44 Bowen Street
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
New Zealand
T 64 4 894 5400
F 64 4 894 6100
www.nzta.govt.nz
31 October 2025
David Palmer
[FYI request #32335 email]
REF: OIA-19661
Dear David
Request made under the Official Information Act 1982
Thank you for your email
of 18 September 2025 requesting the following information under the Official
Information Act 1982 (the Act):
1. The NZTA website indicates that some Automated and autonomous vehicles can be tested in
New Zealand. Has Tesla been granted permission to deploy this product in New Zealand by NZTA
or any related government agency?
2. I would like a copy of any correspondence between NZTA and Tesla regarding their "Full Self-
Driving" product being deployed in New Zealand.
3. I would like a copy of any communications or advice NZTA has received regarding the safety
and legality of Tesla "Ful Self-Driving" products in New Zealand.
4. I would like a copy of any communications or advice NZTA has received from partner agencies
in Australia regarding Tesla "Full Self-Driving" products.
I wil answer each part of your request in turn.
1. The NZTA website indicates that some Automated and autonomous vehicles can be
tested in New Zealand. Has Tesla been granted permission to deploy this product in
New Zealand by NZTA or any related government agency?
No. Under the current law, autonomous vehicles, such as a Tesla operating in Full Self Driving –
Supervised (FSD-S) mode, are legal and are able to operate on the road without permission from the
Director of Land Transport or NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), provided they meet the
usual vehicle standards (eg: Warrant of Fitness requirements).
2. I would like a copy of any correspondence between NZTA and Tesla regarding their
"Full Self-Driving" product being deployed in New Zealand.
The fol owing document falls within the scope of your request and is enclosed:
• OIA-19661 - Engagement and Correspondence
Certain information has been withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the Act. This section al ows for the
withholding of information to protect the privacy of natural persons.
With respect to the information that has been withheld, I do not consider there are any other factors
which would render it desirable, in the public interest, to make the information available.
3. I would like a copy of any communications or advice NZTA has received regarding the
safety and legality of Tesla "Ful Self-Driving" products in New Zealand.
4. I would like a copy of any communications or advice NZTA has received from partner
agencies in Australia regarding Tesla "Ful Self-Driving" products.
NZTA has not received any communications or advice regarding the safety and legality of Tesla FSD-
S from individuals or partner agencies in Australia. I am therefore refusing these parts of your request
under section 18(e) of the Act as the documents alleged to contain the information requested does not
exist.
Under section 28 of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review my decision to
withhold this information and partially refuse this request. The contact details for the Ombudsman can
be located at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
In line with NZTA policy, this response wil soon be published on our website, with personal
information removed.
If you would like to discuss this reply with NZTA, please contact the Ministerial Services team, by
email to [NZTA request email].
Yours sincerely
Jackie Smith
Manager – Ministerial Services
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