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.
Progress on SH1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project

Work is moving at pace on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project, with geotech work beginning last week…
NZTA to introduce mobile safety cameras

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will soon start operating mobile safety cameras. These look different to the vans NZ Police used….
Justin’s Transport Minute – 08/05/25 –

One of the most enjoyable parts of running National Road Carriers is without doubt meeting our members. I’m privileged to meet people of all types up and down the country, across all the transport sectors, each business unique in its own way
Major transport infrastructure developments in the Bay of Plenty are moving ahead,

NRC is encouraged to see major transport infrastructure developments in the Bay of Plenty are moving ahead…
How to Keep Your Workforce Healthy with Occupational Health Services

Health Tick, the occupational health services arm of The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), is leading the charge and ensuring New Zealand businesses are equipped to manage and mitigate work-related occupational health risks.
Ohakea commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC) opens Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The Ohakea commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC) will become operational Wednesday 7 May 2025.
From this date heavy vehicles will be screened by the static cameras and in-road weigh-in-motion (WIM) scales on State Highway 1/3 between Bulls and Sanson.
Freight features in H2 2 Zero Summit.

The H2 2 Zero Summit, Aotearoa New Zealand’s premium hydrogen event, is planned for 28-29 May 2025 at Wellington’s Tākina Convention Centre
Woody’s Corner -Auckland Transport Update

NRC is pleased that Auckland Transport (AT) is working on a number of initiatives to improve transport in an increasingly congested Auckland roading network:
TDDA Adds Tramadol and Fentanyl Testing

his month TDDA is introducing testing for tramadol and fentanyl — two high-risk opioids that pose serious workplace safety concerns worldwide.
Stay ahead of IRD’s crackdown.

After a period of leniency due to COVID-19, Inland Revenue (IRD) is intensifying tax compliance efforts with an additional $116 million in funding.
Interest rates down but cost of diesel & tyres may rise

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,
Read more
Torque with Paula

When a government agency advises it will be turning up for an audit, inspection or visit it can be stressful especially if you haven’t got everything to run a safe and efficient company in order.
Woody’s Corner -Auckland Transport Update

Orakei Road – We are seeing another spike in container truck operators using the Orakei Road route. These trucks should not be using these roads.
Walmsley Road – An essential freight corridor from July 2025 to February 2026 will be closed due to a culvert replacement.
Takanini – It will take six years for rail bridges to be built, leading to level crossing closures. NRC is asking AT how it will minimise freight disruption.
Have your say – Proposed upgrade to Walmsley Road Bridge.

Starting in July this year, Auckland Council’s Te Ararata Creek Flood Resilience project will cause significant traffic disruption in Māngere East.