TAXI MAG NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION MAGAZINE
INDEX I WELCOME
4
I NIGHT DRIVING: OPPORTUNITY OR NIGHTMARE?
6
I TAXICHARGE WELLINGTON APPOINTMENT
9
I NETSAFE WARNS OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SCAMMERS TARGETING TAXI DRIVERS
10
I WHAT’S UBER TO YOU?
14
NZTF II NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION
WELCOME H
i and welcome to what is my first Magazine. Sorry it is late but I have been pretty busy since taking over from Tim in April. It has been a steep learning curve with some chunky issues to deal with and I grateful to Tim, the Board and everyone I’ve met for their kind words and support. We recently finalised and sent out the registration forms for our conference on the 29th/30th September and 1st October in Wanganui. I am pretty excited but it is going to be hard work. We have a lot to get through and are lucky enough to have some worldclass guest speakers providing their input. Whilst we will also be unveiling a ton of benefits for you - equivalent to more than $2,000 annually (excluding the car discount), the Fed is not just about freebies. I strongly believe that there are some excellent ideas sitting in those brains of yours to improve and strengthen our industry. We want to hear them, analyse them and implement them for the benefit of everyone. 4
My email is roger.heale@taxifed.co.nz and the door is always open for positive ideas for the mutual benefit of all members. To help you and your ATO get the most out of the Fed we are making some changes that you will need to prepare yourselves for. You will notice that this magazine contains a lot of links. If you were reading it on a smartphone, tablet or PC you would be instantly able to click through to the news article. This is really important going forward. The number of printed magazines is going to reduce substantially as we concentrate on the digital format. Whilst there are a number of reasons for this, including cost, but the biggest is interest. By providing these links, we provide you the opportunity to instantly reach stories from around the world. The website will also be changing with two key areas the focus of attention
MAGAZINE II 2014 Online ordering: There will be a public area where people will be able to automatically order and pay for such items as log books, coin dispensers, stickers etc and a private Log-in area that only members will have access to, containing sensitive information and member benefits
that we provide one of, if not THE best Taxi service in the world. Now it is the Fed’s job to highlight to the public, the differences between Fed and non-Fed members and again between Fed and PH cars.
Secondly, this compliance provides accountability. Blog: The blog will contain a number of More and more councils are becoming disillusioned entitled features with links to stories that affect our with the costs charged and lack of accountability industry and are of general within the PH space. Recently the interest. It will available to the Fed, together with its regional public and if required the NZTF will partners, successfully repelled I hope you will put its point of view to accompany the inclusion of Private Hire in the embrace the changes Total Mobility scheme, run by the the article allowing you to intelligently answer questions Horizons Council responsible for that are taking with facts when questioned by the geographical area between place and enjoy concerned passengers (e.g. the Manawatu & Wanganui. recently, totally skewed, price the benefits. analysis putting NZ as the most http://www.horizons.govt.nz/ expensive in the world). about-us/who-what-where/news/ total-mobility-to-retain-status-quo/ So what do you have to do? Honestly not much and many of you will already have done it. The most The salient part within the article is the following important thing is to have a smartphone, tablet or PC reason the council Chairman Mr Bruce Gordon, used that has been released in the market within the last for justifying the exclusion of PH: “My key concerns 3-years and an email address (if choosing an Android around the inclusion of private hire vehicles are the phone please pick one of the more popular top-end potential costs for Council, and subsequently our models e.g. Samsung 4 or 5, HTC). ratepayers, and that it may leave the scheme more susceptible to fraud,” Mr Gordon says. Why not give it a go right now! Send an email to mag@taxifed.co.nz We’ve heard that private hire providers are not held to the same stringent New Zealand Transport Agency Put your full name and affiliated ATO and we’ll send standards as approved taxi organisations.” you the digital version of the magazine right back! Our high standards and compliance will win us the In the meantime, I continue to travel around the war against Uber. We all know those drivers who have country visiting and listening to your Managers and gravitated to non-Fed companies. They are the same Directors. A constant theme tends to be the cost of drivers utilising the Uber App. It is only a matter of compliance versus that of Private Hire (PH), something time before they transgress and it becomes public. that even the Associate Minister of Transport the Hon. Michael Woodhouse recognises as being out of line. It’s a great honour to be chosen to lead the Federation So why is Fed policy geared towards maintaining these and I am enjoying the challenge and working with the standards (and imposing them on PH)? The answer is Board members. I hope you will embrace the changes threefold: that are taking place and enjoy the benefits. We are keen to listen and look forward to hearing from you. With increasing competition the crème de la crème rises to the surface. That’s us. I have travelled all Roger Heale around the world and hand on heart I can safely say Executive Director. 5
NZTF II NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION
NIGHT DRIVING recently had to act as a witness in a case involving a driver accused of indecent assault. I didn’t find it a particularly pleasant experience. All I could think of was “What a waste. This driver was potentially throwing his life down the drain for a moment’s madness.” In the end, that’s what happened. He was found guilty and was given a 12-month sentence that includes jail time.
