New Zealand’s inaugural group of diversity champion nominees to take part in Te ara ki tua Road to success Driving Change Diversity Programme have been named.
Road freight body Ia Ara Transporting New Zealand has announced the 11 nominees from within the industry who come from diverse backgrounds and work in different roles, from truck drivers to managers and business owners.
The programme is an initiative sponsored by Teletrac Navman and supported by Transporting New Zealand and the Australian Transport Association to address what the industry recognises is a workforce that doesn’t accurately reflect the diversity of New Zealand.
The programme aims to showcase diversity in the transport industry and wider community through “honest life stories” of participants to promote a positive perception of the industry and encourage new entrants into the workforce. It also offers a valuable package of professional development opportunities to build the right skills for participants and the programme teaches them how to embrace and celebrate a unique workforce.
Transporting New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett says that in an increasingly globalised world, transport companies should put diversity at the top of their agendas.
“We all know that diversity in skills, life experience and backgrounds is no longer a nice-to-have. In fact, it has been proven to have commercial benefits, enhancing staff retention, quality of work and business performance.
“We’re grateful to have the support of Teletrac Navman to drive this initiative, which aims to bring more diversity as well as equal career opportunities to the industry. It’s a promising sign of meaningful change to come, helping attract talent and shape the industry’s future,” Leggett says.
Joining the initiative, Bryan Ward, Senior Constable and diversity liaison officer for the New Zealand Police, says it is a great opportunity to inspire and empower those who might not initially see themselves as a good fit for the transport industry.
“As diversity has grown to be so much more than just gender and ethnicities, diversity training also needs to evolve to reflect a more comprehensive definition.
“Coming out of the pandemic, employees increasingly seek companies that match their beliefs and values. It’s only natural that we work hard to make New Zealand transport industry more inclusive and appealing to diverse future generations.
“We need diversity in teams, organisations and society as a whole if we are to change, grow and innovate. Diversity jolts us into cognitive action,” Ward says.
The nominees are:
Brianna Wilson (Class 5 driver, Philip Wareing), Sheana Martin (vehicle recovery operator, Parks Garage), Mickayla Kerr (CEO, Heagney Bros), Jodi McNamara (driver trainer, H.W. Richardson Group), Chelly Balasbas (HR manager, Allied Concrete), Joshua Hart (Class 5 driver, Hart Haulage), Angela Davies (Class 5 driver, Dynes Transport Hamilton), Marthe Lute (health and safety advisor, Alexander Group), Hayley Alexander (CEO, Alexander Group), Jacqueline Smith (managing director/co-owner, Renwick Transport), Lisa Gibson (customer operation and HSSE lead, Z Transport).
