October 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As our 2024/25 financial year has wrapped up, it’s a good time to reflect on the year that’s been.
In this edition of the Need-to-Know newsletter, we’ve included a snapshot of the Motor Vehicle Trader sector through key numbers and trends.
You’ll also find an update on the information matching agreement between NZTA and me which is helping strengthen regulatory oversight. A reminder that if you’re aware of any unregistered trading activity, please report it to us so we can investigate. You can do this here:
Complaint form | Motor Vehicle Traders Register
Upcoming changes to the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 will take effect from 22 October 2025, streamlining registration processes and updating application requirements for motor vehicle traders. You can read more about the changes coming and what they mean for you below.
Thank you for reading this edition of the Need-to-Know newsletter.
Duncan Connor
Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders
Strengthening regulatory oversight
A recently renewed agreement between NZTA and MBIE helps the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders detect potential non-compliance with registration requirements.
Upcoming changes to the Motor Vehicle Sales Act
Minor changes to the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 will come into effect on 22 October 2025, through an Order in Council. The Act will be updated on the same date.
Displaying vehicles for sales
A recently prosecuted case shows that displaying a vehicle for sale, whether in person or online, is legally considered a sale under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003.
Motor vehicle traders - a year in numbers
We’ve looked at the last financial year to see how the Motor Vehicle Traders scheme is working. Here are some key statistics to give an overview.
Decisions from the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal - July 2025
2 recent decisions made by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal relate to a trader's obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Unregistered motor trader prosecuted for selling 85 vehicles
Ōpunake-based Hamish Dormer-Rowe has been fined $22,500 for operating as a motor vehicle trader without registration, in violation of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003
