1 Requirement to capture vehicle attributes

A number of vehicle attributes are required to be maintained by the LANDATA system.

For new vehicles imported by the manufacturer’s representative, this information is supplied by the manufacturer.

For vehicles processed by entry certifiers, the required attributes must be captured as part of the VIN allocation process. Before a VIN can be assigned to a vehicle, details about the vehicle must be recorded and captured in LANDATA. A standard worksheet is used to record the required attributes. The entry certifier must examine the vehicle and record the details on this worksheet before entering the vehicle details into LANDATA. Details must not be recorded or entered prior to the inspection. This worksheet is an important document, as it also serves as an audit trail of the vehicles processed.

2 Mandatory and optional attributes

Vehicle attributes can be classified as mandatory, optional or not applicable depending on the type of vehicle.

Table 2-2-1 details which vehicle attributes are mandatory, optional or not applicable for each vehicle type.

All mandatory vehicle attributes must be recorded on the vehicle attribute worksheet before proceeding, with the exception of: test cycle, fuel consumption values, CO2 values and battery information where it is provided on the fuel consumption statement.

Table 2-2-1. Vehicle attribute requirements by vehicle type

1 Vehicle type

Each vehicle type defined for the LANDATA system is represented by a two-digit code that is assigned to the vehicle. Table 2-2-1 describes these vehicle types.

2 Registration indicator

Each registration indicator is represented by code. Table 2-2-2 describes valid registration indicators.

3 Border check date

All used vehicles imported into New Zealand on or after 1 March 1999 must undergo a preliminary border check. This information is then electronically downloaded to LANDATA.

Once the information is downloaded, the date the border check was undertaken by MAF displays in the ‘border check date’ field.

If an exemption from border check requirements is granted, the Lead Specialist, Border Checks, Data Integrity will enter a border check record against the vehicle with a note stating that an exemption has been granted.

4 Date of first New Zealand registration

This is required for vehicles being re-registered only.

It is the date the vehicle was registered for the first time in New Zealand. The ‘VIN allocation’ screen will display this date if it is available.

This information may be changed if there is supporting documentation for an earlier registration in New Zealand. If the date is not displayed, it must be entered based on documentation provided by the vehicle owner.

5 Engine number

If a vehicle has an engine, a complete and correct engine number must be recorded in this field. Where a manufacturer’s engine prefix and serial number is used, this must also be recorded.

If >0<, >OO<, >UNK< or >UNKNOWN< are entered in this field, an error message will appear. The codes to be used when an engine number is not available are set out in Table 2-2-3.

6 Country of previous registration

This is required for used imported vehicles only, and including vehicles that are used unregistered. This field indicates the country that the vehicle was previously registered in. Countries are represented by a three-digit code. Table 2-2-4 lists the available codes representing each country.

7 First registration date (1st reg date)

This is the first date the vehicle was registered in any country. The information may be entered using any of the formats described in Table 2-2-5.

• If registration history is not available for vehicles from Australia the month and year of compliance on the ADR plate or the build date on the RAV public seach must be used as the first registration date.

8 Number of seats

This is the number of seats in the vehicle, including the driver’s seating position.

• If a vehicle owner presents a vehicle converted to a motorhome, completed before 1 October 2003, the entry certifier must request proof, and record details of this evidence in the vehicle notes to assist with future enquiries. See Technical bulletin 24 for information about recording the number of seats in self-propelled motorhomes.

9 Colour

The vehicle colour recorded on LANDATA must be on the defined list of colours (detailed in Table 2-2-6).

There are two types of vehicle colour that may be recorded: basic and secondary.

9.1 Colour – Basic

This is the main colour of the vehicle (refer to Table 2-2-6 for acceptable colours).

9.2 Colour – Secondary

If the vehicle has two colours, the secondary colour is entered in this field (refer to Table 2-2-6 for acceptable colours).

10 Make, model and sub-model

The LANDATA database has a list of vehicle makes and models. When vehicle make and model are entered on the ‘VIN allocation’ screen, they are validated against this list. Sub-model is free text and is not validated. Valid makes and models can be viewed in the MODEL screen. Use >NEX<, >BAC< and >INQ< in the scroll fields to navigate through the list of makes and models. For more information using the screen refer to the Introduction Table 2 for LANDATA navigation commands and the LANDATA Agents’ manual Chapter 8, page 8-B-18 for using the model screen.

