Nominations for the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee 2024
Mathew Sheldrake, Sheldrake Haulage Ltd
Why are you interested in serving on the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee?
I am passionate about the future of New Zealand’s transport sector and believe that serving on the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee is an excellent opportunity to contribute to its growth and sustainability.
My interest lies in ensuring that our transport systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. I am particularly motivated by the chance to work with a diverse group of professionals to make our great industry even better.
What skills would you bring to the Endowment Committee?
I bring a comprehensive set of skills that are well-suited for the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee. My background in the industry has equipped me with a deep understanding of the operational aspects of transport. Additionally, I have strong analytical skills, which allow me to assess and improve transport strategies effectively. My experience in leadership roles has honed my ability to collaborate with various stakeholders not just within our industry but others as well.
I think I would also bring a fresh look on the industry and its needs.
What’s your favourite thing about road transport?
My favourite thing about road transport are the people involved in it and its ability to connect people and communities.
Road transport plays a crucial role in our daily lives, enabling the movement of goods and services, and fostering economic growth. I am particularly fascinated by the advancements in technology that are making road transport safer and more efficient and reinforces my commitment to being part of its evolution.
Kim Unahi-McLellan, owner of McLellan Freight Ltd
Why are you interested in serving on the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee?
Based in the Lower South Island town of Balclutha for last 35 years. My late husband Alex McLellan and I have been proactive supporters of the new direction Region 5 is taking with Ia Ara Aotearoa. By joining the Endowment Committee, I am dedicated to advancing the values and vision that Alex and I cherished to help shape a vibrant future.
What skills would you bring to the Endowment Committee?
With running a successful business I have gained the skills and ability to be able to contribute meaningfully. This will position me to evaluate and support initiatives that will drive our sector forward. I aim to leverage my experience and passion to advocate by being a part of this committee.
My husband Alex’s passion for the transport industry was well known and I too have lived and breathed this life alongside him. This will be another step forward that I am taking to insure that what we believe in continues with my involvement in the industry we love.
The road transport industry is capable of so much more and we all need to work together to become a force to be reckoned with.
John Petrie, Life Member
Why are you interested in serving on the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee?
As one of the four Endowment Fund committee members I will ensure that Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand members will see change in the future for the betterment of our industry.
What skills would you bring to the Endowment Committee?
I joined the Road Transport Industry in 1991 as general manager of Wilson Bulk Transport in Ashburton.
Previous to this I had completed an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic at Gluyas Motors Ltd in Ashburton, became the foreman in the truck and tractor workshop, and subsequently owned a garage and service station in Methven. In 2006 I purchased a share in NZ Express Transport in Christchurch through to 2018.
Throughout these times I have ensured each business had an apprentice or two and at Wilsons in late 90’s had a young driver work his way through the driver classes and worked with an early version of MITO to complete a certificate in Heavy Road Transport.
As a member of the Transporting New Zealand endowment committee I see the opportunity to extend my vision of “The Young People of the Road Transport Industry are our Future.” Whether they are a warehouse worker, forklift driver, potential truck driver, a transport dispatcher or administration assistant, a person who wishes to become a transport certified engineer, be they male or female, the industry needs to embrace their enthusiasm for the industry.
The endowment fund can assist young people by training and upskilling with scholarship support, assistance for on-job training in their respective field etc with the support of their employer and the respective agencies offering accreditation in all these fields.
Also, there may be some suppliers to the road transport sector with bright ideas on future products that the industry will benefit from. This may be something the Endowment Fund should review and maybe support.
I am aware that each of the previous RTA Regions 2,3, and 5 have some criteria for the funds they have provided to the fund that the Endowment Committee must adhere to when approving project funding.
Ian Emmerson, semi-retired transport operator from Hawkes Bay
Why are you interested in serving on the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee?
I have been in the transport and logistics industry for 48 years and in that time I have been involved with RTF, RTANZ, CARTA and our local Hawkes Bay branch in various positions as I am very passionate about the industry and the need to have strong representation, advocacy and support within the sector.
What skills would you bring to the Endowment Committee?
I am enthusiastic to be involved in the restructure of TNZ into a single voice entity hence I am putting myself forward to represent the Endowment Committee and envisage, if elected, to work with a team with similar passion to channel industry funds to both earn income and be directed into the development of Industry initiatives, development scholarships, development of young people for our industry and regional membership support.
I am comfortable standing for three years and see the personal challenge for me is to make a success out of the position in that time leaving the Endowment Committee in a strong position for my replacement.
