Testing station back at full strength

GVT TEAM: Gisborne Vehicle Testing is happy to be back at full strength. From left are Kim Burgess (customer service), Kris Prasad (WoF team leader), Lawrence Schokker (WoF inspector), Dave Morrow (fleet mechanic), GHL general manager of commercial operations Jeremy Raymond, Phil Craig (automotive assistant), Robin Masemann (WoF inspector), Chad Goldsworthy (WoF inspector), Fran Taumata (customer service) and Johan Fourie (WoF inspector ). Picture by The Black Balloon

Despite being hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and a national staffing shortage, Gisborne Vehicle Testing once again has a full contingent of five Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspectors.

Gisborne Holdings Ltd commercial operations general manager Jeremy Raymond is delighted.

“It has been a frustrating time for us all,” Mr Raymond said. “The shortage of WoF inspectors nationwide has been felt particularly in the regions.

“Being a business that has been part of the community since 1954, it was difficult not being able to provide the service the public expected of us.”

The net was cast wide to attract the right people. Now with a team of five full-time WoF inspectors, people can expect shorter waiting times and extended hours of opening.

In the past three months, two inspectors have passed their WoF tests, which meant both lanes at the testing station were open for business.

“We advertised in the bigger cities and Gisborne's lifestyle was certainly a drawcard,” Mr Raymond said. “We have then faced the added challenge of finding accommodation for new staff and their families who have moved here to take up positions.”

From this weekend, GVT will once again be open on Saturday mornings and back to 7.30am opening Monday to Friday.

GVT is owned by GHL meaning all profits go back into the community through annual dividends paid to its shareholder Gisborne District Council.

“It's great to be back to full strength as the summer season really kicks in and people are busy getting their vehicles, trailers and caravans ready for the holidays.”