Latest news with #MotorTradeAssociation
Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Transport Rules Reform Welcome, But Don't Forget Safety
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) supports the Government's focus on reforming transport rules for the benefit of the sector and the public. However, MTA cautions that public safety must not be compromised by any changes. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced a work programme to increase productivity and efficiency through comprehensively reforming New Zealand's land transport rules. MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall says MTA has been actively involved as part of the core group of industry stakeholders engaging with the Minister and the Ministry of Transport on the work programme. 'Evaluation of measures that reflect and are fit for purpose for the modern fleet on our roads is timely,' Mr McDowall says. 'The advent of new technologies, particularly in regard to safety, means many vehicles on our roads are vastly different from those even just ten years ago.' MTA believes the Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is overdue for review, both in terms of new and old vehicles. New vehicles have safety features that simply do not fit the current WoF inspection template, while at the other end of the scale, there are now 25-year-old vehicles which only need to undergo a Warrant of Fitness check once a year. 'This raises serious questions around safety, and it is appropriate that the review takes WoF frequency into account,' Mr McDowall says. 'Improving the role of digitalisation also reflects modern trends and overseas experience. Many New Zealanders travelling abroad remark on the lack of stickers on vehicle windscreens. It is time for that conversation here.' Any overview of regulation that removes 'red tape' and improves efficiencies and processes is a win for both the transport sector and the traveller, MTA believes. This initiative is a good example of how changes to rules – often overshadowed by major legislative reforms – can deliver meaningful benefits across the system. 'We're keen to see it progress, particularly given that MTA members carry out the majority of WoF inspections across New Zealand,' Mr McDowall says. 'We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Government to update and simplify transport rules and regulations.'
NZ Autocar
5 days ago
- Business
- NZ Autocar
MTA applauds fast-track residency pathways for sought-after workers
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) welcomes the Government's decision to restore fast-track residency pathways for panel beaters and vehicle painters. From August 18, ten new trades occupations will be added to the Green List's Work to Residence pathway. This allows eligible migrants in those roles to apply for residence after two years of working in New Zealand for an accredited employer. The move aims to ease labour shortages in manufacturing and trades. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the changes will boost the economy and productivity. We know how important skilled workers are to the resilience of the manufacturing sector. 'These changes will help bring in the talent we need to keep things moving,' Stanford said. The new occupations include panel beaters, vehicle painters, welders, fitters, and paving plant operators. MTA head of advocacy, James McDowall, says the decision shows that the government has listened to the sector's concerns. He said that while it's overdue, it's good news. 'Collision repair has been affected by a shortage of skilled workers for several years. 'Skilled, hard-working immigrant workers have much to offer in addressing the shortfall and contributing to the community and industry,' McDowall says. The Government's decision reverses an earlier move by the National-led administration to remove the roles from the Green List. This they did after the previous Labour Government added them before leaving office. 'That was short-sighted, but we argued hard for the change. The Collision Repair Association (CRA) also applauded the announcement, with general manager Stewart Gibb describing it as a 'constructive step.' McDowall noted the skills gap extends beyond the panel and paint sector. Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says the manufacturing sector contributes $21.8 billion to the economy annually. However, he said that staffing pressures have persisted. 'I'm hearing from manufacturers that some roles crucial to day-to-day operations are still proving difficult to fill. 'We know these skill shortages must be addressed to support the sector's recovery. Bringing in overseas talent will help lift productivity. Stanford added: 'We're committed to building the skilled workforce New Zealand needs to thrive, and there are more changes ahead to strengthen our skilled residence settings.'
NZ Autocar
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
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.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- RNZ News
MTA on police directive not to investigate fuel theft under $150
RNZ revealed last week a memo was sent to police about not investigating retail crime below certain thresholds - this meant officers could apply nationally standardised value thresholds when assessing theft and fraud files. Motor Trade Association's head of advocacy James McDowall spoke to Charlotte Cook. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
New Programme To End Bumper Waste ‘Environmental Nightmare'
Press Release – Motor Trade Association Every year, thousands of vehicle bumpers clog up the country's landfills, where they'll remain for centuries – an environmental nightmare. In fact, it's estimated 100,000 bumpers end up in landfills every year as a result of vehicle collisions, repairs or insurance write-offs. Motor Trade Association (MTA) Sector Manager Larry Fallowfield says collision repairers have wanted to solve the problem for years. 'Collision repairers want to do the right thing by the environment, but there's simply been no way to dispose of bumpers in an environmentally supportive way.' Until now. MTA has developed a new programme – called plastic2eco – that will save bumpers and other plastic waste from simply being dumped and instead repurpose them as part of the circular economy. The stumbling blocks to a successful programme have been collection, transportation and a final end-use solution. That's now been solved. Under the plastic2eco programme, bumpers will be placed in specially designed cages and collected from participating collision repairers by Alloy Logistic Solutions. The cage development was supported by an Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Workplace Injury Prevention Grant. They're then taken to Waiuku recycling business Future Post, to be re-purposed as fencing products. It is also hoped that bumpers and other plastic vehicle waste created during the collision repair process will be converted to an alternative fuel by resource management company Enviro NZ. This alternative fuel will substitute coal in an industrial process. The initial stage of plastic2eco begins this month, focusing on collecting waste bumpers and inner guard liners from Auckland's southern and eastern suburbs. Forty businesses are expected to be taking part by the end of June. It will be expanded into Hamilton, New Plymouth, and other Auckland suburbs, before being rolled out across the North Island in late 2025 and into the South Island around mid-2026. By the end of 2026, it's hoped that almost no bumpers will end up in landfills. 'The automotive industry is committed to being as environmentally responsible and proactive as possible,' Mr Fallowfield says. 'Insurance companies are critical to the success of the plastic2eco programme. We really need them to support participating collision repairers by paying for the collection and processing of the bumpers, rather than leaving it to small business owners to foot the bill. 'We are optimistic the insurance industry will recognise this as an opportunity to meet their own environmental targets, and give back to future generations. 'This is a massive step for our industry, and our goal of playing an important role in a healthier, cleaner future for everyone.'
