Quit it! Employment Court rules against forfeiture clauses

It is not uncommon for employers to include a clause in their employment agreements that requires staff to forfeit a specified amount of salary or wages if they fail to work out their notice period upon resignation. Typically this clause is intended to compensate the employer for potential losses or disruptions caused to their business by the employee’s early departure.

Works to begin on first seven Roads of National Significance

Today’s announcement by Transport Minister Simeon Brown that NZTA expects to begin procurement, enabling works and construction of the first seven roads of national significance (RONs) in the next three years is welcome news for the freight sector.

Freight industry breathes a sigh of relief as NZTA announces Brynderwyns reopening

NZTA’s announcement that the Brynderwyn’s are set to open to two-way traffic from 11.59pm Wednesday 26 June, just ahead of Matariki weekend is welcome news for both the Northland community and the freight industry, many of whom have had to cope with lengthy diversions while the works have been underway.

The fact contractors have had to move 240,000 cubic metres of soil to create road shoulder space and stabilise the hillside illustrates the sheer scale of the job.

Otaki to north of Levin Road of National Significance update welcomed by freight sector

The latest announcement by Transport Minister Simeon Brown is another positive sign that the National-led Government is getting serious about roading and infrastructure.

"Investment in our road network needs to happen at pace to help New Zealand unlock it’s true economic potential. More efficient freight routes are intrinsically linked to higher productivity and with our economy facing some significant head winds at the moment, everything the Government can do to get things going is a win," says Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, National Road Carriers.

Raised speed limits will make goods delivery faster

The Government’s announcement today it will raise speed limits where it is safe to do so on the open road and local roads will help make goods delivery faster says National Road Carriers Association (NRC).

“The Government last week announced it plans to improve the quality of the roads with State Highway and Local Road Pothole Prevention funds totalling nearly $4 billion that will make faster travel safe and effective,” says NRC CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.

Pothole funding confirmation good news for truck drivers

NZTA confirmation today that it will deliver $2.07 billion for State Highway Pothole Prevention and $1.9 billion for Local Road Pothole Prevention is good news for truck drivers.

“Potholes are a continual hazard for road freight deliveries as well as the general public – we’ve seen record numbers of them, and a clear priority to address them is well overdue,” says National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.

Significant investment in transport shows this Government is serious about transport

Yesterday’s Budget was everything National promised. A balance between re-prioritisation and targeted investment in the areas New Zealanders have been calling for. 1.9 million households are going to benefit from the promised tax relief and critical services such as health and education are ear marked for significant investment.

Likewise, transport is receiving $2.68 billion, including an additional $1 billion to accelerate the delivery of the Road of National significance and major public transport projects.