Justin's Transport Minute

It’s been a big week in terms of road re-opening announcements following Cyclone Gabrielle. SH5 Napier to Taupō is now open 24/7 after a mammoth effort by road crews to make the road safe for night-time travel. Hot on the heels of this announcement is the welcome news that SH1 Brynderwyn Hills re-opened in both directions at 9am today, for the first time since Cyclone Gabrielle struck last month. A major relief for transport operators who have been forced to take lengthy diversions via Dargaville. Knowing this critical piece of roading infrastructure has re-opened gives Northland operators a much-needed morale boost.

It was a big announcement yesterday around plans for a second Auckland Harbour Crossing which will benefit all New Zealanders as the huge freight volumes that move through the city end up in homes nationwide. Our focus over the coming months will be to ensure freight connectivity remains front of mind with officials as they work through selecting the best option. Feedback from the public on the various proposals is now open, and I would encourage members to take the survey – feedback closes on Monday, 1 May 2023. Participation in the process is your opportunity to help shape a better road network for both the industry and wider New Zealand, as high users of the network we owe it to ourselves to engage in the process to contribute to the best possible final outcome.

In case you missed it, I had a great chat to Charlotte Cook, on Radio NZ’s Morning Report about the Harbour Crossing proposal. We touched on a range of issues including the need for 50-year infrastructure planning, how changes need to happen so our labour shortages don’t hold us back, the role of freight and why a tunnel will enhance resilience of the network. Have a listen here.

Cyclone Gabrielle Government Assistance

The CTS team are reaching out to members in the cyclone-affected regions to make sure eligible operators have applied for the Business Government Assistance Package – more details can be found on our website here. With Coromandel support applications closing today (31 March) Ian has been hitting the phones to make sure members in the TCDC region are aware of what’s available and supported to apply.

Have a great weekend.

Justin

CEO | National Road Carriers Assn

DDI: +64 9 636 2951 | 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’