A local manufacturer inspecting organisation (IO) is an entity that employs one or more staff as local manufacturer vehicle inspectors (VI) to inspect and certify heavy vehicle components from manufacture through to installation.

The IO is responsible for business operating requirements and must always ensure that adequate equipment, systems, and controls are provided and maintained to support the work undertaken by its VIs.

They must check that any VI they employ holds the appropriate certification categories for the work they inspect and certify.

Local manufacturer inspecting organisation requirements

Local manufacturer inspecting organisation (IO)

To become a local manufacturer inspecting organisation (IO), you must meet the requirements set out on the NZTA vehicle inspection portal and submit the necessary forms/applications.

Fit and proper person disclosure and consent

Local manufacturer inspecting organisation application

After processing your application, NZTA will conduct an onsite assessment/interview. If approved, NZTA will issue you a Notice of Appointment.

Local manufacturer vehicle inspector (VI)

To become a local manufacturer vehicle inspector (VI), follow the below steps:

1.    Register on the HVSC training portal and complete the required modules.

HVSC training portal

The recommended approach is to complete the ‘Trainee manufacturer certifier programme’ which contains all required modules in sequence. Individual modules can be taken separately at a higher cost.

Training consists of nine self-paced online modules, with an optional tenth module on log bolster attachments required for that appointment. This approach allows you flexibility to complete the training around work commitments.

2.    Apply to NZTA to sit the heavy vehicle specialist certifier – manufacturer (HVSC-M) assessments (for towing connections/load anchorages/chassis, and log bolster attachments). NZTA hosts regular exams and you can contact them at HVSCinfo@nzta.govt.nz for dates.

3.    Once you have passed the assessment/s, apply to become a local manufacturer VI. Remember, you must be employed by a local manufacturer IO.

Local manufacturer vehicle inspector application

4.    After your application is processed, NZTA will conduct an onsite assessment/interview.

5.    Once your application is accepted, NZTA will issue you a Notice of Appointment.

Trainees must complete training - available on the HVSC training portal, hosted by Engineering New Zealand.

Developed in conjunction with TTMF, Heavy Vehicle Engineers Group, Engineering New Zealand and NZTA, the training consists of nine compulsory modules:

1.    The regulatory environment

2.    Quality management systems

3.    Reading and understanding engineering drawings

4.    Welding engineering

5.    Mechanical fasteners

6.    Inspection

7.    Load restraint and anchorages

8.    Towing connections

9.    Chassis

An optional module for log bolster attachments is also available.

The online modules are self-paced and range in length from 20 minutes to several hours – allowing flexibility to complete the training around work commitments.

Trainees should register for the ‘Trainee manufacturer certifier programme’ which covers the required nine modules at a cost of $1,600 (including GST). It is more cost effective to complete this programme than to register for individual modules.

Individual modules can be completed, with costs per module ranging from $150-250 (including GST).

All modules must be paid for before they can be accessed.

Register on the HVSC training portal

While joining TTMF is not a requirement to become a manufacturer certifier, we strongly recommend membership. Being a member ensures you receive all relevant updates, including course information and future approved repair notifications. It also allows us to better support and guide you throughout your journey.

Not a member? Click [here] to join or contact Kate Bucknell for the next course information: kateb@tesnz.com

Guidelines for joining on line: Uploads/Gecco-first-time-log-in.pdf