2016 has been another bumper year for the auto sector with record new and used car sales.

We are about to end our fourth consecutive year of steep growth in sales and there are no threatening economic indicators on the horizon to suggest that next year’s sales will be any different. We now have more cars on the road than ever before, and this is all good for the repair and fuel sector.

Of course, this doesn’t mean disaster can’t strike. The November earthquakes reinforced the lessons learned from Mother Nature in Christchurch. On behalf of MTA members around the country I extend our sympathy and support to the members and their families affected in North Canterbury. The ‘fellowship’ of being part of a national organisation has shone through in the response from other members around the country. The Coast to Coast Region was quick to understand what their Kaikoura members were facing and have set up an earthquake relief fund which is being contributed to by other regions and individuals. Such support shows us the stuff that MTA members are made of. I think it also shows how the new region structure can work, at a regional level and as a group. There’s a sense of agility and coordinated decision-making, not just in this response to the earthquakes, but in the regions’ approach to training, networking and adding value to the overall organisation. We will be doing our best through our BAs and staff to foster this new energy within regions.

As we come to the end of the year I want to assure you that MTA has worked hard on your behalf over the last 12 months. Our BAs are always available to talk you through any issues you have within your businesses and pass on new information.

Earlier in the year, after the introduction of new legislation, MTA led the sector in a series of health and safety seminars to update people on the changes and their responsibilities. More than 1600 members took part. This has translated to a better understanding and commitment to health and safety within our industry.

We also continue to make sure your voices are heard at a national level by other sector leaders, policy makers and government. This includes taking part in governance and working groups for the MITO-led targeted review of qualifications, ACC vehicle risk rating levies; quad bike safety, the Parts Trader Advisory Group; EV Public Charging Infrastructure Working Group, Oil Industry Environmental Working Group and the MTA-initiated NZ Automotive Safety Forum.

We’ve also been pushing safety issues such as the dangers posed by water-damaged cars and the need for regular safety checks of cars only going through an annual or three yearly warrant inspection. We’ve had some successes too, with changes to regulations and VIRM requirements and changes to the ACC vehicle risk rating levies.

In all, we made 19 submissions to various ministries, agencies and departments over the year.

Over the coming year, a big focus will remain on our work to address the current skill shortage. We’ll be passing on information and advice based on our own research and members’ experiences and views on what has worked well for them. Check out page 28 for the results of a series of interviews with members on the importance of training apprentices.

In breaking news, our new website is now online and is designed to reinforce MTA as a family and motorist-friendly first choice brand.

Check us out. In a major leap forward the entire site is now optimised for mobile phones - so motorists can find you on the run. Your member number and email address will still give you access to the Toolbox.

Finally, I hope you can all take advantage of the holiday break and