There are some big challenges facing road freight in New Zealand over the coming years, and while not all of these are issues that we can solve on our own, it is time the industry considered what the future will look like and the important place of road transport within it.
This year’s Road Transport Forum Conference, set for Wairakei Resort near Taupo on September 24 and 25, is the perfect opportunity to participate in discussions on the issues and topics that are of central concern to our livelihoods and wellbeing of those we employ and do business with.
We know that if New Zealand transport businesses are to prosper and keep pace with a growing population and economy, we must encourage more people into the industry, as well as making sure that we do more to better train and professionally develop our existing workforce.
We must make sure that the industry sets the bar high when it comes to safety.
Road transport companies and their drivers need to model the best driving practices out there on the road and illustrate the professionalism and duty of care that goes with being a professional driver.
We must also ensure that our businesses are built around the best possible health and safety practices and have at their heart the wellbeing of their staff and contractors.
By the time the conference gets under way, the Labourled Government will have had almost two years in office and in that time significant changes have been made to the direction of governmenttransport policy.
Where the previous government emphasised the Roads of National Significance programme, the Ardern Government has pivoted aggressively towards public transport, rail and a programme of regional roading upgrades.
Without a doubt this will have a significant impact on the road transport industry.
The only state highway project on the cards beyond what is already under way is the Manawatu Gorge replacement.
The East-West Link, Katikati to Tauranga and Christchurch to Ashburton, have all been quietly forgotten.
Nevertheless, RUCs and fuel excise have increased the fixed costs for road users and are no longer ring-fenced for roading or the relief of congestion.
Instead, significant funding has been allocated to urban public transport projects, while KiwiRail has had another massive injection of cash from the Budget to invest in its infrastructure, with the recent reopening of the Wairoa to Napier Railway the latest example of this Government’s ambition to breathe new life into previously failed regional rail.
Talking of the Budget, it was very revealing to hear the prime minister during her speech shout, “if you want to
talk about safety on our roads, get freight off it and get it on to rail”.
The truth is in spite of thatdespite the Government’s often-stated safety ambition, the lack of investment in roads and their maintenance is having a major detrimental effect on safety up and down the country.
Just ask our drivers! With the next election little more than a year away, the first day of the conference is a timely occasion to hear from and question the policies of Labour MP and minister of transport Phil Twyford, NZ First’s “first minister of the regions”, Shane Jones, as well as the National Party.
Day one will also include sessions with the Ministry of Transport’s Peter Mersi, as well as with NZTA, CVST and increasing environmental concerns and disruptions from the uptake of new and emerging technologies.
One year on, it will be interesting to hear whether his forecasts have changed at all.
Paul MacKay from Business New Zealand will update delegates on how last year’s changes to employment law
have shaken out and what operators in the industry need to be aware of.
Melanie Boyle from Women Step Forward, and Margaret Kouvelis, will continue the HR theme with tips on how businesses can better engage a younger workforce and structure themselves to be in the best position to attract women and young people to our industry.
The afternoon will be dedicated to health and wellbeing with Dr Tom Mulholland and Lucy Kelleher addressing such topics as stress, depression and attention overload.
The final night of the conference will see the traditional gala dinner including the NZ Road Transport Industry Awards.
There are some new categories for 2019 with the Teletrac Navman Outstanding Contribution by a Woman in the Road Transport Industry, and EROAD Young Driver of the Year (under 35) awards, recognising the increasingly important role of women and young people in the industry.
Registration for the conference, including accommodation, is now open at www.rtfconference.co.nz. Entries for the NZ Road Transport Industry Awards are also open.
Criteria and nomination details can be found at www.rtfnz.co.nz.
I look forward to seeing you there.
