🚛 2025 South Island Road Freight Industry Awards 🚛

The 2025 Transporting New Zealand South Island Seminar Industry Awards celebrate individuals and organisation’s that have made exceptional contributions to the road transport sector through innovation, safety, industry awareness, and training.

Open to South Island-based nominees, the awards recognise efforts that improve industry standards, workplace environments, and public perception of the transport sector.

🏅 VTNZ Supreme Contribution to New Zealand Road Freight Transport
🏅 EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety
🏅 Outstanding Contribution to Training
🏅 Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation
🏅 EROAD Young Driver Award
🏅 Women in Road Freight Transport

What the judges are looking for?

Organisations or individuals who are located in the South Island have made an exceptional contribution to some aspect of the road transport industry by way of innovation, safety, industry awareness, and training, or implemented processes that have had a positive outcome on staff and/or customers.

Business/nominee description

Please include some background on the business, including how long it has been operating, and tell us why the nominee and/or business should be the winner.

Your key points of difference, such as:

Do you/the person or company you are nominating have a stand-out product or service?
Are your, or the company’s, staff culture and education programmes or specific health and safety practices working?
What’s special about the nominee that makes them stand out?
Have you, or one of your team, done something to enhance awareness of our industry in a positive way?

A panel of industry leaders will judge the entries, and winners will be honoured at the prestigious Industry Awards Dinner during the seminar.

Nominations must be submitted by 5pm, Tuesday, 3 June 2025.

Nomination Form

Nominator

First Name *

Last Name *

Organisation *

Job Title *

Email Address *

Mobile *

Nominee

Name *

Organisation *

Job Title *

Email Address *

Mobile

Award Categories

Please select the award categories you are nominating for *

VTNZ Supreme Contribution to NZ Road Transport Award Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Any activity or achievement within the industry that significantly contributes to the advancement and positive reputation of road transport will make someone eligible for this award, including (but not exclusively) any of the following:

Actions or initiatives that enhance the public standing of the road transport industry.
Promotion of the industry’s values among staff, customers, and the wider community.
Dedication to mentoring and supporting colleagues within an organisation or across the industry.
Long-term commitment to the road transport industry and contribution to its ongoing success.

Additional Considerations for Nominations

Nominations could also specify:

The challenges and degree of difficulty faced in achieving the outcome.
The time, effort, and dedication invested in contributing to the industry.
The nominee’s length of service in the road transport industry and additional contributions over time.

This award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting impact on the road transport industry, helping shape its future through leadership, innovation, and dedication.

EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Any activity or achievement within the industry that significantly improves health and safety standards will make someone eligible for this award, including (but not exclusively) any of the following:

Development and implementation of health and safety initiatives that have demonstrably improved workplace safety.
Promotion of the need for effective health and safety programs within an organisation or the wider industry.
Encouragement of proactive health and safety interventions that drive a culture of workplace safety.

Additional Considerations for Nominations

Nominations could also specify:

The challenges and degree of difficulty faced in achieving health and safety improvements.
Measurable ways in which the initiative has led to a safer work environment and better outcomes.
The time, effort, and dedication invested in improving health and safety.

This award recognises individuals or organisations that are committed to creating a safer industry, ensuring the wellbeing of those working within road transport.

FRUEHAUF Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Any activity or achievement within the industry that significantly contributes to innovation will make someone eligible for this award, including (but not exclusively) any of the following:

Development of technical or mechanical innovations that improve efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness.
Implementation of managerial or organisational innovations that enhance business processes, client relations, or operational efficiency.
Advocacy for innovation through the encouragement and promotion of new systems or technologies within an organisation or the industry as a whole.

Additional Considerations for Nominations

Nominations could also specify:

The challenges and degree of difficulty faced in developing and implementing the innovation.
Measurable ways in which the innovation has improved health and safety, efficiency, or overall business performance.
The time, effort, and commitment involved in achieving the outcome.
The nominee’s length of service in the road transport industry and other contributions over time.

This award recognises individuals or organisations that push boundaries through innovation, improving the way the industry operates and paving the way for future advancements.

