Southlanders are passionate about their motorbikes and vintage vehicles, and our province is bursting with pride for its rich history in motorsport and the dedicated preservation of classic bikes and vehicles.

Invercargill’s Classic Motorcycle Mecca stands as the Southern Hemisphere’s ultimate motorcycle museum, and is a true gem for enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

And it was thrilling to see hundreds of motorcycle lovers from across the country converge on the South for the recent Burt Munro Challenge—now one of the country’s biggest and most exciting motorcycle events.

Those Southlanders who own vintage cars, vintage motorcycles or privately owned motorhomes will therefore be delighted at just announced Government moves to reduce the frequency of Warrant of Fitness and Certificate of Fitness inspections.

At present these vehicles must be inspected every six months – an unnecessarily onerous and expensive compliance requirement.

The Government intends to consult on reducing the frequency of Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspections for these vehicles.

There are around 128,000 vintage vehicles in New Zealand, and about 39,000 private motorhomes, with many of them located here in this province.

At present the owners of these vehicles must spend time and money on WOF or COF inspections every six months.

That’s despite motorhomes and vintage light vehicles travelling much less per year compared to most modern cars, and evidence showing that faults in these vehicles are half as likely to have contributed to serious crashes involving these vehicles.

This is true even when factoring in the smaller numbers of motorhomes and vintage vehicles on our roads.

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds. Photo: Supplied

I think these proposed changes are a positive move and one that will make vehicle enthusiasts in the South very happy.

Public consultation on these changes will begin on 24 February 2025.

Visit nzta.govt.nz to share your feedback, with the last day being 4 April 2025.

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