The MIA and other industry groups are challenging recent changes by NZTA that introduce stringent new reporting requirements for accessing the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR).

For years, the MIA has streamlined member access to the MVR through a blanket authority, eliminating the need for individual applications. However, during the renewal of this authority in October 2023, the MIA discovered that NZTA had altered and restricted access permissions. 

At the time, the full extent of these changes, including new reporting requirements, was not communicated transparently. Only recently, based on feedback from our partner associations during their annual reviews, did we uncover the extent of these new demands.

With our annual review approaching, the MIA is increasingly concerned about the potential impact of these changes. We echo the serious concerns raised by the Financial Services Federation (FSF) and the Motor Trade Association (MTA) regarding the lack of transparency and clear communication surrounding these new requirements.

Additionally, the FSF has highlighted that the newly imposed reporting conditions—introduced without proper notice—demand detailed records of every MVR access. The current reporting method not only poses significant challenges for retrospective compliance but also raises serious privacy and data security concerns.

A coalition of industry bodies representing over 80% of MVR usage is now urging NZTA to reconsider these impractical and burdensome reporting demands. We advocate for a balanced approach that ensures proper MVR use without excessive data collection. The MIA and its partner associations are also seeking a ministerial directive for NZTA to collaborate with us in developing a more practical solution that allows for effective monitoring of MVR access to prevent misuse without imposing an undue administrative burden on our member organisations.

While the full impact of these reporting changes remains unclear, we are advising MIA member organizations with s241 access to the MVR to anticipate increased reporting requirements this year. We are actively advocating for a more pragmatic long-term solution, but in the meantime, please be prepared for additional reporting as an interim measure.