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Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
ROAD TRANSPORT
NEWS
A line-up of classic trucks at Road Metals in Rolleston, Canterbury, while taking part in the southern Classic
Commercials Southern Circuit 2020.
Classic trucks delight
CHIEF’S ANNUAL REPORT Operators past and present joined
together for a southern rally to
DRIVER HERO RECOGNISED celebrate classic trucks and life on
the road. Check out what makes the
MONITORING FUEL USE event so special.
RTANZ NEWS 1
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Principal Road Transport Associa1on NZ Inc. Sponsor
www.rtanz.co.nz
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RTANZ NEWS 2
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Contents
PAGE 4
From the Chief Operating Officer
Simon Carson delivers his annual report on the state of the road transport industry.
PAGE 7
Truck driver hero receives top award
Summerland Express Freight driver Deane Rodgers pulled off a highly risky manoeuvre
after his trailer caught fire.
PAGE 9
Celebration of classic trucks
Drivers from around New Zealand took part in this year’s Southern Circuit.
PAGE 27
Around the regions
RTANZ Area Executives round up news and developments from around New Zealand.
PAGE 30
Life members
Two members are awarded RTANZ Life Memberships in Region Five.
Events Contact Us
November 13: Mobil 1 NZ Road Transport Hall Website: rtanz.co.nz
of Fame, Bill Richardson Transport World, 0800 367 782
Invercargill. Chief Operating Officer: Simon Carson,
scarson@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 66 099
Editor: David Killick, Communications Manager,
May 7-8 May 2021: Eworld Expo, Trusts Arena, dkillick@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 44 272
Auckland. Administration: Victoria Higgs,
admin@rtanz.co.nz, 027 365 2075
Membership Benefits Coordinator: Vicki Harris,
August 27-28, 2021: RTANZ Region Three vharris@rtanz.co.nz, 027 534 3848
AGM, Wairakei Resort, Taupo. We welcome contributions and feedback for this
magazine.
RTANZ NEWS 3
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Chief Operating Officer
Positive signs despite challenging year
Annual Report by Simon Carson
minds of business owners across New Zealand.
Indications are that our borders will not reopen to
tourists or immigrants for some time and the lack
of immigrant workers will continue to have
significant effect on transport, as well as rural
and agricultural sectors.
We have recently seen the UK plunge back
into further lockdown due to bad pandemic
management from its government. The COVID
alert levels New Zealand introduced in March
were introduced for a reason, and while they
have been crippling to parts of our economy, the
lockdown has been largely effective in containing
what could have been a wide spread of the virus.
Compared with how hard many other countries
have been hit, we are fortunate to be able to live
on isolated islands in the Pacific.
T
he year 2020 has not been easy for
Big projects continue
industry with COVID-19 having an impact
W
on everyone. Because of the global hile COVID put a halt to many
pandemic, our nation is in the midst of constant government projects, some work still
change which will eventually evolve into the new continues on national projects. I
normal. This may take some time and while we attended a Waka Kotahi meeting with new CEO
are managing to contain and shake off the Nicole Rosie and other stakeholders, where the
physical effects of COVID, the agency offered assurance that
pandemic will remain for some transport projects currently in
time yet.
“Compared with how place will continue to be
RTA staff have largely been hard many other expedited to minimise the
based at home during the countries have been hit, impact of COVID-19. Money
various levels of lockdown. We from the COVID Response and
we are fortunate to be Recovery Fund (CRRF) has
proved during this time that our
systems and communication able to live on isolated been allocated to the National
worked well, and we achieved islands in the Pacific.” Land Transport programme
some good wins for members (NLTP) because of the affect
while dealing with numerous the pandemic has had on the
industry issues. The relationship and transport budget.
communication between RTF and RTA proved to Allocation of key funding is as follows:
be robust with our support to the “One Voice • $425m borrowing available to NZTA for
Policy” being clear to our board, committees, 2019/20, repayable over seven years;
and membership, with local issues and those • $600m top up from the CRRF to the NLTP
requiring escalation being dealt with • Up to $300m additional could be made
appropriately and efficiently. Weekly electronic available to Waka Kotahi for further support.
meetings with staff were held regularly and these
Transport Minister Phil Twyford later said:
have continued throughout 2020.
“Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will have the funding
As a sector, tourism has arguably taken the
biggest hit with many having to explore new needed to keep building infrastructure despite
opportunities within the local market or else risk lower revenue being collected from petrol
closure. As Kiwis, we are an innovative and excise duty and road user charges due to
adaptive bunch which has shown in the creative COVID.”
RTANZ NEWS 4
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Roading projects and promised
infrastructure will become clearer
toward the end of 2020 while right
now a predominantly red
government “with a green tinge”
settles in for the next three years.
Labour claims to have a
transport plan that is better, faster,
and fully funded. Their
commitment is to invest in regional
and rural roads, to place more
people into jobs, address the huge
transport infrastructure deficit, and
improve public safety on our
roads. Much of this is yet to be
seen, and the government needs Big projects, such as the Waikato Expressway, will continue.
to be held to account by industry
and the public.
