Have your say on funding shake-up

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is encouraging members to provide feedback on plans by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to make changes to its regulatory funding and fees.

VIA says the agency wants funding to be on a user-pays basis and that while some costs will reduce, such as for driver licensing, others look set to increase, including those for certification and data provision.

“NZTA is not permitted to make a profit so the proposed charges are on a cost recover and debt repayment basis,” explains Malcolm Yorston, VIA’s technical manager, in an email alert to members.

“VIA notes that charges to the automotive industry will rise and these increases will be passed on to the consumer, either directly or indirectly.”

Yorston continues there is no provision made to replace or upgrade the Motor Vehicle Register, which is considered by many in the industry as not being “fit for purpose” and in need of major capital expense to upgrade and future-proof it.

He urges members to review Waka Kotahi’s consultation document and provide VIA with any feedback they would like included in the association’s submission, or people can make their own submission.

Any responses to VIA need to be submitted to info@via.org.nz with the subject line “NZTA fees review” by Thursday, April 21.

Waka Kotahi opened consultation on its proposals last month and submissions close on May 13.