Testing RUC Compare with Kiwi Drivers

The finish line is finally in sight for RUC Compare. While the site is now technically live at www.ruccompare.co.nz, we are currently in a "soft launch" phase to ensure every component is polished to perfection. Instead of a full public push, we are spending this week working closely with a dedicated user test group of around 20 to 30 New Zealanders.

It was important to us that this group reflected the real diversity of New Zealand's roads. We have included everyone from individual EV owners and rural diesel drivers to small business fleet managers. Their feedback is helping us refine the "engine room" of the platform to ensure it delivers on its promise of radical transparency.

"We have spent months engineering the backend, but this week is all about the human element," says Adam Johnston, CEO. "We want to know exactly what a small fleet manager thinks when they use our multi-dimensional comparison tool, or how intuitive an EV owner finds the plate lookup system. We are taking that feedback and making the final finishing touches so that when we flip the switch next week, the platform is 100% ready for the public."

While we let SEO start to do its thing in the background, our tech team is focused on the small details that make a big difference. Briyarne, our CTO, is overseeing these final optimisations.

"The feedback from our test group has already been incredibly valuable," Briyarne says. "We are currently fine-tuning the 3D flip-card animations and ensuring our distance slider is perfectly calibrated for both desktop and mobile users. We want the very first experience every New Zealander has with RUC Compare to be seamless, fast, and genuinely helpful."

We are on track for a full public launch in the next week. We can’t wait to show you the final product and help you start making more informed choices about your Road User Charges.