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Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
ROAD TRANSPORT
NEWS
The Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel was the venue for this year’s RTANZ South Island Seminar.
South Island Seminar
CREATING ONE INDUSTRY VOICE Despite wintry temperatures, this
year’s annual RTANZ seminar in
ELECTRONIC SAFETY Twizel attracted a good turnout and
some lively discussion about issues
A LIFE IN ROAD TRANSPORT facing the industry.
RTANZ NEWS 1
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Principal Road Transport Associa1on NZ Inc. Sponsor
www.rtanz.co.nz
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RTANZ NEWS 2
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Contents
PAGE 4
From the Chief Operating Officer
Simon Carson updates members on what’s happening in the industry around the
country.
PAGE 7
South Island Seminar
RTANZ members from throughout the South Island gathered in Twizel for this year’s
annual seminar to hear from experts and discuss issues facing the industry.
PAGE 17
Electronic safety
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is fitting more trucks with electronic mirrors and warning
systems to improve safety for all road users.
PAGE 28
Around the regions
RTANZ Senior Industry Advisors round up news and developments from around New
Zealand.
PAGE 32
A life in road transport
Raumati identity Clive Taylor’s lifelong passion for road transport has been recognised
by RTANZ and the RTF.
Events Contact Us
August 27-28: RTANZ Region 2 and 3 AGMs and Website: rtanz.co.nz
North Island Seminar, Wairakei Resort 0800 367 782
September 24: Mobil 1 NZ Road Transport Hall of Chief Operating Officer: Simon Carson,
Fame awards dinner, Bill Richardson Transport scarson@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 66 099
World, Invercargill. Editor: David Killick, Communications Manager,
September 25-26: The Road Ahead: Transporting dkillick@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 44 272
New Zealand Conference, Ascot Park Hotel, Administration: Victoria Higgs,
Invercargill. admin@rtanz.co.nz, 027 365 2075
October 9: TFHBCC—Ride in a Truck Day, Hastings Membership Benefits Coordinator: Vicki Harris,
Show Grounds vharris@rtanz.co.nz, 027 534 3848
November 27: Eastland Truck Show & Shine, We welcome contributions and feedback for this
Gisborne Show Grounds magazine.
February 20: The Great Wellington Truck & Transport
Show, Trentham Memorial Park, Upper Hutt
RTANZ NEWS 3
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Chief Operating Officer
Keeping the network open during a crisis
By Simon Carson
“Clear communication during an
event such as this is essential
from everyone involved.”
T
he shortest day has passed us by just
before a short period of wild weather hit
parts of the South Island. Hundreds of
North Canterbury residents were evacuated
from their homes—and further south, hundreds
more Ashburton residents were on standby—as
rivers raged across the region, fuelled by a one-
in-100-year deluge.
Priority for RTANZ during crisis events such
as this one is to ensure that our transport
network either remains open or is reopened after Waka Kotahi engineers inspect the Ashburton river/
minimal downtime. Engagement with councils Hakatere road bridge on SH1 after severe flooding
damaged the structure at the beginning of June.
as well as Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency,
Photo: Waka Kotahi
Civil Defence, and other authorities is critical.
Equally important is the timing of these
discussions which are often happening on Appropriately named because of its traveling
behalf of members just as the crisis is starting to connotations, June the first sees thousands of
hit. Clear communication during an event such farm managers, contract milkers, and
as this is essential—therefore the association sharemilkers loading cows into stock trucks, or
becomes a key player in keeping New Zealand’s walking them to new farms nearby, and packing
supply chains and networks functioning. up their equipment, families, and belongings.
The Ashburton river bridge reopened for So, while road users battled soaked and
heavy vehicles after a short period of closure damaged roads, they also needed to remain
where trucks could use the bridge between 7pm vigilant due to extra stock vehicles on the parts
and 7am. The reason for this was due to of our networks that remained open. Stock
ongoing monitoring of the surface by Waka movements between farmers and transport
Kotahi and contractors where regular visual operators needed some extra planning to ensure
assessment of damage and potential risk was movements went without a hitch, and the
required during daylight. There are extra flexibility of most farmers contributed to the
challenges with undertaking checks and continuity of transporting animals. Many stock
measures during the hours of darkness, with operators said they experienced minimal
health and safety of workers playing a significant downtime as they juggled their farm runs around
part of the process. stock availability, open roads, and detours.
The floods coincided with significant stock Damaged infrastructure seems to have had little
being moved around the country on Gypsy Day. effect on this sector of industry.
RTANZ NEWS 4
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Moving stock between regions was another RTANZ board. Please keep an eye out for
matter with some operators reaching either regional AGM dates and locations.
side of Canterbury and having to park trucks
up for a period. RTANZ, FMG, and Fedfarm • Call Simon Carson on 027 55 66 099, or
worked to ensure that animals in transit were email: scarson@rtanz.co.nz.
able to be temporarily rehomed until such time
it was deemed safe to continue with their
journeys. On the whole, it was pleasing to see
transport businesses quickly adapt to this crisis Membership Certificates now provided
and carry on with their businesses. electronically
A total of 190 members attended the recent
31 annual NZI South Island Seminar in Twizel,
st
The Road Transport Association will now be
South Canterbury. A key part of the day is the providing our Membership Certificates
members’ forum where the opportunity is electronically. We will no longer be sending
presented to members for industry matters to physical certificates.
be brought to the attention of RTANZ executive You can still download and print your
and present authorities.The association takes certificate if you wish or alternatively save the
its lead from our members who are represented electronic version.
by individuals elected by members from the
regions. If, as an RTANZ member, you feel you • For more information, email:
have something to say, or have value to add to admin@rtanz.co.nz
your region and the industry, I strongly
encourage you to put your hand up for
inclusion on your executive committee, or the
RTANZ NEWS 5
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Road Transport Forum
Road users aren’t getting what they pay for
By Nick Leggett, Road Transport Forum chief executive
pay into it, including rail, walking, and cycling.
