38 | Northland Forestry Awards: Newey Transport FORESTRY Richard Loader Transport Co scoops the pool Ruakaka-based Newey Transport was established in 2002. Ruakaka-based log cartage company Newey Transport Ltd has made history at the 2022 Northland Forestry Awards, becoming the first transport company to win the region’s coveted Contractor of the Year award. “Logging trucks are what people see, so you could say that the face of the industry is being recognised. There were some great companies within the forest industry who were up for the award, and for us the win was unexpected. “When we heard the short description of the business that won the award, we thought, oh, ‘that’s not us.’ Then when they called our name out, it was that ‘holy smoke’ experience. When I go up on the dais, I had to pull myself together a bit, but the words I used were that for us, this has been a twenty-year journey.” Newey Transport was established in 2002 by Ian and his wife Shelley, with one truck contracting to forest management companies. Prior to starting the business Ian had a background in the forestry industry but says growing up he frequently found himself in the passenger’s seat of his dad’s cement tankers or trucks. “There was always a passion for trucks, and around 2002 the opportunity arose to merge trucking with forestry. The opportunities through various channels have just kept coming and we’ve continued to grow.” Going through the process of entering the 2022 Northland Forestry awards provided Ian and Shelley with the opportunity to reflect on their journey over the last two decades. “It’s about evolution and constant learning about your business. There are many ways that happens, and the forestry awards is one way. As you go through the process, you get a sense of the journey and where you have come from. Today, the fleet including owner drivers, small fleet contractors and our own trucks is made up of thirty-five trucks, of which we own 17, contracting to forest management companies throughout the Northland region. You look at it and say, well this wasn’t the plan, but this is where we are now, and we’re happy that it’s where it is.” Ian says that reflection is very rewarding, but the most rewarding thing for him is seeing the company’s owner drivers and contractors, who put their faith in Newey Transport, be successful. “When you have happy contractors and happy staff, that in itself tells you that you are on the right track. Winning the award shows that all the hard work putting the procedures and culture in place has been recognised and that the journey has been recognised by the industry. It solidifies that as an organisation you’re heading in the right direction. We’re a company that is always striving for improvement and continual learning to provide a serMUFFLER SERVICES Phone 09 438 8960 Clyde Street Whangarei sales@mufflerservices.co.nz www.mufflerservices.co.nz For all your exhaust requirements Congratulations Ian, Shelly and team, Weigh Northland stands proudly beside Newey Transport for their weighing needs 7 days a week 100% COMMITTED TO NORTHLAND • TYRES • WHEEL ALIGNMENTS • NITROGEN • 24/7 FLEET SERVICE • LPG 45KG DELIVERIES • LPG 9KG SWAP N GO Dargaville, 148 Victoria St 09 439 8189 Whangarei, 129 Port Rd 09 438 8189 Waipapa, 2052 S.H. 10 09 407 9476 Kaikohe, 19 Raihara St 09 401 0044
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