A Government proposal to introduce sector agreements as part of a range of immigration changes has the potential to be very positive for the road transport industry, says Road Transport Forum chief executive Nick Leggett.
"Ever since truck drivers were taken off the Immediate Skills Shortage list a number of years ago, transport operators have struggled to keep up with New Zealand's ever-growing freight demand," adds Leggett.
"It's estimated that the NZ road transport industry is currently around 4000 drivers short of where we should be, based on today's freight task. 
"The road transport sector agreement, while not a complete panacea to the industry's workforce issues, has the potential to alleviate some of the most acute shortages for operators in certain parts of the country."
Leggett says that although the industry has introduced a number of initiatives over the years to try to alleviate the current shortage – including the development of career resources and qualification pathways – "current immigration settings have not helped operators who require staff immediately."
The RTF is encouraging everyone in the industry to provide it with feedback, "so that we can submit in support of the Government's proposal."