Latest news with #NationalRoadCarriers
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Truck operators angered at Port of Auckland fee hike
File photo. Port of Auckland Photo: RNZ / Kymberlee Fernandes Truck operators are outraged at a steep increase in access charges at the Port of Auckland, but the port's CEO says ratepayers have been subsidising importers and exporters for too long. An expected 36 percent increase for 2026 had been doubled to 77 percent, with trucks charged $230 in peak hours and $100 in off-peak hours to drive into the country's second largest port. The National Road Carriers Association represents port transport operators. Chief executive Justin Tighe-Umbers told Morning Report the increase was effectively a cash grab. Abruptly bringing the increase forward disrupted operators' planning, and created a flow-on effect that landed on consumers, he said. "The port puts the charge through to the transport operator, who puts the charge through to the freight forwarder, who puts the charge through to the cargo owner, who puts the charge through to the retailer and ultimately you and I as consumers." "It kicks off an enormous amount of work, and predictability is really important." Port of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray said claims the port was already making excessive profits were "simply not true". Photo: Supplied/ Ports of Auckland Tighe-Umbers said the port was already beating its forecast dividends to the council. "The danger we see here is that there's a monopoly in the hands of the cash-strapped Auckland council. My concern is that Auckland Council is going to be tempted to treat the Port of Auckland as a revenue tap they can simply turn on whenever they like without consequence" Port of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray said while the port did bring the charges forward, the increases were signalled a year ago and "shouldn't be a surprise to the sector." He said claims the port was already making excessive profits were "simply not true". The port's profit target of $100 million would bring a fair return to the city. "For too long, the Port of Auckland hasn't been making enough money for its owner, the ratepayers of Auckland, and have been subsidising importers and exporters." The port was seeing a 7 percent increase year on year in containers going through the terminal, he said. The port did not have a monopoly, with a significant number of importers and exporters using the Port of Tauranga, Gray said.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
National Road Carriers Responds To KiwiRail Announcement To Retire Aratere
Press Release – National Road Carriers We welcome KiwiRails commitment to continue operating a two-ship service with Kaitaki and Kairahi, and to prioritise freight throughout the transition period. National Road Carriers supports KiwiRail's decision to retire the Aratere and begin the port redevelopment in Picton to pave the way for New Zealand's new rail-enabled ferries arriving in 2029. This is a critical step in future-proofing our inter-island transport network. While the retirement of the Aratere marks the end of a long-serving vessel in New Zealand's freight and customer operations, we acknowledge the careful planning KiwiRail has undertaken to manage the transition. Maintaining safe and reliable freight connections across Cook Strait is essential for our members and the customers they serve. We welcome KiwiRail's commitment to continue operating a two-ship service with Kaitaki and Kaiārahi, and to prioritise freight throughout the transition period. The decision to enhance road-bridging capacity to carry rail freight ensures that critical freight flows between the North and South Islands will be maintained at a high standard. The assurance that existing customers will be rebooked, and that freight continuity remains a top priority, provides our members and the broader freight industry with confidence. We also support KiwiRail's intent to consult with the freight market during this period to ensure operational arrangements are practical and effective. Ultimately, this work lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient transport link that will benefit freight operators, their customers, and all New Zealanders in the years ahead.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
National Road Carriers Responds To KiwiRail Announcement To Retire Aratere
National Road Carriers supports KiwiRail's decision to retire the Aratere and begin the port redevelopment in Picton to pave the way for New Zealand's new rail-enabled ferries arriving in 2029. This is a critical step in future-proofing our inter-island transport network. While the retirement of the Aratere marks the end of a long-serving vessel in New Zealand's freight and customer operations, we acknowledge the careful planning KiwiRail has undertaken to manage the transition. Maintaining safe and reliable freight connections across Cook Strait is essential for our members and the customers they serve. We welcome KiwiRail's commitment to continue operating a two-ship service with Kaitaki and Kaiārahi, and to prioritise freight throughout the transition period. The decision to enhance road-bridging capacity to carry rail freight ensures that critical freight flows between the North and South Islands will be maintained at a high standard. The assurance that existing customers will be rebooked, and that freight continuity remains a top priority, provides our members and the broader freight industry with confidence. We also support KiwiRail's intent to consult with the freight market during this period to ensure operational arrangements are practical and effective. Ultimately, this work lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient transport link that will benefit freight operators, their customers, and all New Zealanders in the years ahead.
