ROAD TRANSPORT NEWS - Transmission Gully - Road Transport Association NZ
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Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
ROAD TRANSPORT
NEWS
Transmission Gully
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT Wellington’s ambitious motorway
project is a massive engineering
NEW IN-CAB TECHNOLOGY undertaking that will fulfil a decades-
old dream to improve road
GREEN FREIGHT FUTURE
connections in and out of the capital.
RTANZ NEWS 1
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Principal Road Transport Associa1on NZ Inc. Sponsor
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RTANZ NEWS 2
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Contents
PAGE 4
Transmission Gully project
Wellington’s massive Transmission Gully highway project is back at full strength after
COVID-19 restrictions.
PAGE 7
Green Freight future
Road Transport Forum CEO Nick Leggett looks at the Ministry of Transport’s 2020
Green Freight Working Paper.
PAGE 9
Going paperless
New app-based systems from EROAD and MyTrucking improve efficiency and boost
business for road transport operators.
PAGE 16
Health & Safety
Regular meetings are essential under the Health and Safety at Work Act—but how can
you make them more effective? Safe Business Solutions has some practical advice.
PAGE 22
Around the regions
RTANZ Area Executives round up news and developments from around New Zealand.
Events Contact Us
The RTANZ combined seminars for Regions Two and Website: rtanz.co.nz
Three and Four and Five have been cancelled 0800 367 782
because of COVID-19. Chief Operating Officer: Simon Carson,
August 19: Heavy Haulage Association Conference, scarson@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 66 099
Hamilton—TBC Editor: David Killick, Communications Manager,
dkillick@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 44 272
August 28: Region Two and Three AGMs—TBC
Administration: Victoria Higgs,
admin@rtanz.co.nz, 027 365 2075
Membership Benefits Coordinator: Vicki Harris,
vharris@rtanz.co.nz, 027 534 3848
We welcome contributions and feedback for this
magazine.
RTANZ NEWS 3
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Cover story
Drone footage from May shows construction work on the northern approach to Transmission Gully. The existing
SH1, on the right, will become a local road.
Transmission Gully back on track
T
he Transmission Gully project is once “I am exceptionally proud of the
again in full swing after the COVID-19 commitment and resilience the Transmission
lockdown, with an estimated completion Gully project team has shown over these
date at the end of 2020 or early next year. unprecedented times.”
“Without doubt this has been an Construction works are now back up and
extraordinarily challenging period for the running five days a week in most areas.
Transmission Gully Project,” says With the lifting of Level 4
Sergio Mejia, Chief Executive of lockdown restrictions for
the Wellington Gateway “Construction works construction activities on April
Partnership. are now back up and 28, the project was able to
“Closing down a 27km running five days a begin a staged
construction site at short notice, recommencement of
maintaining site safety and
week in most areas.” construction works operating
environmental controls for five within strict new COVID-19
weeks, and then planning a requirements. The move to
staged site remobilisation under restricted Alert Level 2 on May 14 and to Alert Level 1 on
workplace rules, is not something any of us June 9 meant that construction activities could
could ever have adequately prepared for. step up, while maintaining necessary health
“Add to this the complexities of an and safety requirements.
international workforce, a nationwide supply Drainage and earthworks are now underway
chain, and a tightly programmed schedule of between the new motorway’s connection to
works, impacted by loss of the crucial pre- SH1 at Paekākāriki and the Wainui Saddle area,
winter period—and the operational issues and to the north of the SH58 interchange at
come into even sharper focus. Pauhatanui.
RTANZ NEWS 4
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020 TOP: Looking down the Te Puka Valley from the Wainui Saddle Transmission, the steepest part of the new motorway. LEFT: Now complete, Bridge 20 over Cannons Creek stands 60m above the stream below, and is the largest structure in the motorway project. RIGHT: The James Cook Interchange will be one of four interchanges. Bridge 20 over Cannons Creek has now been multiple power lines including the Benmore to completed. Standing 60m above the stream Haywards inter-island DC link; relocation of the below, Bridge 20 is the largest structure in the Kapuni high pressure gas line, which ran under entire motorway project. The finished bridge is one of the bridge piers; excavation of the bridge four lanes wide, 226 metres long, and 24.5 pier foundations in a steep narrow gorge; and metres wide. A total of 44 steel girders, each getting heavy cranes and machinery and 1.8m wide and 3m deep, make up the materials to the remote site. framework of the bridge deck, which is The Kenepuru and Linden Interchange is one supported by two abutments and two piers. of the most complex sections of the project. The Over 10,000 cubic metres of concrete were used interchange will provide Porirua safe access to to build the bridge and all of its components. the new motorway, via a new connector road According to NZTA Senior Manager Project that travels over the existing SH1 and the main Delivery, Chris Hunt, Bridge 20 is a showcase of railway line at Kenepuru. A big challenge was technical design and innovation. “The technical how to build a new motorway around an older challenges associated with designing and one, while keeping SH1 open to traffic. building a long, high, curving bridge that is Environmental work includes diverting a aesthetically pleasing yet able to withstand a stream near the Willowbank Quarry, fencing, and one-in-2,500 year seismic event, in an area of planting. The quarry is due to reopen to deliver high seismicity, require an innovative approach.” aggregate for pavement work. Further challenges were minimising the Finishing work will include ducting for environmental effects while working within a services, retaining walls, and safety barriers. DOC reserve, working in close proximity to RTANZ NEWS 5
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
The new Transmission Gully SH1 motorway will replace the existing coastal highway, removing bottlenecks
through small towns and speeding up travel times for both trucks and cars.
