The New Zealand Choice of Repairer Industry Leaders Group have welcomed growing industry and public support for a Choice of Repairer law, saying the case for reform has never been stronger and Parliament should now act to protect the rights of New Zealand motorists.
"Choice of Repairer has always been, first and foremost, a consumer issue," said Peter Morton, Chair of the Choice of Repairer Industry Leaders Group.
"This reform is about the rights of New Zealand motorists — the right to choose who services and repairs their own vehicle, and the right to competitive prices during a cost-of-living crisis."
"We welcome every organisation and every voice that joins the call for reform. The louder the call, the harder it is to ignore. What matters now is that the industry speaks with one voice, behind a practical, proven solution."
A Choice of Repairer law would require vehicle manufacturers to provide independent repairers with the same repair and service information they provide to their authorised dealer networks, including diagnostic information, repair specifications, technical service bulletins, software updates and digital service records, on fair and reasonable commercial terms.
This is the model already operating successfully in Australia, where automotive right to repair legislation has levelled the playing field between dealer networks and independent repairers while maintaining safety and security. The Australian experience shows the reform is not radical and not anti-manufacturer. It is working.
"Modern vehicles are computers on wheels," Mr Morton said.
"Without access to the right information, even the best technician can be locked out of the job. When independent repairers are locked out, motorists lose choice — and when motorists lose choice, they pay more."
Surveys of New Zealand independent repairers show that 48% have been forced to turn away vehicles because they could not access the information, tools or data needed to complete the repairs, with many saying the situation is getting worse.
Every vehicle turned away means a motorist redirected back to a dealer network, longer wait times, less competition, and fewer affordable options for families, tradies, small businesses, farmers and regional communities.
"New Zealand cannot afford to lose the strength of its independent automotive aftermarket," Mr Morton said.
"Motorists cannot afford it, communities cannot afford it, and the economy cannot afford it. The independent sector is ready, motorists are ready and the case is clear. The next step is for Parliament to act."
The Industry Leaders Group has been campaigning for a Choice of Repairer law for several years, and is the only industry-wide coalition bringing together New Zealand's independent automotive aftermarket alongside the consumer voice on this issue. Its Board represents New Zealand's four largest independent automotive repair networks, the country's two largest automotive parts and equipment suppliers, New Zealand's largest vehicle glass repair consortium and the New Zealand Automobile Association, reflecting a unified commitment across the sector and direct alignment with Australia's successful automotive right to repair reforms.