decision made by the Judge and clearly this individual did himself no favours. This case was tried at the upper-end of “Indecent assault” and not of “Sexual Violation.” If he had been found guilty of Sexual Violation, the term could have been a lot higher”
I wanted to find out a bit more about the issue so I met up with Detective Iain Burns who led the investigation.
“Indecent Assault has a very broad spectrum that covers unwanted physical contact that is indecent in the circumstances, it includes an unwanted kiss right through to grabbing, or groping. A good definition is “any sort of physical contact that would be considered socially inappropriate in the circumstances”. Sexual Violation is more serious, and includes non-consensual sexual penetration.”
I
“For someone not in the know, how does a 12-month sentence sit as a punishment for the crime?” “12-months is about normal for this type of incident. The sentence depends on many factors and is a 6
“What’s the primary difference between the two?”
MAGAZINE II 2014 “Clearly we are in New Zealand so we are talking about the “norms of New Zealand society?”” “Correct. It makes no difference where you come from, your religion or background. Taxis are viewed in a similar vein as the Police by the public. We are in a position of trust and expected to act within very clear social boundaries. I believe that both industries are held in high esteem by the public and it is always a shame when something like this happens. “Given the position of the driver, the situation and potential condition of the clientele at times, there is always the opportunity for temptation. What suggestions would you give drivers?”
It is in the Police’s interest to have people taken home safely and speedily after a night out, rather than roaming the streets. The last thing we want is for taxi drivers afraid to come out to work. However, if we have no statistics to work from we can only assume that there is no problem, so again, please make the effort to come forward and report it.” There is a large amount of money to be made working the nights, so here are a few precautions you may want to think about. But above all, remember you are at work and a professional and this is what separates us from the rest. Check to ensure your camera is working – the best defence
“Taking advantage of people when they are vulnerable is never acceptable. Drivers must remember they are Most of you have smartphones in your car. All of professionals who people trust to get them home safe. these will have voice recording options. If picking up The car is a place of work. Keep female clients, record the trip. It can the conversation professional, always be deleted later polite and distant. Never enter Drivers must into a personal conversation. Ask females to sit in the back remember they are Above all, ask yourself is it of the car worth it? Any accusation of professionals who misconduct, especially sexual, can B e p r o fe s s i o n a l ! Yo u r people trust to get demeanour be extremely damaging and has and attitude will to be investigated. We pledge to be instantly picked up by your them home safe. investigate thoroughly both sides passengers of the story but no-one walks away happy, even if innocent. In the case of the jailed Use the Police. They are there for your safety as driver his problems are only just beginning - it’s hard well. enough to find work without a prison record. There are wider implications as well; for instance this type of offending can led to immigration being notified, Is that In the meantime, night driving is an area that we will really worth a moment’s madness?” be discussing during the Fed conference in September and particularly the option of pre-paying for fares “Are you aware that there are numerous cases of between certain hours. It is hoped that pre-paying drivers being falsely accused of assault in order to get will reduce “runners” and arguments regarding the free rides?” bill. If you have any comments or stories regarding the above article, suggestions on how to reduce the “No, it is not something that has come to my incidents suffered by drivers at night or how to get attention. Drivers need to come to us if this happens. more drivers out at night, we’d love to hear about them. Being accused falsely of a sexual crime can be hugely Send us an email to mag@taxifed.co.nz with the words distressing and we will investigate thoroughly on “Night Driving” in the subject line. The best published behalf of all of the parties concerned. In many cases comment will receive $50 and if any of the suggestions a visit from the Police is sufficient to stop this type of are incorporated by the Fed at its conference, the behaviour but if left unchecked, may escalate. author will receive $250. 7
NZTF II NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION
8
MAGAZINE II 2014
TAXICHARGE WELLINGTON APPOINTMENT
J
anine Crawford has been appointed to the business development position at TaxiCharge's Wellington office.
