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Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
ROAD TRANSPORT
NEWS
A Mack logging truck in action in Ulverstone, Tasmania: a painting by Kiwi truck artist Rochelle Thomas.
MyTrucking is offering a chance to win a specially commissioned painting by Rochelle.
Appreciating drivers
PRIZES ON OFFER FOR MEMBERS Truck Driver Appreciation Week
returns from February 22 to 28. It’s a
NEW FACES AT RTANZ chance to thank drivers all over the
country for the vital role they play in
AVOID TOP FIVE HR MISTAKES the New Zealand economy.
RTANZ NEWS 1
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
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RTANZ NEWS 2
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Contents
PAGE 4
From the Chief Operating Officer
Simon Carson discusses saving Tiwai, upcoming legislation, and supporting drivers.
PAGE 7
Truck Driver Appreciation Week
February 22-28 is Truck Driver Appreciation Week. It’s a chance to thank drivers for the
hard yakka they put in every day.
PAGE 9
Painting big trucks
Artist Rochelle Thomas shares her passion, and MyTrucking offers a chance to win
your own special piece of art.
PAGE 12
New faces at RTANZ
Meet new Senior Industry Advisers Simon Vincent and Lisa Shaw, and office
administrator Yvonne Stephens.
PAGE 25
Around the regions
RTANZ Senior Industry Advisors Sandy Walker and John Bond round up news and
developments from around New Zealand.
Events Contact Us
Website: rtanz.co.nz
February 22-28: Truck Driver Appreciation 0800 367 782
Week
Chief Operating Officer: Simon Carson,
scarson@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 66 099
May 7-8 May: Eworld Expo, Trusts Arena,
Auckland. Editor: David Killick, Communications Manager,
dkillick@rtanz.co.nz, 027 55 44 272
Administration: Victoria Higgs,
June 26: Region 4 Seminar, Mackenzie admin@rtanz.co.nz, 027 365 2075
Country Hotel, Twizel. Membership Benefits Coordinator: Vicki Harris,
vharris@rtanz.co.nz, 027 534 3848
August 27-28: RTANZ Region Three AGM, We welcome contributions and feedback for this
Wairakei Resort. magazine.
RTANZ NEWS 3
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Chief Operating Officer
More seminars and activities back for 2021
By Simon Carson
submission RTF has already completed on the
“Road to Zero”. Whilst businesses are still
expected to manage their personnel through
policy, the new bill, if successful will place a legal
obligation on the authorities to better manage the
network. The submission will be available on the
RTF website once complete.
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is
back for 2021. Supported by RTA , RTF, and
Truck and Driver magazine, the RTA team of
Senior Industry Advisors will attend events at
various locations around the country during the
week of February 22 to 28. Delayed due to
COVID, this is the perfect opportunity to
acknowledge the critical role played by truck
driving professionals in keeping our economy
moving. The dedicated men and women of the
A
lthough 2021 is only just over a month old, road transport industry very rarely ask for
everything seems to be back in full swing. anything, so this week will give us a chance to
Committees have been working on finally say thanks for all they do, especially over
putting together two quality seminars for the past 12 months. Truck drivers really are the
members around midyear. It’s encouraging to driving force of our economy. We will have more
hear from members keen to see RTANZ seminars information on our website and the RTANZ
return after COVID restrictions last Facebook page.
year meant these could not go Many drivers have contacted
ahead. Please keep a look out for “This is the perfect RTA seeking work in various
more details.
opportunity to regions and sectors across New
The announcement that mining Zealand. The communication from
conglomerate Rio Tinto intends to acknowledge the
drivers is often lacking information
keep the Tiwai smelter open until critical role played such as where the person is
December 2024 came as by truck driving seeking work, and the type of
welcome news for the Southland work sought, however we do our
economy. When it was announced professionals.”
best to match employers with
last year that Tiwai would be employees.
closing due to high energy and transmission Keeping an active eye on Seek over the past
costs, this was a serious blow to Southland. six to eight months, the average number of
Commitment now from Rio Tinto gives security driving roles available around the county, across
for most jobs within the business. The overall all classes, is often in excess of 1,000 at any one
demand on the supply chain will keep transport time, so the demand for truck driving
operators busy, providing consistency for power professionals is not going away. The reopening of
supply to a large catchment of the South Island borders to migrant workers is still a long way off,
until late 2024. and whilst we cannot look to the migrant
We have been asked what we are doing to workforce to provide a permanent solution to the
support the submission for roadside drug testing. industry shortage, it may provide some relief to
RTA and RTF are working to back proposed filling roles associated with the increasing freight
change to the Drug Driving Amendment Bill. A task.
comprehensive submission will be lodged by the
Road Transport Forum by the end of February • Call Simon Carson on 027 55 66 099,
and will reinforce the Roadside Drug Testing 0800 367 782, or email scarson@rtanz.co.nz.
