The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association is committed to:

Promote and retain the right of New Zealanders to use motor vehicles on the public road that have been modified, or constructed in limited volumes, for sporting, recreational, special mobility or business purposes; and

to develop and maintain, in consultation with the New Zealand Transport Agency, a Low Volume Vehicle Code, to govern the modification or construction of low volume vehicles; by being incorporated by reference in applicable road transport law; and

to achieve effective communication with persons concerned with the modification, construction, and certification of low volume vehicles; and

to remain an independent and autonomous organisation within the motor vehicle industry; and

to advocate and lobby on behalf of the members of LVVTA to protect and advance these objectives; and

create an environment in which both employees and volunteers can contribute and expand their skills and commitment to all aspects of the Association's activities.

In order to achieve these objectives, the LVVTA:

* represents the needs of its members to the Government; and

* develops and continuously improves the LVV Technical Standards that ensure that every aspect of a scratch-built or modified vehicle's design and construction is carried out as safely as it can be; and

* provides technical support services to the owners of hobby cars in order to assist them through the LVV Certification process; and

* provides training, technical support and all necessary LVV documentation to the LVV Certifiers.

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Media

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Evolution of the low volume vehicle system

Effects of the new regulations as proposed

The low volume vehicle system solution

The start of low volume vehicle certification

Establishment of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association

The single-certification system merger

The low volume vehicle system today

The future of the low volume vehicle system

Evolution of the low volume vehicle system

The evolution of the low volume vehicle system in New Zealand started when the Government commenced planning the introduction of vehicle standards back in the mid to late 1980s. At that time, life for a hobby car enthusiast was a pretty simple affair. We could go down to the local post office, and register our new scratch-built hobby car - that may or may not have even existed at the time. And as long as our cobbled-together jalopy could pass a few simple warrant of fitness requirements at the local testing station, it was officially and legally ‘on the
road’. Aah, the good old days…

Vehicle standards-based safety regimes were by then already in place throughout most other western countries, and our Government’s plans to introduce vehicle standards into New Zealand (despite wide-spread suspicion of it being some sinister sort of plot) was simply to drag New Zealand into line with the rest of the developed world, by introducing legislation to control the safety-related quality of vehicles imported into, and to a much lesser extent,
manufactured in, New Zealand.

When rumours of this new Government legislation that was under development began to leak out, the New Zealand Hot Rod Association (Inc) (NZHRA) investigated what was going on, and learnt that the Ministry of Transport’s then proposals for how modified and scratch-built vehicles would be handled under the new regime wasn't’t going to be a palatable outcome for the hobby car enthusiast.

Effects of the new regulations as proposed

The new vehicle standards-based regulations as originally proposed by the Ministry of Transport would have meant the end of New Zealand hobby car enthusiasts building and modifying vehicles. Under the new regulations as they were originally drafted, it would have become illegal to build a vehicle, or to modify a component or system in a production vehicle governed by one of the new vehicle standards, unless the modification could be shown to comply with the standard, via the same level of testing that the component or system had experienced to gain initial approval. In most cases, that would have meant that the vehicle would have to be subjected to physical tests that are both complicated and expensive to carry out, and which would permanently damage the vehicle.

For the major vehicle manufacturers, this process is an accepted practice, as their massive investment in type testing vehicles and components to demonstrate compliance with a standard can be amortised out over the thousands of vehicles they sell. For Joe Home-builder however, it would have meant finding a new hobby.

After lobbying by NZHRA and other enthusiast groups, the Ministry recognised that there needed to be some relaxation introduced, rather than what would have effectively been a blanket ban on building and modifying motor vehicles. Their initial solution by which to resolve this problem was to adopt the rules that some parts of Australia had applied to modified and home-built vehicles (limiting modifications and/or capping distances that such vehicles could travel on public roads), and then use our local ‘registered transport engineers’ to do the safety-inspections.

From NZHRA’s point of view, these engineers were probably very good at calculating the strength of a draw-bar on a truck, but as an industry, they knew nothing about the complexities of a scratch-built hot rod or sports car (nor should they be expected to, as that’s not their area of expertise), and at costs of up to $1000 that NZHRA was hearing about just to certify a draw-bar, what was it going to cost us for a whole scratch-built hot rod? And, of even greater concern, what sort of outcome would result from an inspection made by someone who didn’t know what he was looking at?

The low volume vehicle system solution

After getting their heads around the issues at stake, and developing a relationship with the key Government officials, NZHRA proposed in 1990 that the Ministry allow NZHRA to write their own technical rules, use their own experts for the inspection process, and ‘self-regulate’.

The Ministry, after been subjected to a considerable education process by NZHRA, and gaining a new appreciation for the upper end of hot rod design and construction along the way, eventually became satisfied that this could in fact be the way forward, and agreed in principle (with plenty of provisos) to NZHRA’s proposed self-certification concept.

In order to legally empower this process, the first version of the ‘Low Volume Vehicle Code’ (LVV Code) was developed by the Ministry and the enthusiast groups that were involved at that stage, as an alternative standard approved under the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 (VSRs). In effect, the LVV Code became a concession that could be used by hobby car builders and modifiers as a way through the new legislative regime.

To be eligible to use the LVV Code, the vehicle must be constructed in quantities of less than 500 per year by a manufacturer or constructor whose total production of any type of motor vehicle would not exceed this number, which effectively confined the use of the LVV Code to low-production kit car manufacturers, very small specialist vehicle manufacturers, and one-off home builders and modifiers.

It became recognised by the Ministry that with the level of historical knowledge (of both how, and how not to do things) and experience contained within the NZHRA network, that ‘best practice solutions’ could in fact become a very legitimate and successful means of operating an alternative system for scratch-built and modified vehicles, alongside the formal vehicle standards regime for production vehicles. It was agreed, then, that in general terms, the LVV Code would allow a vehicle to be built or modified and still comply with the new Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990, by substituting the approved standards for high volume (mass-produced) vehicles, with an alternative method and procedure that captured the spirit of the original vehicle standards, but without having to resort to physical testing. These ‘alternative standards’ would become recognised as ‘low volume vehicle standards’, and would provide the technical requirements for modified and scratch-built vehicles, based not on
physical testing and expensive calculation work, but on ‘historical best-practice knowledge’.

