New Zealand proposes changes to vehicle emissions rules

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced plans to update the rules setting emissions standards for vehicles entering New Zealand. “The current emissions rule does not set any standards for used vehicles beyond 2012. When this rule was introduced in 2007, the intention was that a review should take place to consider when to introduce the standard known as Japan 09,” Brownlee said. He added that a lot has changed since the 2007 emissions standard was first drafted.“Therefore I am proposing that we review the need for any further standards in 2014,” he said. Proposed changes to the 2007 Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Rule will ensure that New Zealand continues to import new vehicles built to the highest available exhaust emissions standards, he said. “The new standards for new vehicles would mirror those recently agreed in Australia for the introduction of the European standards known as Euro 5 and Euro 6. These standards significantly reduce the harmful emissions from these vehicles,” Brownlee said.A draft amendment rule will be made available for public consultation in June this year, and it is expected that the final amendment rule would come into effect before the end of the year. (April 17, 2012)