Latest news with #WoF
NZ Herald
14-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Sunair says passenger services grounded for 10 days by Civil Aviation Authority
He said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had some issues with record-keeping. He said the relevant details were basically deemed not to have been recorded the way the authority wanted. The airline's certificate of airworthiness was revoked. 'Effectively in layman's terms, it's the WoF [Warrant of Fitness],' Roberts said. He understood the ban was for 10 consecutive days, finishing on Sunday. Sunair operated five Piper PA-23 Aztec and three Cessna 172 aircraft. The Aztec is a twin-engine, six-seater and the 172 is a single-engine, four-seater. Roberts said the CAA advised Sunair to have 'more robustness and rigour' with the relevant record-keeping. He said Sunair was working with the authority. 'They've been incredibly helpful. It's not a combative environment.' Sunair had charter flights, scheduled passenger services and flight training services, Roberts said. It flies to Aotea/Great Barrier Island, Gisborne, Hamilton, Kaitāia, Napier, Tauranga, Wairoa, Whakatāne and Whitianga. 'We're still able to provide a significant number of services, albeit with another operator in the interim,' Roberts said today. 'Most of our services are concentrated around Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the East Coast.' Air Gisborne was operating some of those services. Aotea/Great Barrier Island is one of Sunair's destinations. Photo / Chris Morton The CAA today said it was responding to aviation-related concerns regarding Sunair. 'These concerns relate to maintenance and safety of their aircraft,' a CAA spokesperson said. 'The director of Civil Aviation has suspended the airworthiness certificates for aircraft operated by Sunair Aviation Ltd for safety reasons while we address these concerns.' They said Sunair normally operated under Civil Aviation Rules Part 119 and under Part 135, which related to commercial helicopters or small aeroplane operations. 'We are working with Sunair Aviation Ltd to address the safety concerns, which will help inform our next steps.' Aviation Industry Association chief executive Simon Wallace said: 'It's in everyone's best interests that they get flying again once these matters have been resolved'. In late 2017, the CAA grounded the airline and Sunair updated maintenance records and completed some remedial maintenance activities. More recently, several regional airlines have described facing multiple pressures. Air Chathams in April considered withdrawing its Whakatāne to Auckland route after losing more than $1 million in two years Sounds Air chief executive Andrew Crawford told RNZ his airline had to ditch its Taupō and Westport routes and sell an aircraft. But Roberts said he did not feel his regional airline was being picked on. 'There are various levels of operating certificates. You've got the major airlines and then you've got the next level down, like Sounds Air, and then you've got ourselves. 'The demands are appropriate for our levels.' John Weekes is a business journalist mostly covering aviation and courts. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Transport Rules Reform Welcome, But Don't Forget Safety
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) supports the Government's focus on reforming transport rules for the benefit of the sector and the public. However, MTA cautions that public safety must not be compromised by any changes. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced a work programme to increase productivity and efficiency through comprehensively reforming New Zealand's land transport rules. MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall says MTA has been actively involved as part of the core group of industry stakeholders engaging with the Minister and the Ministry of Transport on the work programme. 'Evaluation of measures that reflect and are fit for purpose for the modern fleet on our roads is timely,' Mr McDowall says. 'The advent of new technologies, particularly in regard to safety, means many vehicles on our roads are vastly different from those even just ten years ago.' MTA believes the Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is overdue for review, both in terms of new and old vehicles. New vehicles have safety features that simply do not fit the current WoF inspection template, while at the other end of the scale, there are now 25-year-old vehicles which only need to undergo a Warrant of Fitness check once a year. 'This raises serious questions around safety, and it is appropriate that the review takes WoF frequency into account,' Mr McDowall says. 'Improving the role of digitalisation also reflects modern trends and overseas experience. Many New Zealanders travelling abroad remark on the lack of stickers on vehicle windscreens. It is time for that conversation here.' Any overview of regulation that removes 'red tape' and improves efficiencies and processes is a win for both the transport sector and the traveller, MTA believes. This initiative is a good example of how changes to rules – often overshadowed by major legislative reforms – can deliver meaningful benefits across the system. 'We're keen to see it progress, particularly given that MTA members carry out the majority of WoF inspections across New Zealand,' Mr McDowall says. 'We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Government to update and simplify transport rules and regulations.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vanna White's ‘Wheel-y' Wild Gift to Ryan Seacrest Left Everyone Stunned
It's easy to see that Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest developed a strong bond. Ever since Seacrest took over for Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune, he's gotten comfortable with his new role. He also found a new friend in his co-host. She revealed her unique gift for Seacrest that has fans buzzing. The official Wheel of Fortune Instagram account shared a clip of White's thoughtful gift for Seacrest. The two stood outside the CBS studios. White held a pair of keys in her hands as she said with a sly smile, 'I have something for you.' Searest said, 'V. Dubs. You did not.' READ NEXT: Wheel Of Fortune Co-Host Vanna White Sets the Record Straight On Friendship With Pat Sajak The two walked up to the original Ghostbusters car, also known as the Ecto-1, which is the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance. 'Do you have any idea what this vehicle means to me?' Seacrest exclaimed. White gave him the opportunity to ride the classic vehicle in honor of the last episode of Season 42, which fell around Ghostbusters Day, the anniversary of the release of the original film. WoF fans are still buzzing over this over-the-top gift. They took to the comments section to share their thoughts. Most of them posted GIFs from the beloved film. Meanwhile, other fans were shocked by the nickname that Seacrest gave White. 'V. Dubs. What a great nickname,' one fan commented. Some fans also congratulated the co-hosts on their first season together. 'Congratulations on your first season; it was very good,' another user wrote. 'The BEST🥰 it was another great week to watch; enjoy your summer ☀️,' a third user added. READ MORE: Vanna White Shares An Update On Wheel Of Fortune Alum Pat Sajak Most fans have warmed up to Seacrest's hosting abilities. What's helped is that they love his dynamic with White. 'You two are the best and a delight to watch!❤️' another fan complimented the Wheel duo. What are your thoughts on White's gift for Seacrest? Let us know in the comments section.