New motorway will be faster and safer
M
otorists and the road transport industry partnership between Wellington Gateway
have long clamoured for a replacement Partnership and the government.
for SH1 out of Wellington. The existing The project is highly complex, with difficult
state highway passes through the communities and steep terrain requiring large-scale
of Plimmerton and Paremata, causing significant earthworks during construction. Twenty-five new
bottlenecks. The Transmission Gully route will structures with a total length of more than a
make the trip faster and safer. It is also designed kilometre will be constructed along the route.
to be resilient, and able to withstand the risks • A drone video during May captures the latest
from earthquakes and storms. work on the project.
Once complete, the 27-kilometre four-lane • For more information, see www.tg.co.nz or for
motorway will run from Mackays Crossing in the urgent ma
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Road Transport Forum
Looking to a green freight future for NZ
By Nick Leggett
how they are running and measuring sustainable
business practices.
We are all aware of the current limitations,
but we also need to look at the opportunities.
Another thing COVID-19 has taught us is you
simply don’t know what’s ahead and global
shocks have a way of changing things.
The MoT working paper looks at the three
existing options as alternative fuels—electricity,
green hydrogen and biofuels—but
acknowledges a lot more work needs to be
done for any of these to be viable at scale. It
also notes that there is no one-size-fits-all
solution and other options could emerge.
Alternative green fuels are a growing area of
O
interest and investment globally but the
ne of the positive outcomes of the
passenger vehicle market has developed more
COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand
than truck manufacturing. So, choices that can
was it initiated a greater understanding
be made in New Zealand will be constrained by
by government of both the necessity and the
what is available. There also has to be the
many inter-connected parts of moving freight.
appropriate infrastructure to support alternative
Road freight transport presents a conundrum
fuel options. Freight companies are unlikely to
for this government. They don’t like fossil-
invest in vehicles that cannot be easily
fuelled trucks on roads, but they
recharged/refuelled throughout
need them. We have an economy
the country.
based on exports and imports and “There has to be There is a lot more work to
93 per cent of the total tonnes of
freight moved in New Zealand goes
appropriate do before finding viable green
infrastructure to freight solutions. The paper
by road. This has possibly never
notes there are sustainability
been more important to the support alternative concerns with batteries for
economy than it is now. fuel options.” electric vehicles, in particular
To the uninitiated, trucks don’t fit
their production and disposal.
with the climate change narrative.
In the rush to endorse electric
But the government can’t tax and regulate
vehicles, this has been somewhat overlooked.
trucks off the road until there is some viable
The working paper says: “The government
alternative to fuelling them and the infrastructure should consider options that provide the freight
to support that. industry with flexibility to transition to the
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has put its alternative green fuels that are best suited to
toe in the water to explore transitioning road their organisations.”
freight to alternative green fuels in its recently We think that is sound advice. If the
released 2020 Green Freight Working Paper. The government really wants to go big on green
Road Transport Forum engaged with MoT as freight, the opportunity is there to back
they gathered information for this project and it ourselves as a smart, clean, green country and
was an extremely worthwhile experience. It is come up with the solutions ourselves. We are
always good to plan for the future and we can’t known for our problem-solving and innovation,
put our head in the sand and pretend we can so let’s lead the way here if we can.
run on diesel forever. I recommend reading the MoT’s 2020 Green
It’s not just the government calling for Freight Working Paper, which you can find here.
greener solutions across all aspects of our lives.
Many road freight transport operators will be • Nick Leggett is the CEO of the Road
finding customers wanting to deep dive into Transport Forum.
RTANZ NEWS 7
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 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, even though they were 2019. The cost of copies of the report are:
focused on Alert Level 3. $250+GST for members of RTF and $400+GST
WorkSafe—COVID-19 safety plan for non-members. To purchase, please email
forum@rtf.nz or call (04) 472 3877.
