The National Road Carriers Association (NRC) has announced significant changes to its Board, marking the departure of two long-serving members and the arrival of three new appointees committed to shaping the future of New Zealand’s road transport industry.

After many years of dedicated service, Calven Bonney and Don Wilson are stepping down from the NRC Board. Both have made invaluable contributions during their tenure, guiding the organisation through growth and change while representing the interests of members nationwide.

Don Wilson joined the NRC Board in 2014, serving as Board Chair from 2016 to 2021 and as an RTF Director from 2019 to 2021. From 2010, he represented NRC on the National Livestock & Safety Group, chairing it from 2016 until early 2025 and playing a key role in transforming it into the National Livestock Safety Council.

Calven Bonney retires after an extraordinary 51 years on the NRC Board. With family roots in transport dating back to the 1920s, Calven founded CD Bonney Ltd in the 1970s before acquiring L.W. Bonney & Sons Ltd in 1984. He has held leadership roles across the sector, including as a Board Member and President of NRC, a founding Director of the Road Transport Forum New Zealand along with a term as Chair – receiving life membership from both organisations. Calven’s advocacy and commitment to industry safety and productivity were recognised in 2018 when he was inducted into the Transport Hall of Fame and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to transport and motorsport.

NRC Chair Ian Newey pays tribute to both leaders:

“As Don and Calven retire from the NRC Board, I want to personally thank them for their extraordinary contribution, not just to their individual sectors but to the transport industry as a whole. NRC has greatly appreciated their time, passion, knowledge, and unwavering commitment. Their guidance and leadership have been a cornerstone for the Association, and we wish them both every success in the future.”

NRC also welcomes Kieran Carr, Nikki Ellis, and Kyle Wilson to the Board, each bringing a unique perspective, deep industry knowledge, and a strong personal commitment to advancing the interests of NRC members.

Kieran Carr and Nikki Ellis join the Board after participating in the 2024/25 NRC Board Secondee Programme. Kieran, Chief Financial Officer for Carr & Haslam, is a Chartered Accountant who brings both financial expertise and transport industry insight. Nikki, Logistics & Distribution Manager at Marlin Transport, represents the second generation of her family in the road transport industry and has gained hands-on experience across all aspects of operations.

“I have seen the benefits of NRC to the industry of having a voice in government that understands the day-to-day realities of the transport industry and can fight on our behalf,” says Kieran. “As a chartered accountant, I bring a strong financial lens to the table, complementing the expertise of the existing board. Together, we bring a balanced approach with a well-rounded skill set.”

“The hands-on experience I gained working on behalf of the Board to help redesign access gates and the truck park at the Port of Auckland along with contributing to the development of the new NRC constitution has greatly strengthened my knowledge of NRC as an organisation,” says Nikki. “I look forward to continuing to help drive positive change for the industry as a member of the Board.” 

Kyle Wilson brings another dimension to the Board. Born into a family with a strong transport background, Kyle now runs Northern Rural Haulage, a bulk transport company primarily servicing the dairy sector.

“Through my role on the NRC Board, I’d like to see regulations shaped so they are fit for purpose,” says Kyle. “There needs to be a fairer and more consistent approach to compliance across the industry. Too often enforcement focuses on particular pockets, but it must be a whole-of-industry approach. I want to contribute to building that fairness while ensuring our industry is sustainable.”

Ian Newey says the appointments reflect NRC’s commitment to strengthening governance and preparing the organisation for future challenges.

“This is an important moment for NRC,” Ian says. “We are farewelling two members whose wisdom and experience have been a cornerstone of our governance, while welcoming three individuals who bring fresh energy, passion, and vision. This mix of continuity and renewal will keep NRC at the forefront of advocating for our members.”

Advocacy remains NRC’s focus for the year ahead, with regular engagement with the Minister of Transport, senior officials, and industry leaders to ensure members’ voices are heard. Key priorities include securing robust investment in roading and infrastructure, strengthening safety, compliance, and fair competition, and improving freight and supply chain productivity to enhance sector efficiency and competitiveness.

“With these new Board appointments, NRC is in a strong position to continue advocating effectively on behalf of its members,” says Ian. “Our mission is to ensure the transport sector has the conditions it needs to succeed – safe, fair, and productive. Kieran, Nikki, and Kyle will each play an important role in that journey.”

The NRC Board elected for 2025 comprises Ian Newey (Chairman), Glen Mackay (Vice Chairman), John Baillie, Corey Burnett, Pamela Bonney, Adam Norman, Nikki Ellis, Kieran Carr, and Kyle Wilson.