So, there is less money for roads.
That became a stark reality for many when
the government announced it would put up
$780 million for a walking and cycling bridge
across Auckland’s harbour.
We support user pays and we support
congestion charging. But we want the user to
get what they are paying for, not substandard
roads while a few Auckland cyclists get a
premium bridge.
The road freight industry is concerned about
the unsafe state of many roads. Many councils
say cuts to road maintenance by Waka Kotahi
NZ Transport Agency are creating serious risks
R
up and down the country.
oads are the lifeblood of the economy.
Congestion charging can reduce traffic on
Trucks move 93 per cent of New
Auckland motorways and help the flow of
Zealand’s freight around New Zealand
freight. But the design of such systems is critical
roads—goods for export, imports from wharves,
and should not be seen as a means to reduce
and all the things that people need daily.
roading investment in critical network solutions.
So, it is a concern to us that Waka Kotahi NZ
A growing population, more freight, and
Transport Agency is cutting its share of the local
sustained economic growth have significantly
road maintenance programme, and that the
increased the demand for high capacity and
Government is taking another look at the New
quality roading. Our
Zealand Upgrade
roading assets are
Programme.
noticeably
Transport Minister “We want the user to get what they
deteriorating.
Michael Wood has are paying for, not substandard We must be able to
said: “Recognising the
roads while a few Auckland cyclists fairly and accurately
need to decarbonise
get a premium bridge.” price road use—and
our transport system,
possibly other
we’re rebalancing the
infrastructure. Such an
package to increase
approach can be used to moderate private
investment in rail, public transport, and walking
vehicle use, optimise efficient movement of
and cycling.”
freight, and increase public transport use and
This is against a backdrop of the
more physical travel such as cycling and
Infrastructure Commission consulting on He walking. This will be an important tool in the
Tūāpapa ki te Ora | Infrastructure for a Better fight to lower our nation’s carbon emissions.
Future—and a Parliamentary select committee The Transportation Research Board (TRB),
looking at congestion charging motorists to use part of the National Academies of Sciences,
Auckland roads during peak traffic to try and Engineering and Medicine in the United States,
ease up some of that flow. has stated the real opportunity to take action on
Who should pay for the roads? climate change is to focus on the transport
Motorists operate under a user-pays system, infrastructure. TRB recently warned that the
including trucks and private vehicles, USA’s crumbling transportation infrastructure
contributing about $1.75 billion in road user must be rebuilt and modernised. More resilient
charges to the National Land Transport infrastructure would lift recovery, create jobs,
Programme (NLTP). That used to go to roads. It strengthen the economy, and fight climate
has been expanded to fund others who don’t change. New Zealand needs to take note.
RTANZ NEWS 6
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Cover story
Twizel seminar calls for one industry voice
By David Killick
T
he need for the
road transport
industry to speak
with one voice was the
overriding theme at the
31st Annual NZI South
Island seminar, held at
the Mackenzie Country
Hotel in Twizel from
June 25 to 27.
The snow held off
and brilliant sunny
skies greeted
attendees, who heard
experts talk on current
issues while also RTANZ chairman Ian Emmerson, left, said creating a single association was a
enjoying some fine challenge; Senior Industry Advisor John Bond thanked tangata whenua and gave
southern hospitality. a karakia to open the hui.
The association
thanks guest speakers, Nick outlined the RTF’s role speaking with
MC Doug Kamo and Gary Endacott, and one voice to the media and politicians. Big
sponsors NZI, ASB, EROAD, Domett Truck & issues included targeting speed, deteriorating
Trailer Ltd, Conroy Removals, Scania, TSi roads, more funding for rail—which he called
Logistics, AutoSense, Tyre General, Parks “robbing Peter to pay Thomas”— and the driver
Towing, Allied Petroleum, TMC Trailers, and shortage.
iCOSLive. New technology, including mandatory
Senior Industry Advisor John Bond thanked electronic logbooks, will make a big difference.
tangata whenua and gave a “Technology is rapidly
karakia to launch the hui. changing the way all
RTANZ chairman Ian “We have a clear message business is done.”
Emmerson said creating a from our members that this Nick said the industry
single association was a associations were
challenge. “It will not be [a single association] is the
fragmented. “You’d never
easy to achieve but we only acceptable outcome.” design your business like
have a clear message from —Ian Emmerson, RTANZ chairman this structure from new.”
our members that this is However, he remained
the only acceptable positive. “I sense that
outcome.” provided we work well together, we have the
Region Four president Richard Niederer best opportunity we've had for decades to
reinforced the message. “This is an ideal make some really great changes to benefit our
occasion to realise we are not alone. There is a sector and our economy.”
support network among our peers…The The RTF will re-launch with a new name in
government gives the impression that it doesn’t August.
care about the road transport industry. To Dom Kalasih, formerly with Waka Kotahi and
challenge this government there needs to be a the Ministry of Transport, spoke on the various
unified structure—one voice.” sector groups and said it was necessary to
Road Transport Forum CEO Nick Leggett bring rigor to problem solving. Permit issues
and RTANZ Chief Operating Officer Simon were a problem. “Waka Kotahi is overwhelmed
Carson weren’t able to attend in person so but progress is being made.”
beamed in via video.