WorkSafe has developed a template to help
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 8
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Technology
EROAD improves efficiency and safety
N
ow fleet managers can easily find
out which driver is behind the wheel
of their vehicles with just one piece
of hardware in the cab. Keeping on top of
fleet management has many
variables, so you need technology that
makes life easy.
One of the biggest headaches is
having incorrect data about which drivers
are behind the wheel of your vehicles,
and ending up with incomplete journey
logs. Drivers require an easy way to be
able to get into a vehicle, log in to a
device, and get on with driving. EROAD’s
Ehubo2 eliminates multiple pieces of
hardware. The Ehubo2 in-vehicle EROAD’s Ehubo2 has a driver-facing touch screen,
technology has a driver-facing touch offering multiple easy-to-use applications.
screen, offering multiple easy-to-use
applications on a single device.
Driver Login
Driver Login uses a simple PIN driver identification system to identify drivers and vehicles—It’s a
quick, intuitive, and secure way to identify the driver and incentivise good driving. Correct driver
identification enhances visibility of driver location and driving times, and unlocks valuable insights on
driver performance.
Easy-to-understand visual reports and feedback can help you boost driver performance and
improve health and safety outcomes. Driver Login ensures you know who’s behind the wheel and
where they are at all times, eliminating unauthorised use.
“We proudly use New Zealand-developed technology, to keep our units working on-time safely to
manage our customer’s orders,” says Aaron Bonner, the general manger of LongChill Limited, which
operates nationwide. “With EROAD, I am able to view the fleet anywhere in New Zealand at any time
and keep on top of what’s happening. It provides me with all the up-to-date information I need to run
a compliant, efficient, and profitable fleet.”
RTANZ NEWS 9
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Messaging
Messaging is a two-way messaging system that connects head office and the driver. Staying
connected with your fleet in the field allows you to assign jobs, reorganise routes, and quickly react to
current traffic flow incidents and short-term changes.
EROAD’s innovative Messaging allows you to exchange messages with drivers in the field in a
cost-effective way, on the Ehubo2 screen.
“The less time a driver has to spend on the phone, the safer their driving and the more they can
get done, says Bill O’Loughlin, the general manager of Roadex. “EROAD Messaging has been great
for letting drivers know where and when their next job is and keeping a full record of all instructions
and acknowledgements.”
Drive Buddy
Drive Buddy gives immediate driver behaviour reporting and Posted Speed displays the actual
driving speed compared with the road network speed. It empowers drivers to make better choices
on the road by reducing the number of speeding and harsh braking events. Drive Buddy’s real time
feedback and alerts provide drivers with valuable insights that enable them to develop and maintain
good driving habits, helping you to protect your drivers and business.
EROAD attributes an impressive 47 per cent reduction in customer over-speed events directly to
the company’s products and services. (See graph on following page.) These commercial vehicle
fleets are experiencing greater than 80 per cent reductions in speeding events after installing
EROAD’s Ehubo2.
RTANZ NEWS 10Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Total impact of EROAD’s products and services. Data sourced from all EROAD NZ customers.
EROAD Inspect this way,” says Ian Emmerson, Managing
EROAD Inspect lets you carry out pre- and Director of Emmerson Transport.
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RTANZ NEWS 11Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Technology
MyTrucking boosts business for operators
C
arterton business
MyTrucking is
helping transporters
in New Zealand and
around the world go
contactless in response to
COVID-19.
MyTrucking is an online
job management system
that was designed—
together with truck drivers
—to replace the paper
diary with minimal fuss.
Sam and Sara Orsborn
started the business six
years ago, when a friend
approached them looking
for help to run their new
MyTrucking is a proudly local business with national and international reach.
transport business more
efficiently. Together they
focused on building a product that keeps things that focus has been on the range of things that
simple for everyone in the transport business transport operators can do with MyTrucking to
workflow—the owner, the dispatcher, the driver, stay contactless during the COVID-19
accounts, and admin. pandemic.
In 2020, Sam and Sara are still involved in “It’s great to be at Level 1 and see things
MyTrucking, while also running the family stock settle down just a little bit more, week by week,
feed business and a farm. They recently brought says Szikszai. “With our borders slowly opening
in General Manager Gabor Szikszai to run and up now, the transport sector needs to lock-in the
grow the business. With 20 years of experience Level 4 changes and maintain really good
in the tech sector, most recently running part of contactless practices.
Trade Me marketplace, Carterton local Szikszai “With MyTrucking, the entire job creation and
is helping MyTrucking focus on being even more delivery system can be done without person-to-
relevant to the transport sector. Most recently, person contact just by using our web
application, and a mobile phone. And any
business that has a transportation component
can get complete visibility and control of what’s
going where, and when.”
