Stan Semenoff Logging (SSL) remains on the road after the High Court extended an interim order allowing operation until a substantive hearing over alleged safety breaches.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) gave notice of its decision to revoke SSL’s transport service licence (TSL) on March 15, 2019. It claims the trucking operation was “not fit and proper” in regards to public safety.
However, SSL, operated by Stan Semenoff and general manager Daron Turner, disputes this and claims NZTA did not have a proper basis in law or fact for this conclusion and appealed the decision.
Justice Christian Whata says he is “satisfied NZTA’s concerns are justified”.
“The number and duration of the non-compliances suggests a systemic problem. The explanations for the non-compliances reveal a level of defiance about what is or is not necessary.
“When dealing with the everyday safety of road users, such defiance is reason for vigilance.
“Balanced against this, I am advised that Messrs Semenoff and Turner have 90 plus years of experience between them, with no record of any fatal incidents involving trucks under their control.
Whata also says he is “satisfied that the interim order is appropriate pending the determination of the substantive review proceeding or the appeal on the proviso that effective conditions can be either agreed or imposed to secure the protection of the public”.
SSL is the largest logging haulage company in Northland and is responsible for 50% of Northland’s wood flow and log haulage. SSL’s business involves the transportation of logging material from the forest to a port in Northland. It employs approximately 55 people, of whom 48 are logging truck drivers.
It maintains a fleet of 55 vehicles and has contracts with over 25 companies, including suppliers and logging operators throughout Northland.
