Incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his team must prioritise the automotive sector in the run up to the October election, the Motor Trade Association says.

Now that 2022 is coming to a close, we’re all looking forward to a well-earned break. For many of us, that means the annual road trip to the bach, the beach, and hanging with family. Here are MTA’s tips to keep you safe on the roads and save money on fuel, leaving you bonus bucks to buy some fancy snarlers for the BBQ.

(14 December 2022). The phased end of the fuel subsidy gives Government and industry time to manage a seamless reintroduction, and ensure no service stations are out of pocket, the Motor Trade Association says.

(12 December 2022). MTA has been strongly advocating for Government to make it easier for our members to bring overseas talent into the New Zealand automotive industry. As part of this advocacy, MTA recently met with Minister Michael Wood to voice this, and other issues that our members are faced with.

(1 December 2022). Law changes giving police greater power to impound vehicles need careful consultation and evaluation, the Motor Trade Association says. Under the changes announced today, the owner of a car could have their vehicle impounded if they choose not to help police track down the driver of a fleeing vehicle. But MTA says the implications of that for tow companies need to be considered.

(30 November 2022). Fuel stations must be eligible for the Government’s fog cannon subsidy, the Motor Trade Association (MTA) says. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced this week that the Government will provide $4000 for all small shops and dairies in New Zealand who want a fog cannon installed, with shops to pay the balance.

(23 November 2022). The Motor Trade Association says the decision to defer payment of charges under the Clean Car Standard will give dealers much-needed certainty. Transport Minister Michael Wood today announced that while the Clean Car Standard (CCS) will begin on 1 January 2023 as planned, payment of charges will be delayed until 1 June.

(12 October 2022). Today’s immigration announcement does little to address the chronic labour shortage facing the automotive sector, the Motor Trade Association says.

(26 May 2022). The Government announced a $6 million programme for small businesses to protect themselves from ram raids.

(16 May 2022). MTA has long called for a scrappage scheme and is pleased to see it included in today’s Emission Reductions Plan of measures to reduce emissions.

(10 May 2022). The Motor Trade Association says extending the Apprenticeship Boost scheme until the end of the year is brilliant news for the automotive industry.

(15 March 2022). The Motor Trade Association has been calling for the Government to address the level of tax on fuel, either through GST or other taxes. Cutting taxes on fuel without impact on funding for major roading projects is a win-win for motorists.

(22 February 2022). As Waka Kotahi launches a PR blitz for the ambitious “Road To Zero” campaign, the Motor Trade Association says the state of thousands of vehicles on our roads is still a major concern – and will be for years.