Entry compliance deadline extended

The NZTA has extended the deadline for submissions to be made for updating parts of its operational policy for entry certification.

The consultation period has been extended to March 22 to allow for more time for the automotive industry to provide feedback on the agency’s proposed policy. 

Currently, all vehicles entering New Zealand must be checked, certified, registered and licensed before they can be used on the road – the process is entry certification.

The agency’s approach to assessing any potential conflicts of interest with regard to this process is set out in its operational policy.  

At the time the policy was created, some integration of the used-vehicle supply chain was anticipated and taken into account, but not to the extent that has subsequently occurred. This means that one business could potentially be responsible for some or all parts of the vehicle entry certification process.

In August 2018, formal warnings were issued to VINZ and JEVIC over potential conflict-of-interest issues caused by their changes in ownership. 

Consequently, the NZTA agreed that policies needed to change and described the conflicts of interest as “unacceptable in modern business practice.”

The proposed policy changes include clarification on the definition of “conflict of interest”, strengthened controls for appointing used-vehicle entry certification inspectors and organisations to avoid conflicts of interest, and ensuring all vehicle inspectors and organisations have an ongoing duty to tell the NZTA about any conflicts that arise.

All submissions must be received by 5pm on March 22, 2019. Click here to read the full summary of the policy.