Weigh Right Programme but opposes this site
Key points from the Labour transport policy
which we deem to be critically unsafe.
include:
The industry, still, is in a period of compliance
• Building $6.8 billion dollars’ worth of transport
review which is having a serious effect on
projects across the country across roading,
transport operators throughout New Zealand.
safety, and rail;
Membership assistance within the
• The creation of 800-1000 new jobs in the
compliance spectrum is a large component of
construction industry and enhanced opportunity
the work RTA field staff tend to on a day-to-day
for the national supply chain;
basis. This is not going away. Outstanding Road
• The investment of over $700 million for shovel-
User Charges (heavy and light) across the
ready transport projects such as cycleways,
country right now sit in in excess of $80 million,
walkways, ports, and roads, to help kick-start
with industry share being around half of that
the post-COVID rebuild. In total, Labour claims
amount. It is likely we can expect RUC recovery
shovel-ready projects will create more than
to feature as a priority on the NZTA radar
20,000 jobs up and down New Zealand;
considering the financial impact COVID has had.
• Fast-tracking critical job-rich infrastructure
The statistics on the driver shortage are not
projects through changes to the Resource
improving, with 37 per cent of transport
Management Act (RMA) so projects can get
operators reporting a shortage of drivers. The
underway and get cashflow back into the
aging workforce figures clearly show that within
economy;
five years, 20 per cent of the total professional
• Continuing to invest in electric vehicles.
drivers will need to be replaced.
Consultation, compliance, and driver RTF is launching Te ara ki tua—Road to
shortage Success, a driving traineeship taking a new
M
any roading and “shovel-ready” focus on industry training and employment. The
infrastructure projects that Waka Kotahi program will combine practical job training with
NZTA has proposed seem to be rolled theory, leading to qualification and progress to
out across the country with a serious lack of placing people in industry jobs. From the survey
industry consultation. This is not restricted to conducted by RTF earlier in the year, more than
just transport but to many other stakeholders half the businesses contacted indicated they
aligned with NZTA. I have met with key NZTA would be interested in exploring taking on a
people from around the country to address this trainee. From October, Graham Sheldrake and
at regional level. These discussions are Mark Ngatuere have been on the road on a
necessary and highlight the necessity for healthy quest to deliver this powerful workshop around
relationships with authorities. An example of this the country. RTA staff have arranged venues for
is the National Weigh Right Programme where a members with a full list of locations, dates, and
shovel-ready infrastructure project, the Rakaia times being available on the RTF website. So far,
Weigh right Station (CVSC), which is the first in a industry participation has been good, with
series of 12, was presented to us without transport businesses committing to the
industry consultation. RTANZ supports the traineeship program.
RTANZ NEWS 5
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Changes at RTANZ communication on compliance, regulatory
I
would like to update members on some of the matters, and roading. It has also enforced the
activity happening at head office in requirement for us to communicate nationally on
Christchurch. Currently, work on the a per sector basis, as opposed to tradition,
development of a new customer relationship which has been locally through our Area
management (CRM) tool has been progressing Executive team to regional members. The
well. The information we have on membership regional incorporated societies have a clear
businesses enables us to gain a better purpose, but communication barriers need to be
understanding into members’ requirements, it broken down and centralised. The new CRM will
enables us to extend RTA benefits and services go a long way to resolving what has always been
efficiently, and critically, it gives us the ability for this challenge for us.
timely and accurate communication with Our debt recovery for membership fees since
members operating in the numerous transport July 1 has been excellent, and is reflective of
sectors around New Zealand. where we have been at the
Internally, the new CRM will same time in previous years.
provide enhanced visibility “Communication barriers This would indicate a
supportive membership and
around membership activity need to be broken down an industry that values the
and information to the area
executive team through app-
and centralised.” work the association does.
based functionality. It will also Overall, RTANZ has had a
enable better reporting, quickly capturing trends positive year despite facing
and critical data. We expect to roll this project extremely challenging times. Recognition needs
out in November. to go to the sponsors, commercial partners, and
In conjunction with the new CRM, a new associate members who continually provide the
website is being created. The website and CRM association with support and assistance.
will interact with services (such as Xero and e- The staff and volunteers and life members
feeds from authorities and commercial partners). from across the country also deserve special
David Killick (RTA Communications Manager) mention. A huge thanks to this dedicated group
and I have worked with our selected web of people who work tirelessly on behalf of the
designer to make the new website a much better members to make the association and the
tool for members. We are hoping to have this industry the best that it can be.
website available to launch on November 18. My door is always open. All the best for the
I have travelled to visit members in the rest of 2020, and beyond!
regions with time being spent in Regions 2, 3, • Call Simon Carson on 027 55 66 099,
and 5. Numerous visits to members have firstly 0800 367 782, or email scarson@rtanz.co.nz.
highlighted the importance of our
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RTANZ NEWS 6
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Awards
Truck driver hero receives top award
By Nick Leggett, Road Transport Forum chief executive
I
t’s fair to say that 2020 has not been a great
year, with COVID-19 bringing fear, anxiety, and
lockdowns around the world. So, it’s good to
know there are some local heroes out there
focused on good works and keeping us safe.
