The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) is actively recruiting a new generation of inspectors as it faces an impending workforce shortage. With nearly a third of the organization’s 46 national certifiers approaching retirement, officials warn that the loss of more than a dozen professionals in the near future could significantly impact vehicle owners.
Chief executive Ken McAdam stated that a lack of available personnel to conduct inspections would lead to longer wait times for those seeking to certify their modified vehicles. The association currently manages the certification process for approximately 6,000 vehicles annually, ensuring that heavily modified cars meet New Zealand’s legal safety standards.
LVVTA Seeks Car Enthusiasts for Vacancies
The LVVTA is looking to attract car enthusiasts to fill these upcoming vacancies. According to McAdam, there are no specific prior qualifications required for the role. Instead, the assessment process prioritizes an individual’s practical understanding of vehicle modifications and their ability to identify potential mechanical faults.
“The main focus will be on finding the right people to do the job,” McAdam said. “They are out there, it’s just some of those people have their head down, buried in workshops.”
Matt Lauder, a Kāpiti-based certifier who joined the industry last year, serves as an example of the desired applicant profile. Lauder, who spent a decade drifting and building his own competition vehicles, noted that his hands-on experience provided him with the necessary insight into what modifications work and what do not.
Uncertified Modifications Contribute to Vehicle Accidents
The importance of the certification process is underscored by the organization’s involvement in police Serious Crash Unit investigations. McAdam noted that the LVVTA has observed instances where uncertified vehicles were involved in accidents, with modifications sometimes contributing to the crashes. While the Toyota Hiace remains the most commonly certified vehicle due to its prevalence as a taxi van, the Ford Ranger has also become increasingly common in the certification pipeline.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has expressed confidence that efforts are underway to maintain appropriate coverage levels, though it did not comment on whether it holds concerns regarding the number of certifiers nearing retirement.
