More good signs and opportunities

Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT)

This week I participated in an interview to inform the future of MCERT. Interviews are being held with key stakeholders to confidentially discuss and generate insights to inform the establishment of the Ministry.  

While there’s been concerns raised about the coalitions’ approach to downsizing the public service, I think bringing together the Ministry for the Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Transport, and local government functions from the Department of Internal Affairs into one coherent new agency is a good move. 

It’s no secret we have issues with infrastructure and unless we do something differently, I can’t see a lot changing. The current system of government departments is too fragmented and too uncoordinated. Forming a department to specifically tackle some of New Zealand’s greatest economic and environmental challenges – from housing affordability, our infrastructure deficit, and adaptation to climate change – is something we desperately need. We are keen to help support the new Ministry’s establishment and advise on what it needs.  

It won’t be easy as there are a range of complex structural issues, but I’m hopeful this is the start of a good thing. Early signs from the interview and from listening to Jeremy Lightfoot, MCERT’s CE, who attended the recent Freight Advisory Council meeting are promising.  

Better preparing our young people  

My colleague Rowan Everton and I also had a valuable meeting with the Transport Industry Skills Board.  

The key change to college learning will be a shift for Year 12 and 13 students towards either an academic or vocational pathway. 

At the end of this month Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education, will approve eight or so concepts for Industry Led Subjects. We only have a week to make our submission, and it is vital we use this opportunity to better prepare our pipeline of young people into transport and associated industries going forward.  

To anyone wishing to contribute, you can fill out this three-question survey from the Transport Industry Skills Board or send your views to rowan@transporting.nz. 

Awards nominations show our industry is in good hands 

At the end of this month our annual conference includes the dinner and awards night.  

I’m honoured to be on the judging panel and I’ve made my recommendations. The quality and number of nominations was outstanding. What also stood out to me was the diversity of the nominations, big and small organisations, young and older people, and some great stories of different careers.  

The NZI Emerging Leader is a new category this year, and the calibre of the nominees leaves me in no doubt our industry remains in good stead. We have a good pipeline of great leaders emerging, able to handle whatever issues and challenges come their way. It’s also made me reflect that we have lots of good employers and people-leaders that are coaching and nurturing this future talent.  

Celebrating our people 

It was great to see Transporting New Zealand’s immediate past Board Chairman Warwick Wilshier being appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours. 

Warwick’s contribution to the sector has been and continues to be huge. Putting aside parochialism, self-interest, egos and personalities is key to our industry’s future success, and Warwick’s rule of “leave your guns at the door” is testament to his aim of always doing what’s best for the industry.  

In his typical humble fashion he named fellow operator Mark McCarthy, who had worked alongside him since day one, and the late Martin Hyde, as fellow driving forces behind many of the log transport industry’s safety improvements, and said improving the industry’s safety record had been a team effort. 

We are lucky to have such people.  

Sad to hear of Jim Ramsay’s passing  

Jim Ramsay was described by Move as a “pioneering figure” in the trucking and logistics sector, whose vision and leadership helped shape the business into one of New Zealand’s largest logistics operators. I agree. 

While at Shell in 2010 I led our review of the bulk fuel haulage services and Hooker Pacific won the contract, therefore I got to know Jim well. I regarded Jim as being an extremely astute businessman, a very wise and considered man, and someone that genuinely cared about people and the wider transport industry. But best of all he knew how to bring humour and fun to business. I’ve felt privileged to be able to keep in touch with Jim since then and his legacy will continue.  

My most sincere sympathies and condolences to Nerida and family.