To keep the number of models at a manageable level, a high level of definition is used for the model. For example:

• Make: Mitsubishi
• Model: V3000
• Sub-model: Super Saloon.

Adding a make to LANDATA

Email requests to add makes to frr@nzta.govt.nz. Please include the make, the number of vehicles they expect manufacturer or import year, the contact details of the manufacturer or importer and the model(s). Adding makes does take some time due to their impact on other systems, please allow some time for these to be added.

Make on LANDATA for one-off vehicles

In some cases, generally individual vehicles adding a make to LANDATA may not be appropriate. In such cases, the relevant default make (see table below) should be used. The actual make and model should be keyed into the model and sub-model fields.

Adding models to LANDATA

Notify the contact centre via phone, fax or email. Well-known or self-evident examples of models can be entered quite quickly, but occasionally the contact centre will make some checks – so if the vehicle is obscure and there is available documentation, please include this to speed up the process.

Default makes for low volume vehicles

Determining a vehicle’s make, model and sub-model

Maker, in relation to a vehicle, means the name given for market identification purposes to a group or groups of vehicles by a company or organisation that owns that name.

The make, model and sub-model must be that originally given by the manufacturer to the vehicle and must not be changed.

Examples:

1. A Honda Crossroad re-badged as a Land Rover Discovery cannot be changed from Honda Crossroad.

2. A Holden Commodore Berlina that is modified to HSV specifications cannot be changed from Holden Commodore Berlina, nor can HSV be added.

Used imports and re-registrations

The make, model and sub-model from the de-registration or previous registration documents must be recorded. Reference material 13 provides translation information for some common Japanese makes.

New vehicles

The make, model and sub-model from the manufacturers’ documentation must be recorded. Most New Zealand new light vehicles certified since 1996 will have a model code recorded and the description in these model codes must be used. The contact centre can provide model code data if required for these vehicles.

Scratch-built light vehicles

The make of a vehicle that donated parts cannot be used, except for replicas. For replicas, the make of the vehicle being copied must not be recorded in the make field – it may be used in the model or sub-model field for replicas if preceded by the word ‘REPLICA’.

Some low volume vehicle manufacturers have their make recognised in LANDATA (eg T-CAR, FRASER, ALMAC). If in LANDATA use the manufacturers make not LVV.

Examples:

1. Make: >LVV< Model: >REPLICA< Sub-model >MG<

2. Make: >LVV< Model: >CUSTOM< Sub-model >TRIKE<

Do not enter a year in the model or sub-model field.

Some used import scratch-built vehicles will have registration documents that use the year, make and model of the vehicle they are replicating, for example, recently constructed hotrods built in the US are often registered as 1930s Fords. When this occurs, use the New Zealand scratch-built requirements, not the year make and model shown on the overseas paperwork.

Scratch-built heavy vehicles

The name of the chassis manufacturer must be recorded.

11 Industry model code

This field contains a 20-character alphanumeric code that must be recorded in the VIN screen for all used vehicles where the previous country of registration is Japan.

If no industry model code is available, record ‘NONE’ in this field.

For all other vehicles, the industry model code must be recorded if it is available.

12 Variant

This field contains a four-character numeric code that describes the characteristics of the vehicle. It must be recorded for all used vehicles where the previous country of registration is Japan.

If the variant is not available on the de-registration or export certificate, enter the code ‘9999’ in the variant field.

13 Vehicle year

This is a mandatory field that must record the year of first registration anywhere.

• If registration history is not available for vehicles from Australia the month and year of compliance on the ADR plate must be used as the vehicle year.

13.1 Used vehicles being registered or re-registered in New Zealand

Enter the year of first registration.

Where the year of first registration is genuinely unavailable, the year of manufacture or the model year is to be entered. Examples of this are:

• vehicles previously registered in the US
• vintage vehicles where registration documents are not available
• vehicles previously registered in more than one country.

