More than 1500 guests gathered at Mystery Creek on July 30 for EROAD Fleet Day 2025, which brought together light and heavy fleet operators for a full day of industry presentations and networking.
The event opened with a keynote speech from New Zealand rally great Hayden Paddon, followed by insights into the life of a professional athlete from former All Blacks captain Sam Cane.
Guests had the opportunity to test drive a range of passenger vehicles and light and heavy commercial models, spanning internal combustion and electric powertrains. Dozens of exhibitors were on site, including vehicle fit-out specialists, navigation technology providers and fleet finance experts.
Waikato Regional Council used the occasion to promote key road safety messages to the many transport operators and fleet managers in attendance.
Billed as New Zealand’s largest fleet management conference, it featured more than 20 speakers and over 70 exhibitors.
Among the speakers was Waikato Regional Council transport policy and programmes manager Bryan Sherritt, who presented on the “safe system approach” to road safety and fleet management and joined a panel discussion. The safe system model focuses on reducing death and serious injury by addressing factors such as road design, speed management, and vehicle safety standards.
“Fleet Day is an excellent opportunity to reach fleet managers directly with important road safety messaging,” Sherritt says.
“The reality is that an estimated 25 per cent of death and injury crashes involve people who are on the road for work.
“We want everyone to get home safely, every day, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but it’s also good for business.”
The council also hosted a stand at the event featuring educational materials and Ruben the Road Safety Bear, a popular initiative that teaches young children essential road safety skills.
Waikato Regional Council says it provides leadership in road safety by coordinating regional activities to achieve better outcomes for local communities. That includes overseeing the Waikato region’s Road Safety Strategy and advocating for national road user education.
“We oversee the development and implementation of the region’s guiding policies including the region’s Road Safety Strategy, and also have a specific role to play in road user education and advocacy to central government,” said Sherritt.
The council also leads the Waikato Regional Road Safety Forum, a multi-agency partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, ACC, NZ Police, district councils and other authorities, aimed at promoting road safety and education across the region.
EROAD said this year’s event brought together a broad cross-section of the industry to address key challenges in fleet operations.
“Fleet Day gives a cross-section of the industry and brings together like-minded professionals to discuss the latest trends and challenges in fleet management,” the company said.
The programme included panels on emerging vehicle technology, safer driving cultures, and team engagement. EROAD Studios also returned to the exhibition hall with focused sessions on product innovation and unlocking more value from fleet systems.
EROAD marketing manager Matt Fontein thanked the record number of attendees who helped make it a special day.
“We lifted the bar, introduced new activities and experiences … we shared stories and advice for fleets to become safer, smarter and more efficient. We look forward to planning for 2026.”
