The Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand annual conference and industry awards function are being held in Lower Hutt on June 28-29.

Titled A Changing World, the conference speakers will include Transport Minister Michael Wood, as well as transport spokespeople from the other major political parties.

Other keynote speakers include Katherine Rich former National MP, former CE NZ Food and Grocery Council and Phil O’Reilly, the founder of policy advisory firm Iron Duke, and a New Zealand and global business leader and advocate.

Economist Cameron Bagrie will present his hard-hitting report on the economy and what is expected for the coming year.

Updates on a number of Transporting NZ initiatives will be presented at the conference including the Road to success training programme and the Livestock Fatigue Management plan.

A Green Compact panel discussion will include a Q&A session facilitated by Transporting New Zealand policy advisor Billy Clemens.

Wider topics will also include the economy, diversity and attracting new people into the industry, and risk management. 

From 6.30pm on Thursday June 29 the conference will conclude with the 2023 Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Industry Awards which recognise best practice or behaviour and honour an individual, organisation, or company.

Nominations are now open for the main award categories: VTNZ Supreme Contribution to NZ Road Transport, Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation, ERoad Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety, Teletrac Navman Outstanding Contribution by a Woman in the Road Transport Industry and ERoad Young Driver of the Year (under 35). 

The venue is the Lower Hutt Events Centre and early bird bookings close on May 29. For more information, www.transporting.nz/conference