From January 1, 2021 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will introduce defined appointment terms for all new warrant of fitness (WoF) and certificate of fitness (CoF) inspecting organisation (IO) applicants.
This decision is in response to Kristy McDonald QC’s Independent Inquiry into the performance of the New Zealand Transport Agency in relation to Dargaville Diesel Specialists report that recommended setting standard terms of appointment for IOs and vehicle inspectors (VIs).
Standard terms of appointment have already been put in place for VIs and, from January 1, 2021 new IO applicants will now be subject to appointments of up to five years.
“Waka Kotahi has been working hard to strengthen its regulatory oversight and lift the capability across the vehicle inspection sector,” Vehicle and driver licensing senior manager Sue Hardiman says.
“This will ensure we are improving safety outcomes and reducing harm, and allows a consistent, firm and fair regulatory approach to parties authorised by Waka Kotahi to carry out these inspections.
“The new approach will assist in lifting the capability of new IO applicants and ensure we can closely monitor and evaluate the performance of our delegated agents to ensure that they effectively represent Waka Kotahi when carrying out their regulatory responsibilities.”
Consideration will be given to impose shorter terms of appointment for the IOs based on the assessment of the risk with the longest term being five years.
“Waka Kotahi is committed to improving the overall safety of the vehicles on New Zealand’s roads and ensuring the road transport system is safe and functions well for everyone. Strengthening the oversight of these IOs through defined appointment terms is another way for Waka Kotahi and those we regulate to contribute to a safer land transport system,” Hardiman says.