RTANZ NEWS 4
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Road Transport Forum
Prepare for COVID alert level changes
By Nick Leggett, Road Transport Forum chief executive
response plans. The government seems largely
unconcerned about the looming disaster that
supply chain failure will bring.
The government has also been caught not
being open with the public about the cases in
the community. They were forced into revealing
the Auckland community cases after Hone
Harawira alerted the media. That is
unacceptable.
The only way to get on top of community
transmission is immediate action. That means
telling people who have been to the same
places as infected people the minute they know.
Withholding information threatens the goodwill
of their compliant “team of five million”.
H
On the business front, it’s a matter of being
oping that 2021 might be a better year on
prepared. The RTF’s COVID-19 webpage
the COVID-19 front was, sadly, wishful
remains active and we will keep up to date
thinking.
information here. When the government releases
We now have cases of COVID-19 found in
information it is available on its COVID-19
the community in Northland and Auckland and
webpage here.
realistically, businesses need to be prepared for
If Auckland and/or Northland are put into
some form of alert level change that will mean
lockdown, we will continue to work with the
further restrictions.
government and other parts of the supply chain
This is not good news when the supply chain
to free up freight routes.
is being pulled so tight it is about to burst.
Truck drivers are out and about throughout
The Prime Minister has said the
the country so are at higher
border will remain closed in 2021
risk when there are cases in
and the government has said “The only way to get on the community.
when (and if) New Zealand gets top of community It may be time to remind
the COVID-19 vaccine, it will take
six months to vaccinate five transmission is your staff of the best hygiene
practices to combat the
million people—quite a lag behind immediate action.”
spread of COVID-19: most
the rest of the world.
importantly, staying home if
With our community cases
they are sick. They also need to keep track of
being the more contagious South African strain
where they’ve been (use the NZ COVID Tracer
of COVID-19, Australia stopped quarantine-free
app and turn on Bluetooth); wash their hands
travel on Monday, January 25 for about a week
regularly; cough or sneeze into their elbow;
—but this is likely to be longer.
practice physical distancing; and clean surfaces
This not only disrupts the few passengers
that get touched frequently. They may have to
using those flights—which have all been
return to wearing face masks, so make sure you
cancelled—it adds further strain to the supply
have supplies.
chain with the cargo for those flights also left
The reality of COVID-19 is that we are all at
high and dry. If planes don’t go out, then there is
the mercy of the government’s response and we
no return flight bringing goods into New
will deal with it as it pans out. The RTF will
Zealand. How long Air New Zealand can sustain
continue to negotiate an environment where
running at a massive loss and being propped up
by the government is anyone’s guess. trucks can go about the important task of
New Zealand remains highly reactive, with carrying the economy and keeping up the flow of
again, no real evidence of long-term disaster essentials, such as food and medicines.
RTANZ NEWS 5
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Chance to watch Cup action up close
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The hospitality experience includes: be in the draw to win, but you will have access
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• One double pass to access the Emirates access to the most extensive fuel supply
Team NZ official Base and supporter vessel,
network in New Zealand: Z, Caltex, and
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Challenge sites nationwide.
• Great hospitality, including food and drinks at Existing members are also automatically
the Base and onboard the vessel. entered in the draw and will receive a bonus
• Flights, two nights’ accommodation (if the entry each time you make a fuel purchase worth
winner primarily resides outside of Auckland), NZD$40 with your Z Business fuel card.
and transfers to attend the event in Auckland. Good Luck, and Go Team NZ!
RTANZ NEWS 6
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Cover story
Let’s show drivers our appreciation!
T
ruck Driver Appreciation Week is back— women of the road transport industry very rarely
with various events around the country ask for anything, but during this week in
planned for February 22 to 28. February it will give us a chance to finally say
The team at NZ Truck & Driver is busy co- thanks for all they do, especially over the past
ordinating the week’s activities, alongside 12 months. Truck drivers really are the driving
RTANZ, the Road Transport Forum, and force of our economy.”
partners. Technology supplier MyTrucking is also
“We are working towards events around the backing the week, including the opportunity to
country where we’ll be handing out appreciative win a fantastic original artwork (See page 8).
gift bags to as many drivers as possible,” says “Last year, COVID lockdowns showed us
Olivia Beauchamp, from Truck and Driver that truck drivers keep the country and our
magazine. economy running. We’re truly grateful and this is
“As part of this year’s Truck Driver our little way of saying thank you!” says
Appreciation Week, we have MyTrucking Commercial Manager,
also made a significant Marie-Claire Andrews.
investment in a nationwide “Truck drivers really The MyTrucking team shares
media campaign aimed at are the driving force some reasons why they love truck
achieving some appreciation in of our economy.” drivers:
the wider community of what it “Truckers are some of the best
—Simon Carson, RTANZ
is we do for all New Zealanders motorists you’ll ever meet.
