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.
Auckland’s Northern Gateway Toll Road to go to 110 km/h
A new 110km/h speed limit on State Highway 1 (SH1) for the Northern Gateway Toll Road, from north of Orewa to south of the Johnstone’s Hill Tunnels came into effect from Monday 26 May.
Government expands Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund eligibility
The Government has expanded Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund eligibility to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to make the switch to low-emissions vehicles, which can reduce operating costs, improve efficiency and contribute to decarbonised supply chains.
Ōtaki to Levin Expressway downgrade disappointing
National Road Carriers is disappointed by the Government’s decision to downgrade the Ōtaki to Levin Expressway project. This critical infrastructure link is essential not only for regional connectivity and safety but also for ensuring the resilience of the national freight network.
Budget 2025
At the Northern Infrastructure Forum in April, National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFFCo) delivered a bold and pragmatic approach to addressing New Zealand’s infrastructure investment challenges.
Justin’s Transport Minute – 23/05/25 –
This week is all about the budget, and the government is clearly focused on managing the books as tightly as possible.
That said, what would NRC like to have seen to help freight and supply chain efficiency?
Winter demands different driving skills
Winter is just around the corner, so too is the potential for snow and ice-covered roads in some parts of the country and for heavy rainfall and wind to batter other parts of the country.
Meth surges in workplace drug tests
New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of workplace drug test results.
Pockets of cost pressure persist for transport industry
Operating costs for transport companies were broadly lower in the final quarter of 2024, continuing a trend of moderating cost pressures throughout last year.
Fuel costs fell for the fourth consecutive quarter, down 1.9% from the September quarter and 13% from a year earlier. The other major decline was for financing costs,
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Justin’s Transport Minute – 16/05/25
This week James Smith, NRC GM of Policy & Advocacy and I appeared at the Transport & Infrastructure Select Committee to discuss our submission on ‘Time of Use Charging’.
Unlocking New Zealand’s infrastructure future
At the Northern Infrastructure Forum in April, National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFFCo) delivered a bold and pragmatic approach to addressing New Zealand’s infrastructure investment challenges.