We’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of transport services for to New Zealanders. Your feedback to helps us make sure these services meet high standards.
If they've not met your expectations or you think there's room for improvement, you can give feedback or lodge a complaint on a range of services:
VTNZ conduct practical driver tests on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. If you would like to dispute a test result or complain about a testing officer employed by VTNZ, you can complain directly to VTNZ by completing the form on their website.
Small passenger services include taxis, rideshare, shuttles, and private hire services. You can make a complaint directly to us if you’re unhappy with the driver or operator of this service.
Record, as soon as possible, the details supporting your complaint. Try to include the:
Even if you can’t get this information, other details such as how you hired the vehicle – was it from a rank? If so, where? Any conversation with the driver would also help.
Contact the New Zealand Police – call 111 immediately if you experience:
Also let us know about this type of complaint if you’re able on 0800 822 422 or through our complaint form.
Commercial operator complaint form
You should contact the small passenger service operator first if the reason for your complaint is because:
Small passenger service operators must keep a record of complaints. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint, contact us using the online complaints form.
Commercial operator complaint form
If you think a small passenger service has broken special transport licensing laws, you should contact NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. The types of complaints could be because:
You can let us know using the online complaints form. We can only take appropriate action if you can provide us with enough details to identify the driver or operator involved. Noting the name displayed on the driver’s identification card and the vehicle’s licence plate will help.
Commercial operator complaint form
If you think the fare the driver charged was too high, even if it was a fare on the basis agreed, you can make a claim to the Disputes Tribunal. Visit the Consumer Protection website for more information on the claims process and your options for settling financial disputes.
Consumer Protection website(external link)
If your complaint involves criminal activity please contact the Police.
For all other complaints
Step one: Contact the bus company directly to raise your complaint.
Step two: If you're not satisfied with the results of any internal investigation, outline your complaint by filling in the online commercial operator complaints form.
Commercial operator complaint form
(warrant of fitness, certificate of fitness, low volume plate, repair certificate, used entry certificate or heavy vehicle certificate)
Please take your concerns to the certifier, vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation first (if you can). If you’re not satisfied with the result, use this form to submit a complaint to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
Vehicle certification complaint form
We’ll assess your complaint and email you with an outcome.
We can only investigate complaints relating to authorised certifiers, vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations. We’re responsible for making sure they follow the Vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) and Land Transport Rules.
We can’t investigate your complaint if:
Even if we can’t investigate a complaint, we appreciate you taking the time to contact us – it's helpful for us to know about your experience.
We may need to inspect the vehicle, to reliably determine its condition at the time it was certified. You’re not obligated to let us inspect and assess the vehicle, but we can't continue our investigation if you don’t.
We need to reliably determine the condition of the vehicle when it was certified. If it's already been repaired, we can’t investigate your complaint any further.
If an inspection is required, we’ll arrange this as soon as possible. Until then, please don’t repair the vehicle or use it more than you need to.
Cases that are complex or involve remote areas may take longer to investigate.
We may impose sanctions on the organisation or inspector involved. When we tell you the outcome of your complaint, we might not be able to tell you about any specific sanctions (because of our obligations under the Official Information Act 1982).
Even if we uphold your complaint, we can’t compensate you (or order the organisation or inspector to compensate you). You may be able to seek compensation through the Disputes Tribunal. If your complaint to us is upheld, you may be able to use our outcome letter to support your case.
Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand(external link)
Contact your regional council or district council to raise your complaint about schedules directly.
Council maps and websites(external link)
Child restraints used in New Zealand are required to comply with one of several approved standards, and should be free of any design or manufacturing faults that affect their safety.
For information on what to do if a product is faulty or unsafe visit the Consumer Protection website.
Faulty and unsafe products(external link)
If your concern relates to difficulties with installing your restraint safely in your vehicle, we recommend that you contact your local child restraint technician.
Find a child restrain technician in your area
You should also be aware that you have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 when it comes to purchasing child restraints.
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993(external link)
If you have a complaint about a Child Restraint Technician, please use the following form:
You will need to give us your child restraint's approval number when you make your complaint. Please use the table below to help you find the correct approval number.
| If your child restraint has this type of marking on it: | then enter: |
|---|---|
 |
Both the E marking and the unique approval number. For the example above, it would be entered as 'E4 04123456'. |
 |
'AS/NZS 1754' |
 |
'FMVSS' |
| No marking |
'No marking'. Please cease using this restraint immediately. |
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has a legal power to deal with personalised plates are likely to cause offence or confusion.
Use the online complaint form if you have a complaint regarding a personalised plate you have seen. Whenever we receive a complaint, we undertake a review of that plate number against the legal tests and our guidelines.
