Spotlight on superb skills in the transport sector

June 24, 2026 | Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand’s Road Freight Industry Awards are coming up on the final Friday of June, recognising a lot of hard yakka in the sector. Over 200 representatives from numerous transport businesses across the motu will gather to celebrate excellence in the realms of safety, innovation, training and more. The sheer amount and quality of the nominations have highly impressed the independent judging panel and made their decisions very difficult.

Read on to learn more about this year’s amazing nominees.

Emerging Leader

A brand new award category this year sponsored by NZI

Jonathan Gray, Rotorua Forest Haulage

Jonathan “Jono” Gray is a logging truck driver, industry advocate, and creator of the KiwiTravellogger YouTube channel. Through his work on and off the road, Jono has become a positive voice for NZ’s transport and forestry sectors, helping showcase the professionalism, innovation, and opportunities that exist within the industry. His leadership has extended from his content creation to directly helping people enter the workforce while promoting road freight to audiences throughout NZ and overseas.

Craig Foster, Les Harrison Transport

Craig is the active and pragmatic Chair of the Port and Intermodal Sector Group, which has led the industry response and engagement on BNS and other third-party fees, and developed a cost-model tool to help operators assess their business costs. He has been very supportive of the Transporting New Zealand constitutional update.

Briana McIver, Linfox

Briana started her career as a graduate with Linfox New Zealand in 2018 and has since built experience across Key Account and Services, Process Improvement, and Commercial teams. In 2024, she was promoted to Operations Manager – FMCG in Auckland, where she now oversees multiple contracts and leads day‑to‑day operations, delivering improvements in service performance and inventory control. Alongside her operational results, Briana is widely recognised for her approachable and collaborative style, with colleagues consistently praising her ability to build strong relationships, support her teams, and lead with authenticity.

Julie Crahay, Wareing Group Ltd

Julie Crahay is an experienced transport and logistics professional who grew up in a fourth‑generation family business, where she spent over seven years in leadership roles managing operations, safety, compliance, and commercial processes across multiple countries in Europe. After moving to New Zealand, she strengthened her expertise in health and safety, focusing on fatigue management and driver wellbeing, and now plays a key role with the Wareing Group, where she has implemented practical improvements to safety and operational performance. Known for her collaborative and forward‑thinking approach, Julie is also an active industry leader, contributing to national forums and initiatives that aim to make transport safer and more efficient.

Cameron Court, Cowan Trailers Ltd

Cameron joined the business nearly three years ago as a Transport Engineer with no prior industry experience and quickly proved himself by mentoring apprentices, helping develop their skills and supporting their training requirements. He has effectively been running the workshop floor for over a year, introducing efficient engineering solutions, maintaining a strong focus on health and safety, and contributing to a significant increase in turnover and profitability. Now stepping into the formal role of Workshop Foreman, Cameron is recognised for his leadership, initiative, and potential to continue growing into a future business owner.

Last year’s winners – TrackIT Logistics and KAM Transport

Outstanding Contribution to Innovation

sponsored by Fruehauf

MyTrucking

The transport management software MyTrucking’s ongoing focus on innovation has tangibly helped operators’ lives for the better, helping them get admin done in minutes rather than hours. Users report that the tools MyTrucking provides, including their Fuel Levy tool, actually make jobs easier and solve problems in a genuinely fuss-free, helpful way.

Viewtech

As a New Zealand-owned business, Viewtech has continually invested in technology that addresses real-world challenges faced by transport operators. Their solutions provide operators with real-time vehicle visibility, driver monitoring, pedestrian detection and incident management tools that help reduce risk, improve accountability and support better operational decision-making.

Selwyn District Council & Treadlite

Together, Selwyn District Council & Treadlite have pioneered the first rubber road laid in New Zealand made from recycled tyres that may have otherwise been wasted in landfills or illegal stockpiles. The landmark installation on Glentunnel Domain Road diverted close to 1,800 waste tyres from disposal and gave them a new life, directly saving an estimated 20–30 tonnes of CO₂.

Grant Keen (Icon Logistics)

Grant Keen is nominated for the Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award for developing FuelSmart, an innovative fuel optimisation platform designed specifically for New Zealand transport operators. Recognising that fuel is one of the largest and most volatile operating costs facing the industry, Grant identified an opportunity to help operators make smarter, data-driven decisions around fuel purchasing and fleet efficiency.

Last year’s winners, Jax Smith and Hayley Alexander

Women in Road Freight Transport

sponsored by Wynn Williams

Pamela Callahan

Pamela and her husband Michael started family business Callahan Transport together in Tokanui, initially for log transport and later rural carrying. Their children were young when Mike passed away in 2016. In the face of these tragic circumstances Pamela continued to work hard running the business, their farm and raising her family.

Rachael Mahan

Rachael has spent over 30 years contributing to the Canterbury forestry sector, progressing from hands-on roles in forest valuation and silviculture to senior leadership positions in distribution and logistics. She played a key role in developing the TrackIT Logistics transport and dispatch software, which has grown over two decades into a widely adopted platform used by major forest owners across New Zealand. Currently, she serves as Systems Manager for Steve Murphy Limited and TrackIT, providing strategic oversight and support as both the business and technology continue to evolve.

