December 2023
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to the last edition of the Need-to-Know newsletter for 2023.
In this month’s newsletter we have outlined 2 recent decisions made by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal. These decisions both relate to traders selling faulty vehicles and not complying with section 6 of the Consumer Guarantee Act. Section 6(1) of the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) provides that “where goods are supplied to a consumer there is a guarantee that the goods are of acceptable quality”.
As always, these decisions are a good reminder of the consequences for not complying with your obligations.
We have also included some important information about displaying the Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. I encourage you to have a read and familiarise yourself with the information to ensure you are compliant.
Please note, registration applications will not be processed during the legislative non-working day period of 22 December 2023 through to 16 January 2024. Any online or paper-based applications submitted during this time will be treated as being received on 17 January 2024. We will do our best to process applications and respond to your queries following this 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, please ensure that you submit your renewal applications on time.
This is the final newsletter for the year, so I wish you 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
Decisions from the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal
2 recent decisions made by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal relate to traders selling faulty vehicles and not complying with section 6 of the Consumer Guarantee Act. In both cases, the tribunal ruled in the customer's favour and the trader was ordered to pay.
Unregistered seller fined
A trader was convicted after a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment investigation charged him with 1 count of trading while unregistered.
Recent bans
In the last quarter, the Registrar has banned 2 persons who have failed to comply with an order of the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal (MVDT).
Self-contained vehicles
From 7 December 2023, the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers board will become the regulator of self-contained vehicles. The Board will be responsible for:
- appointing ‘certification authorities’ (individuals and organisations who will offer self-containment certification services)
- providing guidance to certification authorities and other stakeholders
- investigating any complaints and compliance issues in relation to certification authorities
- maintaining a national register of self-contained vehicles.
Clean Car Discount is ending
The Clean Car Discount (CCD) is ending on 31 December 2023. To get a rebate, you'll need to apply by 11:59pm, 31 December 2023.
Latest safety ratings live on Rightcar
New safety ratings for most cars and other light vehicles in New Zealand are now live on the Rightcar website.
Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Labelling from 1 January 2024
The Clean Car Discount (CCD) scheme is ending on 31 December 2023. Vehicles registered from 1 January 2024 will no longer be subject to a fee or eligible for a rebate.
