December 2025
Welcome to the last edition of the Need-to-Know newsletter for 2025.
In this month’s newsletter we have outlined two recent decisions made by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal. These decisions both relate to traders not complying with the Consumer Guarantee Act. As always, these decisions are a good reminder of the importance of complying with your obligations.
We have included some information about a consultation on warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness for light vehicles which is being run by NZTA. You have until 17 December 2025 to have your say.
Our statutory Christmas close-down period is from 25 December 2025 to 15 January 2026. Applications submitted during this time will be considered received on 16 January 2026. Online applications will remain accessible throughout the close-down period.
Please refer to your renewal notice to confirm your current registration expiry date. To avoid your registration expiring and not being able to trade, submit your renewal applications on time.
This is the final newsletter for the year, so I wish you all the best for the holiday period. I hope you enjoy the opportunity to spend quality time with whānau and friends.
Kia pai ngā rā whakatā (have a good break).
Ngā mihi nui,
Duncan Connor
Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders
Non-compliance with the MVDT
We monitor traders who fail to follow Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal (MVDT) orders and act under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act to keep the industry accountable.
Legislative update: Motor Vehicle Sales Act changes
Recent changes to the Motor Vehicle Sales Act now require motor vehicle traders to provide their NZTA customer number when applying for or renewing a Motor Vehicle Trader (MVT) registration.
Updated vehicle safety ratings on Rightcar
The Rightcar website has 2025 used vehicle safety ratings to guide buyers in choosing cars that lower crash risk and protect against serious injury or death.
Warrant of Fitness Consultation
New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to Warrants of Fitness (WoFs) and Certificates of Fitness A (CoF A) for light vehicles.
Decisions from the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal - October 2025
Two recent cases involved serious faults that made the vehicles unsafe or unusable. The Tribunal upheld the buyers’ right to reject and ordered major remedies.
