Museum notebook: A history of car registration plates in New Zealand 2 May, 2021 05:00 PM 4 minutes to read One of the early AA Road Service vehicles, an Austin Seven. Photograph / Tesla Studios, Whanganui Regional Museum Collection ref: 2014.59.25 One of the early AA Road Service vehicles, an Austin Seven. Photograph / Tesla Studios, Whanganui Regional Museum Collection ref: 2014.59.25 Whanganui Chronicle Towards the end of the 19th century, roads in New Zealand began changing because of new and varied motor vehicles being imported. Although they were private vehicles, they were still governed by the laws for traction engines, dictating they must be driven no faster than walking pace and with men walking in front and behind to warn of their approach.