Janine says: I am utilising my experience and developing great relationships with both TaxiCharge Partners and customers.
Janine has been involved in sales and account management for the last 10 years with her previous position being sales manager for an interior plant company where her key responsibilities included business development and key account management.Â
"With such a great range of products and services and new immovations coming on stream, I am confident of growing the business.
She has proven success in new product launches, and in establishing customer relationship building and retention.
Janine's territory includes the lower North Island and South Island, working closely with Auckland based business development manager Matthew Kofoed.
"I am enjoying being part of the TaxiCharge team and learning more about the taxi industry every day."
9
NZTF II NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION
NETSAFE WARNS OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SCAMMERS TARGETING TAXI DRIVERS 10
MAGAZINE II 2014
N
etSafe is warning New Zealand taxi drivers to be on the alert for cold calling scammers after receiving a report this week from an Auckland driver offered a $10,000 government payout. “We receive hundreds of reports each month about a range of scams targeting Kiwis by email, text message, post and by phone. What concerns us in this case is that the caller appeared to know a lot about the driver’s personal history, his cab number and previous speeding and parking fines,” said Chris Hails from NetSafe. The government grant offer is an old favourite amongst overseas scammers. It works by suggesting you have been selected for a reward for community service, a refund of your IRD taxes or bank fees and that the money can be yours if you simply pay a processing fee, often by sending several hundred dollars via a money transfer service such as Western Union. The Auckland driver was called out of the blue and told that he was eligible for a ‘Government Grant’ of $10,800.74 courtesy of John Key because he had been ‘a good law abiding citizen’. The grant of course will never be paid after the processing fee is received. The scam offer sounded more convincing because the caller had accurate information about the driver’s work history but ultimately he wisely decided to hang up. NetSafe works with the government’s Consumer Affairs team to help protect New Zealanders and offers the following advice: Be cautious – if you get an unsolicited phone call and the caller requests personal information, it may be a scam. Hang up and verify who they are by independently finding their contact details from a trustworthy source such as the phone book or the internet and contacting them directly. Protect your personal information and financial details – don’t provide your details to anyone who has contacted you out of the blue who you don’t know and trust. Even if they claim to be from a reputable company or government department it may still be a scam.
Never pay a fee in advance - If you get a cold call from someone claiming you are entitled to a refund, have won a holiday or have a virus on your computer, hang up immediately. If you or other drivers you know have been called with a similar grant offer, contact NetSafe via their freephone telephone number 0508 NETSAFE or you can report an incident online at www.theorb.org. nz. There is more information about a wide range of scams on the Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch. govt.nz.
A B O U T N E T S A F E - W W W. N E T S A F E . O R G . N Z NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes confident, safe, and responsible use of online technologies. NetSafe promotes cybersafety and security and the concept of digital citizenship by educating and supporting individuals, organisations and industry on a range of issues.
A B O U T T H E O R B - W W W. T H E O R B . O R G . N Z The Orb website was launched by NetSafe in August 2010 to offer all New Zealanders a simple and secure way to report their concerns about online incidents. NetSafe works with partner agencies to direct reports through to the organisation best able to investigate or advise on various types of online incidents. These include scams and frauds, spam messages, objectionable material, privacy breaches and problems whilst shopping online.
