13174 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

Written Question

Published date: 23 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	13174 (2026)
Question asked:	08 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Transport
Minister replying:	Hon Chris Bishop
Answer received:	19 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_13174_2026
Document guid:	6a302652-bd9f-4974-b149-1020a822c35a

13174 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Further to Replies 11429 and 11670 (2026), what specifically did the "improved guidance and interim requirements" implemented between February 2025 and October 2025 consist of, and on what dates did each measure take effect?

Hon Chris Bishop: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises me that the improved guidance and interim requirements, which took effect from the start of November 2025, were for all overseas driver licence conversions from the United Arab Emirates to require NZTA’s Agents to contact NZTA before processing the applications. This allows NZTA staff to verify the licence details and confirm what New Zealand classes the licence application can be processed for. This measure is still in place.