The start of low volume vehicle certification

As the start of 1992 rolled around, the LVV Code was written and incorporated into the new legislation, and NZHRA had written their code of practice (the original NZHRA Code of Construction Manual), established their administrative system, appointed their own certifiers, and were getting ready to commence LVV certification operations. The first two cars to be LVV certified in New Zealand were two brand new hot rods making their debut at the NZHRA Street Rod Nationals in Masterton, in April 1992.

Other enthusiast groups (the Sports Car Club of New Zealand, NZ Motor Caravan Association, and the Constructors Car Club) also gained approval to establish and operate their own parallel ‘self-certification’ systems.

Initially, like the other enthusiast groups, NZHRA were only concerned with their own members’ vehicles, however it was only a matter of weeks before the Ministry of Transport came to NZHRA and one of the other groups, asking them if they could also look after all the other non-member vehicles out there, whose owners found themselves in the same situation as the enthusiast group members, with vehicles that were modified and suddenly required LVV
certification.

The groups’ operations expanded quickly, by being tasked with looking after suspension modifications, brake adaptations, diesel engine conversions, and all sorts of other more mainstream modifications, in addition to their own members’ hobby vehicles.

Establishment of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association

Also during 1992, the six organisations then involved in some way with the new-born LVV certification system (not all of them were actually operating LVV certification systems), formed the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated (LVVTA), as a parent body to represent the interests of those six groups, and to produce the LVV certification plates for the groups carrying out LVV certification operations.

By the mid-1990s, then with eight member associations (and effectively representing all of the other non-member enthusiasts in New Zealand), LVVTA had taken on the role of dealing with the Government directly on behalf of all of their member groups - rather than each group individually knocking on the Ministry’s door as had initially been happening - and was having a positive effect on the overall LVV certification system. The individual certifying member associations like NZHRA could then worry less about the politics, and get on with looking after
their certification operations.

The single-certification system merger

After a couple of years of operation, it had become apparent that the quality of inspections varied between the groups, and that the inspection quality wasn’t ever going to become uniform while individual groups operated their own systems, and developed their own individual interpretations of the Government’s vehicle standards. To resolve this, the development and implementation of a unified single-certification system, and commonised
‘alternative standards’, was agreed upon by the member associations of LVVTA.

In 1995 LVVTA took on the role of merging the systems into one, under LVVTA’s administrative control. NZHRA had been doing around 70% of all of the LVV certification work since 1992, and their system was by far the most advanced and comprehensive, particularly from an inspection quality point of view. The single-certification system therefore became based primarily around NZHRA’s systems and documentation, and was up and running in 1996.

At the same time, the Ministry of Transport’s by then new arm, the Land Transport Safety Authority (now known as the New Zealand Transport Agency) took over the responsibility for appointing and revoking the individual LVV certifiers (until then the responsibility of the LVVTA member associations), along with the independent auditing of the quality of the LVV Certifiers’ work.

The low volume vehicle system today

Since the merging of the systems in 1996, the LVV certification system has, amidst a few ups and downs, been improved and refined enormously, with the development of a selection of low volume vehicle standards which set technical requirements to cover a wide range of safety-related systems and modifications.

These range from all of the typical performance enhancement type of modifications (engine conversions, brakes, suspension, wheels, etc) to seat installations, seatbelt anchorage retro- fitting, right-hand drive steering conversions, removal and disabling of supplementary restraint system air-bags, security modifications for security vans, through to adaptive control systems for people with disabilities, and designing modifications to remedy factory faults in production vehicles.

The LVVTA system, with its LVVTA member associations supporting it, has over the past decade expanded beyond just low volume vehicle standards, and now encompasses form-sets, information sheets, and other supporting documentation. The LVVTA documentation system is now so extensive that it fills a 7-volume set of manuals. A substantial chunk of the technical expertise and input behind all of this has in fact come from hot rodders – mostly NZHRA members - who still today continue to contribute a massive wealth of technical input into the LVVTA knowledge pool.

The vast majority of the LVV Certifiers around the country are the practical hands-on hobbyists who have spent their lives building and modifying cars, making mistakes and learning from them, amassing knowledge from the car club scene, and furthering their knowledge even beyond that through the engineering side of the motor racing environment.

Amongst these LVV Certifiers, who largely come from a hot rodding background, are national championship winners from the Dunlop Targa, the Muscle Car series, the Pre-’65 Saloon Car series, Clubmans racing, Off-road racing series, and there are national record-holders and championship winners in the national drag racing series. Also within the LVV certifier network is a world land speed record holder, a sports car manufacturer, a kit car designer and builder, a 6-second 200 mph dragster driver and tuner, along with numerous award-winning hot rod
fabricators, and people that build, engineer, and wrench on everything from dragsters to circuit cars, to tarmac rally cars.

Most of these guys started their LVV certification involvement right at the inception of the LVV system in 1992, and are utterly irreplaceable; - there is no degree, trade, profession, poly-tech, night-school, or text-books that can equip someone without the life-time of first- hand knowledge and experience that these people have – these practical hobbyist-based LVV Certifiers are graduates, with honours, from the real-world university of a car-building life, and from a decade or more of assessing, and learning from, the many and varied vehicles they inspect in their LVV certification role. Without them, the system would collapse. We must all – hobbyists and Government officials alike - respect them and value them enormously, and at the same time keep an eye toward the next generation of LVV certifiers, who are now quietly doing their hobby car building ‘time’, in their home-garages in every corner of the country.

