Rallying call over repair issue

An industry group is seeking extra backing in its call for politicians to take action to protect motorists’ rights to choose where they can have their vehicle serviced and repaired

The New Zealand Choice of Repairer Industry Leaders Group says it welcomes growing industry and public support for a choice of repairer law, saying the case for reform has never been stronger. 

Peter Morton, chairman, says it is campaigning for consumers to have the right to choose who services and repairs their vehicle, and the right to competitive prices during a cost-of-living crisis.

“We welcome every organisation and every voice that joins the call for reform. The louder the call, the harder it is to ignore,” he adds. 

“What matters now is that the industry speaks with one voice, behind a practical, proven solution.”

A choice of repairer law would require vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with the same repair and service information they provide to their authorised dealer networks, including diagnostic information, repair specifications, technical service bulletins, software updates and digital service records, on fair and reasonable commercial terms.

Such a model operates in Australia, where Morton says automotive right to repair legislation has levelled the playing field between dealer networks and independent repairers while maintaining safety and security. 

“Modern vehicles are computers on wheels,” he adds. 

“Without access to the right information, even the best technician can be locked out of the job. When independent repairers are locked out, motorists lose choice – and when motorists lose choice, they pay more.”

The group says surveys of New Zealand independent repairers show 48 per cent have had to turn away vehicles because they could not access the information, tools or data needed to complete work, with many saying the situation is getting worse. 

It suggests every vehicle turned away means a motorist redirected back to a dealer network, longer wait times, less competition, and fewer affordable options for consumers.

“New Zealand cannot afford to lose the strength of its independent automotive aftermarket,” opines Morton. 

“Motorists cannot afford it, communities cannot afford it, and the economy cannot afford it. The independent sector is ready, motorists are ready and the case is clear. The next step is for Parliament to act.”

The group has been campaigning for a choice of repairer law for several years. Its board represents New Zealand’s four largest independent automotive repair networks, two largest automotive parts and equipment suppliers, largest vehicle glass repair consortium and the New Zealand Automobile Association.