In such cases, the VIN decode is an acceptable method of determining the year of manufacture or model year.

13.2 Used unregistered vehicles

For vehicles that have been used unregistered , demonstrators), ask the owner when they plan to register the vehicle and enter this year in the vehicle year field; the previous country field should be entered as UUR.

13.3 New and scratch-built vehicles

Enter the model year or year of manufacture. When the vehicle is registered, it will be over-written with the registration year. The overwritten data will be stored but can only be accessed by NZTA.

• If a vehicle meets the definition of scratchbuilt, but the registration documents describe the vehicle as production or modified production, complete the fields using the rules that apply for a scratchbuilt vehicle – not what is shown on the registration documents.

14 Vehicle and body types

Table 2-2-8 outlines all valid vehicle and body type combinations.

14.1 Vehicle type

This field contains a two-character numeric code that describes the vehicle type.

14.2 Body type

This field contains a two-character alpha code that describes the body type.

15 Imported left-hand drive

This field must be set to >Y< (Yes) or >N< (No) to indicate whether or not the vehicle is a left-hand drive vehicle (at the time of inspection).

16 Gross vehicle mass (GVM)

In kilograms.  Also called gross laden weight (GLW).

GVM is mandatory for:

• All MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2, and NA class vehicles with petrol, diesel, LPG, or CNG engines and manufactured on or after 1 January 2000, except for special interest vehicles, motorsport vehicles or immigrants' vehicles.
• All heavy vehicles.

For heavy vehicles as rated by the vehicle manufacturer, modifier, NZTA or an NZTA-appointed certifier.

For used light vehicles, a figure from the previous registration or de-registration documents, or from the vehicle manufacturer’s data, may be used. For light vehicles from Australia GVM figures from RVCS may be used and for class MA vehicles the GVM figures found in Redbook may be used (Redbook figures may only be used for class MA vehicles as the GVM may not be available in RVCS).

Note: If no GVM is recorded for a vehicle imported from Australia, but previously registered in Japan, please use the following formula:

• 55kg (weight of passenger) x number passengers + unladen weight (tare) = GVM

For new light vehicles the manufacturer's data may be used.

For vehicles that have undergone a multi-stage manufacturing process, the GVM to be recorded is the GVM assigned by the final stage manufacturer.

For used light vehicles where previous registration documents indicate the GVM may exceed 3,500kg, an official New Zealand chassis rating must be obtained (refer to Reference material 37 for chassis rating request forms).

17 CC rating

This field indicates the vehicle’s engine capacity in cubic centimeters (cc).  If the vehicle is an electric hybrid record the CC rating of the non-electric on-board motor.

This field is not enterable for engine types Electric (code 05), Electric hydrogen fuel cell (code 15) and Electric other fuel cell (code 16) and will display as blank or zero.

Where documents do not fully record the cc rating, such as Japanese Export Certificates that show the engine capacity in litres to 2 decimal places, where available use the more accurate information from the likes of the manufacturers plate, or the manufacturers label or the vehicles fuel consumption statement.

18 Engine type

This field contains a two-character numeric code that describes the vehicle’s engine type. Table 2-2-9 outlines all valid engine type codes.

19 Alternative fuel

This field contains a two-character code that describes what powers the vehicle’s alternative fuel system, if it has one fitted. Do not enter an alternative fuel where electricity or hydrogen in used.

• The code >03< must be entered if the alternative fuel system is powered by CNG.
• The code >04< must be entered if the alternative fuel system is powered by LPG.

20 Assembly type

This field, along with the country of origin, defines where the vehicle was manufactured and assembled.

Table 2-2-10 outlines valid codes used to describe assembly type.

21 Odometer reading

This field contains the odometer reading at the time of the inspection, to the nearest whole number. It does not include a decimal point or fraction of a mile or kilometre.

This field may be blank only if >N< is recorded in the odometer units field.

If the entry certifier finds an odometer reading already recorded in LANDATA that is believed to be incorrect, the entry certifier must fax a copy of the vehicle attributes checksheet and any other official inspection documents (shipping and auction/sales documents are not appropriate) showing the odometer reading in the previous country of registration to: NZ Transport Agency, Permitting Assessments, Border Checks, email BorderChecks@nzta.govt.nz, or fax (06) 953 6267 .