In response to a call from the transport
industry, MyTrucking adapted to focus helping
existing users move to contactless job dispatch
and delivery.
This ranges from the start of the process—
replacing the paperwork that is handed to
drivers with digital copies that are shared via its
mobile app—right through to the ability to use
SMS or email so delivery sites can be set up in
advance of a truck arriving. And going paperless
means that drivers don’t have to return to the
MyTrucking manages a variety of applications. office at the end of the day.
RTANZ NEWS 12Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Demand for MyTrucking increased after the adapt to providing their services with less face-
first week or so of Level 4 lockdown, says to-face and more contactless delivery.”
Szikszai, as many transporters realised they had It’s not just domestic businesses either—
to change their practices to remain operational. MyTrucking has more than 3500 active users
Now, those operators are also seeing the every month, across New Zealand, Australia,
ongoing benefits of saving time, minimising Samoa, and the UK and Ireland.
mistakes, and invoicing for all their jobs. Renowned for its customer service and
Though MyTrucking initially focused on support, the Wairarapa-based team works out of
livestock and rural transport providers, this has a farmhouse-turned-office in rural Carterton, and
broadened to a host of continues to grow as they enhance their product
“Moving away new types of (a major release coming soon will help
customers. Some of MyTrucking users provide even better service for
from paper is that is due to their customers) and support an ever-growing
great for COVID-19 but some of customer base.
business.” it is just a realisation If you’re still using a paper-based system, or
that moving away from your current system is not easy to use, now’s a
paper is great for great time to try MyTrucking.
business. Recent examples of new customers
include a honey business, metal recycler, civil • For a free two-week trial which gives you
engineering, and furniture mover. access to the full product and the world-
“It has changed and moved to lots of different famous support team, see:
types of transport since 2014,” Szikszai says. www.mytrucking.com/freetrial
“We’re still rural. We’re also urban. And there are
new opportunities now, as retail businesses
RTANZ NEWS 13Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Ask a lawyer
Help on hand to negotiate legal landscape
By Amanda Douglas
these steps aren’t taken, then you will run the
risk of employees raising personal grievances
for unjustified disadvantage.
We recommend assessing your revenue
(current and forecasted) and any other cost-
saving methods before taking this step.
I’ve received a letter from the NZTA
proposing to revoke my TSL licence due to
some recent offences. Is it worth making
submissions in response, or have they
already made up their mind?
It is absolutely worth making submissions to
the NZTA in support of why your TSL should not
be revoked (or an application be declined), and
this is something that we have successfully
assisted many clients with. Generally, a
O
ver the last month, we have had some statement from you giving context to the
questions come in regarding the post- offences along with character references
COVID-19 environment, the cannabis attesting to your good character are helpful to
referendum, and TSL issues. These are support your submissions, together with a
important issues, and in this carefully worded submission
month’s edition we answer addressing the key points.
those questions, and would be “Members are able to If cannabis becomes
happy to provide further advice
on these topics if needed.
access 15 minutes legalised, will that mean that
free with Wynn it is okay for the boys to
How do I reduce smoke cannabis on smoko?
employees’ wages—can I just Williams to triage their
No, but this may require
give them written notice? I’ve issue and to find a some changes to your existing
heard of a lot of companies way forward.” policies.
putting wages down to 80 per If recreational use of
cent and I want to do the cannabis is legalised following
same. the referendum, it is useful to draw an analogy
Generally, you should only be considering with alcohol consumption now. While it is legal
reducing employees’ wages if you have suffered for employees to drink alcohol in their own time,
a reduction in revenue and work, and as a way that does not mean that it is okay for employees
to avoid taking more permanent steps (such as to show up to work under the influence of
redundancies). alcohol and/ or consume alcohol during the
As a pay reduction amounts to a change to work day. The same would apply in respect of
an employees’ terms and conditions of (any legal) recreational consumption of
employment, this requires a formal process. cannabis.
Ideally, you should get agreement to a change of If recreational use is legalised, employers will
terms and conditions. Generally, this involves need to take care when enforcing drug and
putting a proposal to employees in writing to alcohol policies and testing employees. All
reduce their pay (and the reasons to support employers who drug test their employees will
that), giving them the time and opportunity to need to look at their current policies and con-
provide feedback on the proposal, and then sider their stance on both medicinal cannabis
issuing a decision on the proposal in writing. If consumption and recreational cannabis
RTANZ NEWS 14Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
consumption (if it is legalised). It is safe to say • Please email Amanda Douglas, at Wynn
that most policies will need to be updated if the Williams:
law changes. We note also that medicinal amanda.douglas@wynnwilliams.co.nz for any
cannabis was legalised earlier this year and this inquiries. Members are able to access 15
is something that you would expect would be minutes free with Wynn Williams to triage
declared when undergoing a drug test.
their issue and to find a way forward. Please
Medicinal cannabis, by definition, does not
do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss
make someone “high”, so if an employee seems
to be impaired and claims they are taking your employment needs.
medicinal cannabis, a closer investigation would
be warranted.
