Waka Kotahi waives toll fee after evidence of vehicle sale

A woman who sold her car and left New Zealand in December 2019 found herself at the receiving end of correspondence from a debt collection agency for unpaid toll fees.

Waka Kotahi (the New Zealand Transport Agency) advised her that as she was the registered owner of the vehicle at the time the fee was incurred, she was liable.

However, after inquiries were made by the Ombudsman following a complaint from the woman, Waka Kotahi further investigated ways to resolve the issue. Based on evidence of the vehicle sale, Waka Kotahi contacted the complainant to tell her the debt had been waived, it would advise the debt collection agency of the change and her credit rating would be unaffected.

As a result of the Ombudsman’s inquiries, no investigation was necessary and the complaint resolved.

Read the full case note here.