Waka Kotahi has canceled hundreds of WOFs issued by Newmarket Auto Repair after they were found to be void due to the lack of a certified WOF inspector (file image).
Photo: 123 RF
More than 600 fitness orders have been canceled in Auckland’s Waka Kotahi after an investigation at a car repair shop.
The Transport Agency has told the Motor Trade Association – MTA – that 677 warrants issued by one of its members, Newmarket Auto Repair, were rejected in the last 10 months due to the lack of a certified WOF inspector.
Last week, Waka Kotahi wrote to the affected vehicle owners to inform them that their cars must be tested again.
MTA CEO Lee Marshall said Newmarket Auto Repair’s membership has been suspended immediately pending a full investigation into the serious violation.
“For more than 100 years, the MTA has stood for excellence, safety and professionalism. We take that very seriously,” he said.
“To say we are very disappointed would be an understatement.
“Our first concern is for the poor and needy.”
Marshall said the union is taking steps to keep customers out of pocket.
Although responsibility rests with Newmarket Auto Repair, the MTA will issue a $50 MTA voucher to all customers who are unsuccessful in obtaining payment directly from the business, on a prior credit basis.
“Fifty dollars is Newmarket Auto Repair’s guaranteed amount. Customers can use the voucher at any MTA member business.”
“Unfortunately, there are always going to be people who annoy everyone,” Marshall said.
“But we want to assure riders that the blue MTA badge still stands for integrity, quality and professionalism.”
He said fitness prescription played a vital role in road safety and its reliability was non-negotiable.
“The MTA is very sad about this one [its] Members have violated our rules and code of conduct, and have misled and misled many vehicle owners.
Marshall said the MTA had a set of high standards for considering members.
“As a result, we have the opportunity to review and improve our membership requirements.”
Newmarket Auto Repair was approached for comment.
If you have had your Newmarket Auto Repair WOF canceled and would like to talk to RNZ about it, please get in touch via news@rnz.co.nz
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