Transport industry award winners honoured at Parliament
Seven exceptional contributions to New Zealand’s road freight sector were honoured at Transporting New Zealand’s industry awards ceremony.
An independent judging panel chose winners from more than 30 nominations, recognising individuals and organisations that have gone to great efforts to improve industry standards, workplace environments and public perception of the transport sector.
“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 chief executive Dom Kalasih.
The most prestigious award, the VTNZ Supreme Contribution to Road Freight, recognised an individual whose impact has significantly advanced the industry’s standing and future direction through sustained leadership, service and influence. This year’s winner was TR Group managing director Andrew Carpenter.
Judges say Carpenter has helped 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 Group now owning one of the country’s largest zero-emission truck fleets. TR Group’s Shayne Barns accepted the award on Carpenter’s behalf.
Jasmin Smith won the Wynn Williams Women in Road Freight Award, which celebrates women helping shape a more inclusive industry, enhancing the profile of road transport and inspiring others through their actions. Smith is widely regarded as a role model and mentor to colleagues at Linfox, actively promoting the industry as a modern, essential and rewarding career pathway while challenging outdated perceptions to help attract a broader and more diverse workforce.
The Eroad Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award went to Graham Neate. Neate is described an outstanding advocate and respected leader in the transport health and safety sector, serving as health and safety leader at Philip Wareing Ltd and on the National Livestock Transport and Safety Council, where “his expertise is highly valued”.
The first winner of the new NZI Emerging Leader Award is Julie Crahay of Wareing Group Ltd. Crahay had years of leadership experience before moving to New Zealand, where she strengthened her expertise in health and safety, focusing on fatigue management and driver wellbeing.
“She is known for her collaborative and forward-thinking approach, contributing to national forums and initiatives aimed at making transport safer and more efficient.”
Twenty-one-year-old Max Hewson received the Eroad Young Driver Award for his strong performance, safe driving record and consistent demonstration of initiative and leadership, including coordinating other drivers during a major disruption.
Fruehauf’s Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award was presented jointly to Selwyn District Council and Treadlite, which worked together to pioneer New Zealand’s first rubber road made from recycled waste tyres.
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.
“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,” says Kalasih.