RTANZ NEWS 7
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Simon Carson said COVID-19 has had an “The average age of truck
impact on all of us and adjusting to the new
normal will take some time. “It’s important for drivers is about 55 and within
transport operators to have a clear five to six years 25 per cent
understanding of costs.”
Nevertheless, transport operators have
will need to be replaced.”
shown they have the “can-do attitude” to keep —Simon Carson, RTANZ Chief Operating
business going. Officer
The shortage of drivers is a huge issue: The
average age of truck drivers is about 55 and
within five to six years 25 per cent will need to Other issues are blanket speed reductions
be replaced. There is a lack of immigrant and infrastructure funding, with the promised $5
workers and the industry needs to ensure it is billion investment in roading yet to be seen.
attractive to young people. “We need to listen to It is up to grassroots members to raise
what they [young people] are saying on the concerns so the industry can speak with a single
environment. Young people are demanding voice. “Having various industry voices is
increased investment in green renewables.” counterproductive.
Serious lack of consultation with government “It is at times of crisis that some members
agencies—for example, on the Rakaia weigh realise the value of the association. The
right project—has been a concern. This has now relationship between the RTF and the RTA is
been put on hold after the association raised robust.”
concerns.
Essential information
The Road Transport Forum (RTF) is the central
point of communication for the road freight
transport industry. Visit the RTF website here to
keep up to date on media releases, Nick’s blog,
submissions, and advisories.
General information
The COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/
has general information including Government
support available to businesses.
COVID-19
WorkSafe signed off road freight transport specific
guidance and protocols developed by the RTF to
help businesses be safe during the COVID-19
alert levels. These remain best practice at this
time.
WorkSafe—COVID-19 safety plan
WorkSafe has developed a template to help ########################################
develop a COVID-19 safety plan, which you can ########################################
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find here.
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RTANZ NEWS 8
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Focusing on challenges for the future
O
liver Jepson, of
NZI, confessed he
was a petrolhead
but said technology is
exciting. In-cab
technology can improve
safety.
NZI, which is one of
the longest serving
insurance companies in
New Zealand, processes
thousands of claims,
including 70-76 per cent
of truck claims. “We try to
mitigate risk.”
Data showed that most
incidents occurred within
the first two hours on
shift, most of them close
to the depot. Olly Jepson, of NZI, detailed the big difference technology can make in
Fatigue is a problem. reducing risk—a message reinforced by other speakers.
“Research in Australia
shows that OSA
[Obtsructive Sleep Apnea] Transport will always be required. Road
is more prevalent in long-distance commercial transport is not going to be wiped out but big
drivers with 43 per cent of drivers being banks and [companies] have to agree on value
affected,” says Olly. doing a deal.”
In-cab technology can improve safety. This
Amanda Douglas, of Wynn Williams, outlined
includes simulators and Seeing Machines, from
the legal requirements and considerations for
AutoSense, as well as electronic solutions from
businesses requiring the
EROAD.
travel bubble with Australia
Wayne Munn, of PwC, (annual leave vs. business-
shared insights into “When it comes to training related travel); whether
business succession: What drivers, the old way simply vaccinations can be made
do you do when it’s time to compulsory (probably not
sell your business? A
isn’t going to cut it.” but it depends); and the
broader question also —Fiona McDonagh, Te ara ki tua— increase in sick leave
arose: How do you road to success entitlements and the
determine the value of your Holidays Act, including
business? How dependent Matariki, which will start on
is it on key people? June 24, 2022.
Wayne said investing in a business is an Amanda also covered mental health issues
alternative to investment property. Interest rates and revoking TSLs.
are on the rise; money has been available but (Make sure to see Amanda’s regular column
won’t last forever. on p14.)
The supply chain must be sustainable; a
Jeff Fleury, from Waka Kotahi, drew gasps
limited supply chain and limited stock on hand
from the audience by showing in-cab videos of
is really risky for your business.
some horrific crashes, including a truck
Netlogix, a “logistics solutions provider”,
slamming into a car, dangerous overtaking
proved to be a controversial topic. Wayne said
manoeuvres, and a truck rollover.
like it or not, there will be pressure driving prices
Jeff, who has conducted thousands of talks
down. Fundamental questions include financials
preventing rollover incidents, said onboard
—are they reliable?—and environmental
cameras can make a tremendous difference.
credentials, where it is no longer just the
“Onboard cameras are worth their weight in
greenies advocating environmentally-friendly
gold. They have a huge positive. They take the
businesses: “It’s the banks and money men and
guesswork out of an incident.”
markets.”
RTANZ NEWS 9
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Fiona McDonagh,
coordinator of Te ara ki tua
—road to success, said the
program to place trainees with
operators had been well
received. Three operators took
on more than one trainee at a
time.
With the high average age
of drivers and the low number
of females, a new approach
was needed. “They all need to
do something different. When
it comes to training drivers, the
old way simply isn’t going to
cut it.”
Fiona said a quarter of
applications have been from
women. “Industry needs to
change [the stereotype] to fit
these groups. ‘Harden up” ABOVE: A total of 190 people attended the Twizel seminar.
needs to be taken out of our BELOW: MC Doug Kamo and the Mackenzie Country Hotel.
vocabulary. Take the hard
work as a given.”
Fiona said young people want reasonable John Collins, of EROAD, said transport was
work hours and to be treated with respect. They one of the largest—and last—industries to adapt
would then support their company. to technology. Previously it was all paperwork,
More information: roadtosuccess.nz. but technology is far more accurate, reaping real
Graham Sheldrake, who is also involved with benefits for businesses.
the training program, said he knew of trucks “Our purpose is safer and more sustainable
parked up because there were no drivers. roads,” said John.
