The New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA**** or AA) is an incorporated society (non-profit organization) that offers various services to its members. These services include breakdown assistance, vehicle repairs, driver licensing, driver training, travel maps, accommodation guides and bookings, insurance, and finance. Formed in 1903, the AA is the oldest and largest motoring club in the country. As of 2020, it has over 1.7 million members across New Zealand.

History

In May 1903, Dr George Thomas Humphrey de Clive-Lowe invited about 20 new motoring enthusiasts to consider his idea to start an automobile club. First in Auckland, followed by Canterbury a few months later, motoring clubs began to dot the country with at least 15 different automobile associations registered by 1930. During the 1980s, 15 district automobile associations began to merge to form the New Zealand Automobile Association and became the country's largest club. The final merger was achieved in 1991 under the leadership of the former chief executive, Brian Gibbons. Products and services diversified through new joint venture companies, franchise operations and business partnerships during the 1990s.

International affiliations

The AA is a member of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) through which its members can receive reciprocal road services in a number of countries across the world.

Products and services