And after this annus horribilis, it was good to
have something to celebrate last month when I
presented the award for the Castrol Truck Driver
Hero to Deane Rodgers, at an event in Cromwell,
in the South Island.
Each year, this award goes to a truck driver
who has gone above and beyond during the
course of their normal work day to help people
and keep them safe, often at their own risk.
Summerland Express Freight driver Deane
Rodgers is a deserving recipient of the award
and it was great to spend the evening with him,
his partner Karen, and the Summerland team
who came to the event to
support him.
“Deane put Deane’s quick thinking
others before prevented a potentially
himself…to large fire, but put him at
great risk at the same time.
pull off an Travelling through South
incredibly Canterbury earlier this year
risky with a load of infant
manoeuvre.” formula destined for
Christchurch, Deane
looked in his mirrors and
saw his trailer on fire.
He looked around him at the tinder-dry fields
of wheat crops and grass, noted the strong wind
blowing, and thought it was too dangerous to
pull over and risk a bigger fire.
He knew the Makikihi Country Hotel was
about 5km away and it had space to park a
flaming truck so he took the calculated risk and
bravely drove there, risking his own life.
He rang the fire brigade to meet him, ignored
all the other road users trying to warn him, and
made it to safety. Farmers in the area have
thanked him for preventing what could have been
a catastrophic fire.
Deane put others before himself and used his ABOVE: Summerland Express Freight driver Deane
33 years of experience driving trucks to pull off Rodgers, right, receives the Castrol Truck Driver Hero
an incredibly risky manoeuvre. As a professional award from RTF chief executive Nick Leggett for safely
driver, he knew what was possible. It was a great manoeuvring his truck and trailer after it caught fire near
pleasure to thank Deane in person. Makakihi, in South Canterbury.
RTANZ NEWS 7
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Road Transport Forum
New opportunities for road transport industry
By Nick Leggett, Road Transport Forum chief executive
Of course, we are keen to work with whoever
is selected transport minister; be it the
incumbent, Phil Twyford, who we enjoy
engaging with, or somebody new. The
opportunity for a transport sector accord, as
suggested by Twyford and promoted by RTF,
would be a really constructive way of partnering
with the government around the challenges we
face, including with workforce, skills,
regulations, and health and safety.
Labour needs to do more than it did in its
first term to meet business halfway. We are
concerned with their proposed agenda on
employment legislation; doing away with the
owner driver or contractor driver model, and
L
forcing rules that will make it harder for our
ike the year 2020 generally, it felt like New industry to keep delivering for New Zealand’s
Zealanders just wanted the election to be economic wellbeing.
over and done with. That probably goes for We will keep up the fight for better roads. We
the politicians, too! know industry can have an impact here, given
A weariness had set in over recent weeks, that our recent calls for an increase in the
possibly because most people felt the overall roading maintenance budget resulted in the
result was “baked in” and a foregone government increasing the amount spent by
conclusion. Most of us knew there would be a $100 million per annum for the
Labour government in some next five years.
form. The questions remained
“A transport sector The road transport
though, would they need the industry requires
Greens and would Winston sneak accord…would be a
infrastructure investment to
over the line? really constructive way be delivered, not just
Full credit to Jacinda Ardern of partnering with the announced. We will be eager
and her team, they won big. champions of the roll-out of
Kiwis recognised the hard work government.”
projects, roading and others,
of the government during the as they will help trucking
COVID crisis and they opted for stability. We will operators go about their work on safer roads,
need stability as, in our view, the worst of the and will provide work for industry members
crisis is ahead of us with the economic supporting the construction sector.
challenges we will face over the next few years. This election brings the road transport
Whether the prime minister chooses to enter industry many opportunities. We have a chance
into some kind of arrangement with the Greens to put our renewed case, to both the
or the Maori Party is open for discussion for a government and the public on what we do every
little while longer, although it has clearly been day to keep New Zealand moving. We will also
signalled that this will not be a coalition work alongside officials and politicians to
government. propose opportunities for improved regulatory
It probably isn’t any secret that the RTF rule and safety outcomes, and to build our
won’t be disappointed to see the Green Party
workforce capability and supply through the Te
out of transport. Their lack of understanding
ara ki tua Road to Success traineeship program.
around the movement of freight, let alone a
RTF will brief the incoming Minister of
blatant antagonism towards roading, is
Transport on the key issues and I’ll report back
palpable. That will be part of the prime
on that briefing in coming weeks.
minister’s balancing act.
RTANZ NEWS 8
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Cover story
Trucks taking part in the Southern Circuit stop on the top of the Clyde Dam in Central Otago—a rare opportunity.
Classic trucks turn out for Southern Circuit
Simon and Fiona Vincent report on the whirlwind trip they organized.
