Government passes third Warrant of Fitness test

The Government is roadworthy and driving forward in key areas, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA).
This is the result of its third 'Warrant of Fitness' check of the term.
There's a mixture of passes and fails, according to the MTA. But the Government's progress on workplace training and banking means it can leave the workshop with another six-month sticker.
'At the halfway point of their term, the Government is, overall, doing a good job for the automotive sector,' according to Head of Communications, Simon Bradwell.
'The return of workplace training to industry was an important and welcome step that MTA had led the calls for. A big tick for that.
'The focus on 'woke banking' is also good news. We're working with the Government on that because automotive businesses shouldn't be unfairly penalised by well-meaning but prohibitive environmental standards.
'Crime is a mixed bag. Service stations are still at high risk from crime, as recent headlines have shown. Government earns a pass because other measures, such as beat patrols, are making a difference…
But there is definitely more work to be done in this space.'
The Government also gets ticks for road safety, vehicle safety, and business support.
However MTA's assessment found the Government was coming up sharply short on immigration measures to address the labour shortage many automotive businesses face.
'Government needs to put pedal to metal on that one,' Bradwell says.
And bureaucracy is still a nuisance for many businesses. MTA hopes new Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will make progress there.
'MTA works with a number of Government Ministers and departments,' Bradwell says.
'We are willing and ready to help build a stronger automotive sector that benefits all Kiwis. Let's see how they're going in another six months.'
To make sure Government MPs see where they're passing and failing, MTA has taken out billboard space right under their eyes, across the road from the Beehive.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

1News

2 hours ago

• 1News

Live stream: David Seymour fronts at post-Cabinet media conference

David Seymour is is taking questions from the media following the regular meeting of Cabinet. The ACT leader, who took over as Deputy PM from Winston Peters this month, is in the hot seat as acting Prime Minister while Christopher Luxon is in Europe. Cabinet met today after a two-week break, which included "scrutiny week" when MPs get to grill ministers about their departments and ministries. The meeting came against the backdrop of war in the Middle East, with an RNZAF C-130 en route to the region to help evacuate Kiwis. Luxon has also been in China where he met President Xi Jinping.

