“Went to Teviot St VTNZ in Dunedin as my mechanic couldn't fit me in for another week and I had to take a trip. Insurance etc etc. I was a bit concerned at first as my previous interactions with VTNZ in North Shore, Auckland were ok but probably because they were busy it took a lot of time - which in respect to waiting a week for a busy mechanic is not really a lot of time e.g. 2-3 hours.
I was greeted with a smile by a chap on the reception after having to wait only about 5 minutes as he was dealing with another customer. I heard him speaking to the other customer and they were a little agitated - their daughter hadn't paid her rego in they were explaining that she had to pay back rego which is understandable and he was so calm in explaining the situation that it wasn't their policy and completely diffused the situation.
I'm not a great fan of customer service ( or the lack of it ) in New Zealand and when I do get great customer service I like to point it out. I have been reading reviews on here for all the other VTNZs around the country and it would look like that either there is a problem within the organisation and/or some people think they are qualified more than the technicians who fail them - I'm no mechanic or car enthusiast so I am totally at the mercy of the mechanic or tester doing the work on the large lump of metal that I hurtle down the road at 100 k/h in the opposite direction of other vehicles ( most much larger than mine ) so I really want a vehicle that is safe and if it's broke I want to fix it. Yes, repairs cost a lot of money but death or serious injury is a little more of an inconvenience.
So this chap, and I wish I could remember his name , made me feel welcome and explained the process and even recommended that I could go across the road to Nichols garden centre for a nice coffee while waiting. He also told me that I'd picked a good time as it was quieter than normal - so I lucked out. I didn't think the price was over the top at just over $80 - I have in the past paid double that from a garage ( not including fixes ) but for me $80 for a WoF in under 3 hours when I had to go on a trip the next day was pure gold. 40 minutes was indicated, 40 minutes was the time!
When the inspection was finished I received a phone call from the same chap - again, you could hear the positive tone in his voice and to be really honest, and I know customer service can be different day to day, but this guy just seemed to be the right person for the job taking a process that could have been a complete cluster to being something of a breeze.
Now for context I'll point out that I like to keep my car in good order - not clean - good mechanical order - good tyres and regularly maintained. Maybe I'm a little over the top - my father was a firefighter and over the years he has shown me pictures of road accidents - probably to scare the living shyte out of me when I was younger ( yeah that's what great parenting was like in the 70s and 80s ) and one thing he taught me was that it is my responsibility to make sure the car I'm driving is safe. Period.
Anyway, just wanted to share a positive review of a VTNZ - Teviot Street, Dunedin - give it a try. Just for some more context, I'm regularly called "grumpy" and I usually avoid contact with humans because I can't stand incompetence!”
“I had a driving test today morning at Porirua and Mr. Wiremu was my testing officer. He is professional with good knowledge and guided me well with the rules. He is soft spoken, kind hearted and willing to teach details of driving.”
“I had a full license today at wiri. The driving instructor was so polite, and professional that I didn't even feel nervous at all. His name is Muga ( code - 05260775). He congratulate, me with a smile ànd told me I passed. I wish all the very best for his future and hard and good work he does.”
“Hi my name is Devesh Gautam. I had my full car license test on 15/03/2024 around 1.30 pm at VTNZ Sylvia Park. My testing officer was Alfred ... I just want to right about his nice behaviour, politeness ... After I finished my test he first very polietly and patiently explained me about the mistake that will help me in future driving and then declared my test as a pass which made me crazy.. I would like to thank Mr. Alfred for being a helpful and a nice gentleman and wish him best for his future.”
“VTNZ Takanini is great place to book your test if you love to be respected. Staff are really helpful.Specially thanks to Garry sir who is really good in his job.”
“Took my vehicle to VTNZ this Thursday morning (8am), lady on the desk was very friendly and Russell who did my warrant was very friendly and cheerful and check only took half hour. There were two other vehicles in front of mine, and they didn't take long either. A BIG Thank you to the Silverdale team for great service all round.”
