The Hidden Inequity in New Zealand’s WoF Rules

It’s not because older vehicles are more dangerous:

• Less than 4% of serious crashes involve vehicle faults — mostly distance-related issues like worn tyres, brakes, or suspension.
• Out of 3.6 million vehicles on the road, only 528 were involved in serious/fatal crashes — that’s just 0.015%.
• And the odds are near zero that any were collectible vehicles.

So Why the Inequity?

Because WoF frequency wasn’t written for safety — it was written for sales:

• New car dealers benefit when buyers get a 3-year WoF holiday — making trade-ins easier than inspections.
• Used car dealers avoid older stock, which comes with liability under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The semi-annual WoF helps push buyers away from private sellers into newer used cars.
• Private listings — especially on TradeMe — suffer from the added cost and stigma of a 6-month inspection cycle.
• Collectible vehicles are collateral damage — while a 25 year old car at the bottom of its depreciation is more likely to be poorly maintained because they owner cannot afford to fix it, a 30- or even 100-year-old collectible is most likely to either be in roadworthy condition, or it is in a collector’s shed waiting for restoration. But it won’t be on the road in unsafe condition because collectible use is discretionary; if it’s not safe it won’t be driven.

What Drives This Policy?

Not public safety. Not the environment. It’s pecuniary interest, dressed up as regulation. This is not to say inspections are not important; the typical vehicle owner may not know if their vehicle is unsafe. But when it comes to collectibles, lobbyists and trade associations protecting their pecuniary interest have the ear of regulators — not collectors and not common sense.

Ask the Minister and NZTA:

• Class collectibles as distinct from transportables
• Inspect on distance-driven risks rather than solely age-based 
• License expert collectors to take care of their own as they always did before transportable rules made them collateral damage

Why Isn’t the Collectible Economy Heard?

“Regulators hear from suits paid to lobby. Collectors are found in swap meets and shows — so they never connect.”

Why? Simple answer: It’s a decentralised, owner-driven hobby with a $16.5 billion footprint — but because it is not an organised industry, it has no voice.

Until now

A Sector Hidden in Plain Sight

In 2024, the Federation of Motoring Clubs released a landmark report showing:

• 330,000 historic & classic vehicles in NZ
• $2.3 billion in annual economic activity
• Over 11,000 jobs supported
• $16.5 billion in economic footprint

Then Came the Petition

The 2024 petition gained over 9,500 signatures, asking for:

• Recognition of low-use, enthusiast-maintained vehicles
• Reform of outdated WoF and first-import inspection rules
• Owner certification and model-specific inspections

“It’s not about deregulation. It’s about proportionality, expertise, and respect.”

How do we get heard — and get meaningful action?

Use the organisations already in place:

• The NZ Federation of Motoring Clubs can speak for all collectors
• The Vintage Car Club NZ is already recognised by NZTA 
• Encourage both to expand their role to advocate and govern

The Message to Parliament & NZTA

Collectors are not asking for exemptions — they’re asking for recognition.

• Establish a 9th business group within NZTA – the collectible group
• Work with the established collectible associations (FOMC / VCC)
• Identify how collectibles enter the system (mostly imports)
• Align collectible entry certification to follow how they enter NZ
• Align ongoing safety with how collectibles are maintained
• Like firearm licenses, licence qualified collectors to ensure safety
• To qualified collectors issue special “gold plate” for rego
• Make the Gold Plate a privilege, not a right