| New Zealand Automobile Association | |
|---|---|
| Formation | Auckland, New Zealand (1903)[1] |
| Type | Incorporated society |
| Purpose/focus | Automotive services |
| Headquarters | 99 Albert Street Auckland New Zealand |
| Region served | New Zealand |
| Membership | 1.25 million (2008)[2] |
| Chief Executive | Brian Gibbons |
| Website | www.aa.co.nz |
The New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA or AA) is a mutual organisation and an incorporated society that provides vehicle breakdown assistance and related services to its members. Founded in New Zealand in 1903, the AA has grown from a pioneering automobile club to a multi-faceted organisation offering motoring advice, insurance, finance, maps and travel guides, and is regarded as a significant advocate for New Zealand motorists within the transport sector and by government.
The AA is a member of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Alliance Internationale de Tourisme, through which its members can receive reciprocal road service in a number of companies across the world.
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In May 1903, Dr George Thomas Humphrey de Clive-Low and 20 other motoring enthusiasts founded the Auckland Automobile Association, the first motoring association in New Zealand. Another 13 associations were soon set up around the country. The automobile associations pioneered the concept of the driver's licence in New Zealand. In 1924 the first road map was produced and soon other AA districts were opening up around the country providing access to the expanding range of services.
In 1964 a Secretariat was formed in Wellington for the purpose of national advocacy. For many years George Fairbairn held the role of General Secretary. Mr Fairbairn was the public face of the Motoring Affairs division until he retired in 2005.
During the 1980s, the now 17 district associations began to merge and formed the New Zealand Automobile Association. The final merger of the NZAA was achieved in 1991 and a corporate office was established in Auckland, under the leadership of the present Chief Executive, Brian Gibbons. Motoring Affairs remained in Wellington under General Manager Mike Noon.
Products and services diversified through new joint venture companies, franchise operations and business partnerships during the 1990s. During 2003, the NZAA celebrated its centenary and reached the one million member mark. The inaugural AA Motoring Excellence Awards was held in 2005, and is now an annual event. Every two years the NZAA organises an ENERGYWISE Rally to highlight the fuel consumption of vehicles and the benefits of fuel efficient driving.