Road Transport Association NZ

Industry stays resolute in face of uncertain COVID future

By Simon Carson, Road Transport Association of New Zealand chief operating officer

FOURTEEN MONTHS AGO, THE COUNTRY FACED A LEVEL 4

COVID lockdown – and now, as I write this, here we are again faced with an uncertain future….this time due to the Delta variant of the virus.

It’s likely that most of the country – and our industry – was better prepared for this, as most transport businesses either carried on with their jobs moving freight around the country….

Or others, such as logging and furniture businesses, downed tools and waited for a reduction in lockdown levels. Once again, a wage subsidy covered some of the costs for people unable to work. But in reality, the allowance doesn’t cover much at all, especially when there is uncertainty about the coming weeks, months, or even years. Will an annual flu-like vaccination be the new norm for protection from a mutating virus, or will herd immunisation crush out the virus in our population? Time will tell.

The evening the Government’s announcement came, the association fielded calls from operators who were seeking assurance that public facilities would be open in our cities and towns – and that essentials such as fuel and food could still be sourced….safely.

We worked for the first few days after the announcement was made to ensure we put together a list of utilities that drivers would have access to. Most local and regional councils were cooperative and understanding towards the needs of the industry, which was pleasing to see. Other important issues were addressed with the appropriate authorities.

It has now been more than a week since industry asked Waka Kotahi NZTA to clarify the position on transport businesses operating vehicles with expired CoFs, and having drivers with expired licences…

And, in the case of an incident, what the impact on insurance and other business liability might look like. It’s not as if this is something new – industry was faced with an identical position 14 months ago and quickly received a clear operational order,

Yet, after continual pressure applied to Waka Kotahi NZTA by the Road Transport Forum, this time we still do not have an answer. Hoping that turning a blind eye and trusting the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team and insurance businesses will use their discretion fairly is simply not good enough: Where is the Government’s operational mandate for the transport industry through COVID?

It is likely we will see regional checkpoints to control what goes in and out of COVID-infected regions. RTANZ is ensuring industry has a say on where these are placed, and the ability of each site to efficiently handle the thoroughfare of heavy vehicles transiting between areas. It is important that freight of all kinds keeps moving.

Operational updates that are distributed to association members may have answered some questions, with many more remaining a work in progress. Updates are sent to members as soon as they become available, and as conditions in our industry and across our nation continue to evolve.

On August 27 and 28, RTANZ and the Department of Health put together – at very short notice – a priority COVID vaccination trial for truck drivers at Cannons Creek in Porirua, Wellington.

Members in the immediate vicinity were identified and contacted by RTANZ staff, with the offer of sending available drivers to the clinic to receive priority vaccination. Many members accepted the offer and RTANZ provided drivers’ details to the clinic.

With the trial under way, drivers were processed quickly and were able to queue-jump, with priority status. Members that RTANZ engaged with seemed to have a clear understanding of who among their staff had either received one or both vaccinations, and those who were booked for appointments. It was an encouraging sign that association members in this area had already taken steps to ensure the safety and health of their employees and their businesses.

Sadly, I have to pay tribute to a well-respected and longtime RTANZ member who has passed on. A few weeks ago Temuka Transport’s Aitken family lost their much-loved matriarch and valued team member, Margaret Mary Aitken – affectionately known as Topsy.

Margie passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at her home, on August 5. She was the treasured wife of Melven (Rowdy), loved mother and mother-in-law of Garry (Gutsy) and Vicki, Brian (Slim), Brendan, and Lisa.

I was fortunate enough to attend what was a very large funeral – with many having to stand outside the Alpine Energy Stadium in Temuka.

My visits to Temuka Transport in past years were memorable and treasured because of Margaret’s larger-than-life presence. She could often be found at the front desk of their Temuka premises, and was never short of a story to share on the history of the business, the town, and its people. Rest in peace Margaret, you will be missed by many people. T&D

Simon Carson