Voucher issue has happy ending

GRATEFUL: Gary Coston says MTA vouchers make a huge difference to the RSA volunteers.PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has offered Mount Maunganui RSA a confidential agreement to rectify the $1140 lost through expired gift cards.

MTA chief executive Warwick Quinn yesterday contacted Mount RSA general manager Andrew Buenter after the Bay of Plenty Times published an article on the situation - and agreed on a "satisfactory solution that we're both happy with".

"I can't tell you the details ... That's confidential between us," Mr Quinn said.

Mr Quinn would not say what the solution was or the details behind why their initial decision was reviewed but said the change came after he had a chance to talk to Mr Buenter.

He said the two parties could come to a solution after the situation was brought to his attention on Thursday afternoon.

"Had I had an opportunity and had I known about it earlier with Andrew I would've spoken to him sooner as well.

"I think it's a matter of responding to the issues as they develop and it's always going to be a matter of ensuring we have the best processes that we can to manage these sorts of exceptions."

Mr Buenter said he was happy with the outcome and appreciated MTA getting in contact and reviewing their decision. He would not divulge the details of the agreement.

He believed the media attention had helped the RSA's cause.

Royal New Zealand RSA national president BJ Clark said he was happy Mount RSA and MTA had come to an agreement and thanked MTA for finding a solution.

"I'm very disappointed at the MTA's original decision.

"They got the money for it, the $1140 was paid ... I'm not really sure what their problem was."

He was surprised MTA had not come out and said, "'on this one occasion we'll make an exception'".

"That'd be amazing PR for them, I would've thought.

"But if the Mount RSA is happy then I'm happy they've come to an agreement."

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller said his office had been on the phone to MTA yesterday and had been told they had reached a solution.

"I think that's a great outcome for the RSA and should acknowledge MTA for getting to the right outcome quickly."

Prior to the agreement decision, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges said he would have hoped the MTA, in a show of goodwill, would be able to waive the rules around vouchers with expired validity.

"I am sure the organisation's executives will be well aware of the negative impression their stance has left with the general public," he said.

Tauranga-based NZ First list MP Clayton Mitchell said if it had been one of his businesses, he would have honoured the expired gift cards, "because you want people to have a positive memory of your brand".

Mount RSA member of 20 years, Gary Coston, had been a recipient of the gift cards in the past when he had volunteered to visit sick veterans and RSA members in hospital.

"I've certainly been and done those visits in the past and it costs you in the end so if you can get an MTA voucher it always helps."

Val Kivell, Mount RSA member of about 15 years, said most volunteers were retired and relying on a pension so the petrol vouchers were a huge help to them.