44 | Focus on training paying off ProTraffic has a total of 60 staff working at its branches in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. Trust Tairāwhiti: ProTraffic “Our qualified trainers have extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience to help deliver both practical and technical learning.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT T T Kelly Deeks Traffic management solutions provider ProTraffic has been part of the development of the traffic management industry for the past eight years, bringing its expertise to planning, training, and consulting, as well as the execution of traffic management plans. ProTraffic was started in Gisborne in 2015 by Kurt and Tessa Allan, after Kurt had spent three years working at his brother’s Christchurch traffic management company Men at Work. During his time at Men at Work, Kurt saw the business grow from six staff to 80. Up in Gisborne, Kurt has grown ProTraffic with a second branch in the Hawke’s Bay and a staff of 60. He says when he first started the business, the industry wasn’t as established as it had been in Christchurch, so there wasn’t the experienced people to bring in. “That’s why we are focused on training,” he says. “The cones and signs are what people see, and while we do that we are also about developing people and that’s what I love. Whether it’s training people from outside the company or training my people and seeing them progress from entry level positions to mentors, trainers, and team leaders.” It has been an interesting few years for Kurt and ProTraffic, with Gisborne changing a lot from the sleepy town he used to visit with Tessa before they relocated. The forestry industry is the main driver of the local economy and its ups and downs have been directly felt by the residents, while strong growth in the construction sector and in road maintenance have kept ProTraffic busy. With its training, planning, and consultancy services offered throughout New Zealand, ProTraffic has the ability to bring in money from outside of the region, and Kurt says this is a big driver of the company’s growth and a great thing to be able to do. “Any event, project, or piece of work that’s likely to impact the flow of traffic on a road requires a work permit, and we are there to help create those traffic management plans, documentation, submissions, and even provide the team and equipment to deliver those plans. Everything has to be compliant to a high level of detail. Signs have to be a certain distance apart, they have to be made of a certain type of reflective material, and be placed in an exact position accompanied by a certain number of cones.” ProTraffic’s training and mentoring services cover Waka Kotahi and Connexis US qualification requirements. “We deliver material that goes far beyond the basics. Our qualified trainers have extensive knowledge, expertise, and experience to help deliver both practical and technical learning.” Offering practical mentoring and one-to-one support at assessment time, ProTraffic gives trainees the confidence they have the right skills to succeed. ProTraffic is now building a customised and purpose built head office in Gisborne with the support of Trust Tairāwhiti, and the team is looking forward to moving in later this year. “With everything purpose built including training rooms, it’s going to be much more functional and a lovely new building to keep the guys’ heads up when they walk in the door.” 183 Carnarvon St, Gisborne. 4010 FREEPHONE: 0800 428 429 P: 06 867 9811 | F: 06 867 3963 E: office@ehinsurance.co.nz www.ehinsurance.co.nz REAL PEOPLE HONEST ADVICE Monthly PremiumOptions available TRUSTED AS THE LEADING PROVIDER OF INDEPENDENT INSURANCE SOLUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY • Commercial • Farm • Livestock • Forestry • Insurance • Domestic • Marine • Liability • Travel 2022
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