“Importing drivers from overseas ain’t going to EROAD has now expanded its Christchurch
happen.” office as well as covering New Zealand and
expanding overseas. Its on-vehicle systems
There are people who want to drive but the have recorded $4 billion of RUC.
industry has to attract them. “You are going to “We collect data every few seconds from
run out of people, no doubt, if you don’t do 126,000-plus connected vehicles—[there
something. Your kids don’t want to work 14- are]12.4 billion km travelled globally in vehicles
hour days…The reality is you have got to connected to EROAD hardware.”
change.” Another benefit has been a huge reduction in
Retaining people aged 20 to 25 plus was a overspeed events over time as product
good idea. enhancements have been added, and these are
Graham said training and micro-credentials down by an impressive 56 per cent.
help, but experience is still important. “Class 5
doesn’t make you a truck driver; it makes you
licensed to be a truck driver.”
RTANZ NEWS 10Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Olly Jepson, NZI; Amanda Douglas, Wynn Williams; Graham Sheldrake, RTF; John Collins, EROAD; Fiona McDonagh, Te ara ki tua; Jeff Fleury, Waka Kotahi. RTANZ NEWS 11
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Mickayla Kerr has followed a successful military career with a career as CEO of a road transport business.
Determination and the will to succeed
By David Killick
G
rit, determination, and discipline—all were a strong determination and renewed energy to
factors that helped lead to a successful keep going—to battle on. “I thought stuff this, I’m
career, both in the military and in road not going to dig another shell scrape!”
transport, for keynote speaker Maj. (NZ Army ret.) Another tough physical challenge was having
Mickayla Kerr. to heft a 55kg pack. Mickayla trained extra hard
Mickayla served for nearly two decades in the to compete with men. “I never thought I was
military before joining family woman in a man’s world. I
transport business, worked hard.”
Marlborough-based “I am pretty fortunate to She cites a quote by
Heagney Bros, as CEO. grow up in a country where French professional footballer
After graduating in the Antoine Griezmann: “With a
Army in December 1999, there wasn’t anything I lot of hard work and effort you
Mickayla served first as an couldn’t do if I wanted to can achieve anything.”
artillery officer—where she and I put my mind to it.” “I am pretty fortunate to
garnered media attention, grow up in a country where
including a feature as “GI there wasn’t anything I
Jane”—and later as a logistics commander, couldn’t do if I wanted to and I put my mind to
including a stint with the Multinational Force and it,” says Mickayla.
Observers on the Sinai peninsula. In 2007, Mickayla went back to civilian life,
One of Mickayla’s first big tests came early on working in HR for Wither Hills Winery and raising
as an officer cadet during Exercise Nemesis, her two boys. But it was only a break before the
where she had to dig “shell scrapes” (emergency Army called her back in 2013.
ground cover to withstand attack) in hard rocky “Then I went back to Army in command of 10
ground. Evading searchers, being “found”, and Transport Company, responsible for a fleet of
given the chance to call it a day, instead sparked vehicles.”
RTANZ NEWS 12Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
These included MHOVs
(Medium Heavy Operational
Vehicles), operated by combat
drivers. Vehicles can be fully
“up-armored”and have V-
shaped hulls for blast dispersal.
These tough vehicles can be
deployed for beachhead
landings and were used to help
with recovery after the 2016
Kaikoura earthquakes, off
HMNZS Canterbury.
Another tough beast was the
HET HX77 Heavy Equipment
Transporter, used for carrying
LAVs (Light Armored Vehicles)
as part of the combat support
team.
Mickayla’s team also did fire ABOVE: Heavy, and some extremely tough, vehicles have been part of
drills protecting deployable bulk Mickayla Kerr’s military and civilian career.
fuel installations. BELOW: Sometimes the hard yards really pay off
In 2017, Mickayla was
deployed to the UN
Multinational Force and
Observers (MFO) on the Sinai
peninsula. ISIS factions and
Hamas posed very real threats,
so camps had ballistic walls to
protect from bomb blasts.
Trucks sported signs, “Don’t
shoot, we’re kiwis!” However,
when drivers asked if they could
dispense with full protective
body armor, Mickayla gave a
clear answer: No!
“They came around to my
way of thinking,” she says.
Mickayla retired from the
Army in October 2018. Before
that, she also notched up another achievement, Mickayla cites some more inspirational
becoming New Zealand women’s squash quotes: “Some of life’s best lessons are learnt
champion, 35 plus. by hardship.”
She now enjoys her role in road transport. And Charles Darwin: “It is not the strongest
She is a big fan of in-cab cameras to improve of the species that survive, nor the most
safety, and of creating a positive business intelligent, but the one most responsive to
culture. “There’s never a day when you are not change.”
on duty. There’s nothing as bad as the boss who
says do as I say but not as I do. Show
appreciation for people and your greatest asset.
If you treat people right, and appreciate them,
they will have a lifelong commitment to your
business.”
RTANZ NEWS 13Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Ask a lawyer
How do you tackle stress in the workplace?
By Amanda Douglas
could be something stressful in their private life,
which is not your fault, but may require you to
allow them some time off (on annual or sick
leave) so that they can recover from their stress
and be safe to drive. If it is a work situation or
factor that is causing their stress, you need to
evaluate whether that factor is something you
can and should change.
Regardless, it is a good step to offer the
employee access to support services such as
workplace counselling (often called EAP—
Employment Assistance Program).
As well as this, your normal health and safety
reporting obligations apply to this situation, so
you should take care to follow those processes,
too.
O
ne of my drivers seems really stressed I am keen to employ a driver on a six-month
at the moment. Is that something I fixed term contract to check they are a good
need to do something about? worker before offering them a permanent
position— is that OK?
