In accordance with section 161(2) of the Land Transport Act 1998, the NZ Transport Agency, on behalf of the Minister of Transport, gives notice of the Minister’s intention to make the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) (COVID-19—Temporary Extension of Deemed Licences) Amendment Rule 2020 (“draft Rule”), which is now available for public comment.

The draft Rule would amend the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999 to allow people in New Zealand on a temporary visa to drive in New Zealand on their overseas licences for a temporary extended period, without needing to convert their overseas licence to a New Zealand licence. The temporary extended period is up to a maximum of 24 months after arrival, but does not extend beyond 31 December 2021.

The draft Rule can be viewed at: https://nzta.govt.nz/about-us/consultations/land-transport-driver-licensing-covid-19-temporary-extension-of-deemed-licences-amendment-rule-2020/.

Any interested person may make a submission on the draft Rule before 5.00pm on 9 November 2020. Information on how to make submissions can be found on the above website.

For further information please see the above website or contact the NZ Transport Agency by email to rules@nzta.govt.nz.

Dated at Wellington this 20th day of October 2020.

ANNA MOODIE, Group General Counsel.