T
o say 2020 has been a challenging year The team then headed to Road Metals
would be an understatement. Against a Quarry, where managing director, Murray
background of lockdowns and demanding Francis, welcomed the group and handed over a
circumstances, the 2020 version of the biennial restored International S-Line to long-time
interisland classic truck tour was held in the employee, Allan Harrington. The S-Line was
South Island over the first weeks of October. procured by Allan’s son Laurie who had
With 90 registrations and over 180 participants, overseen its restoration just in time for the long
the Southern Circuit was an opportunity to enjoy trek. The emotional reunion of Allan with his old
a taste of freedom. S-Line, resplendent in Mount Cook Freightlines
The Long Lap tradition has its roots in 2007 white livery, saw a tear of joy on Allan’s face.
when John Sime organized the The group then headed to
first South Island run to coincide Timaru for the 2020 HorsePower
with a celebration of Bill “The Southern Circuit Rally on Saturday, where they
Richardson’s life, after his was an opportunity to displayed around 130 trucks,
untimely passing, in Invercargill. enjoy a taste of ranging from vintage to modern
The first run proved so popular day movers. Breakfast at the
that it wasn’t long before the freedom.” Levels Car Club rooms fed the
Northern Classic Commercials inner beasts before a tour of
were following John’s lead. Since then, there has local attractions. First stop was Roger Mahan’s
been a biennial event alternating between the machines and vehicle collection, followed by the
Northern and Southern groups. Pleasant Point Historical Society’s trains and
The Southern Circuit kicked off in Blenheim museum.
with around 30 vehicles gathering at the On Monday the group stopped at the
Riverlands Road House and then cruising impressive limestone quarry of Parkside
toward Christchurch, with most enjoying a Holdings and lunched in Oamaru’s historic
leisurely drive down the East Coast with a lunch precinct of Oamaru, and then headed to
stop in Kaikoura. Dunedin.
Next morning, the participants enjoyed a Next morning the historic Leviathan Hotel
sumptuous breakfast before perusing Mike hosted a hearty breakfast followed by a tour of
Pero’s collection of Japanese motorcycles. car and machinery collections around Dunedin.
RTANZ NEWS 9
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Heading south past Kaikoura. Organizer Simon Vincent at Road Metals in Rolleston.
Transport was provided by the Otago Heritage Many headed to Bluff to photograph their trucks
Bus Society. Dinner was served in the Castle with the AA sign at the end of the road.
Ballroom at Larnach Castle, where around $3,000 Monday was brisk and the team wrapped up
dollars was raised for Child Cancer and the warm for a visit to the home of the “Crank Up”,
Ronald McDonald House. the Edendale Vintage Machinery Club. Warm
The following day the brave took the unsealed scones and tea eased the cold.
back roads to the CraigLynn station, while the It was a quiet trip across the plains of
rest preferred the paved state highway. The Southland to Nightcaps. There the participants
destination was the Hayes Engineering Works in were treated to a display of wood cutting by
the Ida Valley, a vast exhibit of machinery dating traction engine, belt, and basic saw bench. The
back to the 1800s. Hayes is famous for perfecting crew trekked up to the Town Hall for a great lunch
the wire fence strainer, but the works showed just laid on by the local volunteer Fire Brigade.
how inventive the company was. Te Anau provided respite for
The Hayes own a hardware store the weary travellers, with both
in Invercargill where Bert Munro’s The company of “old Milford and Doubtful Sounds
“World’s Fastest Indian” is stored. hands” and the host proving popular.
Stopping in Central Otago The group then headed to
overnight, the team roused for a of new faces made all Wanaka, with a visit to Duncan
visit to the Contact Energy Clyde of the organizational and Tina McGregor’s Fiordland
dam, hosted by Clayton Andrews. hassles worthwhile. Military Vehicles Museum on the
We were allowed onto the dam way. Duncan has amassed a
where a group photo was taken— substantial and growing
a rare opportunity usually only afforded to over- collection of military hardware.
dimensional loads. The final dinner was “Tea with the Tractors”,
Then it was south to the Croydon Aviation held at Allan Dippie’s massive Tractor Shed,
Heritage Centre at Mandeville for tours of the de behind Central Machine Hire in Wanaka. Four
Havilland aircraft collection. years ago, Allan began collecting tractors and
A brilliant Friday morning greeted the group as has amassed over 200 tractors and crawlers,
they assembled at Alex McLellan’s yard, near covering most brands and capacities, with many
Balclutha, for a look at his classic truck a rare beast in captivity.
collection. On show for the first time was a nearly Laughter filled the air for the final dinner. After
complete, beautiful Austin WS tipper in Wilson & nearly 14 days together, the group was sad to
Kennard’s yellow and brown livery. break up as members went their own ways.
A short trip to Black Head Quarries facility, by The camaraderie and the freedom we enjoyed,
the Clutha river, followed, with lunch and a talk thanks to our lucky escape to COVID Level 1,
from quarry manager, Craig Upston. meant this was one of our best tours. The
Many drove down the spectacular coastal company of “old hands” and the host of new
Catlins route to Invercargill, where the Bill faces made all of the organizational hassles
Richardson Transport World, Motorcycle Mecca, worthwhile.
and E. Hayes hardware stores all proved popular. Roll on the next big truck run!
RTANZ NEWS 10Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
ABOVE LEFT: Sisters Karen
Aulding and Brenda Fraser;
TOP RIGHT: Dinner at
Larnach Castle; LEFT: Roger
Mahan’s machines and
vehicle collection, in Timaru.
