What a difference a year makes. As I sat down to write this, I looked back to my first EDM editorial of 2023, 23 and free?, for inspiration. At the time, Jacinda had just resigned and the nation was beginning to align its sights on the October general election. Now almost three months on from that event, and with 2024 starting with no shock announcements (as yet…), I can’t help feeling a sense of optimism.

It’s good to see the government act with vigour, whether or not we all agree with what it’s doing. National wasted no time getting into its 100-day plan, much of which has a direct impact on the road transport industry – amending rules for the setting of speed limits, repealing the ‘Ute Tax’/Clean Car Discount, and dissolving the likes of Let’s Get Wellington Moving, among others. It also seems there won’t be any new ferries bridging the Cook Strait any time soon, and vocational training via Te Pukenga is getting a shake-up.

Economic outlooks suggest the first half of the year might continue down the ‘tough’ trend we’ve all become accustomed to, but inflation is expected to fall and the GDP expected to rise later on. For National, 2024 will doubtlessly be a year of action. It must be if the pressure on businesses and consumers is to be eased. We’d all enjoy that…

So, more action? More drudgery in a tough econoimic environment? More hope tides all-round will turn for the better? Looks like it, but I hope the outcome proves more positive overall. If a leaf can be taken from the SH25a Book of Reconstruction, it’s that efficient and effective action is possible – and good.

As usual, the industry continues to charge on at full pace regardless. I look forward to spending another year in the company of its people and all the wisdom, inspiration and goodness they’re so willing to share. I’ll take more of that any day.

For the last time this year, a happy new year to one and all – I hope 2024 turns out to be a first-class year for our readers and supporters, the transport industry, and New Zealand Inc. as a whole.

Let’s make it one to remember.

Take care out there,

Gavin Myers
Editor