VTNZ Covid-19 Update

The last four weeks have been unlike anything New Zealand has ever experienced before. We’ve all been in this together so from everyone at VTNZ we understand how hard it will have been for you, your families and those around you, but we thank you for all that you have done to ensure we get through this period of me in the safest and healthiest possible way.

Level 3 Services and Opening Hours

From Tuesday 28 April we will enter COVID-19 Alert Level 3. This alert level enables us to open more of our VTNZ branches but under strict health and safety procedures. Like Alert Level 4, we can offer Certificate of Fitness (CoF), Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Heavy Certification. Addionally, under Level 3 we will also offer Vehicle Condition Assessment (VCA) inspections. In Alert Level 3 we are unable to offer Road User Charges, vehicle registration, driver licensing and other NZTA products or services.

We will continue to run on a reduced network of VTNZ branches with 57 of our 80 branches opening during Alert Level 3. Most of our opening branches will be only be open 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. To see which of our VTNZ branches are open in your area, their opening hours and their booking requirements please regularly visit vtnz.co.nz to ensure you have the most up to date information.

On Tuesday 28 April (day one of Alert Level 3), VTNZ branches will not open until 12pm. This is to ensure all our branches have been deep cleaned, all health and safety equipment has been properly installed and all staff are familiar with health and safety procedures.

COVID-19 Safety Procedures

As we move to COVID-19 Alert Level 3, our main priority at VTNZ is to ensure the safety and well-being of our team members and our customers. We have made several operational changes at all our opening branches. In line with Ministry of Health recommendations, we will need you to follow strict health and safety procedures when vising us for your vehicle inspection.

To ensure you know what is happening we have outlined our new procedure below:

1. Before vising any VTNZ branch please ensure your vehicle is clutter free. To reduce the chance of infection, we will not be able to unload items from seats or boots to complete inspections.
2. When arriving at a VTNZ branch please stay in your vehicle. A VTNZ employee will come to you!
3. We will ask for your name, address and contact phone number to put in our COVID-19 register should we need to contact you again.
4. You will be asked a series of COVID-19 related questions. Please do not be offended when we ask these questions as they are for the safety of everyone vising our branches.
5. If you are an account customer the VTNZ employee will take your order number or other unique identifier to process the transaction. If you are not an account customer then you will need to make a payment inside the Branch when directed to.
6. When you reach the front of the queue you will be given instructions by our Automotive Technician as to what they require you to do whilst the inspection is taking place. Please follow their instructions. Our staff will be observing social distancing practices, wearing gloves and masks where appropriate and washing their hands between each inspection. We ask you to help us by observing these practices as well. Our customer service team are now seated behind Perspex hygiene screens. This is added protection for them and for you. It is important to note that currently we can only accept card (debit or credit) or on account as a form of payment. We cannot accept cash or cheques.

Extensions on Expired Inspections and Documents

VTNZ and other inspection industry organisations are continuing to work with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to gain clarification surrounding extensions on expired WoF’s, CoF’s and other inspections and documents.

At the current me the NZTA is still assessing how and when new expiry dates will be applied and how long these extensions will be given the Government priorities as we move through the different COVID-19 Alert Levels. As the Agency knows more, they will clearly communicate with both the industry and the public.

As information becomes available the NZTA will be updating their website. All up to date information and further details can be found on the NZTA FAQ page. If you have any questions about next week’s reopening or need further support, please reach out to our Sales Team. They are in regular contact with the network and may be able to help you with any location specific requirements. Their contact details are listed below:

Alec Mann
Business Development Manager Auckland/Northland
027 264 7261

Jimmy Bell
Business Development Manager Lower North Island/Bay of Plenty
027 809 6664

Richard Northover
Business Development Manager South Island
027 809 6663

Sonyia Barron
National Sales Manager
027 801 5499