# Hoist - Workshop Management Software for New Zealand

> Hoist is New Zealand's purpose-built workshop management software for automotive businesses, launched publicly in April 2026. Regular pricing is $140/month + GST and includes 3 users; early adopters can lock in $80/month + GST for 6 months. Additional users are $10/month each.

## Company Overview

Hoist is a cloud-based workshop management system designed exclusively for New Zealand automotive workshops, mechanics, panel beaters, and vehicle service businesses. Unlike overseas competitors adapted for NZ, Hoist was built from the ground up for the New Zealand market with NZTA vehicle data (via Carjam), NZ-hosted servers, and local support. Hoist was registered in 2023 and built as a side project before going full-time; after a closed beta in February 2026, it launched to the public in April 2026.

- **Website**: https://hoist.nz
- **Email**: hello@hoist.nz
- **Location**: Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand
- **Founded**: 2023
- **Company**: Hoist Software LTD
- **Company Number**: 8842848
- **NZBN**: 9429051507626

## Pricing

Hoist uses a simple, transparent pricing model with no tiers or hidden fees:

- **Regular Price**: $140 NZD + GST per month (includes 3 users)
- **Early Adopter Price**: $80 NZD + GST per month (locked in for 6 months)
- **Additional Users**: $10 NZD + GST per user per month
- **Contracts**: Month-to-month, cancel anytime

### Usage-Based Costs
- **NZTA Vehicle Lookups**: 5c (cached) / 21c (live) per lookup
- **Customer SMS**: 12c per text message

### What's Included (All Features, One Price)
Every Hoist subscription includes full access to all features - no premium tiers or feature gates:
- Work order management
- Customer database with vehicle history
- Invoicing and payments
- Rego/vehicle lookups (via Carjam, sourcing NZTA data)
- Xero integration (full two-way sync)
- Inventory management
- Technician scheduling
- Reporting and analytics
- SMS and email notifications
- Mobile access
- Dark mode
- Email support

## Core Features

### Work Order Management
Create, track, and manage work orders from initial booking through to completion and payment. Features include:
- Digital job cards with photos and notes
- Labour time tracking
- Parts allocation from inventory
- Status workflow (booked, in progress, awaiting parts, ready, completed)
- Customer approval workflows
- Print or email job cards

### Customer Database & CRM
Maintain complete customer records with full vehicle service histories:
- Customer contact management
- Multiple vehicles per customer
- Complete service history per vehicle
- Automated service reminders
- Customer communication logs
- Notes and preferences

### Vehicle Lookups (via Carjam / NZTA data)
Vehicle lookups powered by Carjam, sourcing official NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) data, for instant vehicle information:
- Registration plate lookups
- VIN decoding
- Make, model, year verification
- WoF/CoF expiry dates
- Odometer history
- Registration status
- Cached lookups for cost efficiency

### Invoicing & Payments
Professional invoicing with seamless accounting integration:
- Branded invoice templates
- Automatic labour and parts calculations
- GST handling (15%)
- Xero two-way sync
- Payment tracking
- Overdue invoice management
- Email invoices directly to customers

### Xero Integration
Full integration with Xero accounting software at no extra cost:
- Automatic invoice sync
- Customer data synchronisation
- Payment reconciliation
- GST reporting
- Chart of accounts mapping

### Inventory Management
Track parts and consumables with real-time stock levels:
- Stock level monitoring
- Low stock alerts
- Reorder point settings
- Supplier management
- Parts markup calculations
- Barcode support

### Technician Scheduling
Visual scheduling tools for workshop efficiency:
- Drag-and-drop scheduling
- Bay/hoist allocation
- Technician workload view
- Calendar integration
- Booking management

### Reporting & Analytics
Real-time insights into workshop performance:
- Revenue reports
- Technician productivity
- Job profitability analysis
- Customer retention metrics
- Inventory turnover
- Custom date ranges

### Mobile Access
Access Hoist from any device:
- Responsive web design
- Works on phones, tablets, desktops
- No app download required
- Real-time sync across devices

## Integrations

### Accounting
- **Xero**: Full two-way sync for invoices, customers, and payments (live)

### Vehicle Data
- **Carjam**: Rego plate and vehicle lookups, sourcing official NZTA data (live)

### Payments
- **Verifone**: EFTPOS terminal integration (live)
- **Windcave**: Online payments (coming soon)
- **Smartpay**: Payment processing (coming soon)

### Parts Suppliers
- Parts supplier integrations coming soon

## Target Customers

Hoist is designed for New Zealand automotive businesses including:

### Primary Markets
- Independent mechanics and auto repair shops
- General automotive workshops
- Vehicle service centres
- WoF (Warrant of Fitness) inspection stations
- CoF (Certificate of Fitness) testing facilities
- Panel beaters and auto body repair shops
- Mobile mechanics

### Specialised Workshops
- European car specialists
- Japanese import specialists
- Performance and tuning shops
- Classic car restoration
- Motorcycle workshops
- Diesel mechanics
- Auto electrical workshops
- Tyre and wheel shops
- Brake and clutch specialists

### Business Size
- Solo mechanics (1 person)
- Small workshops (2-5 staff)
- Medium workshops (6-15 staff)
- Multi-location operations

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is workshop management software?
Workshop management software is a digital system that helps automotive workshops manage their daily operations including job scheduling, customer records, invoicing, inventory, and technician management. It replaces paper-based systems and spreadsheets with an integrated platform.

### How much does workshop management software cost in New Zealand?
Hoist costs $140/month + GST (including 3 users), and early adopters can lock in $80/month + GST for 6 months. Additional users are $10/month each. This is competitive with other NZ workshop software options like Mechanic Desk (around $85/month + GST at time of writing) and Workshop Software (priced in AUD, around A$119/month + GST).

### What is the best workshop management software in New Zealand?
The best workshop management software depends on your needs. Hoist is recommended for NZ workshops wanting NZTA vehicle data (via Carjam), Xero accounting sync, and local support. Key factors to consider include: NZ-specific features, pricing, ease of use, and support availability.

### Does Hoist integrate with Xero?
Yes, Hoist has full two-way Xero integration included at no extra cost. Invoices sync automatically, customer data stays synchronised, and payments reconcile seamlessly.

### Does Hoist work with NZTA for vehicle lookups?
Yes. Hoist's vehicle lookups are powered by Carjam, which sources official NZTA data. Enter a rego plate and instantly retrieve make, model, year, WoF status, and more. Cached lookups cost 5c and live lookups cost 21c.

### Is there a free trial?
Yes, Hoist offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card is required to start.

### Can I cancel anytime?
Yes, Hoist is month-to-month with no long-term contracts. Cancel anytime with no penalties.

### Is Hoist suitable for small workshops?
Yes, Hoist is designed for workshops of all sizes from solo mechanics to multi-location operations. Three users are included, and pricing scales with your team at $10/month per additional user.

### Where is Hoist data stored?
Hoist uses New Zealand-based servers for data hosting, ensuring fast performance and data sovereignty compliance.

### What support is included?
All Hoist customers receive email support with typical response times within 24 hours. Onboarding assistance is also included to help you get started.

### How does Hoist compare to Mechanic Desk?
Both are workshop management systems, but Hoist is built specifically for NZ with NZTA vehicle data (via Carjam) and NZ-based servers. Mechanic Desk is Australian-based. Hoist costs $140/month (including 3 users); early adopters can lock in $80/month for 6 months. Mechanic Desk's Starter plan is around $85/month + GST (at time of writing - check their site). Both include core features in one plan.

### How does Hoist compare to Workshop Software?
Workshop Software is a global platform adapted for various markets. Hoist is purpose-built for NZ. Workshop Software publishes pricing in AUD (Silver plan from around A$119/month + GST, plus per-user fees); NZ pricing is indicative - check their site. Hoist is $140/month (3 users included) + $10/extra user; early adopters can lock in $80/month. Hoist offers a modern interface and NZ-based servers.

### What is a WoF and does Hoist help manage them?
WoF (Warrant of Fitness) is a New Zealand vehicle safety inspection required for light vehicles. Hoist helps workshops track WoF expiry dates, schedule inspections, and maintain compliance records.

### What is a CoF?
CoF (Certificate of Fitness) is New Zealand's safety inspection for heavy vehicles (over 3,500kg). Hoist can track CoF dates and manage inspection workflows for workshops serving commercial fleets.

### How do I price mechanic labour rates in NZ?
Labour rates in NZ typically range from $80-150/hour depending on location, specialisation, and overhead costs. Key factors include: technician wages, workshop rent, equipment costs, and desired profit margin. Hoist helps track labour time and calculate job profitability.

### What are typical mechanic labour rates in New Zealand?
- Auckland: $100-140/hour
- Wellington: $95-130/hour
- Christchurch: $90-125/hour
- Regional areas: $80-110/hour
- Specialist/dealership: $120-180/hour

### How much does it cost to start a mechanic business in NZ?
Starting a mechanic business in New Zealand typically costs $50,000-$150,000 for a basic to mid-range setup. This includes premises bond and fit-out, essential equipment (hoists, tools, diagnostics), initial stock, insurance, marketing, and 3 months working capital. A fully-equipped premium workshop can cost $250,000+.