Of course, these tours do not magically MND is close to the hearts of many on the run
happen. In addition to those already mentioned with previous tour participants Brett Miller and
we would like to thank organizers and helpers Bryan Menefy both contracting the disease.
Donna Hardie, Bruce Anderson, Richard Shaw, The organizers would like to express their
Glenda McNutt, and John Sime. Thanks also go sincere thanks to Fruehauf NZ, Phil and Karen
Watchorn, Robert and Dale Watchorn, and Jeff
to our sponsors Multispares Dunedin and Des
and Yvette Mear for the extremely generous
Grey Motors Ltd.
donation ($5,000) for MND. Another donation of
Money raised for MND over $2,500 was made by the Dippie family, who
This trip the chosen charity was MND New generously donated the cost of the evening’s
Zealand. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) drinks for the charity. We anticipate making a
describes a group of diseases that cause the donation of around $9,000 to MND New
death of the nerve cells (neurones) that control Zealand.
the muscles that enable us to move, speak,
swallow, and breathe. With no nerves to activate
them, these muscles gradually weaken and
waste away. This causes progressive loss of
mobility in the limbs, and difficulties with speech,
swallowing, and breathing. An early death is
almost inevitable. There is no known cause of
MND. In New Zealand over 400 people are living
with MND with two dying from it each week.
RTANZ NEWS 11Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Wayne Frost’s Mack Super-Liner arriving at Te Anau; climbing out of Blenheim; “Ol’ Blue” and Drapers Heavy Haulage, both at Road Metals in Rolleston; and Hugh Chisholm's Autocar with a Traction Engine on at Nightcaps. RTANZ NEWS 12
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Books
Tribute to sheer grit and determination
By David Killick
Sweat and Toil—The Building of New Zealand,
by John McLean. (Tross Publishing, 252pp,
$40, available from Paper Plus stores; Unity
Books, Auckland; Scorpio Books,
Christchurch; or www.trosspublishing.co.nz)
A
s we drive around the countryside at an
easy 100 km/hr, we take our infrastructure
for granted. A century and a half ago,
some journeys would have taken days or weeks
—or were not possible at all.
We forget or are simply ignorant of the hard
work put in by scores of contractors, engineers,
skilled tradespeople, and labourers who built the
roads, bridges, tunnels, viaducts, railways,
tramways, wharves, docks, lighthouses, and
telegraph system that transformed our country.
Historian John McLean has redressed that gap
in knowledge by describing all the major
infrastructure projects from the earliest days of
settlement to the first part of the 20th century.
While that may sound a dry subject, it is anything
but—it is a tale full of colourful characters,
resilience and determination. Workers often faced
adversity in the form of challenging terrain, wild
weather, or in some
cases, conflict with
“In some tangata whenua. Their
places, knee work was often difficult deliver it on time and on budget, hopefully at a
and dangerous. profit. Workers were often well-paid and New
deep in mud; Zealand didn’t use convict labour, unlike in some
Technology was still
and in others so developing, and health countries.
overgrown…as and safety requirements McLean draws on previously published works
were scanty. and contemporary newspaper reports. A
to be scarcely description by artist George Angas of building the
McLean is well
passable.” qualified for his role, road through the Ngaio Gorge, in Wellington,
being the great great- gives a taste of the challenges the contractors
grandson of Scottish-born pioneering contractor faced:
John McLean, who founded the firm of John “In some places, knee deep in mud; and in
McLean and Sons. That firm built some of New others so overgrown with tangled liands and
Zealand’s largest projects: among them, the supplejacks as to be scarcely passable; fallen
Alexandra Bridge across the Waipa river at what trees constantly obstructed the way; and owing
is now Pirongia (in doing so, he established good to the late heavy rains we were frequently
relations with local Maori chief Tawhiao); as well compelled to wade for a considerable distance…
as railway lines and the Otira tunnel from The lofty forest, filled with noble trees of gigantic
Canterbury to the West Coast—an incredible growth, clothed not only with their own evergreen
engineering achievement. foliage but with innumerable parasitical plants,
All contractors had to have a sound skillset, ferns, mosses and orchids, climbing up to their
not least of which was an uncanny ability to very summits—presents a scene of luxurious
determine the cost of a project and being able to vegetation not to be surpassed in the tropics.”
RTANZ NEWS 13Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
The Makohine viaduct in Rangitikei, built by Public Works. Contractor John McLean.
The author has a dim view of some of the that was way beyond the imagination or common
government officials of the time, clearly favouring sense of the Public Works Department.”
private enterprise. One example he cites of When a big project was completed, such as a
bureaucratic stupidity was at the Poro-o-tarao bridge, railway, or tunnel, huge crowds often
tunnel in the King Country, where contractors had turned out for a massive community celebration.
to build the tunnel before starting on the railway. Some achievements, like draining swamps,
“As Richard Seddon later opined, if they had received less acclaim but were also significant:
spent the money for the tunnel on hastening the “In New Zealand the draining of the marshes
railway to the tunnel site, the tunnel could then took several decades and can truly be regarded
have been built more cheaply and easily by as of one of the finest achievements in the
transporting its materials along the railway. But building of the country.”
