About

The authoritative voice of the rental vehicle industry in New Zealand

 

Who We Are

The Rental Vehicle Association represents the interests of NZ operators who hire or lease passenger vehicles, EVs, hybrids, SUVs, minibusses, vans, coaches, trucks, campervans, or motorcycles. 

Incorporated in 1939, the RVA has continually evolved to benefit its members, providing buying privileges, advocacy, communications, legal information and trade relationships. In December 2002 the RVA formed an alliance with NZ’s Bus & Coach Association, which for some time dealt with similar regulatory and policy issues. The two organisations maintained their identity and governance while sharing staff and resources until 31 March 2023, when the Rental Vehicle Association became completely independent.

To ensure the sustainability of our industry we work closely with our members, Waka Kotahi NZTA, Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Tourism New Zealand, the Ministry of Transport, and other industry and government organisations. This affords us valuable input into developing policy decisions that directly impact our industry.

We are also dedicated to ensuring our member’s customers have safe and enjoyable journeys throughout New Zealand.

About Our Industry

In New Zealand, the majority of rental vehicle operators are closely linked to the tourism sector, helping international and domestic travellers explore New Zealand.

This means operators rely on accurate and timely information from key government agencies about changes in the tourism industry. As an association, we play a key role in finding out and communicating that information to our members, as well as informing government agencies on matters which affect policy decisions.

The industry is closely regulated, with transport operators having to meet specific legal requirements in order to operate. These include the operator’s obligation to hold a transport service licence, vehicles must have a Certificate of Fitness, and rental agreements must comply with elements of transport law and the Fair Trading Act.

From relevant legal requirements to up-to-date information and resources, our role as the authoritative voice of the industry means we can help all parties gain the full and timely information they need.

RVA Priorities for 2022-2023

  • Freedom Camping Review
  • Continue to grow the RVA membership.
  • Organise another successful annual conference with industry-relevant content to challenge, inform, and develop the knowledge of members who attend.
  • Continue to make the public and the media aware of the actual risk of overseas drivers versus the exaggerated perception, using up-to-date MOT and Waka Kotahi NZTA data.
  • We’re working with TIA to grow membership to the Overseas Driver’s Code of Practice.
  • Reviewing and developing new initiatives and resources to assist members in managing the risks around visiting drivers.
  • Monitoring and managing potential fair trading law breaches that may negatively impact the industry.
  • We’re working with members to ensure their rental agreements and current practices comply with relevant legislation, such as the Fair Trading Act 1986 and the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.
  • Develop our knowledge of new business models and technology affecting the industry, and create tools to adapt to these changes.
  • Lobby on behalf of the industry on various matters where multiple operators are impacted.