NZ Autocar
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Bogus WoFs earn Auckland man home detention
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is welcoming the recent conviction and sentencing of an unapproved vehicle inspector. The man fraudulently issued hundreds of warrants of fitness (WoFs). NZTA says the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others. On 26 May, the owner of Newmarket Automotive Repairs, Mr Taki, was sentenced to 10 months and 2 weeks' of home detention in the Auckland District Court. He earlier pleaded guilty to charges relating to fraudulently issuing WoFs. NZTA investigators found that from 9 December 2022 to 6 June 2023, Mr Taki had issued 677 WoFs despite not being appointed as an authorised vehicle inspector. He had not completed any of the inspections. NZTA immediately revoked Newmarket Automotive's inspecting organisation authority. All WoFs issued by the offender during that time were cancelled. Affected vehicle owners were asked to get their vehicles rechecked. A significant percentage of those cars had faults when rechecked at authorised inspecting organisations. A spokesperson for NZTA said: 'Warrant of fitness checks ensure that cars have undergone a general safety check to help keep drivers, passengers and road users safe. 'It's very disappointing when fraud happens in the vehicle inspecting system, as the customer pays the price. They must pay for another WoF and are potentially put at risk in the interim period, if vehicle faults exist and have gone unchecked. 'Through his actions, Mr Taki has risked the safety of the vehicle owners, plus their passengers and other road users. 'People should be reassured that NZTA has the access to data and intelligence to investigate when we have concerns about fraud. 'We take swift action and hold vehicle inspectors to account when vehicle safety is compromised,' said Senior Manager Safer Vehicles, Nicole Botherway. District Court Judge JM Jelas considered mitigating factors, such as Mr Taki's guilty plea and prior good character, before arriving at sentencing. As the inspecting organisation representative for Newmarket Auto Repairs, Mr Taki was obliged to ensure that only NZTA-appointed vehicle inspectors undertook inspection activities and approved the issue of a WoF certification. Customers were charged $60 for each WOF, earning him more than $40,000 in undue revenue. The NZTA Safer Vehicles team regularly reviews inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors to check compliance. If serious non-compliance is found, the team ensures that the right regulatory response is applied, including enforcement action.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Wheel of Fortune' Teases Sweet New Collaboration Coming Soon
Wheel of Fortune is ready to satisfy fans in a whole new format–part of which is even edible! The long-running game show is teaming up with the legendary Dylan's Candy Bar to launch an exclusive collection of merchandise this year, it announced on Tuesday, noting that some but not all the items are sweet enough to eat. The new collection will feature products spanning every candy food group, according to the May 20 announcement. It's also due to add some non-edible items as well, but further details, like exactly what will debut with the collaboration, have not been made available just yet. It is supposed to be a "sweet surprise," after all. Related: What we do know for certain, however, is that the "exciting" assortment of edible and WoF treats and non-edible collectibles will be available at all Dylan's Candy Bar locations as well as online this fall, as prices are expected to range from $18 to $125. 'We are always looking for fun, nostalgic ways to bring people together through candy, and what better way than partnering with one of America's most beloved game shows?' said , founder and CEO of Dylan's Candy Bar, in a statement. 'This collection is a playful celebration of sweet surprises, and we can't wait to share what's in store. More information on the special collaboration, including full product details and images of the products, will be made public closer to the launch. Until then, fans are told to keep a watchful eye. Next:
