The NZMCA will apply to become a certification authority and commence the process of training our testing officers to become vehicle inspectors in 2024. We will begin transitioning over to our new certification programme before June 2024.
Once we transition, all members must certify their vehicles under the new regulations when their vehicle is due for inspection. The inspections you carry out for financial members will continue to remain a free member benefit[1], regardless of the type of onboard toilet.
Members’ vehicles carrying portable toilets must meet the new regulations, save for the fixed toilet requirement. Subject to passing the inspection, they will be issued with a new NZMCA branded certificate and warrant card. However, their vehicle details will not be entered into the government’s vehicle register. This means their vehicle will not be certified for the purposes of freedom camping; however, it will be certified to comply with the NZMCA’s constitution and bylaws.
Members with fixed toilets onboard their vehicles will have two options to select from if their vehicle passes its inspection:
- Option A – Receive NZMCA branded certification documents (free of charge) to remain members, access our parks and attend events; or
- Option B – Pay the levy ($120) and receive the government’s new certification documents that will enable them to freedom camp in areas that require this certification.
Both options will comply with the NZMCA’s constitution and bylaws.
Some members with fixed toilets will proceed with Option A if they do not freedom camp but want to remain NZMCA members without paying the $120 levy every four years. If they, or the new owner of the vehicle change their mind, the National Office will issue the governments certification documents for the remaining period of certification, on receipt of the full levy.
We anticipate most members with fixed toilets will proceed with Option B. The National Office will issue an invoice after processing a members check sheet, and require payment of the levy prior to releasing the government’s certification documents.
This approach upholds the Board’s commitment to members with portable toilets and will not force members with fixed toilets to pay the levy if they do not freedom camp.
Further detail will be made available as we develop the new programme.