Hydrogen awards for road transport innovators
Hydrogen awards for road transport innovators
Three transport sector leaders were recognised at the recent Aotearoa Hydrogen Awards, celebrating progress in zero-emission technology and the people driving it forward.
Removing inactive TSL’s
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is starting a project to tidy up the data in the Transport Service Licence register. About 73% of the 146,000 licences in our register are inactive. Removing these licences from the register will help focus on active licences and checking non-compliance such as someone using a licence that doesn’t belong to them.
Applications open for $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund
The Government has opened applications for a new $30 million Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund aimed at strengthening the resilience and reliability of New Zealand’s coastal shipping network. The contestable fund will support projects that enhance key infrastructure such as wharves, jetties, and freight handling facilities, as well as initiatives that reinforce essential supply routes. It also extends to supporting related services, including navigation aids, energy resilience, and seafarer training.
Justin’s Transport Minute – 19/06/25
A few weeks ago, in Heads Up, we ran a story about the closure of the Kinleith Mill and the staff that were available for redeployment.
Former Kinleith Mill drivers available in Tokoroa
As a result of the closure of the Kinleith Mill a number of staff with transport experience are looking for new roles. Jeremy Hall from MSD is co-ordinating placing candidates so if you are looking to fill any vacancies reach out to him asap as there are limited candidates. They are all available from 30 June.
Bridges, tunnels and trucks feature in Concrete Awards
Bridges, tunnels and trucks featured in the 2025 Concrete Construction Awards presented last week celebrating excellence in concrete design, construction, innovation, rehabilitation, sustainability and research. Around 275 people including architects, concrete designers, engineers and developers from across Aotearoa New Zealand attended the awards held in Auckland.
Justin’s Transport Minute – 12/06/25
One of many enjoyable aspects of working with National Road Carrier is the dedication of members to running compliant transport operations. That is a key part of why they belong to NRC, they are passionate about keeping our roads and those who use them safe. The members we talk to on a daily basis are clearly geared towards keeping road user charges (RUC) and Certificate of Fitness (COF) compliant, which stems from a desire to keep their staff, and all road users safe.
National Livestock Transport & Safety Council established to drive industry progress
National Road Carriers (NRC), NZ Trucking, and Transporting New Zealand (TNZ) have worked together to establish the National Livestock Transport & Safety Council (NLT&SC), a new united body for the livestock transport sector.
Plan ahead with NZTA before ferry schedules change
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is asking transport operators to get in touch to discuss worktime variations and ensure agreements are in place before ferry capacity is reduced this year. Fewer ferry sailing across Cook Strait each week may limit drivers’ break time on a return trip between the North and South Islands, causing drivers to breach legal worktime hours.
New Port of Tauranga VBS tariff schedule
From 1 July 2025 the Port of Tauranga has introduced its new Vehicle Booking System (VBS) 2025/26 tariff schedule. The peak-period slot booking or cancellation has increased from $29.40 to $30.43 per transaction. The MetroPort VBS fee of NZD $63.75 remains unchanged.
Manawatū Tararua Highway open for business
A more efficient, reliable and safer journey through the Ruahine Ranges opened this week with the completion of the Manawatū Tararua Highway.
Justin’s Transport Minute – 06/06/25
After spending last week focussed on port charges, this week I joined some of the NRC team in a port ride along, kindly hosted by Marlin Transport. The NRC team regularly take the opportunity to get up close and personal with the supply chain, and walk a mile in our members shoes. This is an invaluable way to experience first hand what transport operators face.
Balancing a budget tip sheet
The cost of living is running high. Being able to balance a budget can significantly reduce stress by providing financial clarity and control. Here are some practical steps to help you manage your finances effectively.
The Backbone of the Business: A thank you to the unsung partners of transport operators
In the world of transport, we often celebrate the drivers behind the wheel, the logistics teams who make it all move, and the machinery that keeps freight rolling across the country. But there’s a vital group of people who rarely step into the spotlight yet play an essential role in keeping these businesses running — the partners.
See something that looks a bit dodgy?
We sometimes get members contacting NRC regarding activity they see by other operators that appears to be non-compliant or unsafe.
For NRC there are limits to what we can do especially if the other party is not a member. However, Government agencies such as NZTA, Immigration New Zealand and the Police have reporting processes you should know about.
Must attend event if you employ overseas workers
NRC’s and New Zealand Immigration’s on-line AEWV Update Event at 11am on 25 June is an opportunity to hear directly from Immigration New Zealand officials on the latest developments with the Accredited Employer Work Visa Scheme and other guidance for employers.
NZTA endorses Ruakura four-lane road business case
The NZ Transport Agency’s Board has endorsed the detailed business case for a new four-lane road in Hamilton
2025 Wellington Region State Highway User Survey – receive a $10 voucher!
NZTA Wellington Transport Alliance (WTA) is running a survey again this year to collect feedback from users of the Wellington Region State Highways. They would really like to include your voice as truck drivers!
Justin’s Transport Minute – 30/05/25
A good chunk of my week has been taken up with the Port of Auckland’s intended access fee increases in 2026 including attending the Port’s stakeholder meetings laying out their plans.
New Zealand Roading Industry Rising Star Award
The New Zealand Roading Industry Rising Star Award – a key initiative that was launched at last year’s Future Roads conference is back for 2025. This prestigious award recognises an outstanding individual under the age of 40 who has made significant contributions to the roading sector. It celebrates career achievements to date and is presented annually, at the Future Roads dinner following conference day one.