2020 Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Act
This new legislation took effect on January 2nd 2020 which sets a maximum cap fee charge of NZ$100 for releasing the clamp. Hence it is an offence for wheel clampers to charge more than $100. Operators have to be available (within reason) to respond to a request to remove the wheel clamp and as soon as reasonably practicable after the fee is paid. This new requirement is only applicable to operators who use wheel clamping as an enforcement method on private property eg shopping centre carparks. Please note that this requirement does not apply to park on public roads. Charging more than $100 is an offence enforceable by NZ Police. The individual and/or the company is liable for a fine up to NZ$15000.
If you are in a situation, please ring the non-emergency 105 number.
Land Transport (Wheel Clamping) Amendment Act  New Zealand Legislation websiteConsumer Protection Information Click here
Towaway Rights - Private landowners applied the doctrine of 'distress damage feasant' to tow away vehicles parked on their property if you do not have the right to park there, done damage to their property or be on their land. The cost of removing your parked car is considered as actual damage. This doctrine does not apply if you have possession of your car. Tow operator can't tow your car if you are in it. If your car is being hooked up to the tow truck and you managed to get into your car, then the tow operator can't tow it away and have to release is based on the principle that there is a risk of peace attached to exercising distress damage feasant in the presence of the vehicle owner. Tow operator will attempt to charge you for a call-out fee for breaking into your car to hook it up, You DO NOT have to pay it. You may be pleasant enough to offer a token of inconvenience.
A vehicle can't be towed without a towing authority signed by the driver, vehicle owner, enforcement officer, landowner or the person who requested the tow. A tow authority must be completed within 18 hours of the completion of the tow in the tow truck driver registrar. You can challenge the tow charges and storage fee in a Dispute Tribunal as the courts have suggested the towies only charge for 'expenses reasonably in removing an unlawfully parked vehicle" Tow operators and drivers must be licensed and display identification on the tow truck clearly legible and visible at all times. A towie must behave in an orderly and civil manner. A breach of this manner, the towie can be fined $2000 and the company $10000. Car towed from private land can be held until the fee is paid within 60 days and cannot be sold without further legal action being taken. By the way, a towie cannot have animals eg. dog in the cab for backup.
​​​​​​​Your Rights with tow truck operators Click here

Buying a 2ndhand motor vehicle from a private sale
If you intend to buy a secondhand motor vehicle privately and not from a registered dealer, it is important that you do a PPSR Check to ascertain that no other security interest is associated with the vehicle. The best way to identify the vehicle is the (Vehicle Identification Number) VIN. Next best is the Chassis number. Car Registration Number is commonly used but not as safe as the VIN. PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) is an electronic register that allows security interests in personal property to be registered and searched in accordance with the NZ Personal Property Securities Act 1999.​​​​​​​The NZ PPSR is maintained by the NZ Companies Office, an  agency of MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment) ​​​​​​​There is a search fee. NZ$2 excl GSTYou can also check if the vehicle is listed as stolen by going to the NZ Police website LINK​​​​​​​OR you can search online for an authorized provider that offers a comprehensive background check. A fee ranging from NZ$12 - 15

Illegal Car Window Washers
​​​​​​​NZ Parliament enacted by the law, a police officer has the power to issue a spot fine of NZ$150 to an illegal car window washer.​​​​​​​Ring the cop if you see these parasites at traffic junctions or at parking areas. It's intimidating. A total disregard for other motorists and a nuisance to drivers and the public. Take a snapshot of these parasites in action with your mobile to validate your call.