The future of the low volume vehicle system

The job however, is far from over. There is still a mountain of work to do, because time, trends, and technology never stand still, especially in the world of modified and scratch-built vehicles – where everyone is trying to do something that is just that little bit different to everyone else. There are still many technical standards needed and yet to be completed, and there are a host of other components and systems that all need safety-related technical requirements put in place to ensure that whilst we are able to maintain our traditional freedoms to modify and build hobby cars, we do so whilst incorporating the highest levels of safety that can be practically achieved.

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Horses for courses

Do as they do, not just as they say

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: Land Transport Rules

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: Low Volume Vehicle Code

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: Low volume vehicle standards

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: NZ Car Construction Manual

Procedure for getting a new hobby car on the road

Scratch-built vs Modified Production

Vehicles built or modified before 1992

Early New Zealand transport legislation

Introduction of vehicle standards

The new ‘Rules’ regime

Horses for courses

LVVTA is an incorporated society, and comprises eight member associations, most of whom are hobbyist groups which would be adversely affected by motor vehicle legislation enacted without their interests being represented during the development process. The member associations are: the New Zealand Hot Rod Association, Motorsport New Zealand, Sports Car Club of New Zealand, Constructors’ Car Club, Vehicle Association of New Zealand for People with Disabilities, New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association, Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, and Kiwi Trikers Social Club.

The net result for the hobby car enthusiast because of LVVTA’s operations, is that the technical requirements relating to hobby vehicle modification and construction are, considering the over-regulated environment we live in, workable and achievable from a practical point of view. Builders can work to the rules, and LVV Certifiers can apply the rules.

The reason for the level of success in the LVV system in New Zealand is down to one simple factor – the rules are written for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts. In most other countries, regulations for hobby vehicles are written by their government, rather than by representatives of the enthusiasts, and the outcome of that is always, as far as we are aware, unsatisfactory for both parties. This is no criticism of those governments – just recognition that no one group can be expert in all areas; – just as LVVTA could not be expected to be experts in rules relating to motor body repair rules or certificate of fitness requirements, the government departments responsible for overseeing the country’s entire motor vehicle certification regime cannot be expected to be experts in a specialist area as small and complex as modified and scratch-built vehicles.

Do as they do, not just as they say

Despite any (real or perceived) shortcomings of the LVV system, the New Zealand hobby car community is very fortunate to be in a position where people from within their own ranks are responsible for writing the technical requirements by which our hobby vehicles must be built. Within the home-garages of the full-time LVVTA team members,you'll find vehicles such as a 1928 Model-A Roadster hot rod, a 1968 Corvette Roadster, a 1959 Cadillac, a custom 1956 Cadillac, a Corvette circuit-car, an 8-second 1956 Chevy drag car, a 6-second Ford Customline drag car, a 1956 Pontiac Safari, a turbocharged SS Commodore, a Toyota rally car, a scratch-built sports car, and a handful of modified or interesting daily drivers.

Likewise, the home garages of the LVVTA Management Committee members include home- built specials, historic racing cars, classic and custom motorcycles, various sports cars, a Harley Davidson,vintage cars, and hot rods.

Statistics like this are the best chance for a healthy future for the car building and modifying hobby – almost every time the LVV system faces a problem, the cause of it comes from someone (within or outside of the Government) who has neither understanding nor empathy for the modified or home-built hobby car, or its owner – and it must be virtually impossible for regulators to understand our passion or see things from our perspective, when, in some cases they don’t own a motor vehicle, or even hold a drivers’ licence.

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: Land Transport Rules

All safety-related motor vehicle requirements, and all of the national certification processes are governed by the Ministry of Transport’s Land Transport Vehicle Compliance Rule. Everything we, as New Zealand citizens, and as players within the motor vehicle industry or hobby, can and cannot do in relation to motor vehicles, is governed by this Rule.

In addition to the Land Transport Compliance Rule, the Ministry of Transport has a number of individual ‘equipment rules’, which specify legal requirements for all vehicles for selected components and systems.

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: Low Volume Vehicle Code

Within the Land Transport Compliance Rule, it is specified that any vehicle, that because of its origin or modifications becomes a low volume vehicle, must be certified to the Low Volume Vehicle Code of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated.

The LVV Code is a document agreed between the LVVTA and the Government that sets out the legal framework for how modified and scratch-built vehicles in New Zealand are to be treated. The LVV Code is owned and administered by the LVVTA, and is amended from time to time as required, in consultation with, and with approval from, the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The individual equipment rules also, where appropriate, refer in turn to the ‘Low Volume Vehicle Code of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated’, in the case of a vehicle that is modified or scratch-built.

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: Low volume vehicle standards

Within the LVV Code, the low volume vehicle standards are legally empowered. Although developed and written by the LVVTA, these must be approved and signed off by the Government.

The starting point for the LVV Standards comes from LVVTA researching and interpreting the relevant overseas vehicle standards that apply to mass-produced vehicles. With a lot of technical input from NZHRA, the LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee blends in the car hobby’s immense historical knowledge and best-practice methodology associated with the subject of the standard under development. From that point, the LVVTA develops a practically-oriented ‘alternative standard’, written in such a way that it can be implemented without destructive testing or prohibitive analysis costs, while still capturing the basic intent and spirit of the international vehicle standards that are applied by the high-volume (mass- produced) vehicle manufacturers.

As time goes by, new vehicle standards will be introduced by the Government, and for as long as the good relationship that exists today between LVVTA and the Government continues, LVVTA, with NZHRA’s on-going technical support, will continue to develop 'alternative standards' for each new main-stream vehicle standard that is introduced.

The low volume vehicle standards however, don’t always cover the level of complexity found within a scratch-built hobby car. The low volume vehicle standard for suspension systems (at 12 pages long), for example, is a technical standard that covers common suspension modifications, such as that which you’d find in the lowered performance imports which LVV Certifiers are assessing every day of the week, all around the country. This suspension standard however, doesn’t go anywhere near the complexities of the suspension issues within scratch-built vehicles, such as custom independent front suspensions, modified beam axles, aftermarket tubular axles, and so on – which whilst high in complexity, is very low in the numbers of vehicles that it applies to. This is because the LVVTA documentation system has to focus on providing technical requirements for the modifications that constitute the majority of the LVV certification work.

Relationship between the law and the Low Volume Vehicle Code: NZ Car Construction Manual

Therefore, there is a need for a document such as the old NZHRA Code of Construction Manual, or now, the new NZ Car Construction Manual. The NZ Car Construction Manual takes over from where the relevant low volume vehicle standard finishes. NZHRA’s initial development of the NZ Car Construction Manual has enabled LVVTA to focus on the wide and varied commercial pressures it faces, and allowed the appropriate specialist LVVTA member associations to focus in on the specialist areas relative to their membership’s needs. Far better for the experts (NZHRA in this case) to say that “yes, you can drill your old Ford I-beam axle provided that…”, than for NZHRA to do nothing, with the result that someone else takes the safer ground in the absence of the necessary knowledge, and says “no, you can’t drill your old Ford I-beam axle”.

The NZ Car Construction Manual is referred to in most low volume vehicle standards, as being the applicable source of information and requirements, where the nature of the modification or construction on the vehicle in question is beyond the scope of the standard. The NZ Car Construction Manual, therefore, forms an essential and integral part of New Zealand’s LVV certification system, and in order to ‘lock in’ the Manual into New Zealand’s regulatory framework, LVVTA purchased the Manual from NZHRA during 2010. NZHRA will continue to have a high degree of input into any future additions and improvements to it.

Low volume vehicle principles and procedures: Procedure for getting a new hobby car on the road

There are two separate aspects to getting a new hobby car on the road; - the process of meeting the new ‘entry compliance’ requirements (‘entry’ meaning entry into the NZ vehicle fleet), and the process of ensuring that the vehicle is safe.

In order to meet New Zealand’s entry compliance requirements, it has to be demonstrated to a Transport Service Delivery Agent (‘TSDAs’ are VINZ, VTNZ, AA and On-Road) that you have ‘entitlement’ to the vehicle (legal ownership), and that the vehicle, if imported, arrived through the correct and legal channels. A new scratch-built vehicle is quite straight-forward in this regard.

In order to show that the vehicle is safe, it has to undergo low volume vehicle certification. The LVV certification process accounts for 99% of the vehicle’s safety inspection, however, the TSDA will still carry out a basic check-over, mostly from a warrant of fitness viewpoint.

The correct order of steps required in order to get a new scratch-built hobby car legally on the
road are as follows:

* Utilise a suitably skilled and experienced LVV Certifier to carry out the preliminary inspections as the car progresses (a list of 1D-category LVV Certifiers is available here).

* When the car is nearing completion and its final LVV certification inspection, go to a TSDA and have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) allocated. This is a 17-digit number that any vehicle entering or re-entering the national vehicle fleet must have. The VIN must be allocated before the LVV Certifier can do his final inspection and order the LVV certification plate, as the vehicle’s VIN has to be recorded on the LVV certification plate. The TSDA may or may not need to see the vehicle before allocating a VIN.

* The LVV Certifier can then carry out his final LVV certification inspection. At this point, he will need to be provided with any supporting documentation that he may require, such as NDT reports, wheel alignment reports, etc. When the LVV Certifier is happy, he will order the LVV certification plate, which, upon its arrival to him, he will affix to the vehicle structure. If an LVV Authority Card is required, follow the procedure specified in ‘Chapter 3 – Authority Card Process’.

* The vehicle owner then takes the vehicle, with LVV certification plate fitted, to the TSDA. The TSDA will do his safety check and (if it passes) issue a warrant of fitness, generate the form from which the registration plates and label can be issued, and can then supply and affix the registration plates and label. The vehicle is then legally on the road.

For a new scratch-built vehicle, as long as the steps are followed, it’s actually a reasonably
straight-forward process, with a minimum of backward and forward movements.

Low volume vehicle principles and procedures: Scratch-built vs Modified Production

It is important to correctly distinguish between a ‘modified production low volume vehicle’, and a ‘scratch-built low volume vehicle’. This is because the LVV certification requirements that they have to meet are very different. A modified production low volume vehicle must comply only with those applicable technical requirements that might be affected as a result of the modifications that have been carried out. For example, a 1957 Chevy that has had a late-model 350 and over-drive automatic transmission fitted (and is otherwise original) only has to meet the applicable requirements specified for an engine and drive-train conversion in the NZ Car Construction Manual ‘Chapter 9 – Engine & Drive-train’, and because the vehicle’s increased performance is likely to have an effect on the vehicle’s braking performance, it also has to meet the requirements relating to braking performance specified in ‘Chapter 8 – Braking Systems’.

For a modified production low volume vehicle, no other specific chapters have to be complied with, although under the LVV Code, the whole vehicle must be checked over for general safety, and to make sure that any modification or group of modifications has not had a wider effect on the overall safe operation of the vehicle.

A scratch-built low volume vehicle however, must comply with all applicable technical low volume vehicle requirements, which include every technical section in the NZ Car Construction Manual, from ‘Chapter 5 – Chassis Modification & Construction’ through to and including ‘Chapter 19 – Vehicle Operation’.

Low volume vehicle principles and procedures: Vehicles built or modified before 1992

Some vehicles built or modified before the introduction of the new vehicle standards regulations were issued with what is known as a ‘modification declaration certificate’. This is a form that effectively shows to any warrant of fitness issuer that ‘this vehicle was built or modified before the new regulations came in, therefore it is not required to be LVV certified’.

This form remains good for the life of the vehicle, provided that; one – the vehicle hasn’t been modified further since the modification declaration certificate was issued; and two – the vehicle’s registration doesn’t lapse. If the vehicle is modified beyond that which is stated on the modification declaration certificate, or the vehicle’s registration lapses, the vehicle must then be LVV certified.

As is always the case, the LVV certification process will apply to the vehicle in its entirety (not just the new modifications), however the date upon which the vehicle was built or the majority of modifications were made will be taken into account, with a different set of requirements applied by the certifier, than if the vehicle was brand new. A scratch-built hot rod constructed in the 1980s with a single-circuit master cylinder, for example, will not be required to be upgraded to a dual-circuit master cylinder (as is required for a new scratch-built vehicle built after 1992) just because the registration lapsed, or because the Mk 3 Zephyr front discs (fitted when the car was built) are changed to some later model HZ Holden front discs after 1992. Common sense does still prevail within most areas of the LVV system.

In the same way, someone immigrating to New Zealand from overseas who brings their scratch-built kit car that was built before 1992, will, provided documented evidence is available to prove that it was in fact built prior to 1992, will not be required to comply with all of the new safety standards introduced after 1992, such as door retention systems and steering system collapsibility.

All vehicles however, irrespective of when they were built, or where they have come from, will be required by the LVV Certifier to be safe to operate, especially from a steering/suspension/braking point of view.

A copy of the modification declaration certificates issued during the early to mid 1990s are held by LVVTA, a duplicate of which can be purchased in the event of a vehicle owner losing his or her original modification declaration certificate. Note that in most cases, the testing stations that issued them did not file a copy at the time of issue (as was intended by the Ministry of Transport), so a duplicate won’t be able to be provided. However, a copy of any modification declaration certificates issued by an NZHRA certifier will almost certainly be on file. You can find out how to access this service by clicking here.

Government legislation background: Early New Zealand transport legislation

Motor vehicles in New Zealand have traditionally been governed by a set of rules that have been around since the 1950's, changed a little from time to time, and reviewed in the mid-1970's to become what we’ve known as the ‘1976 Traffic Regulations’. Until the early 1990s, these formed the basis of our Warrant of Fitness requirements.

Prior to 1990, many overseas-manufactured vehicles had been imported into New Zealand with certain components falling below an acceptable standard, in particular, windscreen glass and seatbelts, and in many cases vehicles were being imported that had no rear seatbelts fitted at all, at a time where all vehicles of such age should have had them fitted. There also needed to be a regime to stop the importation and sale of various non-approved components, including lights and lenses which didn't meet any standard because their sub-standard
manufacturing processes provided no ultra-violet resistance, and after short periods of exposure to sunlight, the red lenses had turned white.

‘Vehicle standards’ have been an integral part of the motor vehicle industry for decades in most other western countries, and it was inevitable that eventually those responsible for controlling vehicle safety in New Zealand would identify and adopt suitable internationally recognised overseas standards for New Zealand.

Government legislation background: Introduction of vehicle standards

The Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990, (VSRs), began to apply from 1 November 1990, but took real effect in the industry in 1992. The VSRs prescribed internationally established automotive standards for key items that affect vehicle safety, such as seatbelts, their anchorages, glazing, and lighting equipment. They require specified components and systems to comply with a standard, and to be maintained in accordance with the standard throughout the life of the vehicle.

If a component covered by one of these standards was to be repaired, the repair must have restored the component to its original condition as specified by the standards. This requirement is vital to the overall integrity of the vehicle standards philosophy, as any safety feature or device is only as good as its ability to continue to function correctly. It would be pointless having safety-related standards for new and imported vehicles only to allow these standards to become ineffective as soon as the vehicle is repaired.

Whereas the old 1976 Traffic Regulations just said that our vehicles must have four tyres with some tread on them, the new Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 said that whatever tyres we use on our vehicle (in addition to having sufficient tread on them), they must also have specific markings to prove that the carcass construction, load rating, speed rating, and method of manufacture all comply with one or more internationally recognised safety standards, and are therefore assured of being of good quality - as opposed to some tyres available in some parts of the world that are poorly made and create a potential danger to all road users.

Looking at it simplistically, the '76 Traffic Regulations are an old group of rules that tell us what items our vehicles must have, whereas the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 were the 'new-wave' type of legislation that told us exactly which of all of those items that are available, we are able to put on our vehicles.

The implementation of vehicle standards within our motor vehicle industry forced our New Zealand assemblers and manufacturers to use only approved components where there was a requirement for compliance, although more importantly, the regime also assured that any vehicles imported into New Zealand (particularly used imports) met the same safety requirements.

The introduction of the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 is what made the whole Low Volume Vehicle Code, the self-certification regime, the original Code of Construction Manual, and the NZ Car Construction Manual necessary.

Government legislation background: The new ‘Rules’ regime

The years of 1990 through to 2005 have been an extremely messy period for motor vehicle legislation in New Zealand. It was very simple before then, and will probably never get as complex again. Only a few years after the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 (VSRs) were introduced as an addition to the 1976 Traffic Regulations, development began on the new ‘Land Transport Rules’ regime. The idea of the Rules regime was to improve the VSRs, and amalgamate the VSRs with the 1976 Traffic Regulations.

For the industry, it’s been a head-spinning period trying to cope with a combination of Traffic Regulations, Vehicle Standards, and Land Transport Rules, which have kept constantly changing. Now, half-way through the first decade of the 21st century, the Government has almost completed the huge job of integrating New Zealand’s transport legislation into one standardised ‘Rules’ regime.

Things should, we hope, become much easier from here-on. Having said that, safety technology is becoming more and more complex, such as supplementary restraint system airbags in steering wheels, seats, and the body structure, along with traction control, stability control, and anti-lock braking systems. This technology is all moving forward at an astonishing rate.

For all of the variations of modern safety technology, there is a low volume implication, and the LVV system has to keep pace with it all.

The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Inc. is based in Porirua Wellington, and has a permanent staff made up of people whom all share a passion for modified vehicles. Most have spent a large proportion of their lives involved in club activities, racing, or motoring events and organisations, ranging from crewing on motorsports vehicles to building, racing, or modifying vehicles.