11
NZTF II NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION
COIN HOLDER /DISPENSER The original, impact resistant, made in New Zealand. Made from tough, virgin ABS material as used in hard hats. Buy direct from the manufacturer $20 each plus $5.00 Courier. FREE courier delivery for 5 plus. Email: acra@xtra.co.nz or search 12
coin holder/dispenser.
MAGAZINE II 2014
13
NZTF II NEW ZEALAND TAXI FEDERATION
WHAT’S UBER TO YOU? As you are probably all aware the American Company “Uber” is causing disruption with its hailing App around the world and is currently trying to establish itself in New Zealand. I thought it would be interesting to get behind the hype and see what the story is from the Driver’s point of view. The information I have come across is readily available from online searches and I’ve included some links to articles from respected publications. Whilst everyone is free to make their own decisions it is important to go in with your eyes open as Uber is renowned for promising one thing and delivering another. Money: Let’s get straight to the point. Uber is trying to launch its UberX product in New Zealand. This service runs at a 30% discount to the average taxi fare and Uber then takes a 20% slice of the ticket (or it will once the promotional period is over). That means that for every $100 of take, you get $58 or in other words, you have to work twice as hard to earn the same amount. Here’s an interesting link www.forbes.com/sites/ ellenhuet/2014/07/02/ubers-newest-tactic-pay-driversmore-than-they-earn/ which explains that lower prices do not actually equate to greater demand (something currently witnessed in the Private Hire sector nationally) it just leads to less income for the drivers. http://time. com/92988/uberx-san-francisco-protest-uber/ Interestingly, in its latest adverts for drivers in New Zealand it is now promoting drivers making “up to $35 per hour”. As usual, there is no detail to the claim so it is impossible to know over what length of time that $35 per hour can be sustained. However, one recurring theme 14
around the world regarding earnings is that if you miss the peak period, you tend not to garner enough business via Uber to make the day worthwhile. This seems to be borne out by a recent trip in Auckland. I was working in my hotel in the CBD and monitored two Uber cars (taxis using the App). They didn’t move all day except for hail work which rather puts some puts into context the number of hours drivers are earning $35. Job Security: We all know that there are some customers who you just can’t please. What happens if those customers are allowed to rate you? Well effectively that’s what happens with the App. You are rated by your clients. Whilst carrying business people to the airport may be nothing to worry about what about those who have a gripe? For some reason you can be rated from 1 to 5 but if your rating falls below 4.5 stars, you’re off! Not much room for leeway and I certainly wouldn’t want some of the people we carry home after a night out rating me! www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201403/ubercab-confessions?currentPage=1 Driver Safety: It’s important to remember that Uber is “just an App.” And even though it specialises in connecting passengers with cars, its ability to walk away if something goes wrong is unrivalled. Ever felt completely alone? You will if you have a problem. Here’s case of alleged sexual assault in Washington DC which will sound familiar to many night drivers (thank goodness for cameras in taxis) www.washingtonpost. com/local/uber-driver-charged-with-raping-womanin-dc/2013/03/14/2bbf4c8e-8cb0-11e2-9838d62f083ba93f_story.html. This story is one of many similar instances that show Uber dropping drivers at the sight of bad publicity, regardless of their innocence or guilt. Remember also that working for Uber undermines your ATO. If you are accused of anything whilst undertaking a fare from Uber (or any other non-authorised company), your ATO has no obligation to help you get camera footage from your vehicle. It’s ILLEGAL (in NZ): Finally, you should be aware that the metering system employed within the App is currently ILLEGAL in New Zealand regardless of what Uber may have you believe. Even though Uber know this, they are still continuing to advertise and entice drivers. Remember, they are just an App with no face and no responsibilities. If you are caught YOU will face the consequences, whatever they may be.
C O N TA C T U S LEVEL 3 9 3 B O U L C O T T ST R E E T WELLINGTON PO BOX 1778 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: ROGER HEALE R O G E R . H E A L E @ TA X I F E D . C O . N Z DDI: 04 499 0611 / MOB: 021400719 ACCOUNTS: DEIRDRE DOYLE A C C O U N T S @ TA X I F E D . C O . N Z W W W. TA X I F E D . C O . N Z