Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Notwithstanding the disruption currently experienced because of the coronavirus outbreak, the most pressing issue for the industry over the long term remains our workforce shortage.
While work continues with progressing the issue in government circles, the fact is that we cannot rely on the assistance that may come out of that to solve the problem, says transport operator Graham Sheldrake.
As Sheldrake explains, it remains incumbent on the industry to develop and support its own solutions.
"Anyone who looks around at the employment market in our industry over the last few years knows that if we keep going like we have been, we are going to have serious shortages of e...

For those versed in Greek mythology, the Government's infatuation with moving freight from road to rail will sound very familiar.
Like the sailors who find themselves lured to their deaths by the captivating music and enchanting voices of the sirens from Homer's Odyssey, Government ministers have been lured towards the economic rocks by rail nostalgists who have little understanding of the importance of efficient freight movements to New Zealand's success.
The Road Transport Forum is extremely concerned that the Government is progressing a law change that will allocate money to rail…money that's been paid by those of us who use roads.
We recently appeared befor...

More freight will be able to move and more businesses get back to work with the Government's announced move to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday 28 April, Road Transport Forum (RTF) chief executive Nick Leggett says.

"While today's announcement is welcome, we are disappointed businesses have to wait another week to get going," Leggett says. "It isn't just 'two business days', as many businesses in New Zealand operate seven days.

"There is also not much clarity on the Level 3 process for business planning, as the announcement only refers to a two week period before review by Cabinet on 11 May. What happens then? Business preparation is important, particularly around rece...

There are three roading projects that should be added to the Government's infrastructure spend to recover from the economic shock of Covid-19, Road Transport Forum (RTF) chief executive Nick Leggett says.

"If they are looking for projects, the Petone-Grenada Link in Wellington, the East-West Link between Onehunga and Mt Wellington in Auckland, and the Selwyn to Timaru highway updates in the South Island, should all be on the list," Leggett says.

Last week (1 April), the Government announced that it has tasked a group of industry leaders to seek out infrastructure projects that are ready to start as soon as the construction industry returns to normal to reduce t...

COVID-19 forces us to be especially mindful of the safety of vehicles, driving behaviour, and monitoring the wellbeing of staff. More accidents occur when we are under stress, so it is important to manage stress during the Level 4 lockdown period.

At this point, the following serves as awareness prompts so operators can maintain and develop safer practices. If additional resources are required, we can consider developing them.

RTF continues to talk to WorkSafe and NZTA and their feedback has been useful in the development of the following.

Driver wellbeing
The most important aspect of managing this global pandemic event, is to maintain your most...