Yes, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
requires employers to ensure the health and No, fixed-term employment agreements
safety of their workers, as much as is reasonably should only be used when there is a genuine
practicable. Health includes both physical and reason based on reasonable grounds for the
mental health. This means fixed term, and the employee
you are required to take must be told about this.
reasonable steps to protect “It is a good step to offer Commonly accepted
your employees’ mental the employee access to genuine reasons for a fixed-
health. term agreement include to
support services such as
All jobs can be stressful provide cover while a
at times, and there are some workplace counselling.” permanent employee is on
inevitable stressors, like parental leave, or because
starting a new job, learning the work is project-based
new skills or being in a competitive workplace. and there will be no further work available after
However, there are also avoidable stressors like the completion of the project. If there is a
doing too much hazardous work, working in genuine reason for a fixed-term arrangement,
dangerous physical environments, only ever that needs to be clearly recorded in the
receiving negative feedback, not being employment agreement, along with when the
supported, etc. Work requiring long periods of agreement will end. The Act specifically states
intense concentration or that has high that you cannot use a fixed term agreement to
consequences from error can be inherently more test an employee’s suitability.
stressful. From your question, it sounds as if you would
If you can foresee that an employee might be best to include a trial period or a
suffer stress because of their working probationary period in the employee’s
conditions, then you must take steps to change permanent employment agreement, rather than
those conditions to prevent or minimise that engaging them on a fixed-term basis. That way,
stress. Since you have noticed this employee you can assess their suitability for your
feeling stressed, you need to take the time to business, during the trial period or probationary
speak to them to find out what is going on. It period. If your business employs 19 or fewer
RTANZ NEWS 14Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
employees, you can use a trial period for up to • Ensure that you have accurately recorded
90 days. In order for a trial-period to be valid, each employee’s Anniversary Date.
you will need to ensure that you meet the
• Check with your payroll provider to ensure that
requirements contained within section 67A of
your payroll system will reflect the transition
the Employment Relations Act. If your business
from five to 10 days’ sick leave, each year.
employees more than 19 employees you will
need to use a probation period instead. • Explain to your existing employees how the
Probation periods require you to follow a fair changes to sick leave entitlements will work.
process to end the employee’s employment, Some employers have previously provided
including telling the employee if there are any their employees with sick leave entitlements
issues with their work and giving them the that exceed the minimum requirements. Those
chance to improve before dismissing them. employers should consider whether they will
Alternatively, if the probation period is going still provide sick leave in excess of the
well, an employer can choose to remove it and minimum entitlements or stay with the new
confirm employment early. minimum entitlements.
What do we need to do to be ready for the • Update your employment agreements to
new sick leave changes? reflect the new sick leave entitlements. This is
especially important if your employment
Employers will need to prepare for these agreements refer specifically to an entitlement
changes, which increase employees’ sick leave of five days’ sick leave per year.
entitlement to 10 days per year. The changes
come into effect on July 24, 2021. New • If you are a member of RTANZ and have an
employees will be entitled to 10 days’ sick leave employment or health and safety related
after they have completed six months’ current question, please submit it to Amanda Douglas
continuous employment. For existing employees at Wynn Williams:
who have already worked for at least six Amanda.douglas@wynnwilliams.co.nz with the
months, their entitlement to 10 days’ sick leave subject line: RTANZ Ask a Lawyer. Feel free to
will arise on the anniversary of the date they first also make use of the Wynn Williams’s Legal
became entitled to sick leave, i.e. the date that Helpline, in which the first 15 minutes are free
is six months after they commenced
for RTANZ members, by calling Amanda on
employment (Anniversary Date).
(03) 379 7622.
We recommend that employers prepare by
taking the following steps:
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RTANZ NEWS 15Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Events
Seminars to tackle distraction and fatigue
D
istraction and fatigue
are becoming a major
focus in the transport
industry, and technology is
evolving that can help
businesses keep their drivers
safer while at work, ensuring
they get home to their
families and loved ones at the
end of the day. But driver
acceptance of the issues and
technology that can help, is
not always plain sailing.
AutoSense has created a
driver education seminar
specifically for commercial
drivers and fleet operators so
they can learn how to be fit to
drive, manage fatigue and
distraction, and embrace
technology to help keep
themselves (and others) safe
on the road. AutoSense has
teamed up with Seeing
Machines, EROAD, Fit For
Duty, and NZI for a driver
education seminar series,
which speaks to drivers in
their language, and will be in
six locations across New
Zealand. “I look forward to sharing my story of my career
“We’ve developed a brand and how important it was to be fit to drive.”
called #EYESUPNZ to bring
—Greg Murphy, AutoSense Ambassador
messages on fatigue and
distraction to light in a
positive way for all road
users,” says AutoSense CEO, the more we think they’ll embrace the
Charles Dawson. “Along with resources for technology and tools to help reduce distraction
businesses to use, we’re also taking our and fatigue and keep them safer in their jobs.”
#EYESUPNZ driver education sessions on the Events have already taken place in
road, to engage with drivers about issues and Christchurch and Dunedin. Events will also take
what is available to help keep them safer in their place in the following locations:
working lives.”
Motorsport legend and AutoSense August 10: Hamilton
Ambassador, Greg Murphy, will host the
seminars. “I’m really looking forward to getting August 12: Auckland
out and meeting the drivers and fleet operators,”
says Murph. “They’ve got a job to do, and I look October 19: Wellington
forward to sharing my story of my career and
how important it was to be fit to drive and some October 21: Palmerston North
of the techniques I used to enable this. The You can register at www.eyesupnz.co.nz/events.
more drivers we can get along to these events,
RTANZ NEWS 16Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Technology
Danger, warning—cyclist approaching!
