Members of the National Road Carriers for more than 50 years, Auckland couple Mel and Dorothy Davies were recently honoured by the organisation during its annual general meeting held at Auckland dealership Trucks and Trailers in Wiri.
Mel Davies started his working life in the despatch department of NZ Farmers Fertiliser, but had an ambition to own and drive a truck.
In 1965, he sold some shares he had in the company and combined with some company superannuation, bought his first truck and contracted to Merv Clarke Carriers.
With Dorothy handling the paper work, they acquired their own license, starting their own business and joining National Road Carriers in 1967. They began general cartage work for Newmarket based Nuon Industries soon afterwards.
They never seriously considered expanding the business and running more trucks. “We were old school,” says Mrs Davies. “We took no risks and made sure we could pay for everything.”
Initially they ran the company from a Te Atatu base, but later shifted to the North Shore.
Son John joined the business in 1988 and is still running the company. Since the early 90s they have had a long-term contract with PSP Industries in Albany.
Mr Davies said some things never change in the industry. “Looking after customers is still important.”
But one thing that has changed is the ethics within the road freight industry. “People didn’t go poaching one another’s business nearly as much back then.”
The couple retired in 2008, but still have a keen interest in what is happening out on the road.
The contribution of Paul Chappel, a former chairman of the NRC Board was also acknowledged at the meeting. He has retired after 13 years on the board, sitting on various sub committees and chairing the organisation between 2007 and 2010.
With one third of the board retiring annually under the NRC’s rotation system, there were four positions available.
The three standing down were Don Wilson, Leif Blair and Steve Doughty all of whom were nominated for re-election, along with John Baillie who was co-opted onto the board last year and is now a full member.
The board for the next twelve months is Don Wilson, Grant Madill, Leif Blair, Calven Bonney, Steve Doughty, Robert Pascoe, Greg Pert, Michael Herrick and John Baillie.
Don Wilson was re-elected chairman by his fellow board members at the first meeting following the AGM.
