Justin's Transport Minute

Another week of some extreme weather across the country, which means more high-profile road damage and potholes to be fixed. NRC members in Northland are all too familiar with this. State Highway 1 has nearly 40km closed in the Mangamukas, and there are serious questions whether some parts will ever be rebuilt. Down the road the Brynderwyns are down to one lane, causing over one hour waits.

NRC played a major role in getting the Brynderwyn highway damage addressed, helping avoid a potential road collapse. Spotted by one of our members high up in their cab, they could see the road being undermined by a near-by waterfall. They called NRC right away, and our Commercial Transport Specialist Paula Rogers alerted the contractor. The contractor wasn’t aware of the new damage, and kicked-off emergency works immediately. Passing cars had no chance of seeing the erosion, which easily could have caused a dangerous road collapse down the hillside. This is why NRC is continuing to call for the route cause to be addressed – roading funding, investment and maintenance to be overhauled.

I’m excited to be heading to beautiful Northland myself soon to meet with members in Taipa and Whangarei. I’ll be with James and Paula at the Taipa Beach Resort from 6pm on the 3rd of November, hosted by CAL Isuzu. On the 4th of November you can find us in Whangarei at Keith Andrews Mercedes-Benz dealership from 6pm. If you are up that way, come and join our briefing - I’d love to meet you.

Justin Tighe-Umbers

CEO | National Road Carriers Assn

DDI: +64 9 636 2951 | Mob: +64 27 268 4053| E: justin.tighe-umbers@natroad.co.nz | www.natroad.co.nz

‘Supporting those who choose to make a living in the Road Transport Industry’ Since 1936