$50 vouchers for revoked warrants
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is supporting vehicle owners who have had their warrant of fitness (WOFs) revoked by Waka Kotahi after an investigation revealed they weren’t issued by a certified inspector.
The transport agency has notified the association that 677 warrants issued over the past 10 months by Newmarket Auto Repairs have been revoked with effect from July 7.
Lee Marshall, pictured, chief executive of the association, says Newmarket Auto Repairs’ MTA membership has been immediately suspended while a full investigation is carried out into the serious breach.
“For more than 100 years, the MTA has stood for integrity, safety and professionalism,” says Marshall. “We take that very seriously.
“To say we are extremely disappointed would be an understatement. Our first concern is for people who have been disadvantaged and inconvenienced.”
Waka Kotahi wrote to the affected owners last week to inform them their vehicles would need to be retested. Now the MTA is taking action to ensure they aren’t out of pocket.
Marshall says: “Although responsibility lies with Newmarket Auto Repairs, we will issue, on an ex-gratia basis, a $50 MTA voucher to all affected customers who are unsuccessful in getting reimbursement directly from the business.
“Fifty dollars is the amount Newmarket Auto Repairs advertised for a warrant. Customers can use the voucher at any MTA member business.
“There will, unfortunately, always be those who let everyone down. But we want to assure motorists that the blue MTA badge still stands for honesty, quality and professionalism.”
Marshall adds the WOF plays a vital role in road safety and its integrity isn’t negotiable. “Safety first and foremost is our founding principle. We began our investigation as soon as we were notified by Waka Kotahi about the breach.
“The MTA is extremely disappointed one of its members has broken our rules and code of ethics, and misled and inconvenienced so many owners. We have high standards to which we hold members to account. There is the opportunity for us to review and improve member standards as a consequence.
“I would also like to commend Waka Kotahi for their rigorous audit process that first detected the issue. They have our full support and long may it continue. More positively, this is an excellent opportunity for us to remind all members of their obligations.”
More details on how affected customers can claim their vouchers will be released in due course. The vouchers can be used at any MTA member business for petrol, repairs or other services. An application form can be found here.