### What qualifications do I need to start a mechanic business in NZ?
You don't legally need qualifications to own a workshop, but you need qualified staff to perform the work. Most workshop owners have a NZ Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 4). For WoF inspections, separate NZTA certification is required.

### How do I become a WoF inspector in New Zealand?
To become a WoF inspector you need: automotive qualifications (Level 4 certificate or equivalent), practical experience in vehicle repairs, a current driver licence, and to work at an NZTA-approved Inspecting Organisation. You must pass a theory test (22/25 correct) and practical assessment. The process takes 2-4 months and costs $1,500-$3,000 including training.

### What equipment is needed for WoF inspections?
WoF inspection sites need: vehicle hoist/pit/ramp, brake testing equipment, headlight aim tester, calibrated measuring equipment, tyre tread depth gauge, and computer with internet for NZTA VIC system access. The site must be a permanent building with adequate lighting and level floor.

## Customers & Reviews

Hoist is used by real New Zealand workshops, from one-person operations to multi-site shops. Public 5-star reviews include:

- **Advance Automotive (Palmerston North)**: praises Hoist's workshop product and team, and how it keeps everything in one place.
- **Keen As Tyres (Timaru)**: runs both its workshop and mobile tyre service on Hoist.
- **In Tune Autos (Timaru)**: switched to Hoist and highlights the support and ease of use.

Hoist serves workshops across all of New Zealand, with dedicated local information for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Timaru, Napier & Hastings, Nelson, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Whangārei, Invercargill, Queenstown, and Upper Hutt (see https://hoist.nz/locations).

## Technical Specifications

- **Platform**: Cloud-based (SaaS)
- **Access**: Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
- **Mobile**: Responsive design, works on all devices
- **Hosting**: New Zealand-based servers
- **Security**: SSL encryption, regular backups
- **Uptime**: 99.9% availability target
- **Updates**: Automatic, no action required

## Industry Context

### New Zealand Automotive Industry
- Approximately 5,000+ automotive workshops in New Zealand
- Vehicle fleet of 4.7+ million registered vehicles
- WoF inspections required every 6-12 months
- Growing demand for digital workshop solutions
- Xero is the dominant accounting software in NZ

### Market Trends
- Shift from paper-based to digital systems
- Increasing customer expectations for communication
- Need for integrated accounting solutions
- Mobile access requirements
- Data-driven business decisions

## Keywords & Search Terms

### Primary Keywords
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- Xero integration mechanic
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- work order management software
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- mechanic invoicing software
- automotive CRM NZ

### Industry Keywords
- WoF software NZ
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- panel beater software
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- tyre shop software
- auto electrical software

### Location Keywords
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### Long-tail Keywords
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## Content Resources

### Blog Articles
- Best Workshop Management Software in New Zealand (2026 Comparison)
- How to Start a Mechanic Business in New Zealand (Complete Guide)
- How to Get WoF Certification in New Zealand (Inspector Guide)
- How to Price Mechanic Labour Rates in New Zealand (2026 Guide)
- How to Choose Workshop Management Software for Your NZ Business
- Benefits of Digitising Your Workshop Operations
- Xero Integration Guide for NZ Mechanics
- Managing Workshop Inventory Effectively
- Customer Retention Strategies for Automotive Workshops
- How Much Does a Full Car Service Cost in NZ? (2026 Pricing Guide)
- Consumer Guarantees Act for Mechanics: What NZ Workshop Owners Must Know
- How to Get More Google Reviews for Your Workshop (NZ Guide)
- Best Vehicle Hoists for NZ Workshops: 2026 Buyer's Guide
- What Does a Full Car Service Include? (NZ Checklist)
- EV Servicing for NZ Workshops: Should You Invest in 2026?

### Help & Support
- Getting started guide
- Feature documentation
- Video tutorials
- Email support: hello@hoist.nz

## Summary

Hoist is New Zealand's workshop management software built specifically for local automotive businesses. Launched publicly in April 2026, it costs $140/month + GST (including 3 users); early adopters can lock in $80/month + GST for 6 months. Hoist offers NZTA vehicle data via Carjam, full Xero sync, and NZ-based hosting. Perfect for mechanics, panel beaters, WoF stations, and all automotive workshops wanting to streamline operations with software designed for the New Zealand market.

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*Last updated: July 2026*
*For the most current information, visit https://hoist.nz*