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Composition and background

Roles and responsibilities

Meetings and access

Dispensations to technical requirements

Composition and background

The LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is a sub-committee of LVVTA, established to provide LVVTA with expert technical direction on all technical matters relevant to the LVV certification system. Members are nominated by the LVVTA Chief Executive Officer, and are appointed by the LVVTA Council. Members are selected for their high level of experience and knowledge in certain areas of vehicle design and construction. One of LVVTA’s objectives is to have as wide a range of experience, knowledge and skills as possible covered by the TAC at all times, including welding, materials, fabrication, formal and practical engineering, along with knowledge in a diverse range of vehicle types and construction methods. Some
members are professional car builders, and all members have been in the vehicle modification and construction industry or hobby for at least 30 years. A technical representative from the NZ Transport Agency sits on the LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee.

Roles and responsibilities

The LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee provides an expert advisory role to the LVVTA technical staff. Their duties include;

* assessment and approval of Design Approval applications and Concept Approval applications for the motor vehicle hobby; and

* assessment and approval of Component Approval applications and Component Endorsement applications for the vehicle modification industry; and

* providing assessments and determinations on technical matters presented by LVV
Certifiers and the LVVTA technical staff; and
*reviewing and assisting in the ongoing development of LVV standards and the NZ Car Construction Manual; and

*providing expert assistance in preparation for, and during LVV Certifier training; and

*providing expert assistance in the assessment of modified vehicles involved in
complaints, investigations, or accidents.

*any other expert technical functions needed by the LVVTA technical staff.

Meetings and access

Any person may access the LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee for technical support and assistance on any technical matter relating to vehicle modification and construction, via the LVVTA technical staff. The LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee meet with the LVVTA technical staff either on a fortnightly, monthly, or as-needed basis.

Dispensations to technical requirements

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has a number of roles. It reviews and comments on
concept approval and design approval applications (refer to the NZ Car Construction Manual, ‘Chapter 4 – Build Approval Process’), and reviews LVVTA’s low volume vehicle standards during their development processes.

In recent years the TAC was responsible for developing the technical content of the NZ Car Construction Manual, and will maintain the responsibility for the on-going improvements and additions to it.

The TAC also provides the role of assessing whether or not something that is normally precluded by the technical requirements contained in this manual, can in fact, due to unusual or special circumstances, be used safely. It is accepted that no matter how hard we all try, a set of technical requirements such as those in this manual sometimes won’t correctly fit a certain situation. By the very nature of the car-building hobby, we all want to do something that’s different in some way to that which everyone else is doing.

Innovation and changes in technology therefore, will sometimes catch the TAC out, and determine that while the manual says a certain thing can’t be done or a certain component can’t be used, in fact within a certain criteria or set of conditions, it can be safely done or used.

Because of this, the TAC will always provide the role of considering an individual application, on a case-by-case basis, from a builder who wants to do something in a way that is outside of, or precluded by, the requirements in this manual. Where appropriate, the TAC will provide individual approval in writing, to enable that builder to do what it is that he or she wants to do, which in turn will need to be passed onto the LVV Certifier by the builder at the time of LVV certification. If you want to have your unusual situation (that is normally precluded by
these technical requirements) considered, address your question in writing to the LVVTA Technical Team at the Wellington LVVTA office (click here to visit our contact page), and they will make a representation to the TAC on your behalf at the next TAC meeting, and communicate back to you accordingly.

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LVVTA Board of Directors

The Board of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association is responsible for the stewardship and future well-being of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association, on behalf of the Member Associations of the LVVTA, through applying good governance. Good governance, in this context, is the exercising of corporate leadership through the establishment and monitoring of the necessary controls and strategic direction-setting, so that the LVVTA is equipped to respond to the changing circumstances and situations that it encounters, both internally and externally, in order to meet its requirements in law, and the expectations and requirements of its Members and other key stakeholders.

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Felicity Caird (Appointed)

Kerry Buchanan (Elected. Board Chair)

Phil Bradshaw (President)

Philip Crampton (Appointed)

Stewart Collinson (Elected)

 

Felicity Caird
Felicity joined the LVVTA board as an appointed member in February 2023. Originally from the South Island Felicity has lived and worked in Wellington for over 30 years. Her roles have been varied including at the Parliamentary Library, Office of the Auditor General and the Institute of Directors. She now works as a professional director and has a range of governance roles including with Racing New Zealand, Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers, the Southern Response Independent Oversight Committee and Porirua City Council Audit and Risk Committee. She also chairs the Racing Safety Development Fund Industry Working Group and the Parliamentary Counsel Audit and Risk Committee.
Felicity is enjoying working with the LVVTA Board, learning more about the world of modified vehicles and contributing to the ongoing success of a unique and growing organisation.

Kerry Buchanan
Kerry started off his working career as a fabricator/welder, progressing to workshop/site manager and part time AUT welding tutor. He has gained a NZ Certificate in Engineering (NZCE) in Mechanical Engineering, and for many years worked for an iconic NZ based manufacturing business as the Operations Manager. Kerry has always had an interest in all things automotive having owned cars, bikes and trikes, starting out with a Mark 3 Zephyr he modified back in the 70s, and raced in club and inter-club events. He has scratch-built three VW-based trikes, the latest one for his wife, and has for several years owned and ridden a mildly modified 1983 Suzuki Katana GSX1100 and a 2010 Buell XB12. Kerry is a founder and life member of Kiwi Trikers Social Club Inc (an LVVTA Member Association), which began in 1994.  He served for many years as the Co-ordinator of the club for many years. In addition, he has served as the club’s delegate on the LVVTA and has been a member of the LVVTA's TAC since 2000.  He chaired the team of three who produced the trike inspection formset for LVVTA in 1998 and has also developed a draft build-standard for trikes. In his shed is a long-term project Rat Rod which he is hoping to get some time to work on.  An interest and participation in bikes, trikes and cars is a family passion with both his father and brother competing in post classic bike racing, and his brother previously holding NZ ¼ mile and MPH records on a nitro bike he rode for 3 seasons. Kerry has operated as a mobile certifier specialising in motorcycles and trikes, and enjoys making the process easier for owners and builders.

