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LVVTA's 25th anniversary

Posted on 29 November, 2017

The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Friday night. Only five months after the LVVTA processed its 150,000th modified vehicle certification. The LVVTA certifies modified vehicles where construction may hinder their compliance with vehicle standards. It has a formal relationship with the NZTA, whereby the partnership governs and maintains the low-volume vehicle (LVV) code. However, the LVV code was put under dispute last week after a former LVVTA certifier, John Brett, was taken to court by the LVVTA as he used his personal website to unfairly criticise the LVVTA and chief executive, Tony Johnson.  The High Court of New Zealand ordered the former vehicle certifier to pay $100,000 in damages due to the defamation.  The anniversary was a chance to accurately demonstrate the achievements of the LVV certification system and the long-standing members of the LVVTA’s Technical Advisory Committee in light of the above. The honoured members are the backbone of the system and are responsible for providing the technical content for the NZ Car Construction Manual and assessing potential design proposals. Bespoke long-service plaques were presented to member who have volunteered their expertise and vast experience. The twenty year award recipients were Graham Walls, John Hinton, Terry Bowden, Chris Litherland and Tony Johnson. Ten-year recipients were John Reid, Alan Smail, Walter Wing, John Ward, Paul Sattler, Geoff Cottle, Kerry Buchanan, Mark Stokes, Justin Hansen and Peter Vahry, some of whom are not far off reaching the 20-year milestone. LVVTA also recognised people who have made a significant contribution to the LVVTA and the LVV certification system. The Honourees for 2017 were Jim McDonald from the New Zealand Transport Agency and Graeme Banks from the Sports Car Club of New Zealand. LVVTA CEO Tony Johnson paid special tribute to the LVVTA staff members for their passion, commitment, and resilience, and amongst the long-serving staff members, Linda Washington was recognised for her 20 years of service to LVVTA by LVVTA President Steve Keys. Brian Sara from the New Zealand Transport Agency wrapped up the evening with an interesting perspective on the special and unique relationship that exists between LVVTA and the Agency, and spoke positively about the future of the LVVTA and the LVV certification system in New Zealand. For more information on LVVTA or the Technical Advisory Committee visit www.lvvta.org.nz.