Man jailed for issuing bogus WoFs

A fraudster has been caught and jailed for six months after issuing Warrants of Fitness (WoFs) without actually inspecting the vehicles. It is the latest in a string of such incidents which NZTA is calling “a serious breach of public trust.”

Dwayne Lord was sentenced in the Auckland District Court to six months behind bars for multiple instances of fraud. The offending took place between December 2022 and June 2023. Lord accessed the NZTA’s vehicle inspection system, despite not being an authorised inspector. An NZTA investigation uncovered the abuse and confirmed that few of the cars had been inspected by Lord or by any authorised inspector.

NZTA national manager of road safety regulations, Brett Aldridge, says the case highlights the importance of robust monitoring.

Aldridge says the agency viewed Lord’s actions as “a blatant abuse of the land transport system. It is a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict oversight and accountability in vehicle safety certification.

“This sentencing should send a clear message to the industry. Anyone who attempts to manipulate or abuse the inspection system should expect to be caught and held accountable.

“We will not hesitate to take action against individuals who compromise vehicle safety and public trust.”

Aldridge stressed that “the vast majority of vehicle inspectors and industry professionals are doing an excellent job. They uphold high standards, follow the rules, and help keep New Zealand roads safe”.

The NZTA’s Safer Vehicles team regularly reviews inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors to ensure compliance. If serious breaches are found, enforcement action is taken.