Two of New Zealand’s largest transport firms and the success of females working in road transport roles were recognised at the New Zealand Road Transport Industry Awards function in Lower Hutt on June 29.

The major awards night accolade announced at the Lower Hutt Events Centre dinner function went to HW Richardson Group.

The Southland-based company, New Zealand’s largest privately owned company, was named winner of the VTNZ Supreme Contribution to New Zealand Transport award.

CEO Anthony Jones, who leads the HWR Group workforce of 2700 running a fleet of 1300 vehicles, accepted the award from sponsor Greg O’Connor of VTNZ.

Five other awards were announced with the ERoad Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety for 2023 being won by Tania Breach, from Clive Taylor Haulage of Paraparaumu. 

Described as a ``total safety professional”, Tania is a relative newcomer to the transport industry after she and husband Andrew purchased Clive Taylor Haulage in early 2021.

The winner of the Teletrac Navman Outstanding Contribution by a Woman in the Road Transport Industry was Verna Niao, Executive Director of MITO – Te Pukenga.

Mackenzie Lintern, a graduate of the Road To Success programme who began her career at Mackley’s and now works for NZ Cranes, was the recipient of the ERoad Young Driver of the Year award.

Joint winners of the Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation title were livestock carriers Martinborough Transport, C.R. Grace Ltd and Stephenson Transport.

Booth’s Logistics was recognised for its recruitment and retainment efforts, which sees 14 drivers currently participating in the Road to Success micro credentials programme. 

The Hanga-Aro-Rau Outstanding Contribution to Training Award was accepted by Booth’s Group Training Coordinator Lisa DeSilver.