The results of Transporting New Zealand’s annual member survey are in, giving us a valuable snapshot of our members’ priorities, what is working well, and how we can improve.
We know that the traditional membership association model is changing; both in New Zealand and around the world. That is why the Transporting New Zealand board is wanting to change the structure which will better prepare the health and ongoing survival of the organisation for years to come. It’s why we are focusing more on selling our products and services to a broader audience. We won’t lose sight of our core mission, which is to support the interests of the entire road transport industry.
As a membership association, Transporting New Zealand is always looking to improve its performance and services for our 1200 member companies.
Our membership
All sectors, provinces, and fleet sizes were well represented in the nearly 200 survey responses.
Prioritising national and local advocacy
Effective industry advocacy at a national and local level were the top two priorities for survey respondents. A total of 72% of respondents thought it was “extremely important” that Transporting New Zealand influence industry’s relation to government on a national level. Advocacy at a local level came in a close second. This is consistent with previous years’ results.
In terms of performance, 58% thought Transporting New Zealand’s performance in national advocacy was excellent or very good, 25% gave an OK rating, and 16% thought we were performing poorly. Results for local advocacy were similar but slightly less positive. Improving our perceived performance in these priority areas will be a focus in 2023, particularly as we approach the election.
A majority of respondents also thought it was extremely important for Transporting New Zealand to be encouraging more people to enter a career in road transport (55%), and showcasing the importance of road transport to the public (54%). A majority of respondents were positive or very positive about our performance in showcasing the industry, but were more likely to give us a mixed review on promoting road transport as a career. See the Road to success section for more.
Respondents placed a lower priority on Transporting New Zealand connecting operators through meetings and events (21% extremely important), products and discount schemes (34%) and finding qualified and skilled staff (36%). Our perceived performance in this area was predominantly positive, although we had constructive suggestions about how to improve.
Road to success
Road to success includes the industry’s tertiary qualifications pathway with two programmes: a truck driving traineeship that progresses drivers from Class 2 to Class 5, and the Boost programme that upskills Class 4 and Class 5 drivers via NZQA-approved qualifications. We asked survey participants how we could encourage their company to participate.
Respondents wanted more information about the scheme, and for us to promote it better through our existing channels. Many people also said their company had their own traineeship – this presents us with a good opportunity to build the Road to success micro-credentials into these existing schemes. Cost and limited training capacity was also a challenge for many operators. Transporting New Zealand is working with MBIE to help cover these costs, and open up the migrant driver pipeline.
The Road to success website is now easier to navigate and register interest on.
Continued engagement
Our member survey is just one of the ways we engage with our members. Transporting New Zealand’s sector groups and regional executives provide us with valuable input, our team of advisors are regularly out in the field, and our membership and communications staff are always engaged with our member companies.
If you missed the survey, or would like to raise any other issues with us, you can email info@transporting.nz or call our offices at (04) 472 3877.
– Nick Leggett, chief executive, Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
