This week, New Zealand almost unanimously voted for change in the country’s local body elections with new mayors elected in many of our major cities and a sharp tilt to the political right being felt across the board. With many councils welcoming a number of new councillors, many who may be unfamiliar with the transport industry, our priority now is to make sure we are connecting with the relevant transport infrastructure sub-committee’s or transport leads in each council. While they work through this period of change, our focus is on offering assistance on the key transport issues and ensuring they know who to reach out to at NRC.
Over the coming days we will be sending a letter of congratulations to the newly elected Mayors up and down the country, and we will be reaching out to meet with them, and their transport representatives, to offer support on the various transport and infrastructure workstreams. As a newly minted councillor, the number of issues facing the transport sector will likely feel overwhelming, so we are keen to help in any way possible. Our focus in the short-term will be on the key issues such as speed limit reviews, re-shaping streets and potholes.
This week, we had a productive meeting with Auckland Transport to gain more insight into their governance structure and how they bring their various infrastructure projects together – it was great to get more clarity on how NRC can fit in and add value. Top of the list was protecting the freight corridors – getting Auckland’s supply chain right benefits the whole country.
Justin Tighe-Umbers
CEO | National Road Carriers Assn
DDI: +64 9 636 2951 | Mob: +64 27 268 4053| 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