NZ Herald

4 hours ago

• NZ Herald

Anzor's East Tāmaki hub speeds supply

Fully stocked warehouse enables businesses to create with confidence. Anzor's new East Tāmaki hub isn't just a warehouse – it represents the company's ongoing investment in growth, innovation, and customer service. On June 10, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the newly opened branch. Jamie Hunt, the company's CEO, says the visit represents a recognition of the company's contribution to New Zealand's construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors, and the hard-working team behind its success. 'Whether it's a single bolt or a pallet of decking screws, our job is to get it to the customer fast,' says Hunt. 'This visit is a nod to the people behind that promise.' Hunt says the visit also reflects an appreciation for the role of businesses like Anzor in driving regional growth and job creation. 'It was great to hear the Prime Minister speak directly about supporting industry not just to grow profits, but to grow jobs, skills, and opportunity for everyday Kiwis.' Founded over 30 years ago, Anzor is now widely used by engineers and builders across New Zealand for stainless steel fasteners and fittings. With 12 branches nationwide, the company's mission is to pair deep product knowledge with fast, reliable service. 'Anzor has the widest range and largest stocks of stainless steel fasteners in the country, enabling a 98% same-day dispatch rate for orders placed before 4pm. Metro customers ordering by 10am often get their delivery that same afternoon,' says Hunt. 'That's the standard we set.' The purpose-built East Tāmaki warehouse is the latest step in Anzor's nationwide growth strategy. Situated on a 5200sqm site, it includes space for 2000 bulk pallets, 22 off-street car parks, trailer parking, and a large trade counter. Designed for efficiency and high-volume inventory, the new hub enables Anzor to fulfil demand even more quickly across Auckland and beyond. While Anzor is well known for its stainless steel fasteners, it also supplies chemical and mechanical anchors, press-fit tube systems for HVAC and plumbing, and general construction fasteners. Its broad product range, backed by large stock holdings, gives customers supply certainty. Anzor's mobile app features a Kanban scanning system that enables customers to reorder directly from the job site. This just-in-time solution helps prevent delays, avoids over-ordering, and keeps projects running to schedule. 'Our customers don't want to spend time managing inventory. They want to keep building,' Hunt explains. The Kanban system is adapted from a proven production method developed in Japan and uses dual bins and barcode scanning to ensure critical items are always in stock. 'There's zero room for downtime in food production or high-volume manufacturing,' says Hunt. 'Kanban keeps everything moving.' With branches spread across the country, Anzor is well-positioned to support customers in regional and remote areas. Each branch carries tailored inventory to meet local demand, and for those working outside main centres, the company's nationwide dispatch network ensures reliable next-day delivery for nearly all orders. Anzor's click-and-collect lockers are available at every branch and allow tradies and manufacturers to pick up orders outside of regular hours. 'Whether you're on a job site in central Auckland or a rural workshop outside Nelson, we make sure your fasteners are where you need them, when you need them,' says Hunt. Customers today face mounting pressures, says Hunt. He identifies three core challenges: increasingly tight project timelines, rising material costs, and the long-term impact of poor-quality components. 'Fasteners often get left to the last minute, but if they're not right, they can hold up an entire build. And if the quality isn't there, issues might not show up for months, but when they do, they're costly.' Anzor addresses this by maintaining rigorous quality standards, including testing materials with X-ray spectrometry to ensure they meet precise specifications. 'Most suppliers in New Zealand don't do that, but we can't afford to gamble on quality. It's about making sure our customers can build with confidence,' says Hunt. A family-owned business, Anzor is committed to 'locals serving locals'. Hunt says being NZ-owned means it can prioritise customer service and invest in staff and inventory, and not just worry about high stock turns. In each of the company's 12 branches, Anzor's account managers work closely with engineers and builders to ensure they get exactly what they need when they need it. Hunt says this means being a trusted adviser, not just a supplier. This hands-on approach extends to infrastructure partnerships. Anzor has worked with engineers on several large-scale national projects to ensure the right grades of fasteners are specified early to help avoid costly hold-ups down the line. 'We bring deep expertise on high-strength and corrosion-resistant grades that simply aren't available elsewhere,' says Hunt. As customers' design complexity increases, Anzor is set to launch three new grades of stainless steel fasteners later this year to meet their needs. 'We're always looking ahead to make sure we're offering the right solutions for the next wave of challenges,' says Hunt. Whether it's a major construction firm or a small-scale workshop, Anzor's goal is simple: Supply fasteners fast to help their customers create with confidence and drive NZ industry forward.

Scoop

4 hours ago

• Scoop

Flood Of Interest To Invest In New Zealand

Minister for Economic Growth Hon Erica Stanford Minister of Immigration The Government is attracting new migrants to bring their capital, experience and skills to New Zealand with a flood of formal interest in the new 'golden' visa. Since only April – less than three months – Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 189 applications for the Active Investor Plus visa, significantly more than the 116 applications received over more than two-and-a-half years under previous settings, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. 'New applications under the scheme represent a potential $845 million of new investment in New Zealand business.' "Attracting investment to New Zealand is crucial to the country's economic growth. It means Kiwi businesses can expand, hire and grow – and that means more opportunities for New Zealanders. 'Investor migrants are clearly attracted to New Zealand's growing reputation as a safe, pro-business, high-potential economy. In a world where countries compete for dollars and talent, it's great to see New Zealand's growth prospects being recognised.' 'New investors don't just bring their dollars to our shores, they also bring skills, knowledge and experience that will drive future economic development. It's a win-win.' Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the interest shows investors hear the call loud and clear: New Zealand is open for business. 'We welcome your capital, your knowledge, and your contribution to New Zealand's economic growth,' Ms Stanford says. 'We're seeing strong momentum from global investors, particularly across Asia and North America. This reflects our growing reputation as a stable, forward-looking destination for investment and innovation. 'These are smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions to help stimulate economic growth.' On April 1 the Government changed the Active Investor Plus visa to a simple two-pronged system: the Growth category and the Balanced category. Other changes included expanding the scope of acceptable investments and removing potential barriers to investment, such as the English language requirement. As at 23 June, 100 applications had been approved in principle, and of those, seven had transferred and invested their funds in New Zealand and had been granted a resident visa. Five of those were invested in the Growth category and two under the Balanced category, totalling a total minimum investment of $45 million. The Growth category for this Visa focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It will require a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years. The Balance category focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There will be a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over 5 years.