Chief Operating Officer
—every day—by delivering Manoeuvring a large vehicle,
everything and anything they especially during hectic traffic
need. takes mad skills, and only trained professionals
“We ask that all operators do their bit during can do that properly.” —Matt Neems, Customer
the week to look after their own drivers by Success Manager and also a mad skilled drifter.
making them feel appreciated.” “Truck drivers work bloody hard! Aside from
RTANZ Chief Operating Officer Simon spending long and often hot hours hauling up
Carson says the RTA team of Senior Industry and down NZ, they also have to deal with being
Advisors will attend events at various locations away from their loved ones. Plus, they need to
around the country during the week. face various challenges while working, including
“Delayed due to COVID, this is the perfect potential breakdowns, unruly motorists, rubbish
opportunity to acknowledge the critical role roads…”—Natalie Beckham, New Business
played by truck driving professionals in keeping Support, classic car and truck lover (especially
our economy moving. The dedicated men and Macks).
RTANZ NEWS 7
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Truck Driver Appreciation Week—What’s On
RTANZ members will be advised what’s MyTrucking
planned around the regions for drivers, with The MyTrucking team will also be out and
information to be posted on our website, about on the roads during Appreciation Week,
www.rtanz.co.nz, and Facebook page. handing out goodie bags to drivers stopping in
Canterbury Bulls and in Masterton (check out the My
Senior Industry Advisor John Bond says a Trucking website for dates and locations).
Driver’s Appreciation Day BBQ will be held at Taking part
the CVST Glasnevin Station, SH1 Waipara, on If you wish to be a part of Truck Driver
February 25, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Appreciation Week, please email Olivia
“We will be setting up around 9:00am, with Beauchamp at NZ Truck & Driver,
the ASB BBQ trailer, our RTANZ tent, and olivia@trucker.co.nz, or call 027 6855066.
some seating, to ensure our life members, who For more details, see NZ Truck & Driver’s
are coming to support this initiative, can Facebook page or website: https://
escape the heat or cold, depending on the nztruckanddriver.co.nz/promotions/truck-
weather that day. driver-appreciation-week.
“CVST have invited Waitaha Health, the rural
nurses, to participate in providing voluntary
health checks to our drivers as well, so it
should be a great day.”
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RTANZ NEWS 8
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Cover story
Big trucks are artist’s favourite subject
By David Killick
R
ochelle Thomas
loves vehicles,
especially big
trucks. The Marton-
based “self-employed
automotive artist”
reckons her first word
was “car”.
“I used to draw at
school. I’ve always
been into cars and I
started off painting
cars. Then a friend of a
friend asked me to
paint his Kenworth.”
That was 10 years
ago and Rochelle
hasn’t looked back. “I
love trucks and
machinery. It’s the size
—they’re big and
gorgeous to look at.
Some are quite
staunch. And the
sound when they go
roaring past!
“Apart from the fact
that they are cool, I
love the challenge they
bring me, all the detail Artist Rochelle Thomas displays a painting of a Mack Superliner, commissioned
involved. Completing a by Macktrans Australia, Karratha, WA.
painting is always so
satisfying when it’s a truck. Drivers are so proud Artshow in Wellington—a huge accomplishment
of their gear! There’s lots of memories for them for me! My portfolio consists of hundreds of
on the road, accomplishments, various subjects including
etc, and I love being able to trucks, hotrods, motorbikes,
create special keepsakes with “Apart from the fact that animals, and landscape work.
a personal touch that “I am continuously pushing
they are cool, I love the
represents a big part of and challenging myself; every
their lives.” challenge they bring me, day is a new and exciting
All Rochelle’s truck all the detail involved.” lesson! My art is most
paintings are commissioned definitely my happy place. I
original one-off pieces of art absolutely love my job and
on block-mounted canvas using acrylic paint. can lose myself in my work for hours on end. To
She has completed a Level 5 Diploma in Art be able to make a living from my passion is
& Creativity and says one day she would like to something I never thought would be possible,
continue my studies and teach art. “I was but here I am, doing it: living the dream!”
accepted and participated in the 2017 NZ
RTANZ NEWS 9
Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Truck art by
Rochelle Thomas
LEFT: 2013 Volvo FH, for
Dannevirke Carriers Ltd,
Whangamomona Hotel.
RIGHT: 2018 Kenworth
K200, for R & K
Bradshaw, Taupo.
BELOW: 2015 Freightliner
Argosy, for Stephensons
Transport, Hawkes Bay.
RTANZ NEWS 10Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Win your own original truck painting
M
yTrucking is proud to be a principal supporter of New Zealand’s Truck Driver Appreciation Week
to say a big thank you to the men and women that keep NZ moving.