M
ercedes-Benz Trucks is
fitting more trucks with
its Sideguard Assist
safety system, improving safety
for all road users.
Accidents involving trucks
turning into their blind spot (the
side away from the driver—left
for RHD vehicles and right for
LHD vehicles) are among the
worst type of accident that can
happen on inner-city roads, and
not just for unprotected road
users like cyclists and
pedestrians, but also for the
drivers themselves.
In order to avoid such
accidents, Mercedes-Benz
Trucks introduced its optional
Sideguard Assist (S1R) in 2016
as a series-production solution
for many models in the Actros,
Arocs, or Econic ranges. For
most of these models,
Sideguard Assist is also
available as a retrofit solution—
and since April 2021, it can now
also be retrofitted on the latest-
generation Actros and Arocs
models.
For models in which
Sideguard Assist (S1R) cannot
be installed, Mercedes-Benz
Trucks offers Sideguard Assist,
basic, as a retrofit solution.
The Mercedes-Benz
Sideguard Assist (S1R) helps in
difficult traffic situations and
complex junctions. If there is a
risk of a truck driver
unexpectedly overlooking a A cyclist approaches the blind side (the right side for a lefthand drive truck).
cyclist or pedestrian in their Sideguard Assist and MirrorCam provide an instant warning system for the
blind spot when turning, the driver. The electronic mirror system has now replaced regular main and
system assists the driver with a wide-angle mirrors in some models of Mercedes-Benz trucks.
multi-stage warning process.
S1R uses visual warnings in the MirrorCam display, Assist has two short-range radar sensors on the co-
which has now replaced regular main and wide-angle driver's side of the frame in front of the rear axle. The
mirrors in the new Actros and Arocs. system monitors the entire length of the vehicle
In a truck with outside mirrors, the warnings use combination plus two metres to the front, one metre
an LED display built into the A-pillar. Sideguard to the rear, and up to 3.75 metres to the right or left.
RTANZ NEWS 17Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
It works for solo vehicles as well as tractor/
semitrailer or tractor/trailer combinations up to “As many cities and towns expand
18.75 metres in length. their cycle path infrastructure, the
From June 2021, Safeguard Assist (S1R) will be
replaced on the majority of Actros and Arocs need for such systems is expected
models by the new Safeguard Assist (S1X) to grow.”
equipped with a further function that could save
lives: the so-called Active Sideguard Assist (ASGA)
system not only warns the driver of moving
pedestrians or cyclists on the co-driver's side, but This fact alone is enough to again highlight the
also initiates an automated braking manoeuvre at urgency of turning assistants being installed in
turning speeds of up to 20 km/h, bringing the trucks, the company says.
vehicle to a standstill should the driver fail to Demand for the new safety systems in Germany
respond to the warning tones. and Switzerland has been strong. “This
As many cities and towns expand their cycle demonstrates the strong desire of many fleet
path infrastructure, the need for such systems is operators to offer their drivers a truck which isn't
expected to grow. The German Cyclists’ just efficient and reliable, but a truck which also
Federation (ADFC) reports that in 2020, 40 cyclists features excellent safety equipment,” says Andreas
were killed in Germany as a result of an accident von Wallfeld, head of marketing, sales, and
with a truck turning off to the right. In 2020, services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
according statistics suggest that in inner-city areas,
263 cyclists lost their lives on the road while 175
died on out-of-town roads (a total to 438 fatalities).
The percentage of fatal accidents involving trucks
turning off to the right was almost 10 per cent but
could be as high as 15 per cent mark.
A Mercedes-Benz Actros fitted with Sideguard Assist and MirrorCam helps avoid a potential disastrous accident
in the truck’s blind zone.
RTANZ NEWS 18Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Vodafone Business Teams Plan is the simple and affordable
way to give your team, of 5 to 100 people, Endless Mobile
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Open term Business Team Plan
option
Keep Everyone connected
Large
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of running out of data. All plans include
40GB Max Speed Data and then Endless Data at reduced speeds
Speeds reduced to a maximum of 1.2Mbps after 40GB. Max SD streaming at all times
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Add Vodafone One Business Mobile so your team can work-on-the-go with the functionality of
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Includes 5G access at no extra cost until 30 June 2021. Then $10 (incl. GST) Add-On per month
5G now available in parts of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown and requires a 5G phone from
Vodafone. See vodafone.co.nz/business/5g-advantage
Talk to us today and ask about your exclusive RTANZ offer
call Richard Holmes 021 902 118 or Kate Smith 021 914 524
Terms and conditions apply to the products and services offered above and prices are subject to change. For more
detailed information go to www.vodafone.co.nz/legal/terms-conditions.
C2 General
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Specialist supplier to the
New Zealand Transport Industry
Representing the worlds leading manufacturers of
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Freephone: 0508 274 366
www.cookes.co.nz
RTANZ NEWS 19Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
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RTANZ NEWS 20Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Fuel
Z Energy ready to adapt to climate change
Z
Energy’s leadership is very open about
the fact that climate change will 100 per
cent change the game for a business that
was built around selling fossil fuels. It already
has.
“We’ve just got to have a myopic focus on
customer experience,” says Z Energy chief
executive Mike Bennetts, of guiding the
business away from contributing to climate
change and towards offering solutions.
“What are our customers looking for?
Mobility solutions. What’s the experience we
want to give them around that?”
Z has invested in a car-ride sharing
company, installed EV charging units in some of
its service stations, and is considering options
for its biodiesel plant at Wiri, Auckland.
