VINZ is a market leader in imported used vehicle certification - requiring specialist knowledge and skills.
What we do
In New Zealand, every motor vehicle used on the road must comply with regulations governing safety and environmental protection.
As part of a long term partnership with Government via the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), VINZ inspects, tests, and certifies new and used vehicles to ensure they comply with these regulations.
Our services meet the needs of an essential and permanent part of road user legislation.
They include Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and Certificate of Fitness testing (COF for commercial vehicles), vehicle appraisals and inspections, exhaust emission testing, driver and vehicle licensing, and road user charge collection.
Used vehicles entering the country must comply with New Zealand regulations. Through a network of compliance agents, VINZ operates "one stop shops" for Entry Certification in addition to nationwide testing station sites.
Ten stations, like this one in Stoke, Nelson, help ensure safer vehicles travel our roads.
As well as vehicle inspections VINZ handles driver licencing and road user charge collection.
Almost 20 years on the road
VINZ was originally established as a co-operative in the early 1990's by a large group of New Zealand motor industry people. It is now a privately owned company.
Our purpose was initially to provide services to the mushrooming used vehicle import industry, motor dealerships and their customers and provide competition in the market.
As a Land Transport Service Delivery Agent for over 15 years, VINZ service has expanded with changing legislative and operational requirements.
We established a nationwide agent network - with major partnerships in main centres - to handle inspection of large bulk shipments of vehicles. This structure minimised the need for capital investment by VINZ and enabled the faster processing of vehicles from the arrival ports to the motor vehicle dealers' sales yards.
We became a market leader in imported used vehicle entry certification.
We launched retail vehicle testing stations in key cities employing skilled technicians and specialist mechanics.
And we became a key service provider for nationwide rental fleets, and regional road transport and commercial fleet operators.
Like the vehicles they inspect, VINZ inspectors must meet strict NZTA criteria.
People and Places
We employ over 150 qualified inspectors, technicians and support staff at VINZ testing stations in Mt Wellington and Auckland Airport; Te Rapa, Hamilton; Palmerston North, Lower Hutt; Nelson; Christchurch City and Airport; Timaru and Dunedin.
Inspector applicants must first meet NZTA's strict eligibility criteria to be considered for such a role. They have to demonstrate practical technical skills and knowhow (many are specialist mechanics); display exceptional customer skills and be able to develop a sound knowledge of documentation.
We provide technical expertise and training for our service centre staff and agents as well as everyday services for the motor trade and public
Inspectorate staff undergo thorough training to ensure they meet the high standards required by VINZ. They are then tested by NZTA's Performance Review System before being authorised to issue vehicle certifications. VINZ and NZTA regularly audit all inspectors to ensure quality and consistency of processes and certification.
VINZ provides constant technical expertise and training for service centre staff and inspectors.
Management and Administration
VINZ has always operated prudently with minimal but experienced administrative staff and management.
Governance is a key element of VINZ's success.
We have modern integrated management information systems and use the Internet for internal communication.
Frank Willett has extensive technical and management experience in the transport industry.
General Manager Frank Willett is well known throughout the Government Transport related sectors and wider transport industry. He has held senior operational management roles with vehicle certification workshops, automotive products distribution and represented the industry locally and overseas. Frank trained as an Automotive Technician in the RNZAF before becoming involved in all aspects of vehicle assessment and certification. Over the last 19 years he has been a vehicle certifier, Transport Consultant, and Trade Association Advisor to the used vehicle import industry.
The heavy transport industry is a major part of our business.
The future:
VINZ has contracted to the NZTA for over 19 years. All Contracts and Appointments have been regularly renewed based on VINZ excellent performance and ongoing commitment to delivering services on behalf of NZTA.
We are ready to meet the needs of the motor industry as it faces continual changes in requirements for vehicles allowed on New Zealand roads.
We are also committed to 'thinking outside the square' when considering better and more efficient ways to deliver services to our customers.
For further information contact:
Frank Willett, General Manager,
Vehicle Inspection New Zealand Ltd
79 Carbine Road Mt Wellington
PO Box 14-149, Panmure, AUCKLAND
Ph: 64 9 573 3230
Visit us online at www.vinz.co.nz