“We’re asking New Zealanders to nominate their favourite driver in the lead up to Appreciation
Week, then during the week they’ll vote on the most deserving,” says MyTrucking commercial manager
Marie-Claire Andrews.
“The lucky truckie will win an amazing personalised artwork commission from Rochelle Thomas to
proudly display at home, or in their office—and the kudos from being front and centre in the NZ Truck
Drivers Gallery on our website and across our social channels.”
• To find out more and to nominate a driver, see: https://www.mytrucking.com/appreciate.
• To contact Rochelle, email: autoartbyrochelle@gmail.com, call 027 704 3438, or see her Facebook
page or find her on Instagram.
RTANZ NEWS 11Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Profile
Ready to listen to members’ concerns
“I can’t
remember a
time when I
wasn’t
interested in
trucks and
trucking.”
Simon Vincent
helped organize the
Southern Truck Rally
in October 2020.
S
imon Vincent joins RTANZ on February 9 Why do people like these old-timers so
as a Senior Industry Advisor for Region 2, much?
covering Northland, Auckland, Waikato,
and the Bay of Plenty. It’s simple nostalgia—remembering the days of
Simon has owned and operated the Truck our youth. For many, it’s being able to fix almost
Journal industry magazine and has been anything on the side of the road with a basic
Timaru-based for most of his working career. socket or spanner set. Each demographic has
He has been a regular visitor to Auckland, the their own favourite. Older classic truck owners
Bay of Plenty, and Waikato since 1995 when he tend to have British Trucks (Bedfords,
worked as a truck listing agent and has now Leylands); those a bit younger have early
moved there to be closer to his family who are American ones (for example, R Model Macks,
now based in the North Island. Kenworths, and Internationals).
We asked Simon to give his thoughts on his Q: Do you also like new technology?
new role.
Yes. If I were driving all day, I’d want to be
Q: How did you become involved with road behind the wheel of something with a
transport? What have been some of the comfortable seat and a full safety suite of bells
highlights? and whistles. Anything that makes a driver’s job
safer and less tiring is a plus in my book. The
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t technology leaps on the horizon looks to be
interested in trucks and trucking. The highlights amazing and I can’t wait to try them.
all centre around the people and the
relationships I have fostered with them. Q: What do you see as the main challenges
facing the industry?
Q: You’re a big fan of classic trucks and
organized last year’s southern truck rally. The age old issues of recruiting drivers and
getting a decent rate for the job.
RTANZ NEWS 12Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Q: Are there special issues in Region 2? Q: Now you’ve moved north, will you still
support The Crusaders?
I’d like to get up and running on the job before
answering that one. Is there any other team? Rugby doesn’t feature
too highly in the Vincent household. I once did a
Q: What kind of support can you provide
story on a truck company which was owned by
members of RTANZ? someone who’d been an All Black—I didn’t
I believe that often the biggest support you can have a clue who he was and wondered why I
provide is the ability to shut up and listen to was having so much difficulty in convincing them
what is being said. I also have the tendency to it was the trucks I was interested in!
refuse to take “no” for an answer and will keep
going until I can find either a satisfactory Q: Is there anything else you would like to
resolution or answer. add?
Q: Tell us some more about yourself. Other I’m looking forward to the challenge of the new
interests, hobbies? job and moving into such a beautiful area of the
country.
Trucks have been an almost all encompassing
interest (taking photos, attending shows, Call Simon Vincent on 027 445 5785 or email:
building kitsets) but once they became my job I svincent@rtanz.co.nz.
needed an escape from them. Aeroplanes are
another interest. I’ve also discovered the joys of
bike riding. I’m loath to mention it here but,
thanks to my wife, I am a caravanner. I enjoy our
trips away—just the two of us and the cat.
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RTANZ NEWS 13Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Profile
Training focus drives passion for transport
L
isa Shaw joins RTANZ as Senior Industry
Advisor for Region 5. Lisa will be based
in Invercargill and her geographical area
will be from Southland and Dunedin north to
Ashburton in Mid Canterbury.
Lisa has been in the transport industry, or
has held related roles, for much of her working
career. Lisa’s portfolio includes, most recently,
the role of Group Training Manager at Alliance
Group, MITO learning designer Commercial
Road Transport, tertiary education in ITP and
ITO vocational training roles, as well as
project management and marketing roles.
She has also worked in freelance
communication and has been involved at
different levels with a number of industry
projects, including RTF projects and other
governance roles.
We asked Lisa to share her thoughts on
her role.
Q: What made you decide to get involved
with the transport industry in the first
place?
Like many in the industry, “things with
wheels” have always been a big part of my life Lisa Shaw has a long association with road
—Dad had his A-Grade tickets as both a transport and is looking forward to her new role.
heavy diesel and light automotive mechanic
and like most kids growing up in the ’70s and Q: How has the industry changed and has
’80s, we were often at work with him at his professional training become more
country garage where they worked on a bit of important?
everything.