Phil Bradshaw
A V8 powered T-Bucket hot rod ride when he was 14 ignited Phil’s interest in modified vehicles and resulted in the construction of a Lotus 7 replica in 1992, that was his only vehicle for a number of years. Since then he has helped with over 50 engine transplants and has a lifelong supply of projects stashed away. Phil has been a member of the Sports Car Club of NZ for over 25 years and the Constructors Car Club for over 20, including 5 years as President. He has been involved in the LVVTA since 2015, initially as the CCC’s representative that morphed into a position on the Management Committee and now the LVVTA Board. Phil’s day job is as a senior Marine Engineer Officer in the Royal NZ Navy. He has held a number of senior positions including Chief Naval Engineer. He balances a passion for engineering with a pragmatic outlook. Phil is committed to helping the LVVTA keep pace with the evolving regulatory environment, to ensure people can continue to modify and scratch build vehicles and get them safely on the road.

Philip Crampton
Philip has been a life-long admirer and supporter of Kiwis who build, modify and race cars and motorcycles. He lists Bruce McLaren, George Begg and Graeme McRae as his heroes on four wheels, along with Len Perry, Burt Munro, Kim Newcombe and John Britten on two.  Philip is passionate about fostering the interest and ability of today’s young Kiwis to build, modify and enjoy vehicles.  Membership of the LVVTA Board provides Philip with an opportunity to contribute to preserving this great Kiwi tradition.  A life- long Wellingtonian, Philip has worked in management in both the public and private sectors. His eclectic vehicle collection includes a Vespa, a Ferguson TEA 20 and a much loved, slightly modified XG Falcon ute affectionately known as Alan!

Stewart Collinson
Over a 40 year career Stewart has had roles in economics, strategic planning, sales and marketing, human resources, and organisation and management performance. He has worked in the oil industry, government central agencies, and front-line public service organisations.
Stewart grew up tinkering on cars and motorbikes and claims to be much happier in overalls than in a collar and tie. He has scratch-built a road car of his own design that was LVVTA certified in 2016 and is currently building a car for track use. He is a member of the Constructors Car Club and the editor of the Club’s magazine 'Spare Parts'.
Stewart’s objective is ensure that LVVTA has the respect and willing participation of the tens of thousands of people in the New Zealand motoring community of vehicle builders and modifiers, and the road using public.

 

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The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association is comprised of eight member associations, most of whom are hobbyist groups which would be adversely affected by motor vehicle legislation enacted without their interests being represented during the development process. Each member organisation nominates one person to represent them within the LVVTA Council.

Below is a link to each of our member organisation websites (where available), where you can find any information you may require.

Constructors Car Club Inc.

Kiwi Trikers Social Club Inc.

Motorsport New Zealand Inc.

New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association Inc.

New Zealand Hot Rod Association Inc.

New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc.

Sports Car Club of New Zealand Inc.

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc.

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The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Inc. is based in Porirua Wellington, and has a permanent staff of thirteen people, all of whom share a passion for modified vehicles. Most have spent a large proportion of their lives involved in club activities, racing, or motoring events and organisations, ranging from crewing on motorsports vehicles to building, racing, or modifying vehicles.

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Andrew McGregor - Technical Advisor

Brendon Norling - Certifier Support & Training Officer

Chris Smith - Technical Advisor

Daniel Boyd - Operations Manager, Technical Services

Dylan Mathieson - Technical Support, Engineering

Frances Tunley - Technical Officer, Certification

Justin Hansen - Technical Officer, Mechanical

Ken McAdam - Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Leon Cast - Technical Advisor

Linda Washington - Executive Administrator

Martin Boyle - Technical Advisor

Nikki Thomas - Office Administrator

Tony Johnson - Development Manager

Andrew McGregor
From a young age Andrew has been fascinated by anything mechanical and electrical, with his Dad introducing him to electronics and engines at just a few years old, he spent his childhood tinkering in the garage pulling apart whatever he could find.
College opened the door to a large fully equipped workshop, and Andrew knew the career path he’d go down, with his love for cars growing even more as he realised his two interests where combined in one machine!
Entering the automotive trade in 2000, Andrew was extensively modifying every car he owned in the early days, such as a turbo swapped Subaru Brumby Ute, turbo swapped RWD Lancer, Sigma, Galant, and many more, not to mention that his friends’ cars were getting the same treatment... Andrew eventually landed the role as Lead Engineer building hot-rods at a renowned NZ hot-rod shop (mainly scratch built early Fords), doing everything from chassis building to full EFI wiring and vehicle tuning. His passion for highly modified vehicles led him down the addictive path of drag racing, and for about a decade he was the Crew Chief for a blown alcohol dragster, with the team personal best (at the time) of 5.90sec @ 230mph in the quarter mile. Work involved doing everything from tuning the clutch and rebuilding the engine, to chassis repairs and replacement. Andrew is currently building his own space frame drag car which he has designed and built from chromoly on his own chassis table and hopes to hit the track in due course.

Brendon Norling - Certifier Support Officer
Like all LVVTA staff, Brendon Norling has a long-standing passion for cars. He turned this passion into a career starting out as a mechanic more than twenty years ago. Over the years he’s had the pleasure of driving, repairing and modifying a number of amazing cars, although he admits his own car ownership is, however, a little less flash. However, it does include a few modern-day classics such as an '89 Subaru Legacy RS, a 4AGE-powered '82 Corolla DX rally car and his current sunny day only wheels — a New Zealand new '86 Corolla GT. Having worked at various workshops over the years he has a wide range of on-the-tools experience and has held a number of positions including Workshop Foreman and Service Advisor. His desire to up-skill has seen him build on his engineering interests by starting a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering. Brendon has worked for LVVTA since October 2018.