NZTA will compare the reading with records. If this shows that the reading has been incorrectly keyed, NZTA will amend the reading. If the border inspection records do not show a keying error, but the paperwork provided proves an error has occurred, NZTA will arrange for the border check odometer reading to be inactivated.

If the entry certifier suspects the odometer has been tampered with (eg the odometer reading at the time of entry inspection is less than that recorded during the border check), the entry certifier must:

1. note that the odometer reading is suspect on the attributes checksheet and on the vehicle record in LANDATA
2. provide the vehicle owner with written notice of the discrepancy
3. forward the vehicle details to the New Zealand Police. A form is provided in Reference material 34
4. record the details of the Police contact (station and officer) the file was sent to.

22 Odometer units

This field contains an alpha code that describes the unit of measurement that the vehicle’s odometer uses. Valid odometer unit codes are outlined in Table 2-2-11.

23 Vehicle class

This field contains a code which describes the vehicle class, as defined in the VIRM: Entry certification, Introduction Vehicle equipment standards classifications.

• refer to Technical bulletin 3 for guidance when determining the vehicle class for a modified vehicle.

24 Number of axles

This field describes the number of axles the vehicle has.

25 Country of origin

This field describes the country where the vehicle (or kit) was principally manufactured. For example, the country of origin recorded for a vehicle assembled in New Zealand from a Japanese CKD kit should be Japan. Refer to Table 2-2-4 for LANDATA codes representing countries.

26 Test regime

The vehicle exhaust emissions standard to which the vehicle has been tested. See Technical bulletin 28: Exhaust emissions standard compliance and 11-2 Exhaust emissions for further information on determining exhaust emissions compliance.

Codes to be used

• For vehicles imported from Japan where the industry model code has a 1 to 3 character pre-fix the test regime will be the letter ‘J’, followed by the 1–3 character prefix of the industry model code recorded on the de-registration or export certificate.
• For vehicles imported from countries other than Japan or from Japan but without the prefix on the industry model code the appropriate test regime code must be used for the exhaust emissions standard recorded on the proof of standards compliance documentation. See Table 2-2-13 for codes to be used.

Where a class MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 and NA vehicle must meet an emissions standard, the test regime from Fuelsaver must be always used. Fuelsaver will auto populate the test regime in the VCASS screen. Make sure that the test regime from the completed Fuel consumption statement is entered in the VCASS screen.

If the test regime code is not recognised by LANDATA (error 60803 Emission Standard (Test Regime) is not valid), email vehicleemissions@nzta.govt.nz and include a copy of the documentation for emissions.

27 Fuel consumption information and vehicle efficiency and emission data

Fuel consumption and CO₂ is mandatory for all MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2, and NA class vehicles with an engine type of 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14  and a GVM of not more than 3,500kg, except for re-registrations, special interest vehicles, motorsport vehicles, scratchbuilt vehicles or any vehicle manufactured 40 years or more before the date of first New Zealand entry certification.

Battery range and efficiency is mandatory for all MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2, and NA class vehicles with an engine type of 5, 11, 12, 13, or 14, except for re-registrations, special interest vehicles, motorsport vehicles, scratchbuilt vehicles or any vehicle manufactured 40 years or more before the date of first New Zealand entry certification.

All fuel consumption, CO₂ and battery values come from the Fuelsaver website onto the VCAAS screen. This screen is accessed using the View emissions and FC button on the VIN screen.

Check fuel consumption statements

Valid fuel consumption statements will be marked 'PUBLISHED'. Only published statements can be accepted. These must be checked against the vehicle and its paperwork.

The following must be checked: VIN, chassis, previous country, make, model and submodel, industrial model code (Note 1) and variant, CC rating, engine type, test regime, tare (Note 2), class, registration indicator (N/U/R/S) and any documents attached to the statement, such as Statements of Compliance or Certificate of Conformity (Note 3).

