Government passes third Warrant of Fitness test

The Government is roadworthy and driving forward in key areas, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

This is the result of its third ‘Warrant of Fitness’ check of the term.

There’s a mixture of passes and fails, according to the MTA. But the Government’s progress on workplace training and banking means it can leave the workshop with another six-month sticker.

“At the halfway point of their term, the Government is, overall, doing a good job for the automotive sector,” according to Head of Communications, Simon Bradwell.

“The return of workplace training to industry was an important and welcome step that MTA had led the calls for. A big tick for that.

“The focus on ‘woke banking’ is also good news. We’re working with the Government on that because automotive businesses shouldn’t be unfairly penalised by well-meaning but prohibitive environmental standards.

“Crime is a mixed bag. Service stations are still at high risk from crime, as recent headlines have shown. Government earns a pass because other measures, such as beat patrols, are making a difference…

But there is definitely more work to be done in this space.”

The Government also gets ticks for road safety, vehicle safety, and business support.

However MTA’s assessment found the Government was coming up sharply short on immigration measures to address the labour shortage many automotive businesses face.

“Government needs to put pedal to metal on that one,” Bradwell says.

And bureaucracy is still a nuisance for many businesses. MTA hopes new Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will make progress there.

“MTA works with a number of Government Ministers and departments,” Bradwell says.

“We are willing and ready to help build a stronger automotive sector that benefits all Kiwis. Let’s see how they’re going in another six months.”

To make sure Government MPs see where they’re passing and failing, MTA has taken out billboard space right under their eyes, across the road from the Beehive.