AA introduces appointment booking system in Wānaka

The Automobile Association is launching a new system for booking appointments online to be seen at its Wānaka mobile clinic in an attempt to reduce wait-times, and it's the first location in the country to try it out. 

AA Mobility commercial manager Roger Venn says Wānaka was chosen due to recent pressure on services in Otago and from recognising people travel some distance to visit Wānaka's mobile unit.

"Ensuring they can be assisted on the day of their visit is important," Mr Venn says. 

The news comes after residents recently told Crux that the wait to be seen can be half a day, with concerns raised to Wānaka's MP Miles Anderson at Chamber of Commerce event in late-April.

Hāwea Community Association chairperson Cherilyn Walthrew specifically asked for an online booking option to be introduced at the clinic. 

From next week residents will be able to pre-book an appointment spots at the AA's mobile clinics held in Wānaka on Ardmore Street between 8am and 2.30pm.

From 2.30pm until its close at 5pm, the clinic will be open to walk-ins.

In making the announcement, the AA acknowledges the recent demand for drivers licence and vehicle registration services in the area, and says the new booking system is designed to reduce wait times. 

All the services offered by the mobile clinic can be booked online prior apart from learner licence theory tests, which will still require the person to come in and book in-person.

Mr Roger says the AA is always working with NZTA Waka Kotahi to streamline government services and requirements wherever possible.

He advises those visiting any AA Licensing Agencies to double check the ID and documentation requirements required for the application they wish to complete, so the AA team can assist them on the day of their visit.

Customers can book appointments from today by visiting https://www.aa.co.nz/drivers/driver-licences/locations/#otago.