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What specifically triggered the audit that identified approximately 459 fraudulent licences, and was this issue not detected through routine regulatory processes? and 1 other question

Answered 5303, 5305 (2026)
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Asked by

Tangi Utikere

Member for Palmerston North · Labour Party

Questions

  • 5303

    What specifically triggered the audit that identified approximately 459 fraudulent licences, and was this issue not detected through routine regulatory processes?

  • 5305

    Were any internal concerns or staff reports raised about overseas licence conversions or document integrity prior to the audit that led to the discovery of 459 fraudulent licences, and if so, how were they acted upon, if at all?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Minister of Transport

Answer

NZTA has advised me that following identification of fraud in the conversion of some overseas licences in 2024, a control was introduced to address fraud specific to exempt overseas licences. When the efficacy of this control was checked in early 2025 it was found to have been effective but raised potential issues with a number of other cohorts of overseas licence holders, including Indian Nationals who had converted licences from the UAE. This resulted in a risk assessment being undertaken, which led to the recommendation for an audit. The checking of controls, conduct of risk assessments and undertaking audits are a part of routine regulatory processes.