Media Contacts
For all media enquiries, please contact Geordie Cassin
Phone: 04 381 8806
Mobile: 027 208 5583
Press Releases

Government product stewardship scheme for tyres
MTA applauds Government on product stewardship program but urges them to look beyond the tyre.

WoF failure rate in Waikato reaches record high
The Motor Trade Association says Warrant of Fitness failures in the Waikato region have reached an alarming level. “In February half of the cars presented for a Warrant of Fitness test in the Waikato failed their initial check,” says MTA’s Sector Manager Repairers Graeme Swan.

MTA says "Don't forget vehicle safety"
(28 January 2021). “Greening” the fleet may exacerbate New Zealand’s vehicle safety problem. Motor Trade Association (MTA) CEO Craig Pomare acknowledged the importance of addressing climate change and understands the Government’s decision to progress the Clean Car Import Standard.

Brakes & Tyres increasingly a fatal problem
(17 December 2020). Vehicle factors, especially brakes and tyres, are increasingly a contributing factor to fatal crashes on New Zealand roads. This is one of the key findings of the Motor Trade Association’s recent analysis of information in the Government’s Crash Analysis System on fatal crashes between 2011 and 2019.

Purchase of SAM and SAS automotive IT businesses
(16 December 2020). The Motor Trade Association has purchased the SAM and SAS automotive IT businesses. The acclaimed SAM system workshop and service management solution runs 50% of New Zealand’s independent motor industry service and repair businesses, while SAS (Systime Automotive Solution) is the world’s most popular dealer and distributor management system.

WoF inspection mountain looms
(11 September 2020). Waka Kotahi NZTA confirmed today approximately 620,000 WoF extension inspections are still to be completed, on top of those WoFs naturally expiring in September and October. “This is going to put huge pressure on the industry,” MTA Advocacy and Strategy Manager Greig Epps said today.

Fuel Industry Bill “an opportunity missed”
(6 August 2020). The Motor Trade Association says the Government has failed independent service station operators and missed the opportunity to create to truly competitive fuel market. “Sadly for New Zealand motorists, the Bill passed last night is not going to make it fairer for all those in the market and is definitely not allowing smaller players to gain access to cheaper fuel,” MTA Chief Executive Craig Pomare said today.

MTA welcomes Government action on end-of-life tyres
(31 July 2020). The Motor Trade Association has welcomed the news that the Government will prioritise a range of automotive products under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.
“This announcement provides our members with a solution to problem products they have been grappling with for years,” MTA’s Sector Manager - Energy & Environment Ian Baggott said today.

MTA praises apprenticeship boost scheme
(17 June 2020). The Motor Trade Association is praising the Government for the Apprenticeship Boost Programme announced this morning.
Mr Pomare said the news would be welcomed by all MTA members committed to taking on apprentices.

Support for Automotive Apprentices Only Part of the Solution
(2 June 2020). The MTA has welcomed news that the fees and associated costs for the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Automotive Engineering (Light Vehicle) will qualify for fees support from the Government. But it says while today’s announcement was a win for apprentices, it was disappointed the review of vocational training hadn’t recognised the importance of also supporting employers.

MTA Highlights WoF Extension Concerns
(30 April 2020). MTA is concerned about the long-term impacts of the Government’s decision to extend WoFs. Now we’re at Level 3, we want NZTA to take action to avoid a huge spike in WoF workloads in October. (Includes RNZ interview).

Vehicle Pricing
(30 April 2020). Second-hand car prices are tipped to fall sharply, driven in part by struggling rental car companies needing to offload some of the 50,000 vehicles they have in their yards.

MTA has grave concerns for struggling independent service stations
(14 April 2020). New Zealand’s independent service stations are struggling and need support says the Motor Trade Association.

Clarity on WoF & Repairs During Lockdown
(30 March 2020). The Motor Trade Association has welcomed the Ministry of Transport’s clarification on vehicle repairs and WoFs during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown.

Imperative NZ Vehicle Fleets are Maintained
(19 March 2020). New Zealand’s roads will never be safe unless its vehicle fleet is well-maintained says the MTA. The Motor Trade Association has welcomed today’s announcement of $3billion to address road safety issues and implement the Road to Zero safety strategy.