Wage Subsidy Extension Update
In our May edition, we advised that, to be
eligible for the wage subsidy extension, you
need to demonstrate a 50 per cent reduction in
revenue for the 30 days before an application is
made. The Government has now revised its
eligibility criteria to a 40 per cent reduction in
revenue for the 30 days before an application is
made. Employers may wish to assess their
situation against this new criteria.
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South Island: 03 379 7622 | North Island: 09 300 2600
RTANZ NEWS 15Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Health & Safety
How to run an effective safety meeting
Safe Business Solutions can help you make meetings more successful.
B
usinesses have an
opportunity to provide
regular, useful, and effective
training by running safety meetings.
However, many contractors fail
miserably at this valuable training
and communication opportunity,
simply because no one has ever
taught the presenter how to
effectively communicate.
Common mistakes include:
• failure to plan a topic or prepare
an outline;
• reading word for word, directly
from a script;
• choosing the wrong person to Employers can easily take steps to make meetings interesting
facilitate the training;
and effective. —Photo: 2018 AFGE NVAC National Health and
• not providing the training in a Safety Conference, by AFGE.
language that is understood by
all workers;
meeting together or rotate the responsibility
• not encouraging two-way communication by from meeting to meeting.
asking leading questions such as “Give the
3. Ensure discussion topics are relevant and
group an example of how you have
aren’t repeated too often.
experienced this”;
4. Create a meeting outline limited to three or
• failing to properly document the training and four key talking points.
not requiring a legible printed name, signature
and employer name for all attendees; 5. Keep the safety meeting short and to the
point (don’t allow someone to waffle on about
• skipping a meeting because only a handful of
workers were on the job or because the unimportant or irrelevant information in the
meeting wasn’t scheduled. conversation).
Solutions 6. Create written handouts. The regulations and
best practices require that training be
These failures and others can be easily
conducted in a language that is clearly
corrected with a little coaching from an
understood by the target audience.
experienced and knowledgeable individual who
has patience, ingenuity, and communication 7. Foster two-way communication by asking
skills that he or she is willing to share with co- safety meeting participants what is important to
workers. them. Ask for the problem and the solution with
Here are some effective techniques questions such as: “What are the two most
businesses can put into practice: dangerous conditions on this job and what can
we do to limit worker exposure to the hazard?”
1. Develop a Safety Committee and assign them
the task of determining relevant topics. 8. Have a thorough knowledge of the project
scope of work and current status such that
2. Use a “tag team” approach in that two or relevant topics can be selected for any
more key individuals develop topics and particular meeting.
outlines for each meeting and conduct the
RTANZ NEWS 16Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
9. Have a sign-in sheet available that includes The most profitable companies are usually
date, topic, presenter name, company name, the safest companies, and regular health and
and a place for each participant to print and safety meetings help support a positive safety
sign their name and provide their employer’s culture.
name.
10. Maintain adequate and useful records by For more information on Health & Safety or HR,
scanning each topic and sign-in sheet into an phone SBS on 0508 424723 or email
electronic format and archiving according to info@safebusiness.co.nz.
company record-keeping policy.
Using company-specific Health and Safety
data as discussion topics is a good way to
make the discussions real and a good way to
have two-way communication during the
meetings.
Data may include the following:
• Accident or near miss statistics
• Sick leave days
• Fleet management data
• Safe driving reports
Not only are regular health and safety
meetings required to meet a business’s duties to
engage with its workers under the HSWA 2015,
but they are a great investment of time.
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RTANZ NEWS 17Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Employment Matters
Restructuring requires careful approach
Safe Business Solutions says employers must follow the correct procedures.
I
n these unprecedented times, many employers potentially impacted employees. It is not simply
may now be in a situation where they need to a case of a management decision that is then
reduce costs and ensure that the structure of communicated to those affected. The proposal
their business is appropriate as a result of the needs to be presented by the employer
global pandemic and its impact on the economy. representative meeting individually with
The unfortunate reality of COVID-19 is that potentially impacted employees, giving them
restructuring and redundancies become an time to digest the proposal and to prepare their
option for businesses that find that the way they feedback. Seven to 10 days is a reasonable
are structured is no longer sustainable, with timeframe to give employees to submit their
resources exceeding the work available, or the feedback, but it will depend on the proposed
business itself not being viable in future without scale of change and employees’ reactions.
