What Australia’s Right to Repair Law can teach New Zealand

Most people in the New Zealand automotive industry are aware that Australia has a dedicated automotive right to repair law.
That law requires vehicle manufacturers to share the same repair and service information with independent repairers that they make available to their dealer networks. That includes diagnostic information, repair specifications, technical service bulletins, software updates, service schedules and other essential data needed to safely and properly service and repair modern vehicles.
Importantly, this information must be made available on fair and reasonable terms.
In practical terms, it means Australian motorists can choose to have their vehicle serviced and repaired either by the dealer, or, a trusted independent workshop, knowing that the technician working on their vehicle will have access to the information needed to do the job properly.
That is what real consumer choice looks like.
The law has been a significant reform, helping to level the playing field between dealer networks and independent repairers while supporting competition and consumer choice.
Modern vehicles are now computers on wheels, packed with sensors, software, electronic systems, advanced driver assistance systems and digital service records. 
Without access to the right repair information, even the best technician can be locked out of the job. That is not good for workshops, motorists, or competition.
The Australian experience shows that a right to repair law is not radical, It is not anti-manufacturer and it does not compromise safety. 
The law is working. Independent repairers are accessing the information they need. Motorists have more confidence and the market is operating more fairly than before. 
New Zealand motorists deserve the same protection.
At present, New Zealand does not have a dedicated automotive Choice of Repairer law. Access to essential repair information can therefore be inconsistent, difficult, expensive or, in some cases, unavailable. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, that problem will only become more significant.
And this is not a theoretical concern. It is already happening.
Surveys of New Zealand independent repairers show that access to repair and service information is a genuine and growing problem. Forty-eight per cent of independent repairers report having to turn away vehicles because they could not access the information, tools or data needed to complete the job. Many more say the situation is getting worse year on year.
That should concern every New Zealander who owns a vehicle.
When independent repairers are locked out, motorists lose choice. When motorists lose choice, they have fewer options, less convenience and less competitive pressure on price. In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, that matters.
It will mean more vehicles being redirected back to dealer networks, even for routine service and repair work. It will mean longer wait times, less competition and fewer affordable options for families, tradies, small businesses, farmers and regional communities.
And over time, it will place additional pressure on household budgets.
This is why Choice of Repair is fundamentally a cost-of-living issue.
New Zealand cannot afford to lose the strength of its independent automotive aftermarket. Motorists cannot afford it, local communities cannot afford it, and the economy cannot afford it.
That is why the New Zealand automotive industry is now working together to secure a fair and practical Choice of Repairer law.
This is not a narrow campaign being run by one business or one segment of the market. It is a coordinated industry effort supported by the major players in the independent automotive aftermarket. 
The New Zealand Choice of Repairer Industry Leaders Group brings together major repair and service providers, suppliers, industry participants and the consumer voice through the AA.
At its heart, this campaign is about preserving consumer choice and ensuring independent repairers can compete on a fair and level playing field.
Australia has demonstrated that this can be achieved through sensible, balanced legislation that supports competition while maintaining safety and security.
Now it is New Zealand’s turn.
The independent automotive sector is ready. Motorists are ready. The case for reform is clear. The next step is for Parliament to act.
More information or to support the campaign contact: 
info@choiceofrepairer.org.nz