Months-long waits for driver tests are an intolerable hold-up, according to South Wairarapa s Mayor, who is demanding a quicker turnaround for learner drivers as the number waiting across the country sits at about 40,000.
Mākoura College students watch a safety demonstration during a RYDA [Road Safety Education] workshop at Solway Showgrounds, Masterton. Students at the school, and other Wairarapa leaner drivers, are waiting up to three months to get a restricted licence test.
Photo: WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE / MARCUS ANSELM
Alex Beijen joined Sandra Goudie, his counterpart in Thames-Coromandel, in demanding a quicker turnaround for learner drivers.
The queue to take a test rose to 42,000 across New Zealand, with wait times of more than 100 days at Masterton s Vehicle Testing New Zealand [VTNZ] centre, the closest testing centre for Masterton and Carterton districts and most of South Wairarapa district.
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Government allows more support to seafarers visiting New Zealand
The Maritime Transport Act will be amended through the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill to allow maritime levies to be used to provide support services coordinated by the Seafarers Welfare Board.Devdiscourse News Desk | Wellington | Updated: 09-03-2021 10:20 IST | Created: 09-03-2021 10:20 IST
Transport Minister Michael Wood said COVID-19 has impacted massively on international shipping lines and this has meant seafarers need support. Image Credit: Twitter(@michaelwoodnz)
The Government is fulfilling its pre-election commitment to allow more support to seafarers visiting New Zealand, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today.
The Maritime Transport Act will be amended through the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill to allow maritime levies to be used to provide support services coordinated by the Seafarers Welfare Board.
Electric car push unrealistic but Government could offer incentives
8 Mar, 2021 12:00 AM
6 minutes to read
Sales of electric cars in New Zealand have rocketed. Photo / Getty Images
Sales of electric cars in New Zealand have doubled and projected growth is expected to be exponential . However, experts in the vehicle industry say it s unrealistic to think the majority of motorists will change to electric vehicles anytime soon.
Overseas car manufacturers ultimately dictate the number of electric vehicles available and high costs are putting people off, they say.
Transport Minister Michael Wood. Photo / File
In response, Transport Minister Michael Wood says the Government recognises there could be barriers to switching to electric cars and that s why we re looking at possible incentive schemes .