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Car Dealer Sentenced for $410K Clean Car Fraud

9/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Hamish Gardyne, a South Island car dealer, was sentenced for fraudulently claiming $410,550 under New Zealand's Clean Car Discount Rebate.
He falsely applied for rebates on 119 Nissan Leaf vehicles, claiming they were demonstration cars.
An NZTA investigation revealed he sold 90 vehicles to Australia, prompting scrutiny of his claims.
Gardyne received nine months and two weeks of home detention, along with 200 hours of community work.
His vehicle-trading registration was canceled for five years, and he repaid the rebate received while withdrawing remaining claims.

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Story summary

Hamish Gardyne, a South Island car dealer, was sentenced for fraudulently claiming $410,550 under New Zealand's Clean Car Discount Rebate.
He falsely applied for rebates on 119 Nissan Leaf vehicles, claiming they were demonstration cars.
An NZTA investigation revealed he sold 90 vehicles to Australia, prompting scrutiny of his claims.
Gardyne received nine months and two weeks of home detention, along with 200 hours of community work.
His vehicle-trading registration was canceled for five years, and he repaid the rebate received while withdrawing remaining claims.