The lens of history shifts focus, so how we
view things now can contrast with previously held
views. Tangata whenua, for example, may
disagree with the author’s comment that “the
introduction of British sovereignty, British laws
and British people was the single most positive
factor in New Zealand’s history while the
progress from trackless waste to a well-serviced
nation in only a few generations (‘from Stone Age
to Space Age”) is a source of both pride and
wonder.”
Environmentalists, too, may dispute the
phrase “trackless waste” and lament the loss of
eco-systems and the felling of centuries-old
native trees to make way for farmland.
However, today’s regulations would make it
more difficult to build roads and infrastructure in
some parts, despite modern technology.
None of these modern concerns and
arguments should take away from the skill,
dedication, and sheer hard work of New
Zealand’s pioneering contractors.
A recommended read.
Crossing the Otira road in the 1860s.
RTANZ NEWS 14Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Members
Seeking stories of southern transport
By Warren Hamilton
T
he New Zealand Road Transport alternative route—only to have the law’s more
Association Region 5 (south of the Waitaki sophisticated radio intercept the call and be
River to Bluff) is keen to record and waiting for the other two trucks when they
preserve the history of road transport in our emerged from a back road!
region so we are looking for previous owners, Another was the manager of a company who
family members, drivers, or anyone else who has probably every six months or so was sent
information and or photos to share. around his customers to collect the necessary
It is intended to record this by way of a book overdue payments. One particular offender never
or two. We will happily travel the area to talk with posted a cheque, always proffering the inevitable
people to collect as much visit to have a chat. The cheque
information as possible as we always was received but each
are concerned with the passage “History both literary one always was for 25cents less
of time the history both literary and photographic can as the businessman deemed
and photographic can be lost be lost.” that was the cost of providing
with family not realising the value the coffee.
of it to our industry. While it is not envisaged the
To date we have listed in excess of 250 book will be full of stories but more a record of
companies that no longer operate or have our past operators, interesting happenings will
continued in name with greatly changed happily be noted for future projects.
shareholding. We are sure there are more that we Any help that can be provided would be of
may be unaware of. great assistance and appreciated.
The industry is full of stories, illustrating how Please contact project co-ordinator Warren
much the industry has changed. One example is
Hamilton,12 Kawarau Court, Cromwell 9310.
the driver who, over 50 years ago, on being
call 03 4450512 or 027 44 50 512; email
stopped by the Traffic Officer for overloading,
used his new Radio Telephone to contact his W.E.Hamilton@xtra.co.nz; or call RTANZ Area
following work mates to warn them to take an Executive Alan Cooper, 027 31 55 895.
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C2 General
RTANZ NEWS 15Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Legal advice
The age-old question—employee or contractor?
By Amanda Douglas
hours, and methods, the more likely they are
an employee. A worker with greater freedom
is more likely to be a contractor. Whereas if a
supposed contractor has to request leave or
has little freedom over the hours and days
they work, then this might point towards
them actually being an employee.
c. Integration Test: this test looks at how
integrated the worker is in the business.
Highly integrated situations tend to suggest
employment, whereas contractors normally
only perform a supplementary part of the
business.
d. Fundamental/ economic reality test: looks
at the total situation of the work relationship
M
to determine its economic reality. A
ost workers in New Zealand are
contractor is a person in business on their
employees, but this is not always the
own account—e.g., issuing invoices, paying
case. So how do you distinguish the
their own tax and expenses. Generally, a
difference between an employee and a
contractor is in business taking risks to
contractor, you may ask?
make profits, whereas an employee is
The starting point is section 6 of the
remunerated per hour.
Employment Relations Act 2000,
which defines the meaning of As a result of COVID-19, and
“employee”. Unfortunately, the line “It is an expensive to accommodate market
between “employee” and uncertainties, many employers
mistake if an are choosing to engage workers
“contractor” is not always clear cut,
especially in transport and trucking employer gets it on contractor agreements, rather
businesses. This will often result in wrong.” than employment agreements.
workers being incorrectly labelled. While genuine contractor
The Courts will determine agreements can provide a labour
whether a worker is a contractor or resource for businesses without
an employee on a case by case basis, by attracting employee entitlements, it is an
looking at the real nature of the relationship expensive mistake if an employer gets it wrong.
between them and the business, regardless of Employers who hire a worker as a contractor,
what the parties have labelled the relationship when they are in fact found to be an employee,
as. may be held liable for unpaid PAYE, unpaid
The Courts have a variety of tests they use to minimum wages, holidays and leave
help decide whether a worker is a contractor or entitlements, and penalties from Inland Revenue
an employee: or the Employment Relations Authority. Falsely
classifying an employee as a contractor can also
a. Intention Test: the type of relationship that
expose an employer to personal grievance
the parties intended is relevant, but not
claims, and further costs.
determinative, of the true nature of the
relationship. The wording and the terms of Moving forward
the parties’ written agreement is the main The Ministry of Business, Innovation and
evidence of their intention. Employment is currently in the process of
b. Control Test: the greater the control reviewing issues facing vulnerable contractors in
exercised over the worker’s work content, New Zealand.