“The good news for us is we’re not going to
have a Kodak moment,” says Bennetts. “We’re “We have plenty of time to adapt
not going to be here one year and gone in two the position of the company,
years’ time. We can see this [change] coming
experiment, learn and scale up.”
and we have plenty of time to adapt the position
of the company, experiment, learn and scale —Mike Bennetts, Z Energy CEO
up.”
What about EVs?
of fuels used in New Zealand will have to be
Of Z’s 200 service stations, eight already biofuels.
have an EV charging unit. In considering “The options are to reopen the plant as is,
whether to install more, Bennetts says you have reopen and expand, or bring in biofuels from
to consider trends in EV ownership. In New overseas,” says Bennetts. “There is a tension
Zealand, we have 4.2 million vehicles on the between local production and providing the
road, of which just 25,000 are currently EVs. most cost-effective option for customers.”
“We think New Zealand is going to be very When the government announces more
much like Norway, and in Norway about 50 detail on the mandate (expected mid-year) Z will
percent of new cars are EV cars—and that’s be better placed to make a call on the biodiesel
where New Zealand wants to be in about 2030,” plant’s future.
he says.
Is Z concerned about becoming obsolete?
“But 85 percent of battery charging is done
at home, 10 percent is at a destination like your The short answer is no. Z is working really
office or a shopping mall, and only about 5 to 10 hard to maintain its position as a leader in
percent is on the road in the way you would energy provision.
normally refuel today.” There are three fuels that will replace fossil
fuels in the future—electrons, hydrogen, and
What happened to Z’s biodiesel plant?
biofuels, notes Bennetts.
Z opened the country’s first commercial “The latter two use the infrastructure we
scale biodiesel plant in 2018, then shuttered it already have and the capabilities to get to
last year because production costs were too market. They are hazardous materials, they are
high. Now, the company is reconsidering its liquid, you store them, you need trucks to move
future after the government announced a them around. They are lower carbon but use the
biofuels mandate, meaning a certain percentage kit we already have.”
RTANZ NEWS 21Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
In the future, we will need a
mix of all three technologies
because they each have their
place, says Bennetts. Trucks #######################################
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As it is, fuelling cars is just a #######################################
portion of Z’s business, which
includes a significant retail
component. “Forty percent of
our sales are to truckies, which
are likely to be a hydrogen or biofuel option in • This article appeared on Z Business Hub and
future and 20 percent of our sales are jet fuel, has been published here with permission.
which will be biofuel.” • Our friends at Sustainable Business Network
Given Z’s commitment to change and its have pulled together a Climate Action toolbox
active role in changing how we choose to get to help NZ businesses reduce their carbon
around, Bennetts sees a bright future ahead. emissions.
A BIG
DEAL FOR MEMBERS
Introducing Z Business Partner for
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Apply now at z.co.nz/business
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using your exclusive member code
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* Z's credit T&Cs apply. Fly Buys and Airpoints™ T&Cs apply.
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Z Business fuel card accepted at:
RTANZ NEWS 22Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Membership benefits
Special offer from Whale Watch Kaikoura
R
TANZ is delighted to have
secured generous support
from Whale Watch Kaikoura
in the form of vouchers and
special discounts for members.
Whale Watch provided
vouchers, which were successfully
auctioned at the 31st Annual NZI
South Island seminar, in Twizel, on
June 26, and will also provide
vouchers for the RTANZ North
Island Seminar, to be held at the
Wairakei Resort, Taupo, on August
28.
Prizes comprise two family
vouchers (for two adults and two
children) valued at $420 each.
Proceeds from the auction will
help raise funds for the Life
Education Trust for a new truck.
RTANZ Senior Industry Advisor
John Bond says The Road
Transport Association supports
the Life Education Trust and the
work they do with children,
promoting health using “Harold
the Giraffe”.
“We are looking at raising
funds, by initiating a Dutch auction at
both seminars, to raise money for a
second-hand tractor unit to tow their Whale Watch is also offering a 50 per cent
classrooms to their schools within the discount package to RTANZ members and
Canterbury, Marlborough, and Nelson their staff and families.
regions.”
Whale Watch is also offering a 50
per cent discount package to RTANZ
members and their staff and families. continue working, as ongoing service
The discounts give members the opportunity providers…
to be part of the Kiwi Whale Watchers Club and “The need for our members to take a break,
are valid until October 31, 2022. There is no and to enjoy what we have here in this country,
restriction on the number of tours travelled is not only vital for our businesses and our
during the special period, and there is also a 20 members’ wellbeing, but also vital in looking
per cent discount off any purchases over $20 at after our tourist entities, who many people rely
the Whale Watch Gift Shop. (Conditions apply.) on.”
John Bond says he is thrilled with Whale
• To take advantage of the Whale Watch
Watch’s generous offer. “Throughout both the
special offer, email inquiries to Vicki Harris,
earthquake and the COVID-19 lockdown
periods, our industry drivers were able to vharris@rtanz.co.nz with “Kaikoura Whale
Watch” in the subject field.