There were lots of days spent with the The industry has changed a lot over the years
uncles in logging trucks, stock trucks or in the and some of this transformation has been
yard, too, so I guess you driven by legislation or
could say with a childhood social/ economic factors but
like that, it was inevitable. “Professionalism in technology has certainly
accelerated the pace of
Even though I’ve specialised general has become change within the industry.
in training and education
through my career, I got my
more of a feature.” Professionalism in
HT (as it was back then) general has become more of
when I was 19 and our oldest son was born a feature: collectively we
not long after—he now drives a Mack Trident need to engage with regulatory and
tipper truck and trailer in Brisbane city on civil enforcement agencies, as well as central and
construction sites and another son is a third local government, to ensure that the needs of
year apprentice with Terra Cat, and the story the road transport sector are met—our
continues. economic lifeblood depends upon it!
RTANZ NEWS 14Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
In the past, driver training has been thought of management programmes, fleet characteristics,
as something separate, done by external team culture, values, and employee reward and
trainers. While there is still a place for this, recognition.
developing employer capability for integrating
Q: The road transport industry has
training and development into our ‘business-as-
usual’ processes will go a long way to traditionally been male-dominated. Is that
addressing the demand side of developing a changing?
worker pipeline for the road transport sector. Certainly I think the image has always been
Q: How about COVID? quite masculine but you’ve never had to look
very far to find some amazing, talented women
Where to even start?!? There are so many quietly getting on with things behind the scenes
angles from which to discuss COVID and many —and this is starting to be reflected in places
commentators far more articulate than me. One like the Road Transport Hall of Fame and the
thing I will say, though, is that the recent magazines. There’s lots of room for everyone to
pandemic has highlighted supply chain participate in this industry, regardless of their
vulnerabilities that make it imperative for our gender.
industry to ensure the standard of our
professionalism and engagement (mentioned Q: Tell us some more about yourself. What do
above) is united, decisive, and above all, you do for recreation?
effective. I seem to spend a lot of time outside—with my
Q: What’s special or different about the horses, paddling for Oraka Aparima waka ama,
southern region compared with the rest of mountain biking or (the latest inspiration),
knocking off each of the Great Walks, starting
the country?
with the Routeburn. I still play squash badly, can
Every region has its own special characteristics often be found cooking up a storm and, when
but things like climate, the nature of the freight the borders are open, grandchildren in Australia
task, and the significant tonne-kms covered— soak up a lot of my time off.
together with a static population and
unemployment rate lower than the national Call Lisa Shaw on 027 261 0953 or email:
average—requires transport operators in the lshaw@rtanz.co.nz.
south to put more emphasis on being employers
of choice: training and development, fatigue
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RTANZ NEWS 15Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Profile
A friendly voice on the end of the phone
Y
vonne Stephens has joined RTANZ in
the role of administrative assistant
based at RTANZ head office in
Christchurch.
Yvonne was employed as a temp in 2020
to work on the CRM (Customer Relationship
Management) project and has proven herself
to be a capable and valuable member of the
RTANZ team.
Yvonne’s role is largely administrative, but
she also has expertise in health and safety,
policies and procedures, and Information
Technology. Yvonne will be the lady on the
end of the phone when you call head office so
please feel free to say “hi”.
Before joining RTANZ, Yvonne worked for
Trade Assist through COVID-19 Levels 3 and
2, based at the new Christchurch Convention
Centre assisting with Government Health and
Safety Compliance.
Yvonne hails from the West Coast, both
parents came from farming backgrounds, and
she spent a lot of time on relatives’ farms
growing up. “I do remember not being
allowed to learn to drive before I could
change a tyre, check water and oil!” Yvonne Stephens is adept at improving systems and
making them more efficient.
Yvonne is adept at improving systems and
making them more efficient—which she has
been tackling at RTANZ. “The role at the closer to her parents. “Since being back, I have
moment is focused on getting the system up bought a house and have started to renovate—a
and running, so there’s a lot of problem solving long-term project.”
and collating old databases into one. Yvonne is also a costume designer and
“I also have an extensive background in maker, loves to garden, and works for Nurse
Health and Safety, so I’m happy to help out Maude as a casual.
there.”
Yvonne moved back to Christchurch in 2011
after being overseas for over 15 years, to be
RTANZ NEWS 16Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Ask a lawyer
Tackling violence requires due process
By Amanda Douglas
opportunity to feedback before the decision to
suspend is actually made. Often, there is some
urgency, so the time you are required to give the
employee is much shorter than, for instance,
that required when consulting on other
employment processes. For instance, allowing
them a couple hours can often be sufficient.
Overall, it is important to remember that there
is a proper process to follow, as well as having a
good reason, if you are going to suspend.
I have an employee who says they are trying
to get out of an abusive relationship and they
want some time off work to sort out finding
somewhere new to live. They are saying they
are entitled to special leave for it—is that
O
true? I am happy to give them some leave,
ne of my employees started a fight but I was surprised to be told I was required
with another employee and pushed to.
him over. When I found out, I told the
culprit that he is suspended until further Employees affected by family violence are
notice. He’s saying I can’t do that, but I entitled to paid family violence leave of up to 10
days. As with sick leave, they must have been at
thought I was allowed to suspend for
your workplace for six months to be entitled to
something like that?
this, but you can choose to allow them to use
Regardless of how bad the employee’s this entitlement in advance. They are entitled to
behaviour was, you can only suspend them if 10 days for each period of 12 months
their employment contract allows continuous employment. This
you to do that. Even then, you leave entitlement does not carry
must have a real business need “It is important to over into the next year and is not
to suspend, which is usually that paid out on termination.
you believe their continued
remember that there
An employee is entitled to
presence in the workplace will is a proper process to this leave even if the actual
give rise to significant issues. follow.” violence happened before they
This could be for safety or started working for you. You may
honesty reasons. Suspension ask them for proof that they are
will almost always be on pay, although well- affected by family violence, and don’t need to
worded suspension clauses can allow for pay to pay them until they provide proof. However, if
be revoked in some circumstances, for example, they have a reasonable excuse for not being
if the process drags out for too long, particularly able to provide proof (such as needing to
if the delay is caused by the employee in relocate quickly), then you would need to pay
question. them in the meantime.
As with any employment process that could You need to record family violence leave as a
have an adverse effect on an employee, if you separate category of leave. However, you need
wish to suspend an employee you must consult to consider that other people may see the
them first (whether or not the suspension clause payroll information, in which case you may need
expressly requires consultation). The employee to classify it as something other than “family
should be told that suspension is being violence leave” or restrict access to payroll
considered, the reasons for it, and given an information to protect their privacy.
RTANZ NEWS 17Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Note, employees affected by family violence information at the disciplinary meeting. On the
also have a right to request short-term flexible other hand, if you have carried out an in-depth
working arrangements. And you also must take investigation and the employee has had plenty
care not to discriminate against an employee of time to respond (with legal advice if they
because of their being a victim of domestic wish), then a prompt disciplinary meeting and
violence. decision could be acceptable. However, our
strong recommendation is that it is worth having
I am about to have a disciplinary meeting
a day or two’s gap (depending on the situation)
with an employee next week. The meeting is between the meeting and the decision. The
in the morning and I was wondering if it is more dispute there is over the facts, the more
possible to make the decision to fire them important it is that you take a little more time.
that afternoon as I’d really like to get it tidied
up before the weekend. • If you are a member of RTANZ and have an
The main consideration is whether there is employment or health and safety related
procedural fairness. It is possible to dismiss the question, please submit it to Amanda Douglas
same day as the disciplinary meeting, but this at Wynn Williams:
can be risky. For a process to be fair, it must be amanda.douglas@wynnwilliams.co.nz with the
genuine, and you must not have pre-determined subject line: RTANZ Ask a Lawyer. Feel free to
the outcome. Too short a time between the also make use of Wynn Williams’s Legal
disciplinary meeting and the decision can open
Helpline, in which the first 15 minutes is free
you up to accusations that you were pre-
for RTANZ members, by calling Amanda on
determined.
A short turn-around time is generally riskier if (03) 379 7622.
there is some controversy about the misconduct
that occurred, if there is evidence put to the
employee at the disciplinary meeting for the first
time, or if the employee gives detailed
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RTANZ NEWS 18Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
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RTANZ NEWS 19Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Health and safety
Managing risks in the workplace: Anaphylaxis
By Jason Shepherdson, H&S Adviser, SBS
L
ate summer is the time of However, skin and gastrointestinal symptoms
year where Kiwis typically may also (but not always) occur.
get outdoors as much as
possible. This includes many Risk factors for fatal anaphylaxis and urgent
workers, especially those action required
working in agriculture and • Delayed or no administration of adrenaline—act
horticulture, where there is an quickly;
increased risk of being bitten, stung, or poisoned.
PCBUs (Persons conducting a business or • Upright posture (standing/walking around)—lie
undertaking) must ensure they have identified and them down;
managed the risks in their workplace. Where
• Asthma—food allergies or asthmatics are at
inherent risks exist, they must be managed,
ideally through elimination, or by introducing increased risk;
effective control measures that reduce the risk to • Eating away from home—deaths highest in
a manageable level that is deemed acceptable. teenagers and young adults eating out;
Those controls and any residual risk must then be
monitored and reviewed to ensure the controls • Specific food allergies—most deaths from food
remain effective. The higher the risk, the more induced anaphylaxis (peanuts, tree nuts; and
frequent the monitoring. seafood);
What are allergies? • Heart disease—many fatal insect stings occur in
older persons with heart conditions.
An allergy is when the immune system reacts to a
substance (antigen) in the environment that is Note: Any previous mild or moderate allergic
usually harmless, such as food, pollen, animal, reaction would not rule out a subsequent severe
dust mite, medication, insect bite or sting. or fatal allergic reaction.
This results in the production of allergy
antibodies. Antibodies are proteins in the immune
system which identify and react with foreign
substances.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is when
someone develops symptoms
following exposure to an
allergen, such as hives, swelling
of lips, eyes or face, vomiting or
wheezing. Allergic reactions
range from mild to severe.
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is the most severe
form of an allergic reaction. It is
potentially life-threatening and
therefore must always be treated
as a medical emergency,
resulting in immediate medical
treatment. Anaphylaxis involves the
respiratory and/or cardiovascular
system (heart and blood pressure). Signs and symptoms: Think F.A.S.T.
RTANZ NEWS 20Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Managing the Risk communications (mobile phone/radios), and
possibly, in extreme circumstances, carry
It is accepted that it is extremely difficult to emergency locator beacons.
eliminate the risks associated with bites and A common misconception is around workers
stings completely. Careful consideration must not being allowed to not administer drugs to
be given to introducing minimising controls, other workers. Whilst this would be true for a
such as providing PPE (face veils in high-risk worker administering medication to another
areas), for example, where beehives are in close worker, for example, paracetamol or
proximity, and then the supply of adrenaline antihistamine, the Good Samaritan Law in New
(EpiPen) for the immediate treatment after any Zealand does protect a person from acting in
severe reaction such as anaphylaxis. good faith to save a life where that person was
A PCBU must also ensure that workers are incapable at the time of helping themselves.
trained and competent in its use. It’s strongly Generally, EpiPens are self-administered (auto-
advised that exposed workers, or workers injector) by the person who is having the allergic
expected to administer an EpiPen, are deemed reaction; however, is not uncommon where the
competent. This typically involves some basic person is in such a panic as they struggle to
familiarisation training, with a consideration of breathe, that they are incapable of conducting
an annual refresher. Training versions of EpiPens such a relatively simple task themselves.
can be purchased to facilitate this type of Note: An alternative to the EpiPen has been
training requirement internally. a syringe and vial of adrenalin. The adrenaline
Where children are present in the workplace, must be drawn from the vial with the syringe.
children’s dose EpiPens are also available. From experience and considering the possible
Where workers are working alone or in isolation, physical state of the person affected, it is
additional controls should be considered to deemed this would be all but impossible for
ensure emergency responders can attend. Even most persons to conduct at the time of the
after an EpiPen has been administered, the event.
situation is still classified as a medical
emergency and medical treatment must be • If you would like to discuss how we may be
sought. Put controls around identifying workers able to support you with managing these risks
that are known to be at risk by carrying or providing training, call Safe Business
additional EpiPens, have effective Solutions Ltd, freephone 0508 424 723.
RTANZ NEWS 21Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Essential information for members
The Road Transport Forum (RTF) is the central for non-members. To purchase, please email
point of communication for the road freight forum@rtf.nz or call (04) 472 3877.
transport industry. Visit the RTF website here to
COVID-19
keep up to date on media releases, Nick’s blog,
submissions, and advisories. WorkSafe signed off road freight transport
specific guidance and protocols developed by
General information the RTF to help businesses be safe during the
The COVID-19 website: https://covid19.govt.nz/ COVID-19 alert levels. These remain best
has general information including Government practice at this time.
support available to businesses. WorkSafe—COVID-19 safety plan
2019 Operator Cost Comparison Report— WorkSafe has developed a template to help
how to get your copy develop a COVID-19 safety plan, which you can
The latest operator cost comparison report is find here.
now available for purchase from RTF. The report
presents the results of a confidential cost survey
of trucking businesses across New Zealand
conducted for the RTF by the New Zealand
Institute for Business Research (NZIBR),
University of Waikato.
The latest survey covers the financial year of
2019. The cost of copies of the report are:
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RTANZ NEWS 22Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Employment Issues
Five HR mistakes that sabotage business
By Claire Arneson, HR Adviser, SBS
O
perating a business is not employees. (Hint: This is what Job Descriptions
for the faint of heart and are for!)
SBS salutes those who
Mistake #2: Defective Employment
pursue the rewards of
entrepreneurship despite its risks Agreements
and difficulties, particularly over I was recently sent an employment
the last 12 months. As part of agreement that I am quite sure no one had read,
our mission to help our clients despite two parties signing up to the
improve their health, safety, and HR agreement. My least favourite wording was
performance, we have compiled this list of HR under the Hours of Work section:
mistakes to inform employers how to protect “The ordinary hours of work shall be the
themselves from legal, reputational, or financial hours during which the business normally
risks. operates which it may change from time to time
Mistake #1: Ignoring the poor performer at its sole discretion”.
This sentence has told the readers very little,
Imagine a rather common scenario: Curtis
if anything, about when the employee will work
owns an interior decorating company with five
and for how many hours per week. There is a
employees who are comprised of painters and
need for flexibility in agreements, however this
decorators.
wording isn’t helpful in setting expectations for
One of his employees is Annabel, whose
employees, managers, or setting up
quality of work has fallen recently,
the parameters of the job.
and two customers have made
“Address poor
complaints. Curtis has not spoken The fix:
with Annabel about the complaints performance as
• Read your employment
or her poor performance because soon as you agreements. (Yes—read them!)
he’s uncomfortable confronting
people, and he’s afraid he’ll say the notice it.” • Clarify sections that don’t make
wrong thing. He hopes the issue will sense and amend clauses that are
resolve itself. As a result, Annabel’s not in plain English. If people don’t
poor performance continues and inevitably understand their agreement, you can bet they
becomes worse, affecting other parts of the will struggle to hold up their end of the bargain.
business.
Mistake #3: Inadequate company policies
Curtis’s other employees start to notice and
grow resentful that Annabel’s poor Often companies become aware that their
workmanship is not addressed and wonder why policies or procedures are inadequate just at
they are putting in so much effort to do a good the precise moment they wish to rely on them.
job when there are no consequences for doing For example, some employers mistakenly
a bad job. Customers start to tell their friends believe they will be able to discipline or
and family about the poor quality of terminate an employee who is suspected or
workmanship done by the company and sales observed taking drugs at work—and yet the
drop. company does not have a company drug or
alcohol or a disciplinary policy in place. This
The fix:
creates legal risk and an unclear path for the
Address poor performance as soon as you employer in dealing with a potentially
notice it. Talk to the employee privately about intoxicated employee because in the context of
your concerns—and take notes. Often this can NZ employment law, companies must set out
nip the problem in the bud. Being clear and (pro-actively) how they will handle these types
forthcoming about what you expect from your of situations.
RTANZ NEWS 23Road Transport Association NZ Inc. February 2021
Companies that have basic policies in place for be stodgy and dry reading material—get creative
these common “worst case scenarios” can move to make them fit your business culture, values,
swiftly and confidently to remove risk and and mission. Think less about tasks and more
disruption from their business. about desired outcomes.
The fix: • Managers should be prepared to explain the key
objectives of the role to an employee on their first
Get some basic company policies in place such
day including:
as a Code of Conduct or a Disciplinary policy,
Drug & Alcohol policy, and most definitely, a • Describing what success looks like in the role
Health & Safety policy. and how it contributes to the overall success of
the department/company.
Mistake #4: Failing to build a positive
workplace culture • Outlining what the employee is expected to
accomplish in the next 6-12 months.
One foundational piece of the puzzle that is
often overlooked is the company’s workplace • Safe Business Solutions Limited (SBS) provides
culture. In brief, workplace culture is the professional and affordable consultancy services
environment that you create for your employees.
to businesses in all industries nationwide and
A positive workplace culture attracts talent, builds
specialises in Health & Safety and Human
trust among colleagues, and supports
coordination and collaboration of work activities. Resources solutions. For further advice or
A negative culture usually contributes to a lack assistance, get in touch with a member of the
of accountability, unproductive relationships SBS team on 0508 424 723.
amongst staff and departments, and lowers
employee retention. Employees are 26 per cent
more likely to leave their jobs if they feel there is a
lack of respect among colleagues, according to
American online employment surveyor TINYpulse.
In addition, the average employee exit costs 33
per cent of their annual salary when recruitment
fees, training, and lost productivity are added up. ####################################
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The fix: ####################################
• Great managers drive employee loyalty. ####################################
Become a great manager and employ great ####################################
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managers in your business.
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• Take steps to build a positive workplace culture ####################################
by clearly defining roles, communicating ####################################
effectively, and encouraging open and honest ####################################
feedback from employees. ####################################
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Mistake #5: Undefined roles and ####################################
responsibilities
Keep track of your assets
####################################
Good managers can effectively communicate
with EROAD Where
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the objectives and duties of a role, which is a key ####################################
skill for keeping employees focussed and goal • Reduce the risk of lost productivity
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oriented. But research suggests that role • Improve asset utilisation
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definition isn’t just important for productivity, it’s ####################################
• Speed up customer billing
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also important for retention. According to survey
responses (TINYpulse), employees are 23 per ####################################
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Get in touch today
cent more likely to stay if their manager clearly ####################################
to learn more:
explains their roles and responsibilities. ####################################
shop.eroad.co.nz
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The fix:
0800 437 623
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• Use Job Descriptions to support the definition ####################################
of roles and responsibilities. They don’t have to
RTANZ NEWS 24You can also read
