Building on the success of the Transport Leaders Forum, AutoSense presents the newly named NZ Fleet Forum — returning to Auckland and Christchurch in February 2026 with a powerful agenda that puts driver wellbeing firmly in the spotlight. 

Hosted by AutoSense and proudly sponsored by NZI, the Fleet Forum equips fleet managers and business leaders with practical tools and insights to support both light- and heavy-vehicle drivers. The focus this year is on the critical link between mental health and road safety. 

Global research shows that people experiencing mental health challenges are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a road traffic accident[1]. With commercial drivers already exposed to high stress, irregular hours, and demanding workloads, addressing mental health has become a frontline safety priority. 

Sir John Kirwan – mental health advocate and co-founder of mental health platform Groov – will lead an interactive session encouraging leaders to approach daily mental wellbeing as the foundation for sustained performance — highlighting how stress, fatigue and distraction often show up behind the wheel and can raise risk for everyone on the road.  

Through her partnership with Groov, Dr Fiona Crichton will share her science-informed Care framework, designed to help colleagues provide practical wellbeing support for their co-workers. 

Fiona emphasises that before managers can effectively support others, they need to look after themselves — likening it to the in-flight safety message of “putting your own oxygen mask on first.” She says ensuring leaders have their own mental health plan in place is essential to creating a genuinely supportive workplace culture.  

Her presentation is designed to provide fleet managers with tools they can apply immediately, helping businesses invest in safer, healthier workplaces. 

An NZI Fleet Fit showcase will demonstrate innovative ways to strengthen resilience and reduce fleet risk. 

Oliver Jepson, NZI’s National Motor Manager, said the 2026 events reflect the growing appetite for practical, people-first approaches to safety.  

“At NZI we’ve seen how important these conversations are for the industry, and we welcome another opportunity to bring people together to focus on driver wellbeing and commit to safer roads across New Zealand.” 

Charles Dawson, AutoSense CEO said that while the industry has made progress on vehicle technology and driver training, mental health and wellbeing is the next frontier.

“Drivers carry an enormous responsibility every time they get behind the wheel. By investing in their mental resilience as well as their technical skills, we can help ensure they return home safely to their families each day. NZ Fleet Forum is about giving people in the transport sector the confidence and tools to make that happen.” 

 Fleet Forum 2026 details: Auckland: Due Drop Events Centre – Thursday, 19 February 2026. Christchurch: Christchurch Town Hall – Wednesday, 25 February 2026. Tickets: $279 + GST per individual, or $1,999 + GST per table of eight.