Kim Unahi-McLellan

Kim Unahi-McLellan, owner and director of McLellan Freight Ltd has devoted decades to strengthening the business and the wider transport industry alongside her late husband, Alex McLellan. Kim is well known for her commitment to the business – driving trucks, managing the office, supporting customers, training and mentoring staff – and for her commitment to her local community, to developing people and creating opportunities for others. She serves on Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand’s Endowment Committee and is a highly respected member of the NZ Heavy Haulage Association.

Deborah O’Brien

Deborah is the owner of Debz Transport in Lower Hutt, Wellington, overseeing multiple divisions and managing a wide range of operational and compliance responsibilities. She has held several industry leadership roles, including President of CARTA, Chair of RTANZ, and Director of Transporting New Zealand, contributing to sector governance and industry initiatives. Through her work, she engages with government agencies, supports workforce development, and promotes training and career pathways across the transport sector.

Jasmin Smith

Jasmin Smith joined Linfox in 2018 as a storeperson in Christchurch, progressing to despatcher and then supervisor, a role she held for five years. In 2025, she was promoted to Transport Operations Manager – South Island after being recognised as an emerging leader. In her roles, she has led transport operations, integrated warehouse and transport functions, spoken at industry events, and supported workforce development through mentoring, training advocacy, and promoting greater participation of women in the sector.

Fiona Conroy

Fiona has held a senior leadership role within Conroy’s, a long-standing nationwide transport and logistics company in New Zealand, contributing to its growth and ongoing development. She has been involved in expanding the business internationally, building global partnerships, and integrating the company into wider international logistics networks. Fiona has also represented the business at international conferences and industry alliances, while supporting sustainability initiatives and operational improvements within the organisation.

Last year’s winners, Hammar New Zealand and Foodstuffs North Island

Outstanding Contribution to Health & Safety

sponsored by EROAD

Graham Neate

Graham is an outstanding advocate and respected leader in the transport health & safety space, serving as the Health and Safety Leader at Philip Wareing Ltd and on the National Livestock Transport and Safety Council, where his expertise is highly valued.

Over the past year, Graham has worked on several important projects and has strongly advocated for livestock carriers, working closely with processing plants that now require stringent Health & Safety assessments and certification to retain livestock cartage contracts. His involvement has directly contributed to significant improvements across the livestock cartage sector.

Charles Dawson

Charles Dawson has played a key role in shaping AutoSense into a trusted leader in New Zealand’s transport safety sector, driving a strong focus on protecting drivers and improving fleet safety. Under his leadership, the business has evolved beyond fatigue camera technology to deliver practical solutions including training, policies, and wellbeing initiatives that support safer, healthier drivers. Charles has also championed partnerships with respected experts in sleep science, mental health, and driver education, reinforcing his commitment to raising safety standards across the industry.

Daryl & Kylie James

Daryl and Kylie James of Sharp As Linehaul have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to health and safety through the strong proactive safety culture they have built within their business.

Sharp As Linehaul places a major emphasis on preventative maintenance and ensuring vehicles are kept to a high standard before issues arise, undertaking significant preventative work including major rewiring and brake system replacements well before components reach a critical point of failure. This forward-thinking approach helps keep drivers safer, reduces disruptions and stress on staff, and improves safety outcomes for all road users sharing the network with heavy vehicles.

Mitchell James

Mitchell James of Qube Forestry Ltd has made a significant contribution to improving health and safety outcome in the Gisborne region through his proactive advocacy around the condition of key freight routes including Tiniroto and Armstrong Roads.

These roads are heavily used by logging trucks and other heavy vehicles and had deteriorated to the point where deep potholes and failing road surfaces were creating serious safety risks. Rather than accepting the situation, Mitchell took a proactive leadership role in advocating for change and his efforts directly contributed to substantial repairs being undertaken and remedial work planned for each road.

Last year’s winners, Sydney Sangster and Taylah Penn

Young Driver

sponsored by EROAD

Max Hewson, Linfox

Max, 21, joined Linfox in 2025 as a Class 2 driver and has quickly demonstrated strong driving performance, with high telematics rankings, low coachable events, and a zero-incident safety record. He holds a wide range of licences and consistently applies safe driving practices, while actively participating in training and safety discussions. Max has also shown initiative and leadership, including coordinating drivers during a major disruption, while promoting the transport industry and setting a positive example for other young drivers.

Joshua Trowbridge, Sandford Rural Carriers

Joshua Trowbridge is an outstanding young driver who has quickly established himself as a valuable member of the Sandfords team. From the outset, Joshua has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for the transport industry, consistently seeking opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills. What sets Joshua apart is his genuine curiosity about the industry and his desire to build a long-term career in road transport.

Jonathan Simpson, KAM Transport

Jono’s consideration of other road users’ safety is worthy of recognition. On more than one occasion, he has reported wandering stock on the road which included warning other road users through CB Radio, social media and cell phone. Jono has worked with both police and animal control to get stock off the road, potentially preventing serious accidents.