If there is mismatch between certification paperwork/data and the data on the published statement (except for Engine type if engine is a 'mild hybrid' - see Table 2-2-9), the vehicle cannot be certified, the correct information must be entered into the Fuelsaver system and a new Statement obtained (and VCAAS updated). Refer to the Fuelsaver website on creating, updating or obtaining statements. The VIN screen must be updated for any errors.

If errors are found after the Compliance Indicator flag is set to Yes in any of the fields listed above to be checked, you will not be able to update the Fuelsaver system. Updates to LANDATA fields alone will not always correct the Clean Car Standard credits/charges for the CO₂ Account ID holder.  Please email these corrections to fuelconsumption@nzta.govt.nz and include documentation for the change (such as a Japanese Export Certificate).

• If a fuel consumption statement was issued on or before 30 January 2022 the VCAAS screen will be blank. Go to Fuelsaver and use the reprint/publish function. This will send the data to VCAAS.

Fuel consumption attributes definitions/descriptions

• Test cycle – is the test cycle the vehicle was tested on for Fuel Consumption and CO₂ Emissions. The correct value should be driven from the Fuelsaver system. Otherwise selectable value descriptions are in the table below.

• FC Urban is the fuel consumption (in L/100km) for the Urban phase of the NEDC test cycle or the City Phase of the CAFE test cycle. This will be auto populated in LANDATA by the Fuelsaver system.
• FC Ext. urban is the fuel consumption (in L/100km) for the Extra-Urban phase of the NEDC test cycle or the Highway phase of the CAFe test cycle. This will be auto populated in LANDATA by the Fuelsaver system.
• FC Low is the fuel consumption information (in L/100km) for the Low phase of WLTP. This will be auto populated in Landata by the Fuelsaver system.
• FC Medium is the fuel consumption information (in L/100km) for the Medium phase of WLTP. This will be auto populated in Landata by the Fuelsaver system.
• FC High is the fuel consumption information (in L/100km) for the high phase of WLTP. This will be auto populated in Landat

  2-3 Amending vehicle attributes or status

  The status of a vehicle or the attributes recorded against it may be changed at any time after the vehicle record is created. There are two reasons to amend vehicle details:

  1. to correct a data entry error

  2. to reflect a modification to the vehicle.

  When correcting data entry errors, the file must be checked before changes are made and a record of the correct data must be held in the vehicle file.

  When amending vehicle attributes or status due to vehicle modifications, the vehicle and documentation must be checked to ensure certification requirements are met (Note 1).

  1 VIN screen

  The system will allow changes to be made at any time before the MR2A is printed. Some managers and staff have a higher level of access and can make changes after the MR2A has been printed. Where those staff members are unavailable, requests to make changes should be emailed to the Permitting Assessments team at frr@nzta.govt.nz or faxed to 06 953 6267. The request must be supported with documentation (eg if a registration date was keyed incorrectly, a copy of the de-registration certificate should be supplied with the request).

  1.1 ICORE and ILOAD screen – CoF vehicles

  If the vehicle requires a CoF, changes may also be made on CoF screens, provided the entry certifier has the appropriate CoF authority for the vehicle.

  Changes to the vehicle type field can only be made by entry-level inspectors.

  1.2 IVATT screen – WoF vehicles

  If the vehicle requires a WoF, changes may also be made on WoF screens, provided the entry certifier has the appropriate WoF authority for the vehicle.

  Changes to the vehicle type field can only be made by entry-level inspectors.

  1.3 Documenting changes

  1. Corrections to data entry errors will be covered by data held in the entry certification file.

  2. Changes due to modifications for CoF vehicles should be carried out in accordance with CoF procedures.

  3. Changes due to modification for WoF vehicles should be recorded:

  a) in the IVCERT screen if low volume vehicle (LVV) certification has been issued, or

  b) in NOTES if the vehicle does not require LVV certification.

  2 Removing the border check damage flag

  A damaged flag may be recorded against a vehicle by a border inspection organisation performing the border check. See Technical bulletin 36: Removing a border damage flag.

  Note 1

  Inspection and certification 1-6-1(2) lists the certification requirements for modified vehicles.

  Page amended 14 October 2026 (see amendment details)