Unregistered motor trader prosecuted for selling 85 vehicles
An unregistered motor vehicle trader was prosecuted for selling 85 vehicles. They were fined $22,500.
An Opunake man pleaded guilty on Monday 16 June 2025 to selling 85 vehicles without being registered as a motor vehicle trader. He:
- pleaded guilty to 2 charges under sections 95 and 118 of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 for selling a large number of vehicles
- was ordered to pay $22,500 by the Hāwera District Court
- was ordered to pay court costs and fees of an additional $786.
Opunake-based Hamish Dormer-Rowe was fined $22,500 by the Hāwera District Court on Monday 16 June 2025 for selling 85 vehicles while being unregistered in breach of the law.
The Act allows individuals to sell up to 6 vehicles a year, without being registered as a motor vehicle trader. The purpose of the Act, which is to promote and protect the interest of consumers in relation to motor vehicle sales, also explains that sale includes displaying vehicles for sale (advertising).
Mr Dormer-Rowe has never been registered as a motor vehicle trader. During the course of the investigation, it was found that Mr Dormer-Rowe had sold or displayed 72 vehicles on Facebook Marketplace for sale between 2022 and 2023. Data from the New Zealand Transport Agency showed he had transferred ownership of 13 vehicles. Together with the vehicles he had displayed for sale and those which had ownership transferred, Mr Dormer-Rowe was considered to have sold 85 vehicles.
Duncan Connor, Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders, said that through selling vehicles, including displaying them for sale while being unregistered, a person skips the obligations that registered traders must adhere to. For example, attaching to the vehicle consumer information about the vehicle, keeping any records of contract for sale, and producing certificates of registration on demand.
“Buyers are at greater risk purchasing from unregistered traders. If issues with their new vehicle become apparent, they may struggle to resolve their issue or secure a refund given they did not buy from a reputable source.
“Buying from an unregistered motor vehicle trader also means you purchasers cannot resolve any issues via the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.
“It is important for individuals selling vehicles to note that displaying more than 6 motor vehicles for sale is also classified as a sale in accordance with the Act and that engaging in such conduct may result in enforcement action.
“If someone is buying a car from a dealer, I highly recommend they check the Motor Vehicle Traders Register to find out if a dealer is registered or banned.”
Those who wish to carry on the business of motor vehicle trading in New Zealand, or who are selling or importing more than a certain number of vehicles in a given time period, must register as a motor vehicle trader. This applies to both individuals and company, including overseas companies trading in New Zealand.