Last year’s winners, MOVE Logistics and Clive Taylor Haulage

Outstanding Contribution to Training

sponsored by MITO

Booths Logistics Ltd

Booths Logistics has embedded a comprehensive, structured training framework that supports employees at every stage of their career, from entry-level drivers with MITO’s microcredential programmes to experienced operators and emerging leaders through MITO’s Business First Line Management programme. Through these nationally recognised NZQA-aligned qualifications for commercial road transport drivers and logistics staff, Booths ensure their workforce are empowered to build capability, confidence, and long-term career pathways within the industry.

Keith Service, Tranzliquid Logistics Ltd

Keith Service is an experienced Company Trainer and Onboarding Specialist who delivers intensive one-on-one, in-cab training while mentoring new hires and continuously evaluating existing operators through practical assessments and CCTV reviews. He champions safety and compliance as a Safety Ambassador, embedding risk management, technical competence, and accurate administrative practices into everyday operations, while also delivering SAFED and EECA training to reinforce the benefits of fuel efficiency. Over a 14-year career, Keith has trained more than 50 individuals, adapting his approach to diverse learning needs and modern skill gaps, while providing ongoing mentorship and ensuring operational continuity when required.

Paul Fincham, KAM Transport

Paul is a highly experienced transport leader with nearly 30 years in the industry who has created clear entry pathways by retaining smaller trucks so new staff can work while progressing through licence classes, and by directly supporting drivers into Class 5 licences and formal qualifications. He has demonstrated strong development and inclusion through hands-on mentoring, supporting MITO trainees, and guiding a Release to Work Programme employee from no experience into a Team Leader role. Paul also drives performance and recognition through initiatives such as the “Wall of Legends” and monthly Scania Driver Ratings coaching, helping improve driver capability, fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions across the company.

Hayden Reed, CoolTranz

Hayden is well-known by many in the industry, having built a strong legacy through his roles at Talley’s / Halls Group, where his mentoring and knowledge-sharing enabled those he trained to step up and succeed after his departure. At CoolTranz, he has taken on a dedicated development role, actively guiding new entrants into the transport industry while continuing to coach and upskill experienced drivers. Known for his hands-on, supportive mentoring style, Hayden plays a key role in addressing driver shortages by attracting and developing capable people into long-term transport careers.

Garry Jones, TR Driver Training

Garry’s role as a Driver Training Specialist at Master Drive Services and TR Driver Training has seen him providing a wide range of transport-industry specific training to individuals seeking licences and endorsements. Throughout his lengthy career Garry has also developed course material, participated in stakeholder committees for Industry Training Organisations, and ensured course quality through his position as a Quality Assurance Manager. His passion for transport and training has seen him assist countless people who now contribute to the commercial road freight industry.

Last year’s awards went to Alex McLellan (posthumously, accepted by his wife Kim Unahi-McLellan) and Greg Pert

Supreme Contribution to Road Freight

sponsored by VTNZ

Neville Billington, Billington Transport

Neville is an astute businessman who has helped several other businesses get started, become successful, and remain running in difficult times. He is a transport legend who has selflessly and humbly served the industry for several decades.

Andrew Carpenter, TR Group

Andrew Carpenter has helped shape the modern New Zealand road freight industry, not just through fleet growth, but through long-term investment in safer vehicles, driver training, technology, alternative fuel solutions and sustainability. For example, the company has put considerable investment into the development of hydrogen fuel cell and dual fuel trucks to provide customers with options that were not accessible before. Under his leadership TR Group have helped normalise large-scale heavy vehicle leasing/rental in New Zealand’s freight sector, which changed how operators access capital, modern vehicles, compliance systems and maintenance support.

Jeff Mear, Fruehauf NZ Ltd

Jeff shows leadership and innovation in the industry by travelling the world to learn what others do and bringing that knowledge back to New Zealand. His investment in a new purpose-built factory in Palmerston North opening in early 2027 is one example of his leadership and foresight, especially in volatile times.

Phillip Cowie, Parks Towing

Phillip Cowie is the person you want on scene when things have gone seriously wrong. Working in tough, high-pressure environments, he leads complex heavy-vehicle recoveries with calm authority, sharp technical skill, and an uncompromising focus on safety. Phillip lives Parks Towing’s mission; “We take the problem away” – getting roads clear, freight moving, and people looked after. He also backs his team and mentors younger operators, lifting standards across the industry.

Gareth Pert, Tranzliquid Logistics Ltd

Gareth has taken on the responsibility of Managing Director of Tranzliquid, overseeing customer relationship management, finance, and contract negotiations. He has chaired the Petroleum Industry Transport Safety Group, has completed an extensive Icehouse business course training course, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Transporting New Zealand thanks all the fantastic nominees and wishes them luck. The road freight industry is lucky to be peopled by a diverse range of talent, skills and life experiences. We also wish to thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, recognising the value of celebrating excellence in the sector and not letting such contributions fly under the radar.

Now, it’s over to the judges. Good luck to all those nominated, and we’ll confirm the winners next week!