significant change. Genuineness
Restructures can often result in
There must be a genuine commercial
redundancies. Restructuring is the process by
reason for the restructure. It cannot be used as a
which the structure of a business is changed—
vehicle to address individual or group
by removing, replacing or varying positions
performance.
within that workplace. Redundancy is the
termination of an employee’s employment, Consultation
attributable to the fact that the role filled by the A full and fair consultation process (as part of
individual is superfluous to the needs of the “good faith” employment provisions) must take
employer. It is important to place with those employees
remember it is the position potentially affected.
that is surplus, not the “While it’s the employer’s This requires a process to be
employee. followed that allows for
Conducting a successful
business, it is the
employee representation, time
restructure is not as simple as employee’s livelihood. to consider the proposal, time
it may appear and because of Both are invested in it to provide feedback, and the
the adverse consequences
experienced by affected
together.” opportunity to suggest
alternatives to a redundancy
employees, there is a high risk or to the change itself, or other
that if not conducted well, a restructure could feedback on any aspect of the proposal.
result in personal grievances being raised Should the proposal result in a selection of
against the employer. employees to be retained by the employer, then
A restructure process has many elements a proposed generic selection criteria also needs
that require careful consideration. It is important to be presented for feedback by the employee.
to deliver a process that is procedurally correct Employees must be made aware that they
and that each employee potentially impacted by may bring a support person to any significant
the change should be treated with compassion, meetings regarding their role, seek legal advice,
care, and fairness. Not only is it important to and be allowed space and time to consider the
care for those potentially impacted but also proposed restructure and provide feedback.
other employees who may not be directly
impacted, but are watching from the side-lines. Feedback
It is important they are able to see the process Once the feedback has been received, the
and approach taken by the employer is fair, so employer is legally obligated to consider it and
that no lingering feelings of dissatisfaction exist make a fair and reasonable decision. While the
after the process is complete. proposed changes may seem obvious to the
Proposal employer, it is possible an employee could
identify a flaw in the proposal or present an
The process of restructure must always option the employer hadn’t considered. Should
commence with a written proposal given to an employee present a valid idea that causes
RTANZ NEWS 18Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
changes to the proposed restructure, the support such as counselling throughout the
employer would need to redo the proposal and process.
consult on it again. The employer/employee Key elements of a successful restructuring
relationship is a two-way street and often process are planning, paperwork, and
employees advance novel and innovative communication. Ultimately, a successful outcome
suggestions that might ultimately save a is one that achieves necessary change required
business. While it’s the employer’s business, it is for the business while being as fair and
the employee’s livelihood. Both are invested in it compassionate as possible, with as little adverse
together. consequence to those impacted, and the
Outcome Decision business’s morale and reputation remaining
intact.
The employer must communicate the decision
Instead of what could be a “knee-jerk”
to affected employees along with justification and
business reaction to a COVID-19 response,
how their feedback was considered. Relevant
ensure there is open communication with
processes set out in employment agreements
employees and allow time to ensure a genuine
must also be honoured.
restructure and any resulting redundancies are
Alternative Employment Options managed in a procedurally correct way. This will
A restructure can be a stressful and uncertain allow for a smooth transition to the new structure
time for employees. Once an outcome is decided, with minimal distress to employees, lessening the
employers have an obligation to consider all the risk of business disruption and personal
possibilities for an employee, particularly if their grievances being raised.
role is being made redundant. Employers should • If you are considering a restructure and are
consider redeployment into a new role or a unsure if your employment obligations are
suitable alternative role, where their skillset can being met, call the SBS Team on Freephone
be applied elsewhere in the new business model. 0508 424 723.
Implementing changes can take a while,
especially if there are redundancies or new
people being hired to new roles.
Be mindful that employment and livelihoods
are important, so there will be a lot of scrutiny of
the proposal, the consultation process, and the
resulting decisions. There will likely be emotion
and distress. Offer impacted employees seek
RTANZ NEWS 19Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Membership benefits
RTANZ delivers savings and benefits
T
here are many reasons why it pays to Crombie Lockwood—exclusive insurance
become a member of the Road Transport package
Association (RTANZ), says Membership Crombie Lockwood are our preferred insurance
Benefits Coordinator Vicki Harris. brokers and provide yearly assessments to best
NZI is RTANZ’s preferred insurance company evaluate your insurance needs and to assist you with a
and main sponsor structured cover and policy to meet all your transport
operator insurance requirements. They offer an
NZI’s Commercial Motor division offers more than
exclusive insurance package to RTANZ members with
just insurance. They also provide a unique suite of
increased benefits.
free and subsidised services that produce
meaningful business improvements regardless of Wynn Williams—free legal advice
your size and circumstance. Wynn Williams provide a specialty RTANZ legal team
Discounted fuel pricing scheme with BP, Mobil, offering a 15-minute free telephone consultation for
Z Business, and Allied Petroleum employment issues, agreements, health & safety, and
policy advice across the transport sector.
