- By Jane Nixon, Franklin Times
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has begun assessing allegations of bribery involving driver testing officers at Vehicle Testing New Zealand’s Highbrook branch in east Auckland.
The investigation comes after reports that staff allegedly accepted cash payments to fraudulently pass practical driver licence tests.
VTNZ confirms the matter was initially referred to police, while NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says five driver testing officers are under investigation and 322 licences issued by the group are being re-examined.
Driving instructors at the branch are alleged to have taken money in exchange for passing customers who would otherwise have failed, enabling some people to obtain full or restricted licences unlawfully.
An NZTA spokesperson has told the Times the allegations relate to conduct stretching back to 2023.
The five testing officers have since been dismissed by VTNZ and their testing endorsements suspended by NZTA.
“VTNZ has ceased offering practical driver licence testing at its Highbrook branch,” says the NZTA spokesperson.
“The Highbrook site remains open for other services, including WoF and CoF inspections.
“NZTA is contacting the people who were tested by these DTOs [driving testing officers] and received a driver licence during the period where fraud was suspected and requiring them to pass an on-road driving test, at no cost to them, to confirm they have the necessary skills to continue to hold a licence.”
Police case filed as SFO takes the lead
Detective inspector Shaun Vickers of Counties Manukau Police CIB told the Times that police have completed their initial enquiries into a referral from NZTA.
“Police have carried out enquiries into a referral made by NZTA concerning allegations of bribery,” he says.
“Through reviewing this material, we have been advised by the Serious Fraud Office they are assessing a matter of similar nature to police. At this stage the police case has been filed.
“Counties Manukau Police will assist the SFO should it be required.”
Police previously confirmed the offending was first reported in May.
The SFO has not yet announced the scope of its assessment, but the allegations are understood to fall within its mandate to investigate serious or complex fraud involving public institutions or systems affecting public confidence.
VTNZ has “zero tolerance” for dishonesty
VTNZ country manager Greg O’Connor says the company responded urgently once concerns were raised.
“After being notified of the alleged offending at the Highbrook branch, VTNZ conducted a thorough investigation and worked with NZTA on appropriate steps,” he says.
“VTNZ places the highest importance on the integrity of licence testing and the safety of everyone who travels on our roads.
“We have zero tolerance for dishonesty and will leave no stone unturned to uncover and eliminate any improper behaviour.”
O’Connor says VTNZ has reviewed its systems and implemented additional security measures.
“Anyone sitting their driver licence test can still have complete faith in VTNZ.”
