Latest news with #NZTransportAgencyWakaKotahi
NZ Autocar
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Bogus WoFs earn Auckland man home detention
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is welcoming the recent conviction and sentencing of an unapproved vehicle inspector. The man fraudulently issued hundreds of warrants of fitness (WoFs). NZTA says the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others. On 26 May, the owner of Newmarket Automotive Repairs, Mr Taki, was sentenced to 10 months and 2 weeks' of home detention in the Auckland District Court. He earlier pleaded guilty to charges relating to fraudulently issuing WoFs. NZTA investigators found that from 9 December 2022 to 6 June 2023, Mr Taki had issued 677 WoFs despite not being appointed as an authorised vehicle inspector. He had not completed any of the inspections. NZTA immediately revoked Newmarket Automotive's inspecting organisation authority. All WoFs issued by the offender during that time were cancelled. Affected vehicle owners were asked to get their vehicles rechecked. A significant percentage of those cars had faults when rechecked at authorised inspecting organisations. A spokesperson for NZTA said: 'Warrant of fitness checks ensure that cars have undergone a general safety check to help keep drivers, passengers and road users safe. 'It's very disappointing when fraud happens in the vehicle inspecting system, as the customer pays the price. They must pay for another WoF and are potentially put at risk in the interim period, if vehicle faults exist and have gone unchecked. 'Through his actions, Mr Taki has risked the safety of the vehicle owners, plus their passengers and other road users. 'People should be reassured that NZTA has the access to data and intelligence to investigate when we have concerns about fraud. 'We take swift action and hold vehicle inspectors to account when vehicle safety is compromised,' said Senior Manager Safer Vehicles, Nicole Botherway. District Court Judge JM Jelas considered mitigating factors, such as Mr Taki's guilty plea and prior good character, before arriving at sentencing. As the inspecting organisation representative for Newmarket Auto Repairs, Mr Taki was obliged to ensure that only NZTA-appointed vehicle inspectors undertook inspection activities and approved the issue of a WoF certification. Customers were charged $60 for each WOF, earning him more than $40,000 in undue revenue. The NZTA Safer Vehicles team regularly reviews inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors to check compliance. If serious non-compliance is found, the team ensures that the right regulatory response is applied, including enforcement action.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Climate
- Scoop
First Big Taste Of Winter Prompts Warning To Motorists
Potentially heavy snowfalls in the South Island have the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) urging motorists to exercise caution, especially at higher elevations, and to avoid travel where possible in hazardous conditions. Metservice says heavy snow is possible in Canterbury from tomorrow above 300m, or possibly lower, through until Thursday, with potential for travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines. Those planning to travel through SH73 Porters Pass to Otira (Arthurs Pass), SH7 Lewis Pass, or SH8 Burkes Pass to Twizel, are encouraged to check before setting off and plan for any potential disruption. With large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island being at higher elevations, NZTA System Manager Mark Pinner says motorists need to be prepared and to follow good winter driving habits. 'It's not just snow on the ground that is a potential hazard, it's heavy frosts and ice where the danger may not be as visible. People need to remember to adjust their speed to suit the conditions, to increase their following distances and use their headlights to be seen.' 'If you can avoid or delay travel on roads while there is elevated risk, that's sensible. Stay up to date on the latest reports about the State Highway network by visiting our Journey Planner,' Mr Pinner says. 'We'll be getting the best advice from the Metservice on how the weather is likely to unfold, and we'll be doing our best to keep the highways open and safe for motorists through this cold snap. Being prepared with warm clothing, snacks and water and other supplies in case of delays is always a smart move.' Heavy rain is forecast to affect Fiordland, and Buller, Grey and Westland Districts between Karamea and Harihari tomorrow, and drivers in those areas are also urged to take care on the roads, plan ahead and be prepared.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
MetService issues gale warnings for much of the South
Forget about wearing a hat today — you are likely to lose it. The severe overnight gales are expected to peak this morning, reaching speeds of up to 130kmh in exposed areas around the Otago and Southland coastlines. MetService has upgraded its earlier strong wind watch to an Orange warning for southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin, and there is a possibility it may be upgraded further to a Red warning. "The strongest winds are expected overnight Friday and Saturday morning and spreading over inland areas," a MetService spokesman said. "Squally thunderstorms are also possible near the coast." Moderate to moderately high storm tides were also expected until this evening, on the Otago coast. He said the wind could cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. The wind warning would remain in place until at least 3pm today. MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said the gales were being caused by a strong west-to-southwest flow which was affecting the entire country. But for the lower South Island, the winds were also dragging cooler temperatures, showers, and snow falling as low as 600m. "This will be welcome news for avid skiers and snowboarders, but is likely to affect alpine roads in the South Island." NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi spokesman Jarrod Booker said those planning on going to another destination this morning for a King's Birthday Weekend holiday should take extra care when driving. As well as the severe gales, snow was affecting some of the higher roads inland. "Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Lindis Pass, Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd, with 10cm-15cm potentially settling on Milford Rd above 800m. "Motorists are urged to adjust their speeds and following distances to the conditions, and to plan ahead and be prepared for any delays." Yesterday, Naseby got an early taste of the wintry conditions when snow settled on the streets of the Central Otago town and covered roads on the outskirts. The snow closed the Danseys Pass Rd to all but four-wheel drive vehicles, from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel. That followed rain and sub-zero temperatures around the Maniototo and Ida Valley areas. Fulton Hogan said drivers should continue to be wary of road conditions in the area, slow down and be cautious on bridge decks and shaded areas, where ice may have formed. The weather is forecast to be calmer and clearer tomorrow, but still cool.
NZ Herald
29-05-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
NZTA clarifies winter road closure warning after Northland concerns
A warning that some state highways could be 'proactively' closed this winter before bad weather hits sparked a flurry of concern from Northlanders. However, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi [NZTA] has since clarified that the message mainly applied to the South Island. NZTA posted a warning on its Northland
1News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
The road rule Kiwis can't seem to follow – and why it matters
If you've driven anywhere in New Zealand with more than one lane, chances are you've come across the notorious right-lane hog. The driver who sticks in the right lane, going just below the speed limit, unaware or indifferent to the queues of frustrated motorists forming behind them. It's annoying, it's common — and while technically illegal, it's become one of the most flouted road rules in the country. Under New Zealand law, drivers must keep left unless they're overtaking. It's written into the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and failing to do so could set you back $150 fine and 20 demerit points, according to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). "There are no plans currently to review this infringement penalty," an NZTA spokesperson said. NZTA regularly pushes "keep left" messages on its Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, racking up more than 9 million views in the past two years, but it seems many motorists continue to miss the memo. Police do issue infringements for failing to keep left, but it's not a high-priority offence, says Inspector Peter McKennie, acting director of road policing. "Police do take enforcement action for failing to keep left in some circumstances, but not to the same extent as high-risk behaviours, such as speed, impairment by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, being distracted while driving and not using seat belts or child restraints," he told 1News. There were practical considerations, McKennie said, such as drivers preparing for exits or intersections and giving room for cyclists or road workers. But even if you're going the speed limit and feel justified in staying put, drivers "need to consider keeping the way clear for emergency service vehicles". Hogging the right lane can have indirect safety impacts such as risky under-taking manoeuvres or frustrated drivers taking chances they shouldn't. "Police encourage courteous driving behaviours," he said. "Be patient and wait until the situation changes and it is safe to pass. Recognise that going a few kilometres per hour slower for a relatively short distance won't make a meaningful difference to your journey time." The AA wants to see a shift in mindset around the keep left rule, especially as New Zealand builds more multi-lane highways. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said the right lane should be treated as a passing lane. "Sticking to the left lane means people can easily pass slower travelling vehicles in the right, promoting efficient traffic flow," he said. "After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane as soon as it is safe." He said passing on the right was a "more efficient manoeuvre", while passing on the left was "significantly more dangerous". "It involves driving through a larger blind spot for the vehicle you are passing on the right, which is also likely to move directly into your lane at some point." Travelling in the right lane unnecessarily showed a "lack of awareness" for other road users wanting to pass, Thomsen said. "It's important that new drivers are taught to see correct lane use not only as a legal requirement, but as part of cooperative and considerate driving behaviour." Thomsen said AA Member surveys have consistently found that slower vehicles holding up traffic is one of the top frustrations for drivers alongside red light running and texting behind the wheel. "With more multi-lane highways starting to be built in New Zealand, it is certainly an area that could have more of a focus for educating and reminding drivers to share the road well." So next time you're cruising in the right lane, ask yourself: Are you overtaking — or just in the way?
