July 2022

In this issue we bring you information about; changes to fees for Motor Vehicle Traders and the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal levy, new requirements for display of the new Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label (VEEEL) and online information from Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (ECCA), importance of accurate CO2 data from Waka Kotahi and two determinations relating to issues resolved post purchase.

Fees for Motor Vehicle Traders and the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal levy are changing from 1 August 2022

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) ran a public consultation earlier this year on proposed adjustments to the fees for registered Motor Vehicle Traders and the Tribunal levy. We received several submissions on these proposals – thank you for your feedback.

The Government has now agreed to amend the fees for registered Motor Vehicle Traders, and adjust the Tribunal levy, to ensure that these services are funded sustainably. The changes will take effect from 1 August 2022.

What is the change?

The fees for Motor Vehicle Traders will change from a flat fee of $405.33 (GST exclusive) to a tiered fee structure, with different amounts charged for individual traders and companies, and for registrations and renewals. 

The Tribunal levy is currently $112.89 (GST exclusive) and will increase to $210.00 (GST exclusive). This is to ensure the Tribunal can continue to be funded sustainably and maintain access to justice for consumers should a dispute occur.

Find out more about the changes to fees on our website

Background to these changes

The fees and levy set for the Motor Vehicle Traders regime and the Tribunal have not been adjusted since the Motor Vehicle Sales Act was introduced in 2003. 

It is important that fees and levies are regularly reviewed to check that they are covering costs and not resulting in over-recovery or under-recovery of costs.

Adjustments are now required because, over time, the costs of running the Tribunal and Motor Vehicle Traders regime have risen, and the levy and fee are not adequately covering the costs of these services. 

Reviews of Motor Vehicle Traders fees and Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal levy – MBIE

Displaying the new Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label and online information

The new Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label (VEEEL) was introduced on 1 April 2022 to replace the Vehicle Fuel Economy Label (VFEL). 

If you’re a motor vehicle trader, you must display the VEEEL on vehicles offered for sale – it is against the Regulations to display the old VFEL. If you have any vehicles displaying a VFEL, you should immediately remove and replace these with Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Labels. The EECA compliance team will be visiting traders to ensure that only the new label is displayed, and that it is displayed correctly.

It's also a good time to check your online listings to make sure that they are all displaying the new information required which must include whether a vehicle attracts a rebate or fee under the Clean Car Discount programme.

For more information on vehicle emissions and energy economy labelling, how to get it right and information for online listings, visit the link below:

About the Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Labelling Programme – EECA

Clean Car Discount: Accurate CO2 data starts with you

From 1 April, the Clean Car Discount expanded to a CO2 emission sliding scale of rebates and fees. The scheme, administered by Waka Kotahi, is a central pillar in a range of government initiatives to tackle transport sector CO2 emissions and help address climate change. 

There have been some issues with vehicles displaying incorrect CO2 emissions data and this has caused some frustration for dealers and consumers.

Waka Kotahi is keen to work with industry to make sure vehicles display the correct rebates and fees and can only do this with the help of the industry, as they are responsible for the data. If you’re a dealer, check your vehicles have correct CO2 emission data during the entry certification process. If you are unsure, contact Waka Kotahi as soon as possible.

For further guidance about data accuracy, check out the updated Clean Car Discount guide for Motor Vehicle Traders:

Guide for Motor Vehicle Traders –­ Clean Car Discount [PDF 615KB] – Waka Kotahi

Determinations

Trader ordered to remedy under the CGA
Emmerton v Turners Group NZ Limited - Reference No. MVD 441/2021 [2022] NZMVDT 73 (29 April 2022) – Motor Vehicles Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand

Trader ordered to pay for consequential loss following vehicle rejection
Bungard v Quay Cars 2008 Limited - Reference No. MVD 014/2022 [2022] NZMVDT 57 (8 April 2022) – Motor Vehicles Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand