind the same month last year.

New commercial registrations were down by only three units over April 2023 with 3,114 versus 3,117, and the sector was down 23 percent on March 2024.

Toyota’s 2,379 units saw almost 34 percent market

share for April 2024, down only 11 units on last month. Ford moved into second spot with 18 percent of Aprils registrations, Mitsubishi fell back to third dropping 541 units over March 2024.

Brand performance

Toyota RAV4 topped the models registered for the month with 1,011 units up 220 units over March 2024, 21.4 percent of the month's market share. Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton saw a combined drop of 545 units versus March 2024, an individual drop of 99, 170 and 276 units respectively.

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX

In fuel type category for April 2024, ICE remained strong at 68 percent for the month, petrol hybrids came in at 26.5 percent, battery electric registrations dropped to 3.1percent and diesel hybrids came in with 2.3 percent.

The new Omoda

Used import vehicles

The used import sector was a strong performer in April, up 10 percent on April 2023 with a total 9,214, but is down 3 percent on last month for passenger and light commercial vehicles registrations. The combined segment is tracking almost 9 percent up year-to-date on the same period last year.

April saw 8,731 passenger vehicles registered down 2 percent on last month, and 483 light commercial vehicle registrations, down 15 percent on March 2024 but up 13 percent year to date.

Brand and model performance

Toyota was again the brand leader with 3,655, almost 43 percent of the units sold for the month of April 24, followed by Nissan with 1,238, and Mazda with 1,211 registrations.

Toyota Aqua topped April 2024 with nearly 17 percent of the monthly registrations, with 848 units, down 160 units over last month. Prius held second place on the table with 774 units, this was followed by Mazda Axela 374 units.

DRIVE TECHNOLOGY MIX

Top 10 Used Import Brands - April 2024

Motorcycles

Total new road motorcycle market sales were down on April 2023 from 637 to 611, or down 4 percent. Registrations were also down on March 2024 by 7 percent. Triumph topped April 2024 with 95 units and nearly 20 percent of the total month’s registrations, up 45 units from March 2024, Suzuki came in second with 72 units or 15 percent of the registrations, down from last month's 81units. Honda rounded out the top three, down 21 units from March 2024 with 67 units or 14 percent of April 2024 registrations.

Brand and model performance

Triumph had a big month, two models in the top three for April. The top-selling model was the Triumph Speed 400 with 28 units and 15.4 percent monthly market share, followed by the ever-consistent TNT Roma with 26 units and the Triumph Scrambler 400X rounding out the top three with 24 units and 13.2 percent of the monthly registrations for April.

Top 15 Used Import Models

Top-selling Models - April 2024

Top 10 Motorcycle Registrations by Brand

Triumph Scrambler 400X.

Imprezas were registered in April 2024. Nearly 70 percent of the units registered were 10 years or older.

Situations vacant - North Island

Automotive technician/mechanic TARADALE

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

Automotive technician/WoF TAUPO

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

WELLINGTON

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

Automotive technician/WoF TAUPO

We are a busy workshop looking for a mechanic with recognised qualification in the automotive industry or acceptable time served. WoF certificate preferred. Must be a team player with excellent communication skills. Email CV to: office@mainlandeng.co.nz. Automotive technician

NAPIER

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

Senior technician

TAURANGA

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

WANGANUI

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

Mechanical Claims Assessor

AUCKLAND, NORTH SHORE

Want to get off the tools? We’ve got a great role for you! Use your broad knowledge of makes and models to help our DPL Insurance policyholders with claims. Great team environment in well-established business. Contact Wayne on 027 598 8050 or wayne.hynes@autosure.co.nz.

Mechanic

PAPAKURA

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 able to work under pressure and without supervision essential. Phone Graeme 09 299 9706.

Qualified mechanic BIRKENHEAD

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

Email CV to birkenheadcarrepairs@xtra.co.nz

Automotive technician

HAVELOCK NORTH

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

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

Automotive technician

NEW PLYMOUTH

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

Automotive technician/mechanic HASTINGS

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

Automotive mechanic/ technician MANUKAU CITY

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

Mechanic/WoF Inspector

AUCKLAND

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

Qualified mechanic

PORIRUA

Join our busy, friendly team at Porirua Motors. Contact Murray Phone: 04 237-4975 or directly to our workshop. Phone: 04 237-7979. 12 Norrie Street Porirua.

Diesel mechanic

WYNDHAM

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

Auto technician/WoF Inspector

PAIHIA

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

Automotive technician

PAHIATUA

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

Service advisor

PAPAMOA

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

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 tech/WoF Inspector

TE AROHA

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

Mechanic –

TAUPO AREA

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

Mechanic

KUMEU, RODNEY

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

Mechanic/WoF inspector –

KAIKOHE

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

Automotive technician

GISBORN E

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 developments. Send your CV to Justin @ justin.kent@enterprisemg.co.nz.

Senior technician/ Foreman

PAPAMOA

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

Situations vacant South Island

Mechanic/WoF Inspector

BALCLUTHA

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

Automotive technician

TASMAN

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

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

Automotive technician

KAIAPOI

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

Automotive technician

SOUTH CANTERBURY

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

Automotive electrician

INVERCARGILL

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

WoF Inspector

NELSON

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

Automotive technician

DUNEDIN

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

Automotive technician

INVERCARGILL

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

Motorcycle technician

NELSON

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

Businesses for sale

Automotive Workshop HASTINGS

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

Automotive Workshop NORTHSHORE (O rewa)

Prime location/Long established business 3 Bays 2x2 post Hoist, 1x4 post Hoist WoF, Tyres, Batteries. Phone: 09 4265 783 021 022 45219 Email: orewa.auto2016@gmail.com

Ludemann Motors, Weston, OAMARU Modern 360m2 building, fully kitted out. Quality offices, spacious workshop, lengthy and profitable business history. Located on the main street of Weston, top-notch work environment. Asking $265,000 Plus GST (if any). Business only. Contact Tony 027 435 5275 or Sam 022 062 9782.

Businesses for sale Services

Automotive WorkshopAUCKLAND (Howick Central)

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

Automotive Workshop/Service

Station – TASMAN

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

Automatic Transmission Specialist - NEW PLYMOUTH

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

VIRM In-Service Certification Questionnaire pack

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

Simple, personalised H&S system, documented policies and procedures, hazsub inventories and office optimisation service - clearing the clutter! Contact Fliss, Business Systems Sorted022 151 1243. Email: fliss@businesssystemssorted.co.nz. www.businesssystemssorted.co.nz.

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

Let us drive your recruitment success

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

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

Andrea Andrew WoF Consultant

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

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

KAIMAI

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

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

CENTRAL WEST

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

NORTHERN REGION

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

EASTLAND

natalie.campbell@mta.org.nz

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

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

COOK STRAIT

UPPER NORTH ISLAND CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

MIKE BURD

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

SOUTH AUCKLAND

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

LOWER NORTH ISLAND & UPPER SOUTH ISLAND

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

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

LOWER SOUTH ISLAND

MIKE BURD

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

MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT

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

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

COAST TO COAST

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

www.evcity.kiwi

SOUTHERN MAINLAND

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

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

AORAKI EAST COAST

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

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

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

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Women in Automotive NZ Accord

An industry first for the automotive sector in New Zealand.

Sign up to the Accord and join the movement for change.

Increase participation of women in automotive and help create diverse teams that drive better business outcomes.

Scan the QR code or head to womeninautomotive.nz to sign up.