26 June 2001

“The Government is to be congratulated on providing greater protection to consumers through changes to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act,” said Nick Toonen, CEO of the New Zealand Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, today.

“We commend the Government for taking a strong stand against people who rip off members of the public when they buy second-hand vehicles. Nation-wide, Citizens Advice Bureaux deal with 250 enquiries every week about motor vehicles and motor vehicle sales which suggests that people are having a lot of problems in this area.

“In our submission on the proposed law changes we argued for a register of people who sell motor vehicles, apart from private sellers, so we welcome the new Motor Vehicle Traders Register that not only provides a standard in the industry, but also ensures that people with past convictions can’t continue to operate illegally, as is now the case.

“We are especially pleased that the jurisdiction of the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal has been extended. The fact that consumers can now apply direct to the Tribunal without having to go through an industry body first is a great improvement, as is the wider jurisdiction of the Tribunal to cover the Consumer Guarantees and Fair Trading Acts.

“We are heartened that the Government has listened to the needs of the community as expressed through our Association and similar bodies.

“Our 88 bureaux, which deal with the frustrations of ordinary New Zealanders because of major problems with this area of the law, will be delighted that the problems are finally being addressed.”

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