MEDIA RELEASE
6 August 2025

VIA welcomes Government’s careful approach to electronic Road User Charges

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) welcomes today’s announcement by Transport Minister Chris Bishop outlining the next steps toward replacing fuel excise duty with electronic Road User Charges (eRUC).

“This is a major reform with wide-ranging implications for motorists and the vehicle industry alike,” said VIA Chief Executive Greig Epps. “We’re pleased to see the Government taking a careful and considered approach to how this will be rolled out.”

VIA notes that many of the vehicles entering New Zealand as used imports do not have built-in telematics or road-charging hardware. Any proposal to retrofit such technology at the border will carry costs—not just for the devices themselves, but for labour and systems integration during the compliance process.

“These costs must be taken into account if we want a system that is fair and doesn’t make everyday transport less affordable for Kiwi families,” said Epps.

VIA supports the Minister’s recognition of the need to modernise payment methods. Current Road User Charges require large upfront payments, which many people find difficult to manage. Spreading these payments through subscription models or monthly billing would better reflect how Kiwis budget for transport.

The association also backs the Government’s willingness to partner with the private sector to deliver this system but stresses that robust privacy protections will be essential.

“Collaboration with private providers can unlock innovation, but it must be underpinned by strong safeguards for individual privacy and data security,” Epps said.

VIA looks forward to working with the Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi to help shape a system that works across all vehicle types—including used imports—and delivers an equitable, efficient, and future-ready road funding model.

ENDS

For more information:
Greig Epps
Chief Executive
Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA)