It is time to put the regulators in front of the trucking operators again. The NZ Trucking Association‘s annual Trucking Industry Summit is planned for Saturday 21 November 2020. Based on the success of the inaugural 2019 event that was attended by more than 200 trucking operators, the team has stepped up the one-day summit to make it an event not to be missed. While the presenters are still being confirmed, the purpose of the event is to bring operators, regulators, and stakeholders together to discuss and question the issues, and to build relationships. The events of 2020 have made it a year that has changed many lives and life as we knew it, so it‘s important that the trucking industry gets together and discusses the big issues, including life post-Covid, the economic outlook, financial viability, infrastructure and road investment, network access, safety, health and wellbeing, and new technology, as well as being abreast of the latest compliance changes or updates. The summit provides a platform for trucking operators, government regulators, compliance officials, and respected industry advisors to discuss the issues in an open and non-confrontational manner, where everyone has an opportunity to have their say.

Presenters on the day will include NZTA, CVST, WorkSafe, government officials, and industry advisors and representatives. More will be announced closer to the time. Included in the programme will be an open forum panel discussion with the presenters, where everyone will get the opportunity to ask their questions. For those who do not want to draw attention to themselves on the day, please send us your questions before the summit so we can ensure they get answered. Trade will be welcome to attend and display both inside and outside the event, as well as having the opportunity to participate in a five-minute quick-fire presentation session. Mix and mingle networking events will be held on the evening before the summit and at its completion. This means there will be plenty of time to carry on those important conversations and to reconnect with industry friends.

Invitations have gone out to politicians of both the main parties so it is hoped we will have someone in attendance to tell the group what the plans are going forward for road transport. The programme will be published soon. The 2020 Trucking Industry Summit is being held at Riccarton Racecourse, Christchurch on Saturday 21 November from 9am to 4pm. This is the trucking industry‘s mustattend event this year. Entry is open to all trucking industry participants and is free to attend thanks to sponsor Teletrac Navman, and includes morning tea and a light lunch. Space is limited, so do not miss out.