Latest news with #NZTruckingAssociation


Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
NZ Trucking Association Backs Move Towards Single Road User Charges System
Press Release – NZ Trucking Association With the cost of roading maintenance and investment rapidly rising, the current model is no longer sustainable. The Association says a wholesale fix is needed to ensure all road users contribute fairly to the upkeep of the countrys road network. The New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) has welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Chris Bishop to move towards a single, unified system for collecting revenue for the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF), based on Road User Charges (RUC). 'This is a common-sense and necessary shift,' says NZ Trucking Association CEO David Boyce. 'New Zealand's fuel excise model is outdated and failing to meet the needs of our transport system. As more vehicles transition to new technology, including electric and alternative fuels, fuel excise revenue continues to decline, leaving an ever-widening gap between the cost of maintaining our roads and the funds available to do so.' With the cost of roading maintenance and investment rapidly rising, the current model is no longer sustainable. The Association says a wholesale fix is needed to ensure all road users contribute fairly to the upkeep of the country's road network. 'Road User Charges are a proven, transparent way to ensure users pay based on the actual wear and tear they place on the network. Expanding RUC to all vehicle types is the fairest and most efficient way to secure long-term, sustainable funding,' says Boyce. 'All road users benefit from safe and reliable roads; it's only right that all users contribute to the cost.' The New Zealand Trucking Association supports the Government's direction and notes that this shift is not political, it is essential, and would need to happen regardless of which party holds power. 'Road funding isn't a party issue. It's a national issue,' says Boyce. 'The longer we delay, the worse the state of our roads will become. This is about protecting the future of our transport system.' The Association also supports the use of digital innovation to streamline the RUC system, making it easier and more efficient for operators and private motorists alike. The NZ Trucking Association looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Government officials and other stakeholders to support this transition and ensure the new system delivers fairness, efficiency, and sustainability for all New Zealand road users.


Scoop
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
NZ Trucking Association Backs Move Towards Single Road User Charges System
The New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) has welcomed the announcement by Transport Minister Chris Bishop to move towards a single, unified system for collecting revenue for the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF), based on Road User Charges (RUC). 'This is a common-sense and necessary shift,' says NZ Trucking Association CEO David Boyce. 'New Zealand's fuel excise model is outdated and failing to meet the needs of our transport system. As more vehicles transition to new technology, including electric and alternative fuels, fuel excise revenue continues to decline, leaving an ever-widening gap between the cost of maintaining our roads and the funds available to do so.' With the cost of roading maintenance and investment rapidly rising, the current model is no longer sustainable. The Association says a wholesale fix is needed to ensure all road users contribute fairly to the upkeep of the country's road network. 'Road User Charges are a proven, transparent way to ensure users pay based on the actual wear and tear they place on the network. Expanding RUC to all vehicle types is the fairest and most efficient way to secure long-term, sustainable funding,' says Boyce. 'All road users benefit from safe and reliable roads; it's only right that all users contribute to the cost.' The New Zealand Trucking Association supports the Government's direction and notes that this shift is not political, it is essential, and would need to happen regardless of which party holds power. 'Road funding isn't a party issue. It's a national issue,' says Boyce. 'The longer we delay, the worse the state of our roads will become. This is about protecting the future of our transport system.' The Association also supports the use of digital innovation to streamline the RUC system, making it easier and more efficient for operators and private motorists alike. The NZ Trucking Association looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Government officials and other stakeholders to support this transition and ensure the new system delivers fairness, efficiency, and sustainability for all New Zealand road users.


