Turning the corner into 2025 – a recovering economy, but still an uphill drive
Last week I travelled to Wellington to meet with the Minister of Transport Simeon Brown and with the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Transport, Audrey Sonerson.
These were the last of many meetings throughout the year on your behalf, our members. The advice we’ve taken from our conversations with you is getting through. We’ve spoken with so many of you throughout the year, and you couldn’t have been clearer on your needs:
- productivity is everything: get the economy kickstarted urgently or New Zealand will lose significant parts of our road freight capacity as transport operators simply can’t hang on much longer through low cash flows
- get the roads fixed faster
- fix labour supply through industry training and immigration settings
What has made our job easier is that policy and decision makers in Wellington actively want to hear about road freight and supply chain. Improving productivity and operating conditions for the sector are at the heart of every meeting we have, and the government is listening.
And no wonder. Yesterday we learned government books will remain in the red until 2029. Supply chain drives national productivity, so I expect to see continued, strong focus on ways to improve settings for transport operators in 2025.
While at the Beehive I was really pleased to receive a personal thank you from Minister Brown for the advocacy work of NRC on behalf of road freight throughout the year.
It has been a privilege to represent the needs of all of our members in what have been very tough operating conditions. The team and I have met so many members needing help with constrained cashflows, reduced customer demand and dealing with compliance and regulations. Every one of the NRC team is dedicated to helping this great sector and have been inspirational in their service.
So many members have benefited. We are checking in with each and every one of our members to make sure that they are benefiting from our services. I’m proud how NRC has delivered real savings to our members across fuel, insurance, phone and many other discounts. These make a real difference to managing cashflows in lean times. If you are missing out – it is not too late, give us a call.
State Highway 1 at the Mangamukas re-opened
Ending 2024 on a positive note, NRC Chairman Ian Newey, Board member Corey Burnett, Commercial Transport Specialist Paul Rogers and NRC local member Kyle Wilson of Northern Rural Haulage attended the re-opening of the Mangamuka section of State Highway 1. They joined Minister Simeon Brown in celebrating the completion of what has been a massive piece of work by NZTA in very challenging geography. So many Northland members have had to endure detours of up to 80km since early 2023, so getting the highway re-open again is a huge blessing.
Minister Brown in his speech acknowledged representatives from National Road Carriers, thanked them for their advocacy in 2024 and NRC’s continued support. He also thanked the freight sector for their patience over the last 2.5 years.
It’s been a big year.
Thank you to all our members for your continued support throughout 2024. Thank you to our stakeholders throughout government and industry who’ve worked hard to keep supply chain moving. Thank you to the Board for all the hours you’ve generously given so NRC gives the best service it can to our industry. And thank you to the truly awesome team at NRC for your dogged determination to help our members – it’s made a real difference.
NRC offices are closing from Friday 20th December and re-open Monday 13th January but for any genuine emergencies in between – call us. Transport Minute will be back from the beach in February.
I wish you all a peaceful and Merry Christmas. For those fortunate enough to taking a summer holiday, enjoy your time with family and loved ones. For those still keeping the supply chain running, stay safe and rest well when you get to your break.
Justin
Justin Tighe-Umbers
Chief Executive | National Road Carriers Assn
DDI: +64 9 636 2951