Fuel is the second largest cost to your business.
RTANZ has partnerships with several fuel providers Gibson Sheat Lawyers
to provide members with substantial fuel price Specialist legal advice for road transport operators
discounts through the RTANZ Fuel Scheme. If you (compliance, prosecutions, limited licences,
would like a fuel analysis done so you know if you employment, health and safety, RUC, commercial
are getting the best price for your fuel, then Vicki is contracts and business acquisitions).
happy to help. iCOS Live—transport management software
Bridgestone—premium discounts on new and provider discounts
re-tread tyres iCOS LIVE is an online transport management software
Tyres are the third largest cost for truck operators. provider for logistics and freight companies. They offer
Bridgestone NZ have entered into a key supply a discount to members of $10 a month per truck for
agreement to assist all RTANZ members to receive those who use their online transport and logistics
premium discounts on new tyres and re-treads. management software.
RTANZ NEWS 20Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Safe Business Solutions—free one-hour investments, credit cards, transaction accounts,
consultation tailored around health and safety insurance, advice, and support.
SBS offer affordable and tailored health & safety and Area Executives—advice from the experts
human resource solutions nationwide and are the Our Area Executives around the country all have
biggest provider to the transport industry. They extensive experience in the industry and knowledge of
provide a one-hour free no obligation consultation for the latest rules and regulations. Our AEs are available
RTANZ members along with special pricing. on the end of a phone for instant advice or just for a
n3 provide access to discounts from over 60 friendly chat.
leading suppliers Regular communications
n3 is a business network which provides you with Members get regular communications such as this
exclusive savings to over 55 leading suppliers by newsletter or Truck and Chat, a fortnightly email round-
linking accounts or using Trade Cards. This is one of up of the latest news concerning the road transport
our most popular member benefits that has proven to industry.
save our members millions of dollars. Members can
EROAD—sponsorship to the Road Transport
also make big savings by signing up to business
Association
network n3 and using their n3 discount card. In 2019,
members spent $5,028,335 and saved a staggering EROAD produce the most advanced telematics
$2,128,752. technology products to pay RUCs, monitor your fleet,
and support you to better manage your drivers once
Vodafone—telecommunications benefit
they leave the yard.
Vodafone provide members with a benefit for new or
existing Vodafone accounts—one month free every
For more information, call Vicki Harris,
time you renew your 24-month business contract.
027 534 3848 or 0800 367 782 or email:
BNZ—financial benefit vharris@rtanz.co.nz.
BNZ provide members with a wide range of special
deals including asset finance, personal loans,
Get help from
15,000 mates.
As part of your RTANZ membership, you can pay less for the things
your business needs, from health and safety to electrical products
and gas.
RTANZ has partnered with n3 for the last 7 years. Last year, Members
saved over $2.1 million* on their business costs.
n3 draws on the combined buying power of over 15,000 Kiwi
businesses to negotiate exclusive terms from New Zealand’s top Suppliers. That’s
what makes n3 different – utilising our business buying power means more
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Plus, RTANZ covers your membership fee with n3 -
you can enjoy all the benefits with no cost.
Get started with n3 today.
Visit n3.co.nz/rtanz or call 0508 20 30 40
to activate your n3 membership.
*The savings shown are based on Member spend from Apr ‘19 - Mar ‘20.
RTANZ NEWS 21Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Pressure must be kept on authorities
Scott Asplet, Region Two: Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato
what is currently approved, at any time in the
future. This route should be kept as an alternative
HPMV route in the event of unexpected road
closures, and kept to the same HPMV standard.
There should also be continued access to delivery
points along the old route before the opening of
the Huntly bypass. Waikato DC should retain the
Opermit system for the assessment of bridge
structures on the old SH1, and extend Opermit to
cover the whole of Waikato DC.
All feedback was submitted, including how
Huntly could still be used as a rest area and truck
park. The need for these has been highlighted with
the completion of the expressway. This could help
the local economy if set up properly. Local Iwi
supported this.
R
ecently, NZTA has implemented some speed I have also had an invitation to another ILM
limit changes within our region. State workshop for the revocation of SH1B from Taupiri
Highway 5 Waiotapu is one of the first with a interchange to Cambridge, including a short
reduction from 100kmh to 80kmh. State Highway section of SH26 east of Hamilton. Feedback has
30 and State Highway 33 Rural Rotorua and been requested from members.
Paengaroa are also having speed reductions. The need for these roads to stay HPMV and
There will be more to come, continued maintenance to match is a
including a speed review of SH1 must for the industry.
L Phillips Road and Puhoi. There “The government There has also been a lot of noise
is also a tolling proposal for the around testing stations recently—in
Puhoi to Warkworth highway.
seems to be happy fact this never changes and seems
The government seems to be making the transport to be a common topic around all
happy making the transport industry suffer with areas of Region Two. With the lack
industry suffer with the imposed of stations and Taumarunui station
the imposed RUC
RUC increase and now a recently closing, one would hope
proposed toll road. increase and now a that this is only an interim measure
RTANZ Region Two has proposed toll road.” as there are members in the area
recently been involved in an ILM who rely on this site. To travel to Te
(Investment Logic Mapping) Kuiti and back will add
workshop for the proposed revocation of the old approximately 120km onto the price of the COF
State Highway 1 (SH1B) since the completion of for some operators, not to mention problems if the
the Huntly section of the expressway. I thank vehicle fails.
members who submitted feedback, which I I have requested members’ feedback, which I
presented to the workshop in June. We have now can then present to NZTA. If this is a nationwide
had two workshops and I feel our feedback has issue, we can then involve RTF at a national level.
been heard, although time will tell. The feedback Common complaints are consistency between
highlighted how important this route is to stations and inspectors, experience of inspectors,
members, customers, and suppliers. lane availabilities, and waiting times.
We made some points very clear in these
workshops: Waikato District Council should Call Scott Asplet on 027 44 55 785,
approve HPMV before handover, and allow 0800 367 782, or email: sasplet@rtanz.co.nz
existing NZTA overweight permits to be relevant
until their expiry dates. We wanted a commitment
that bridge restrictions will not be reduced below
RTANZ NEWS 22Road Transport Association NZ Inc. July 2020
Working through drought and pandemic
Sandy Walker, Region Three: Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatū-
Whanganui, Taranaki
with their pets, how nice it was to hear the birdlife
back in their trees, and that emissions were at the
lowest level ever in their towns and cities, yah dee
yah! As you can imagine, I was waiting to pounce,
so when the opportunity arose, I said, “I find this
amazing as our industry are normally the bad guys
who ruin your roads and keep people awake all
hours of the night and you have all just
commented on how great it is to have the lowest
emissions ever and birds back in the trees in your
regions and the traffic at a minimum—well, what
was the only thing on the road during lockdown?
So, are we the bad boys you make us out to be?”
Silence.
Applying the RUC increase has been confusing
for many. It will vary depending on your combi-
F
or many, life is getting back to as normal as nation type as it only applies to the RUC content
possible, however on the East Coast we have of your total costs, which will alter between eight
experienced one of the worst droughts ever and nine axle units or other combinations within
with rainfall not expected to get back to normal your fleets. Do some exercises for each
until September 2020. Being on the Hawke’s Bay combination type to obtain an average to apply
Rural Advisory Group (RAG) Transport and across the board. Please get in touch should you
Logistics team during COVID-19 need any assistance or if you
has opened my eyes to the need to adjust rate structures
issues many farmers have “The goodness of many and pass them on to your clients.
endured on top of lockdown. You cannot afford to absorb
Stock feed has been in huge
farmers, transport
these costs in an already low
demand. The goodness of many operators, and margin industry.
farmers, transport operators, and volunteers…shows the While you are doing the RUC
volunteers throughout New true Kiwi values we all review, check on your FAF
Zealand who have donated their adjustment figures as well to
time and costs to assist during hold in times of need.” make sure you are capturing that
the pandemic and risked their as in places fuel prices are
own health and safety, shows the true Kiwi values sneaking back up, and be cautious about what
we all hold in times of need. This also included pricing you use. Most FAF adjustments are done
many support services for the things we never talk using retail fuel pricing, unless you have an open
about (financial advisors, marriage guidance book policy with your clients, where an adjustment
councillors, mental health advisors) and really just is automatically factored monthly, quarterly, or
good people to sit and have a face-to-face annually by prior arrangement. I urge you to keep
conversation with (confidentially). I applaud an eye on this. It might not seem much now, but in
everyone who assisted our farmers in need. three months could relate to two per cent of your
Unless you have experienced it or lived in a region hard earned cash.
in dire straits, it is very hard to comprehend or It is only 178 days to Christmas, so carefully
appreciate the magnitude of the problem. look at your financial position compared to last
I was in a Zoom meeting with several mayors year to see if you will need to gear up, maintain
recently listening to all their woes about COVID-19 your current status, or gear down as the reality of
and the downturn in businesses in their regions the new normal kicks in for your business.
(anyone would think they were the only ones
affected), when one expressed how nice it was Call Sandy Walker on 027 485 6038,
that so many people were out walking and cycling 0800 367 782, or email: swalker@rtanz.co.nz
RTANZ NEWS 23You can also read