Outstanding Contribution to Training Award Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Any activity or achievement within the industry that significantly contributes to training and professional development will make someone eligible for this award, including (but not exclusively) any of the following:

Development or implementation of innovative training programs that improve industry knowledge, skills, and career progression opportunities.
Dedication to mentoring and coaching colleagues, employees, or new entrants in the industry.
Long-term commitment to training and workforce development within the road transport industry.
Promotion of continuous learning and professional development within an organisation or across the industry.
Creation or advocacy of training initiatives that enhance industry standards, safety, and operational excellence.
Efforts that support diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in training and development opportunities.

Additional Considerations for Nominations

Nominations could also specify:

The challenges and degree of difficulty faced in developing or delivering training initiatives.
The measurable impact of the nominee’s contributions, such as improvements in safety, efficiency, staff retention, or industry standards.
The time, effort, and personal commitment invested in training and workforce development.
The nominee’s length of service in the road transport industry and any additional contributions over time.

This award recognises individuals or organisations that go above and beyond in training, mentoring, and fostering skill development to ensure a strong and capable workforce in the road transport industry.

EROAD Young Driver of the Year Award Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Any young driver (under 35) within the industry who has demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment will be eligible for this award, including (but not exclusively) any of the following:

Actions or initiatives that enhance the public standing of the road transport industry.
Promotion of the industry as a career pathway for young people and new workforce entrants.
An innovative approach to industry practices that support and encourage young professionals in road transport.
Recognition of outstanding success in training, professional development, and career progression.

Additional Considerations for Nominations

Nominations could also specify:

The challenges and degree of difficulty faced in achieving the outcome.
Measurable ways in which the nominee’s contributions have improved health and safety or operational efficiency.
The time, effort, and dedication invested in developing their skills and advancing in their career.

This award recognises young drivers who are setting new standards of excellence and helping to shape the future of the road transport industry.

Women in Road Freight Transport Award Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Any woman working within the industry who has made a significant contribution to road transport will be eligible for this award, including (but not exclusively) any of the following:

Actions or initiatives that enhance the public image of the road transport industry.
Promotion of diversity and the benefits of an inclusive workforce within the industry.
An innovative approach to industry practices that encourage and support women in road transport.
Development or advocacy of training programs that assist in the progression of women within the industry.

Additional Considerations for Nominations

Nominations could also specify:

The challenges and degree of difficulty faced in achieving the outcome.
The time, effort, and dedication invested in making a meaningful impact.

This award recognises women who have made outstanding contributions to road transport, breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue success in the industry.

Tell us why you think the nominee's contribution is worthy of the award *

Terms and Conditions

1. Organisers

1.1. The awards are organised and managed by Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Incorporated (referred to as “the Organisers”).
1.2. The Organisers reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time.

2. Eligibility

2.1. Nominations are open to individuals or organisations actively involved in the road transport industry in New Zealand.
2.2. Self-nominations are permitted unless otherwise stated.
2.3. Nominees must meet the specific eligibility criteria outlined for each award category.
2.4. Employees or representatives of Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Incorporated directly involved in the awards process are not eligible to enter.

3. Nomination Process

3.1. Nominations must be submitted via the official nomination form by the stated deadline.
3.2. All information provided must be truthful and complete. Inaccurate or misleading nominations may be disqualified.
3.3. Supporting documents may be requested at the discretion of the Organisers.
3.4. The Organisers reserve the right to verify any information provided in the nomination.

4. Judging Process

4.1. A panel of independent judges appointed by the Organisers will review all eligible nominations.
4.2. Nominations will be assessed based on the specific award criteria.
4.3. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
4.4. The judging panel reserves the right to move a nomination to a more appropriate category if necessary.
4.5. If no suitable nominations are received for a category, the Organisers reserve the right not to present an award.

5. Confidentiality and Data Use

5.1. All nomination details will be treated confidentially and used solely for the purposes of the awards.
5.2. By submitting a nomination, nominators and nominees consent to the use of their information for award-related communications.
5.3. Winners and finalists may be featured in promotional materials, media releases, and social media.

6. Awards Presentation and Publicity

6.1. Winners and finalists may be invited to attend the awards ceremony and participate in media opportunities.
6.2. The Organisers reserve the right to publish the names, photographs, and details of winners and finalists for promotional purposes.
6.3. Winners and finalists may be asked to provide a short statement or participate in an interview about their achievements.

7. General Conditions

7.1. The Organisers reserve the right to modify or cancel the awards at any time if circumstances require.
7.2. The Organisers are not responsible for any technical malfunctions, lost submissions, or delays in receiving nominations.
7.3. By submitting a nomination, nominators and nominees agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.