RTANZ NEWS 16Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
As a result, it has identified a number of • Please contact Amanda Douglas, at Wynn
suggestions for changing the law to better Williams,
protect both misclassified employees and also amanda.douglas@wynnwilliams.co.nz, for any
workers in the grey zone between employee and inquiries. Members are able to access 15
contractor, who may be vulnerable to poor minutes free with Wynn Williams to triage your
working conditions.
issue and to find a way forward. Please do not
One suggestion in that review, is to make an
hesitate to get in touch to discuss your
interim category—the “dependent” contractor.
Dependent contractors would be workers who employment needs.
are self-employed, but who do not have the
autonomy that you would expect of an
independent contractor, and which are generally
reliant on one business for their income.
The proposal is that these dependent
contractors would be given some rights and
protections under employment law (including
minimum wage, paid leave, collective
bargaining, and protection against unfair
dismissal) while retaining their status as a
contractor.
The United Kingdom has already adopted a
similar approach which is proving successful, so
watch this space for change.
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RTANZ NEWS 17Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Essential information for members
The Road Transport Forum (RTF) is the central 2019 Operator Cost Comparison Report—
point of communication for the road freight how to get your copy
transport industry. Visit the RTF website here to
The latest operator cost comparison report is
keep up to date on media releases, Nick’s blog,
now available for purchase from RTF. The report
submissions, and advisories.
presents the results of a confidential cost survey
COVID-19 of trucking businesses across New Zealand
WorkSafe signed off road freight transport conducted for the RTF by the New Zealand
specific guidance and protocols developed by Institute for Business Research (NZIBR),
the RTF to help businesses be safe during the University of Waikato.
COVID-19 alert levels. These remain best The latest survey covers the financial year of
practice at this time. 2019. The cost of copies of the report are:
WorkSafe—COVID-19 safety plan $250+GST for members of RTF and $400+GST
for non-members. To purchase, please email
WorkSafe has developed a template to help forum@rtf.nz or call (04) 472 3877.
develop a COVID-19 safety plan, which you can
find here.
General information
The COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/
has general information including Government
support available to businesses.
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RTANZ NEWS 18Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Health & Safety
New eco-friendly sanitiser products
A
new range of eco-friendly
sanitisers, made in New
Zealand, offers an alternative to
harsh chemicals and alcohol to keep
our environments and hands clean in
an increasingly germ-sensitive world.
The EcoChemist is a new brand with
products made using electrochemistry
that produces a naturally occurring
super disinfectant, Hypochlorous Acid
(HOCL), in an electrically charged water
based solution. Laboratory testing
undertaken in New Zealand and the
United States confirms this kills 99.99
per cent of germs, the company says.
Products include a Surface & Air
Sanitiser that uses a dry fogging Chandra Selvadurai, managing director of Pharmaco NZ Ltd,
process to efficiently sanitise indoor left; Richard Hanna, group general manager of AWS; and Dr Ian
spaces. Being environmentally friendly, Calhaem, scientific adviser, with The EcoChemist products.
it can be used while people are
present, meaning life can continue in a
A lot of cleaning happens at night but with our
clean environment, without disruption.
products it can happen anytime, even when
The range also includes a Foaming Sanitiser
people are around during the day.
that is gentle on the skin, so it can be used as
“The potential is enormous, including
often as needed.
sectors such as healthcare, rest homes and
The EcoChemist came into being during
retirement villages, retail, education and
lockdown, over video calls, and is a partnership
transport.”
between healthcare company Pharmaco (NZ)
Dr Ian Calhaem, scientific
Limited, and AWS Group, an
advisor to AWS, says
Auckland-based specialist in
antimicrobial and cleaning
“We are all sanitising naturally occurring HOCL is
more and becoming a powerful germ killer and is
chemistry.
an effective and
Managing Director of increasingly aware of environmental solution for
Pharmaco, Chandra Selvadurai,
says the products will cleanliness.” constant hygiene. “Being
eco-friendly, as well as very
revolutionise the way we —Chandra Selvadurai, Managing
potent, provides peace of
sanitise. “They are highly Director, Pharmaco
mind with minimum
effective, 100 per cent Kiwi-
disadvantages.”
created and made, and an
The range also includes Sanitiser & Surface
example of great Kiwi innovation. We are all
Protectant, and Coating Protectant Paint. Both
sanitising more and becoming increasingly
are specialised commercial products that
aware of cleanliness in the places we live and
protect surfaces from pathogens, for up to
work, and how to keep our hands and
three years, from a single application.
environment as germ-free as possible—it’s part
The range is available through wholesale
of our routines and is becoming second nature.
channels, online through Pharmaco Emergency
“However, maintaining an expected level of
Care, Pharmaco Diabetes and Crown Dental
cleanliness can be challenging, especially when
websites, and directly from Pharmaco (NZ)
harsh chemicals are used such as bleach,
Limited.
hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hypochlorite.
