Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

Last week, as Associate Minister of Transport, I launched a discussion document on options to make New Zealand's vehicle licensing systems simpler and more efficient. The public has six weeks to make a submission and if you've got a view I urge you to have your say.

The Vehicle Licensing Reform project is looking at ways to improve the warrant/certificate of fitness, registration, and transport services licensing systems.

The current systems have been in place for decades and affect every vehicle owner and driver. More than 14 million transactions are generated every year by these systems. The Government is keen to make sure the rationale behind the systems is still clear and justified.

Reform in this area has the potential to save millions of dollars in unnecessary costs and time for households and businesses, which supports National's plan to build a more competitive and productive economy. About $245 million is paid in inspection fees each year and the time spent getting a warrant of fitness (WoF) is estimated as worth $100 million.

New Zealand's WoF system – which began in the 1930s – has a higher frequency of inspections than similar systems in most other OECD countries. It is also possible that there is too high a reliance on a WoF check as a substitute for on-going vehicle maintenance.

In Australia, the frequency of inspections is less in every state than New Zealand's system. In a number of states, for instance, a safety inspection is only required at change of ownership. Across the board, Australia has better road safety outcomes than New Zealand. While they inspect less they do other things which obviously make the difference.

Safety, of course, remains a key issue for this Government. An on-going goal for road safety is to put effort where risk is highest. One of the objectives of the project is to reduce regulatory burdens while achieving similar or improved safety outcomes, so any changes to existing systems will have to achieve this.

The options in the discussion document are not preferred options; there may be others. The views and knowledge of vehicle owners and drivers and the transport sector will be an important part of any final recommendations to help the Government make fair and considered choices. I encourage you to head to the Ministry of Transport website, www.transport.govt.nz, and let us know what you support, and whether there's anything we've missed.

Out and about

In between work in Wellington I've really enjoyed my weekends at home in Tauranga recently. Spring seems to be here and I have enjoyed getting out and about. Among the events I have attended have been some Bowling Club Season openings and the Women's Expo at TECT Arena.

Last weekend it was great to pop along to the Home and Leisure Show and to officially open the Tauranga Kennels Association's Show at Waipuna Park, Welcome Bay. This event attracted people (and dogs) from all over NZ. It is a privilege to be the association's patron. One final event is well worth mentioning: Tauranga Musical Theatre's show ‘The Producers' at Baycourt. Whenever Tauranga Musical Theatre puts something on it's a tremendous night out. This was no exception.