Chris Smith - Technical Advisor
Modifying things with wheels was never just work for Chris, but a lifestyle choice, having been around bikes, cars, buses and trains his entire adult career. He has owned and modified a range of old cars from a Hot-Rodded 1923 T-bucket replica, a stock 1969 Impala coupe and also a couple of old Falcons that filled the carport at various times. Currently, his collection consists of an 1982 VH Holden Commodore wagon that’s been converted from a factory 4-cylinder to a much more respectable Holden V8 and Toyota 5 speed. Current daily driver is a modified Prius on adjustable suspension which he has used to commute to LVVTA since he began with them back in September 2018.

Daniel Boyd – Operations Manager, Technical Services
Daniel's passion for the automotive world has shaped his career in the automotive and supporting industries. With a background in collision repair and years of industry experience in the New Zealand, Canadian and UK markets, he brings a varied skill set to LVVTA. He holds business management and advanced collision repair qualifications. Prior to joining LVVTA, he played a vital role in the education system, dedicating himself to preparing and supporting the next generation of automotive collision repair and mechanical technicians. Additionally, he contributed 17 years as a volunteer firefighter. In his spare time, Daniel is proudly undertaking the complete restoration of his great grandfather's 1970 Holden HT, which is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. However, he reminds us that the road to its completion may not be a quick one, citing, "Rome wasn't built in a day!" a sentiment that may resonate with many automotive enthusiasts. Daniel has worked for LVVTA since January 2024.

Dylan Mathieson - Technical Support - Engineering
Dylan has a degree in Engineering Technology (Mechanical) and since the completion of his degree, has worked as a civil engineer on the design and drafting of various infrastructure projects. Before Dylan studied, he had continually worked in the automotive industry which for the majority, was as a parts advisor for a Ford dealership in Christchurch. His vehicle preference has always been Japanese imports and like the other LVVTA staff, he has owned many different modified vehicles such as an ‘82 Toyota Corolla SE through to an ‘89 Nissan Skyline GTR. Following the four very long years of study and not being in a financial position to race or modify cars, he is excited to be building a Toyota Altezza to get back behind the wheel and attend various motorsport events. Dylan has worked at LVVTA since October 2021.

Frances Tunley - Technical Officer, Certification
Frances is a qualified mechanic with 6 years experience at a Toyota dealership, where she completed her apprenticeship. Although Frances enjoyed working on cars (and still does in her spare time) and helping customers, the lure of a position within the automotive industry but out of the cold workshop was too much to resist! Cars also run in Frances' genes; her grandfather was manager of Standard Motor Bodies in Wellington for 30 or so years, and her and her siblings also grew up around cars, with their dad owning a panel beating shop which saw many cool cars pass through its doors, including Cobra replicas and a ZZ Top 34 Ford Replica. Frances has worked for LVVTA since May 2013.

Justin Hansen - Technical Officer, Mechanical
Justin is a qualified mechanic having served his time and spent 20 years working as a mechanic in busy Wellington workshops, amassing skills, experience and expertise along the way. Over the years Justin has also performed crew duties on a number of different drag and circuit racing cars, has been a keen drag racing photographer, written articles for various automotive magazines, and has owned and modified several American and Australian vehicles. Justin joined his local hot rod club at age 19, and is still a member today (although not as active as he'd like to be, having a young family)! He has also been actively involved with his local drag strip for many years, having sat as a board member, and managed the track safety crew. Justin has also become proficient in graphic design having produced numerous event posters, and he also manages the social media, website, and racer entry systems for the drag strip. Justin currently has a mix of vehicles, including a turbocharged SS Commodore, and a 1956 Pontiac Safari. He has also owned a number of performance Japanese cars, and was an avid off-roader for a number of years in his modified Toyota Hilux. A self-taught computer-geek, Justin looks after many of the computer and web-based systems at LVVTA, having started in the plate production role, before shifting across to the his current role as Technical Officer within the Technical Team. Justin has managed and chaired the Auckland-based LVVTA Technical Advisory Committee, LVVTA's highest level technical committee, since 2008, and has overseen many technical projects in that time including the introduction of metallurgical testing for cast axles. Justin assists with the development of technical documents including LVV Standards, the NZ Car Construction Manual, Information Sheets, and Safety Alerts, and also assists the NZ Police's Serious Crash Units across New Zealand with vehicle inspections and support. Justin has worked for LVVTA since April 2008.

Ken McAdam - Chief Executive Officer
Ken is a highly experienced and versatile individual, having had widespread involvement in the automotive industry in New Zealand throughout his extensive career. From the late 1970s to the present, Ken has taken on various roles such as a Mechanic, Service Manager, General Manager, Chief Operations Officer, and now Chief Executive Officer. He has also successfully owned and operated his own business. Ken’s wealth of knowledge in automotive mechanics is complemented by his diverse experiences in management and leadership positions.
Ken's involvement with the Motor Trade Association (MTA) in Wellington included serving as a Committee Member, Branch Vice President, and Branch President within the MTA demonstrates his dedication to contributing to the growth and success of the automotive community. Additionally, Ken's role in MTA branch training for Authorised Warrant of Fitness Vehicle Inspectors (AVIs) underscores his commitment to ensuring the competence and expertise of fellow professionals within the industry.

Beyond the MTA, Ken has played a significant role in the New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association, serving as the Central Zone President and participating in the National Executive Committee, which highlights his keen interest in off-road and four-wheel-drive activities. Ken’s membership in the Constructors Car Club further demonstrates his engagement with car enthusiasts and like-minded individuals.

Ken's appointment as a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier in 1999 recognises his expertise in ensuring compliance and safety standards for specialised scratch-built and modified vehicles. His ownership of a diverse collection of vehicles, such as a 1929 Dodge, a 1950 Humber Super Snipe, and a 1998 C5 Corvette as well as more unique offerings like a VW Taipan and Purvis Eureka kit car (powered by a 13B rotary), showcases his broad appreciation for various automotive genres.

Having joined the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) staff in January 2015, Ken’s multifaceted background and active involvement in various automotive associations gave him a wealth of abilities and experience to bring into his current role, and the development and of regulations for low volume vehicles in New Zealand.