Vehicle Specialist

• Champion vehicle compliance and help make our roads safer
• Use your technical expertise to support commercial transport safety through regulatory activity
• Join a collaborative team delivering real-world regulatory outcomes
• Permanent Auckland-based role with variety, purpose and impact

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for a Vehicle Specialist to work across the commercial transport sector, helping to improve vehicle compliance, reduce risk and contribute to safer roads.

In this role, you will undertake vehicle inspections, audits, investigations and compliance activities, exercising sound judgement and applying your technical expertise to identify risks, assess compliance, inform regulatory decisions and contribute to safe and lawful participation in the land transport system.

You will work closely with operators, industry stakeholders and partner agencies, building trusted relationships while encouraging compliance through education, intervention and enforcement where appropriate.

Working predominantly across Auckland and surrounding areas, you will be comfortable with regular travel as part of the role, including travel to other parts of New Zealand when required, and working across both field and office environments

This is a varied and hands-on role where sound judgement, credibility and strong communication skills are essential.

We are seeking to appoint at a salary between $100,000 - $108,000 commensurate to skills and experience

View the position description here.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

This role will draw on your significant heavy vehicle inspection experience, technical expertise and ability to undertake audits, investigations and compliance activities that contribute to safer transport outcomes.

You are a confident communicator who can build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders and navigate challenging conversations while remaining focused on achieving regulatory outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Solid experience inspecting heavy motor vehicles, supported by a mechanical or workshop background and a sound understanding of vehicle systems
• Strong working knowledge of CoF requirements, the Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (VIRM), and vehicle compliance standards
• Experience undertaking audits, investigations or compliance activities and applying regulatory requirements in practice
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build productive working relationships
• Excellent written communication and record-keeping skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate and evidence-based reports, correspondence and records
• Well-developed critical thinking and analytical skills
• The ability to understand and apply legislation, policy and technical standards in an operational environment
• Confidence using multiple IT systems and interpreting technical information
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering L4 or 5, or an equivalent

Ko wai mātou | About us

At Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, it all starts with our people. The organisation's performance and success depends on the people who choose to make this a great place to work and make a difference for Aotearoa. Waka Kotahi has a strong future focus, understanding that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system we know today will not be the one we deliver in ten years time.

As the lead regulator for land transport our purpose is to ensure that the system is safe, efficient, effective and operates in the public interest. Safety is a top priority for Waka Kotahi and we, as Te Rōpu Waeture (the Regulatory Services group), aim to improve safety and reduce the risk of harm by being a firm and fair real-world regulator.

We apply principles of good practice grounded in Te Ao Maori - Whakapono (Integrity), Manaakitanga (Caring for people), Whanaungatanga (Relationships) and Kotahitanga (Unity).

Being a real-world regulator means we take a systems view that is focused on improving safety outcomes and reducing harm, we work to understand why people behave the way they do and are pragmatic in how we respond, we encourage and educate to support people to comply and enforce compliance when necessary.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha | What you will get in return

At NZTA Waka Kotahi, we offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package

• Five weeks annual leave

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for permanent employees

• A supportive and inclusive culture focused on wellbeing and development

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please click Apply to upload your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

31 August 2026

For further information, email: [email protected]

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.