About the Endowment Committee

Transporting New Zealand’s Endowment Committee was established in 2024 to manage legacy funds from our former regional associations across the country.

The Endowment Committee’s four elected members will consider funding applications that benefit the road freight industry and its participants, and administer the substantial funds under their management.

Funding rounds will be run throughout each year, at the Committee’s discretion, and with the assistance of Transporting New Zealand staff.

Individuals and organisations with proposals, feedback or questions for the Committee are welcome to submit these to endowmentcommittee@transporting.nz.

Applications will be considered during advertised funding rounds.

Mathew Sheldrake (Chair)

Sheldrake Haulage Ltd

I am passionate about the future of New Zealand’s transport sector and see the Transporting New Zealand Endowment Committee as a great opportunity to contribute to its growth and sustainability. I am committed to ensuring our transport systems are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly, and I look forward to collaborating with professionals to strengthen the industry. By working with like-minded individuals, I aim to support initiatives that drive innovation and long-term progress in road transport.

Kim Unahi-McLellan

McLellan Freight Ltd

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. 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

I joined the Road Transport Industry in 1991 as General Manager of Wilson Bulk Transport in Ashburton. Before that, I completed an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic at Gluyas Motors Ltd, became a foreman in the truck and tractor workshop, and later owned a garage and service station in Methven. In 2006, I purchased a share in NZ Express Transport in Christchurch, where I remained until 2018.

Throughout my career, I have prioritized supporting young people in the industry, ensuring each business I was involved in had apprentices. At Wilsons in the late ‘90s, I worked with an early version of MITO to help a young driver progress through the driver classes and complete a Heavy Road Transport certificate. I believe in fostering future talent, whether in driving, dispatch, administration, or transport engineering.

Ian Emmerson

Emmerson Transport

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. I look forward to working with the Committee 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.

Funding Rounds

The Endowment Committee intends to open its first round of funding applications on Friday 20 June.

More information will be made available closer to the opening date.