Scoop
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
Industry Progress: New Zealand Trucking Association Welcomes Drop In Workplace Injuries
Press Release – NZ Trucking Association Figures show a year-on-year improvement, with workplace injury claims dropping from 4,349 in 2022/23 to 3,442 in 2024/25. While this trend is encouraging, the Association cautions that there is still work to do. The New Zealand Trucking Association is welcoming the latest statistics released by ACC, showing a significant decline in workplace accidents and injuries across the road transport industry. Figures show a year-on-year improvement, with workplace injury claims dropping from 4,349 in 2022/23 to 3,442 in 2024/25. While this trend is encouraging, the Association cautions that there is still work to do. 'This downward trend reflects the hard work and commitment of many in our industry to make transport workplaces safer,' said Carol McGeady COO, New Zealand Trucking Association. 'However, we cannot afford to become complacent. No one should go to work and return home injured or not return at all.' The Association credits the free HARMfree Transport and Logistics programme as one of the key drivers of this positive change. Designed by industry for industry, HARMfree provides practical resources and tools to support businesses in building healthier, safer workplaces. All resources are free to download including toolbox talks and posters. Free to sign up. As the programme continues to grow, more modules are being released to help operators at every level implement meaningful improvements. 'HARMfree also features the 'Recover at Work' module, which provides clear policies, step-by-step procedures, and practical guidance to help businesses support injured employees and maintain effective communication throughout their recovery journey.' As a leading advocate for safety in the road transport sector, the New Zealand Trucking Association is also encouraging operators to adopt the TruckSafe Safety Management System, an auditable, industry-led framework that establishes a clear minimum standard for safe and professional operations. 'TruckSafe helps operators put proven systems in place that protect people and enhance business outcomes,' said Carol McGeady. 'Like all of the initiatives we champion, TruckSafe is about showing what 'good' looks like. It gives companies the tools they need to achieve certification and receive public recognition for their commitment to safety.' The Association remains committed to leading and supporting positive change across the sector and urges all operators to take advantage of the free and trusted tools available to them.


Scoop
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
TruckSafe New Zealand Launches: A Game-Changer For Heavy Vehicle Safety And Compliance
Press Release – NZ Trucking Association Backed by decades of proven success across the Tasman, TruckSafe is now available to all operators, including single vehicle owner-drivers (SVODs) – making it more inclusive and accessible than any previous safety programme of its kind. A major step forward in heavy vehicle safety and professionalism has arrived with the official launch of TruckSafe New Zealand, a Safety Management System (SMS) designed to lift standards across the entire transport and logistics sector. TruckSafe now invites heavy vehicle operators – of all sizes and across all sectors – to join the TruckSafe programme and work towards formal certification. A Proven System Delivering Measurable Results Based on the successful TruckSafe programme in Australia, which has been improving industry safety for over 27 years, TruckSafe New Zealand provides a structured framework to help operators minimise risks, lower crash rates, and reduce costs. Studies show that TruckSafe-certified operators experience significantly fewer crashes and insurance claims – delivering both safety and financial benefits. In fact, Australian research found a 57% reduction in claims in the two years following TruckSafe certification, thanks to the adoption of stronger management structures and proactive safety practices. Backed by decades of proven success across the Tasman, TruckSafe is now available to all operators, including single vehicle owner-drivers (SVODs) – making it more inclusive and accessible than any previous safety programme of its kind. To ensure the integrity and consistency of the certification process, TruckSafe New Zealand audits are conducted by independent experts from Avid Plus, using Audit Compliance Solutions technology. With years of experience auditing Government programmes and ACC's Fleet Saver, Avid Plus are the most qualified auditing partner for the job, providing professional, evidence-based assessments to support continuous improvement. 'TruckSafe arrives at a critical time for New Zealand's transport industry,' said David Boyce, CEO of the NZ Trucking Association and TruckSafe New Zealand Director. 'With ACC's Fleet Saver programme no longer available to new applicants, and growing pressure on operators to improve critical risk management, TruckSafe fills a much-needed gap – offering practical, scalable tools that help operators of any size demonstrate compliance and improve their workplace safety.' A Sector in Urgent Need of Change With over 343 fatal crashes and more than 2,600 injury crashes involving trucks between 2018 – 2022, the stakes for New Zealand's road freight industry are high. The Ministry of Transport estimates the social cost of these crashes exceeds $2.26 billion, while WorkSafe and ACC data show a growing toll on the workforce and the economy. Recent regulatory shifts, including increased focus on PCBU responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the introduction of the Worker Protection Act 2023, signal a stronger enforcement approach, especially toward senior executives.