RTANZ NEWS 19Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Technology
Scania has launched a range of new electric trucks as part of a transition to a sustainable transport system.
Scania introduces new electric truck range
S
cania has commercially launched its range Electrification of the heavy commercial truck
of electric trucks in Europe, a milestone in fleet is decisive in reaching the Paris Agreement
its aim to lead the transition to a target of limiting global warming to well below
sustainable transport system. The high- 2°C. E-vehicles will therefore increasingly be an
performance plug-in hybrid and fully electric attractive option for progressive customers.
trucks initially focus on urban applications, Scania will in the initial stages, develop and
including distribution to retailers. deploy hybrid and fully electric trucks in
With Scania’s proven record in delivering partnership with these forward-looking
premium diesel and renewable customers.
fuel trucks, the launch marks a The Scania fully
“Combined with renewable
significant step in the electric truck—offered
company’s development. Over fuel, operators can with L- and P-series cabs
the coming years, Scania will significantly reduce their —is equipped with a 165–
continue to develop its range of climate impact.” 300 kWh battery pack for
electrified vehicles for all the 230 kW electric motor,
applications, including long- equal to approximately
haulage and construction. 310hp. Customers can select either five or nine
“It is with a great deal of pride that we batteries, the latter for a range of up to 250km on
announce the start of Scania’s long-term a single charge.
electrification commitment,” says Scania’s Scania’s plug-in hybrid truck, also available
President and CEO, Henrik Henriksson. “We will for L- and P-series cabs, provides opportunities
over the coming years annually launch electrified to travel long distances in a combustion engine
products for our entire range and we are mode and subsequently drive up to 60km in an
presently reorganising our production towards electric mode when required. Combined with
that end. Of particular significance is that we will renewable fuel, operators can significantly
in a few years’ time, also introduce long-distance reduce their climate impact.
electric trucks adapted for fast charging during Both these technologies build upon the
drivers’ compulsory 45-minute rest periods.” Scania’s modular system with components tried
RTANZ NEWS 20Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
and-tested throughout Scania’s truck range, for batteries is less. It is equipped with three
well-known for their durability and reliability. batteries for an installed capacity of 90 kWh for
“Although electrified vehicles in certain the 115 kW electric motor. The charging time
aspects represent a new technology, we’ve from nil to 80 percent is approximately 35
taken all possible steps to ensure that we apply minutes and in addition to charging via
the same unwavering uptime criteria as for our regenerative braking energy, battery power can
other trucks,” says Anders Lampinen, Director, be topped up during loading and unloading. The
New Technologies. “Scania signifies premium electric powertrain is combined with a 280–360
quality and needless to say that characterises hp combustion engine. The range in electric
our electrified trucks as well.” mode alone is 60 km.
In addition to general cargo and temperature- With the silent mode of both trucks and the
controlled transports, e-trucks can be gainfully remarkable acceleration of the fully electric truck
deployed with bodywork as hooklifts, tippers, of 2200 Nm torque, they offer a very different
concrete mixers, and refuse collectors, as well and exciting driving experience. “We know that
as for fire and rescue services. there are plenty of young and experienced
“We are convinced that progressive drivers who will be attracted not only by tangibly
customers will be eager to lead the way into contributing to sustainable transports but also
electrification by taking initial steps to future- by the opportunity to be among the first on the
proof their fleets,” says Lampinen. “In major road with these trucks of the future,” says
transport companies with large fleets, Lampinen.
implementation gives them an early opportunity
to gain experience in this area. Meanwhile, we
know that large transport buyers are interested
in reducing their carbon footprints.”
Both the plug-in and fully electric truck will
be essential for operating in the growing
number of urban areas around the world with
low-emission city centre zones. They also #######################################
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Since the plug-in hybrid truck also has a
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combustion engine unit, the available space
RTANZ NEWS 21Road Transport Association NZ Inc. November 2020
Business
Instilling a professional culture is critical
By John Barley
P
eople and business is not a marriage made I interviewed an ex-paratrooper the other day.
in heaven. The podcast is on You Tube. The interview raised
Business owners want to make money. some important elements in the topics of health
To have a successful business. To have the and safety. The necessity to have an induction
dream outcome. To grow the business. To be course and a complete debrief of the people.
able to sell it at a later stage with the optimum What did they learn? What did they do well?
results. To retire with a bucket load of money in Where can they improve in what they do?
the bank. To have optimum health enjoying the The debrief is often neglected. Yet it is so
days at the beach on the boat or even travelling. valuable. Debrief provides to the business owner
Dream or reality? the scope to: 1) cement the culture required
For many it becomes a dream. Reality is within the business to provide a professional
consumed by putting out fires and maintaining service to the customers; 2) discover what
the status quo to keep afloat. Then there are the makes the individual tick; and 3) understand the
people that work within the business: people challenges of the individual and discuss what
and the laws relating to their employment. Health can be done to make the job easier. There is the
and Safety and the need to be compliant. There requirement for the business owner to be very
are the issues of running the trucks and plant. clear about their values. It will be the values that
More legislation and more people. define the differentiation of the business.
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RTANZ NEWS 22You can also read
