‘Big tick’ for training

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) says the government is “roadworthy and driving forward in key areas” in the third “warrant of fitness” of its current term.

There’s a mixture of passes and fails, but the coalition’s progress on workplace training and “woke banking” means it can leave the workshop with another six-month sticker.

“At the halfway point of its term, the government is – overall – doing a good job for the automotive sector,” says Simon Bradwell, the MTA’s head of communications.

“The return of workplace training to industry is an important and welcome step that the MTA had led calls for. Big tick for that.

“The focus on so-called woke banking is also good news. We’re working with the government on that because automotive businesses shouldn’t be unfairly penalised by well-meaning but prohibitive environmental standards.

“Crime is a mixed bag. Service stations are still at high risk as recent headlines have shown. The government earns a pass because other measures, such as beat patrols, are making difference, but there’s definitely more work to be done in this space.”

The coalition also gets ticks for road safety, vehicle safety and business support. But the MTA’s assessment notes the coalition is “coming up sharply short” on immigration measures to address the labour shortage many automotive businesses face.

“The government needs to put pedal to metal on that one,” adds Bradwell, while bureaucracy is still a nuisance for many businesses. The MTA is hoping new Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will make progress on that.

“The MTA works with a number of ministers and departments. We are willing and ready to help build a stronger automotive sector that benefits all Kiwis. Let’s see how they’re going in another six months.”

To ensure coalition MPs see where they’re passing and failing, the MTA has taken out billboard space, pictured above, across the road from the Beehive.