has anyone else had this email

As of 1 November 2010, a new law comes into effect which allows third parties access to your name and address details via your vehicle registration plates.
Click on the link below to opt out , and send this to everyone you know.
https://transact.nzta.govt..nz/transactions/PersonalInfoAccess/entry.aspx

Yes, it is legit, but the date given is now incorrect because the change won't take effect until 1 April 2011.

I would recommend visiting that link, and opting out of the system for every vehicle you own. We have done it, and have since received letters from NZTA acknowledging our opt-out accordingly.

Yes, it is real. I have logged onto the NZTA site and "opted out". I have received an official letter saying it will come into force when the law changes. However, they point out that it does not prevent the authorities (police, Council etc) from accessing you info to send you tickets etc!

I would rather the general scum of the population cannot find out where I live, which apparently they can at the moment.

Think of the scenario where someone sees a car, loaded with family, gear etc, at a campsite / tourist spot etc. They check the rego on the publicly available database, and find out your home address. Doesn't take much to figure out your house is probably empty, and ripe for the pickings.

Call me a cynic if you like, but I don't want too much of my personal info available for anyone to take advantage of - its' a scary prospect, and one you can avoid by "opting out"

Cool! Just tried it and get "Sorry, we are unable to process your transaction. Please try again later. If you continue to receive this message, you need to go to an NZ Transport Agency agent to lodge your application."

Cheers

Peter

I've done mine and the website even brought up the ones I couldn't remember the numbers for. It gives a message something like "This vehicle is registered to you also. Do you wish to include it?" I thought that was a brilliant feature.

Actually, You CAN already get peoples information from numberplates... thats how sites like Carjam.co.nz work for their fee paying service with reports on all previous owners.

It used to be you just rolled up paid your fee and got the details, but after car clubs and insurance companies complained about thefts closely following car shows, thought to be from crime gangs using the car show to make "shopping lists" of vehicles and desired parts, and noting down number plates of their chosen cars. The law was changed that to get the details one has to provide a suitable form of ID such as a car licence... that way cops have a lead on thefts by checking who enquired about that car.

Thats is the current status, Say you post a picture on here of your new horsetruck for example, with the number plate showing... I could roll up to the desk at NZPost or LTSA with my licence or passport for ID, and your number plate, and find out your Real name rather than screen name, your address where the truck is registered and other details.

The new law change is allowing you to Opt-Out of the CURRENT system so people off the street can't trace you and only authorised agencies like the police and LTSA can obtain your details from a licence plate register.

OakhengeFarm;336480 wrote: I would rather the general scum of the population cannot find out where I live, which apparently they can at the moment.

Think of the scenario where someone sees a car, loaded with family, gear etc, at a campsite / tourist spot etc. They check the rego on the publicly available database, and find out your home address. Doesn't take much to figure out your house is probably empty, and ripe for the pickings.

Call me a cynic if you like, but I don't want too much of my personal info available for anyone to take advantage of - its' a scary prospect, and one you can avoid by "opting out"

You are a cynic, and opting out is no protection.

In Switzerland, a directory of licence plates is published. Like a phone book. This means you can look up the name and address of someone who cut you off on the road (or the address of someone towing a trailer full of camping gear).

As you say, currently the general scum of the population can find out your address from a licence plate number, but then *so can you*. There is a fee for this, which means that someone has to pay, and a record of the lookup is made.

Your scenario is bogus. Remember, most criminals are opportunists, and burglars are *fast*. It doesn't matter if you went on a camping trip, or just went to the shops. Actually, how about we ban phone books? I could call your house, and if the phone rings and rings it probably means your house is empty and ripe for the picking.

The solution is to know your neighbours and create a community. Your house is safe because your neighbours are watching it. Unfortunately from April they won't be able to tell whose car drove by late at night, but they can still write down the number. Technology doesn't help or hinder burglaries or other antisocial behaviour. People do.

A

Not quite legit the way it has been worded! Very misleading.

CURRENTLY anyone can go in and get your details from your rego. $2 and a Post Shop visit is all that is needed.

The new legislation will STOP this happening.

Those who might still want this info would then have to apply for a special dispensation - with good reasons - to allow them to access this.

Opting out, as the email suggests, would protect you from anyone who gets a dispensation.

It won't stop legitimate authorities (cops etc) being able to get this info.

thanks, will go and fill it in

Looking at the NZTA website, it says exactly the opposite, that access to info will be tightened, and also mentions the misleading email:

www.nzta.govt.nz/about/media/releases/801/news.html

Quote: A widely circulated e-mail wrongly suggests that the new legislation (the Land Transport Amendment Act 2009) will make these personal details available to third parties for the first time.

Quote: When the new legislation comes into force on 1 April 2011 it will for the first time significantly restrict access to this information. The new law will only permit the release of personal information for the following purposes

Though the opting out still is a good idea.

ame sorry but you are so wrong being a member of club that had names and plates, addresses open to anyone they were found to be used in a spate of break ins when people were away so things were changed and it stopped.

For the full story:

www.nzta.govt.nz/about/media/releases/801/news.html

I really hate these emails that circulate with half truths and written in such a way that they start all sorts of speculation and rumours :rolleyes: they are spam in their own right because people forward them on without checking. With Mr Google at your fingertips anything like this can be verified or otherwise.

Don't believe every conspiracy theory that comes your way []

sod;336567 wrote: ame sorry but you are so wrong being a member of club that had names and plates, addresses open to anyone they were found to be used in a spate of break ins when people were away so things were changed and it stopped.

Interesting. Changes were made and it stopped... so more changes are being made?

I wonder if we can opt out and opt in at any time.

A

i think you can ame

People need to learn to read properly...This thing going around is a real bug bear of mine. It has been doing the rounds on Facebook as well. As has already been established, the law is actually changing to work in your favour. The information has been available since the 1920's.

We have had notices going around throughout the Police about this, as we have been inundated with phone calls from the public about it.

Please do your bit and read the article properly, and then educate anyone else who hasnt read it properly either...