Last week, I was delighted to attend the Hall of Fame in Invercargill, the annual celebration of achievements by individuals in the road transport industry.

It was a great event and very well organised by HW Richardson at the iconic Bill Richardson Transport World. Host Scott O’Donnell, of HWR, spoke about the challenges that the country has been going through and he said that now more than ever, it’s important that as an industry we line up and are consistent with our messages and priorities. Scott is a well-travelled man so his sentiment that despite the challenges we’ve faced, we still remain a good country to live in, certainly resonated strongly with me.

It’s also important that the sector takes time to celebrate success. There is lots to enjoy throughout the event, but for me, the best part of the Hall of Fame evening is the time to listen, learn, and reflect on the extraordinary journeys and careers of the inductees.

One of my reflections was the pioneering character and innovation of the inductees and the benefits that brings to the local and wider community. Those attributes were present in all cases but they particularly stood out for me with Trevor Jackson, of Jackson Enterprises. This is another great example of how a company in a relatively small rural community can produce truck and trailers as good as anywhere in the world, and its history of becoming a manufacturer is a great demonstration of adaptability, innovation, and resilience.

Another reflection was that as much as some things change, some things stay the same. Listening to how the respective businesses of other inductees developed and grew was not dissimilar to the growth by acquisition and evolution of businesses we still see today.

Every day I see and hear lots of examples of the traits, characteristics, and behaviours that made those inductees successful so I think we are still well placed to face what I see as some continuing strong headwinds across the country.

Grant Thornton survey

This week we have invited members to register for the University of Waikato New Zealand Institute for Business Research (NZIBR) survey which rebases the Grant Thornton Cost Index.

The Index is heavily relied on by numerous members and procurers of transport services, particularly when considering cost adjustments, and therefore its integrity and accuracy is important.

Waikato University reviews the cost structure of the index every five years because it’s important that we understand actual costs, and I encourage members to complete the survey.

We also released the Index, covering the period to the end of June, and that revealed a mixed picture. Comparing the index against the CPI index over the same quarter showed costs continued to ease due to the high volatility of fuel pricing dominating overall cost changes. There was a slight increase in all costs except RUC, but they were dwarfed by the drop in fuel prices which has increased over the current quarter to be above April pricing.

Compared with previous years, the volatility in fuel pricing is unprecedented and this demonstrates the value of the Index is greater than ever.

As predicted in the last report, there was an increase in insurance premiums. The loss of the COVID-19 RUC relief package and change in fuel pricing over the September quarter indicate we anticipate a significant increase in the index for that quarter.

The index is free to members at www.transporting.nz.

Road freight group backs policy proposals

Transporting New Zealand is backing in principle the transport-related parts of the National Party’s 100 Day Action Plan released last weekend. The movement of goods and freight is necessary and vital to the success of our economy, therefore we support policies from any party that increase efficiency and safety in the transport sector.

In particular, we see value in a National Infrastructure Agency to focus on building a resilient road network, and we’re interested to see National’s proposed policy statement on Roads of National Significance.

We fully support taking a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to setting speed limits around the country, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach which seems to be becoming common and makes for nonsensical speed limits on safe, open roads.

People are our most valuable resource and it’s no secret that their working conditions are key to running a successful business; however, the current Fair Pay Agreements Act doesn’t recognise that, so we’re also supportive of the plans to repeal this legislation.

Whatever your political views, I encourage members to exercise their vote – be involved. It’s clear that public interest in the road transport space has grown, and that shows how relevant it is for all of us.

– By Dom Kalasih, interim chief executive, Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand