Don Wilson
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Don Wilson owns On Road Transport, a specialist rural cartage and livestock transport business. Don grew up in Whangarei surrounded by trucking and moved to Pukekohe in 1989 to manage the Pukekohe branch of United Carriers. In 1994 he joined Balle Bros and set up Balle Bros Livestock Transport. In 2014 Don went on to acquire the business and formed On Road Transport which now operates 22 co-owned vehicles along with 10 owner drivers and specialises primarily in livestock cartage.
Don joined the Board of NRC as he wanted to play his part in giving something back to the industry that is his chosen career. He believes no good comes from sitting at home moaning if you’re not prepared to help get the issues fixed. The industry faces the same hurdles and needs to show a strong united front to push back on some of the ideology-driven but not remotely practical ideas the Government and its agencies put forward.
It’s often tough out there, but a sector that is unified on the big issues – and potential solutions – is one that will shape more positive outcomes for the industry in the long run. Transport is a core part of the wider economic jigsaw, one that New Zealanders rely on, and Don believes that gives NRC leverage.
The ever-increasing regulations made by officials with no knowledge of how things work in the real world, that increase compliance costs mean NRC needs to continue to advocate hard on behalf of industry. Working to avoid regulation for the sake of regulation means NRC cannot take its eye off the ball.
Don lives on a quiet 10 acres with his partner Suzanne and has three grown-up children and five grandchildren. When he has a bit of time up his sleeve, he enjoys a bit of overseas travel.