A major step forward has been taken for New Zealand’s livestock transport sector with the establishment of the National Livestock Transport & Safety Council (NLT&SC).
The new body has been formed through collaboration between the country’s three peak road transport associations – National Road Carriers (NRC), NZ Trucking, and Transporting New Zealand (TNZ).
The NLT&SC replaces the previous National Livestock Transport & Safety Group and is designed to provide a more unified, independent, and effective voice for livestock transport operators.
NLT&SC chair Derek Foley says the new structure represents “a significant and positive change for New Zealand’s livestock transport industry”.
“This restructure reflects the collective input of all stakeholders and recognises the need to strengthen the transport sector’s role within the livestock value chain,” Foley says.
“While farmers and producers have been the focus of much regulatory attention, transport – an essential link in moving livestock safely and efficiently across the country – has often been overlooked.
“This is a chance to highlight the vital contribution transport makes to New Zealand’s economy, connecting rural communities to markets and supporting the integrity of our food systems. By coming together, we can amplify our voice and demonstrate the value our industry delivers nationwide.”
The Council comprises elected operator representatives from all three associations. It operates with a formal terms of reference and is described as independent, inclusive, and operator-led – administered through TNZ, but with its own identity and mandate.
Foley says members and stakeholders can expect “clear, timely updates on decisions, projects, and industry matters”.
“This is designed to give industry the confidence that their concerns are being heard and acted on,” he says.
As part of its role, the Council aims to raise the profile of the livestock transport sector and improve outcomes industry-wide. However, it will not comment on commercial or pricing issues to ensure fairness and clarity.
The Council includes eight regional representatives from Transporting New Zealand, alongside one voting representative each from NZ Trucking and NRC. Supporting non-voting roles include a sector advisor, secretary, and technical advisors.
Current Council leadership includes Derek Foley as chair, Shona Robertson as vice chair, and Jim Crouchley as secretary and sector advisor. Committee members represent both large and small operators across the country.
The Council is encouraging continued engagement from the industry, with regular updates planned and opportunities for operators to provide input or get involved via their respective associations.
Industry association representation
Transporting New Zealand (up to a maximum of 8 Voting Members):
- 1 x Southland
- 1 x Otago
- 1 x Mid-South Island (Canterbury)
- 1 x Upper South Island (Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast)
- 1 x Lower North Island
- 1 x Eastern North Island
- 1 x Central North Island
- 1 x Upper North Island
New Zealand Trucking (NZT) (1 x Voting member)
National Road Carriers (NRC) (1x Voting member)
Other support roles (non-voting):
- 1 x Transporting New Zealand Sector Group Advisor
- 1 x Secretary
Non-mandatory (non-voting)
- Technical Advisors (appointed by the Council on an as-needs basis)
The Current National Livestock Transport and Safety Council committee is as follows:
- Chairperson: Derek Foley
- Vice Chairperson: Shona Robertson
- Secretary and TNZ Advisor: Jim Crouchley
- Committee Members:
- Brad Kincaid (Transporting New Zealand)
- Chad Stewart (Transporting New Zealand)
- Eddie Swain (NZ Trucking)
- Graham Neate (Transporting New Zealand)
- Graeme Lowes (Transporting New Zealand)
- Rodney Dow (Transporting New Zealand)
- Don Wilson (National Road Carriers)
