This week’s member road trip saw me head to the sunny North! I started my trip by continuing my tour of our ports, followed by member briefings and one-to-ones with operators.
First up, thank you to Northport’s CEO Jon Moore for showing me around your multi-purpose facility – the wide range of cargo Northport can accommodate was really impressive and with space already earmarked for growth there are plenty of development opportunities that could benefit both trucking and port operations.
I then hit the road to beautiful Taipa to our Far North member event. We had an excellent turn out, it was great to meet and chat with so many members. Discussion was lively, and understandably dominated by the woeful state of Northland’s roads. I talked about the improvements NRC is calling for in the roading investment model, and how we are meeting with Waka Kotahi executives to call for deeper collaboration with the industry for faster solutions. Looking forward to rounding off the trip tonight in Whangarei.
I’d like to say thank you to all the speakers at our northern briefings including Ann Court, Deputy Mayor of the Far North District Council and the Waka Kotahi reps, Jacqui and Randhir, for being available to answer members roading questions. Thank also to our sponsors, Cal Isuzu (Shane Ward), Teletrac Navman (Michael Barnard), Truck & Driver, Keith Andrews Trucks (Jason Chambers), Super-Advice (Jeremy Hoskin) and VTNZ, without you we couldn’t deliver these great events. A huge thank you to Paula for organizing such well run events.
Lastly, no road trip would be complete without dropping in on some of our members. Thank you to Darren Brott from Mangonui Haulage and Cole Johnston from Robinson Asphalts for taking some time to show me your operations and discuss the issues facing your sectors.
Justin Tighe-Umbers
CEO | National Road Carriers Assn
DDI: +64 9 636 2951 | E: justin.tighe-umbers@natroad.co.nz | www.natroad.co.nz
‘Supporting those who choose to make a living in the Road Transport Industry’ Since 1936
