19673 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport

19673 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Transport: Further to Reply 18702 (2026): (a) on what date were the audits referred to in that reply directed to commence, and when are they expected to be completed; (b) how many Driver Licensing Agents are subject to those audits; (c) will the findings be released publicly; and (d) has the Minister considered commissioning an independent or external review of NZTA's oversight of the overseas licence conversion process, and if not, why not?

Hon Chris Bishop: NZTA advises me that an audit of 1 site, relating to 1 Driver Licensing Agent, was directed on 14 July 2025. An audit of 9 sites, relating to a second Driver Licensing Agent, was directed on 28 August 2025. 9 of the 10 audits have been completed, and NZTA are expecting findings to be shared on these by 30 June 2026. The remaining audit is in progress, and we expect this to be completed in the coming months. NZTA has advised me that reports relating to operational assurance reviews are not proactively released. These reviews are designed to identify vulnerabilities in systems and processes, and publication of these vulnerabilities can risk wider exploitation of them. At this time, I have not considered it necessary to commission an independent or external review, as NZTA’s investigation remains ongoing and I am being kept informed of its findings and progress. Should I consider that further assurance is required once this work is complete, I may seek additional assurance, including through an independent review, if appropriate.