Transport industry award winners honoured at Parliament

Seven exceptional contributions to Aotearoa’s road freight sector were honoured at Transporting Zealand’s industry awards ceremony in the capital on Friday night.

An independent judging panel had chosen winners from over 30 nominations, consisting of individuals and organisations who have gone to great efforts to improve industry standards, workplace environments, and public perception of the transport sector.

More than 200 people braved Wellington’s stormy weather to attend the Awards Dinner at Parliament’s Banquet Hall, generously sponsored by IVCS ONE.

VTNZ’s Richard Northover presents award to Shayne Barns, on behalf of Andrew Carpenter

The most prestigious of the awards, the VTNZ Supreme Contribution to Road Freight recognises an individual whose impact has significantly advanced the industry’s standing and future direction through sustained leadership, service, and influence. This year’s winner is TR Group’s Managing Director, Andrew Carpenter.

Andrew has helped to shape and modernise New Zealand’s road freight industry through long-term investment in safer vehicles, heavy vehicle driver training, technology, alternative fuel solutions and sustainability, with TR now owning one of the biggest zero-emission truck fleets in the country.

TR Group’s Shayne Barns accepted the award on Andrew’s behalf.

Transporting New Zealand CEO, Dom Kalasih and Jasmin Smith

Jasmin Smith won the Wynn Williams Women in Road Freight award, which celebrates women who are helping shape a more inclusive industry, enhancing the profile of road transport and inspiring others through their actions. Jasmin is a widely regarded as a role model and mentor to her colleagues at Linfox, actively promoting the industry as a modern, essential and rewarding career pathway, and challenging outdated perceptions to help attract a broader and more diverse workforce.

Graham Neate accepting his award from EROAD’s Matt Buckle

The EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety award went to Graham Neate of Wareing Group Ltd. 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.

NZI’s Andrew Greatbatch with Emerging Leader, Julie Crahay

The first-ever winner of a new award category, NZI’s Emerging Leader is Julie Crahay of Wareing Group Ltd. Julie had years of leadership experience under her belt before moving to New Zealand, where she strengthened her expertise in health and safety, focusing on fatigue management and driver wellbeing. Julie is known for her collaborative and forward‑thinking approach, contributing to national forums and initiatives that aim to make transport safer and more efficient.

Max Hewson with EROAD’s Matt Buckle

Twenty-one-year-old Max Hewson took home the EROAD Young Driver Award for his strong performance, safe driving record and consistent demonstration of initiative and leadership, including the coordination of other drivers during a major disruption.

Chad Thomas, Fruehauf with Treadlite’s Brad Pierce

Fruehauf’s Outstanding Contribution to Innovation award went jointly to Selwyn District Council and Treadlite who worked together to pioneer New Zealand’s first rubber road made from recycled waste tyres.

MITO chief executive Verna Niao, TR Group’s Shayne Barns, and MITO Board Director Warwick Wilshier. Paul was unable to accept his award in person.

Paul Fincham of KAM Transport won MITO’s Outstanding Contribution to Training award for his decades-long commitment to workforce development, mentoring, and creating meaningful career pathways within transport, having supported countless drivers to gain their Class 5 licence.

“The sheer amount and quality of the nominations is a testament to the great things happening in road freight across the country,” says Transporting New Zealand’s chief executive, Dom Kalasih.

“Recognising good work is essential for morale. It’s been a challenging few months for transport, but nights like these remind us of how fortunate we are to have such great people moving the industry forward,” he added.

“Transporting New Zealand is incredibly grateful to all those who attended the Awards and showed their support for the nominees. We’d also like to again thank our generous dinner and awards sponsors; IVCS ONE, VTNZ, NZI, EROAD, Fruehauf, Wynn Williams and MITO.”