RTANZ NEWS 23Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Health and safety
The rules: driver-operator exclusion zones
By Jason Shepherdson, SBS Health & Safety Consultant
T
he risks to drivers and The three fundamentals of safety
other personnel
around mobile plant These three principles should be
equipment during loading incorporated into the safety plan:
and unloading operations 1) Forklift and other equipment used for
are significant. loading/unloading, and drivers and other
As I continue to visit personnel, should be segregated.
clients and their The greater the strength of separation, the
workplaces, I am staggered to see greater the control and the less likelihood of an
unnecessary and unacceptable levels of risk incident occurring: e.g., painted exclusion
during these dynamic operations. zones on the ground vs. physical guardrail
Of all mobile plant equipment, forklifts and around the exclusion zone.
loaders represent the most significant Effective methods of providing “loading in
materials handling equipment in the progress warnings” to other operators, drivers,
workplace. While fatalities resulting from the and pedestrians: e.g., cones/barriers, signage,
interaction of forklifts and pedestrians have flashing lights, extendable gates.
reduced, there continues to be an
unacceptably high incident of injury. 2) The authority for the area in which loading/
About 15 per cent of injuries in the road unloading operations take place should be
freight transport industry are the result of being controlled by the forklift or loader operator.
hit by trucks or forklifts or other moving 3) If the operator cannot maintain line-of-sight
objects. contact with the driver at any stage during the
operation, they should stop immediately and
not continue until line-of-sight contact is
reestablished.
RTANZ NEWS 24Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Responsibilities:
A number of businesses
may be involved in loading/
unloading freight, such as:
• the transport operator
• the business where freight
is loaded/unloaded,
• businesses that control
the mobile plant at the
workplace.
Under the HSWA
(Health and Safety at Work
Everyone in the business must know the risks around exclusion zones.
Act) 2015, each business
shares responsibility for
the health and safety of • Site information, including loading/
those involved in the work, to the extent of unloading area, parking facilities, reception,
their capacity to influence and control the rest rooms, etc.
work. They must work together to ensure risks
• Reporting signing in/off site procedures
are eliminated, or if that is not possible,
minimised. • Safety procedures on site, such as wearing
The influence and control held by each high-visibility clothing, using mobile phones
business varies, depending on the • Availability and use of equipment
circumstances. For example, when a • Person in charge of loading/unloading
transport operator visits a particular business • Emergency response and contact details.
regularly, where a forklift and operator are
The driver should be
available to load/unload the
provided with this
freight, that business would
generally have a high capacity “I am staggered to see information. The transport
operator should also
to influence and control the unnecessary and
provide the business with
work and risks at that unacceptable levels of any information regarding
workplace. The transport
operator would therefore
risk during these dynamic any risks being brought
operations.” onto site, e.g. hazardous
follow the business’s traffic
substances, mobile plant,
management procedures.
etc.
However, when a transport
operator visits a business that rarely receives Note: The above schematic is for
freight, the transport operator would generally illustration purposes only. Several variants of
influence and control the work and risks. They exclusion zones exist. Site specific risk
should work with the business to develop safe assessments should be conducted to identify
work methods. the risks and appropriate controls considered
Remember: Your site, your mobile plant = to mitigate those risks adequately.
your responsibility. While this article is focused on forklift
Ask yourself: what evidence do we have operations, the similar process can be
that demonstrates we have met this followed for any other mobile plant operations
obligation? including but not limited to crane, HIAB/
Palfinger lifts, and suspended loads.
Communication:
Before loading/unloading, the following • If you would like to discuss how we may be
information should be considered: able to support you with managing these
• The restrictions on the types of vehicles that risks or providing awareness training, please
can be accepted call Safe Business Solutions, freephone
• Delivery times 0508 424 723 or email:
info@safebusiness.co.nz.
RTANZ NEWS 25Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2021
Human Resources
Warning: Employer behaving badly!
By Julie Berry, HR Adviser, SBS
W
ARNING: The by the owner of the four franchises, which
following article under New Zealand legislation is unlawful.
contains an As an employer, consider the following to
example of an employer ensure you avoid something similar occurring
behaving badly. Reading in your business:
this article is advised! Ensure you have comprehensive
During May 2021, the and current Individual Employment
managing director of four high-profile fast Agreements (IEAs) in place for
food franchises in Auckland was stood down employees. A well written IEA will
pending an investigation for asking staff to help your employees know what is
commit to a minimum of 12 months’ expected of them and what they're entitled
employment with his franchises or pay to. This means misunderstandings are less
$3,000 if their employment was terminated likely to occur and if a problem does
either by the workers or by him, within that develop, you can refer to the agreement to
timeframe. clarify matters quickly.
The “Commitment to Employment” letter Failing to keep IEAs current means
he served to new employees on their you may miss important changes
commencement stated that the $3,000 was in legislation which could put the
to (allegedly) cover hiring/onboarding and business at risk of not complying
training, orientation/follow-up orientation, with employment law. An
training plans, time spent training and administrative error because you reused an
uniform costs, as well as “several outdated template is no defence!
administrative” costs. The letter stated:
“Should the employee choose to terminate It is possible to legitimately bond
their employment or if for some reason their an employee, provided the bond
employment is terminated within 12 months relates to an arrangement which
of the commencement date of employment, will benefit both the employer and
then the employee is liable to pay the employee. For example, an
company a total of $3,000.” employee could agree to a bond in exchange
An employee who had only worked for the for the employer paying for them to attend a
employer for a short time subsequently felt recognised training course or obtaining a skill
they were being treated unfairly in their (provided it isn’t a specific requirement for
employment and attempted to resign. The the role), resulting in the employee being
employee was told their resignation was more qualified and the employer receiving
conditional on the $3,000 the benefit of that. If
payment. This prompted the employee does
the employee to seek “Any such [unlawful] policies not fulfil their
advice on the legitimacy obligation to work for
of the payment. could end up costing the the agreed time
Concerns were raised business more money than period, the employer
and the managing can claim costs back
director of the four
they were intended to save.” from the employee.
franchises was stood The terms and
down from operating the conditions of the
stores pending further investigation. It was at bonding agreement should be agreed in
this time the over-arching franchisee became writing and signed by both parties.
aware of the "unapproved policy” introduced
RTANZ NEWS 26You can also read
