92 | RURAL SERVICES » Renwick Transport Focus on innovation Kelly Deeks Directors of Renwick Transport Limited and sisters Jax Smith and Jen Hall are leading the way in Marlborough’s transport and logistics sector with a clear focus on innovation, professionalism, and people. The pair recently received national recognition for their efforts to lift standards across the viticulture industry and advocate for greater diversity in road freight. Renwick Transport Limited was founded by their parents in 1997, when the couple sold the family car to buy their first truck. From humble beginnings and a background in farm work, the family business has grown into a respected operation servicing Marlborough’s vineyards, farms, and general freight throughout the South Island.. Jax and Jen were brought into the business by their late father, who needed help running the company and gradually passed on the reins. “He coaxed us into it,” Jen says. “Jax first, then I followed three years later. We’re proud to carry on what Mum and Dad started, and we’ve always stayed true to their values.” In a typically male-dominated sector, the sisters are quietly leading by example. Alongside Jax and Jen, the business employs two other female drivers and a total team of 18, including office and driving staff. “Our focus isn’t on growing bigger, it’s about doing what we do well, maintaining our standards, and making the industry better for everyone,” Jen says. A major step in that direction was collaborating with others in the development of a vineyard The team at the Groundspread Awards 2025. harvest logistics standard for Marlborough. The sisters helped create a set of best-practice protocols that prioritise professionalism, safety, and collaboration during the busy grape harvest season. The standard, now adopted widely across the region, has contributed to measurable improvements over the past two seasons. “It’s helped create open dialogue with other transport operators, wine companies, and industry bodies like Wine Marlborough,” Jax says. “We’ve had pre- and post-harvest meetings, and the feedback has been really positive. It’s an evolving process, but it’s created a culture where we’re all striving to improve.” The sisters are also heavily involved in the ground spreading industry and work closely with Groundspread New Zealand to promote quality assurance and consistency across the sector. Through their participation in national council meetings, they share ideas and experiences with operators around the country. “It’s about doing the job right — the right product, the right rate, the right place, and the right time,” Jen says. “The weather has made things tough this year, especially with so much rain in the top of the South Island, but strong relationships and communication make all the difference.” At the 2025 Transporting New Zealand South Island Seminar Industry Awards, Jax and Jen’s leadership was formally recognised when they received the TrackIT Logistics Women in Road Freight Transport Award. The award celebrates their contributions to diversity, innovation in logistics, and community engagement. Despite the honour, the pair are quick to share credit. “We’re lucky to have such a great team Longacre Herefords mark murphy - MARK.DANIEL92@GMAIL.COM longacre herefords · Docile · easy calving · low birthweight · early maturing · beef & dairy compatible · delicious 027 917 8519 · Hokitika around us,” says Jax. “Our drivers, our clients, our suppliers, and our industry peers are all part of our success. Relationships are everything, especially in an environment like this where everyone’s under pressure.” With their down-to-earth approach and commitment to continuous improvement, the sisters of Renwick Transport are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive transport industry in Marlborough, one well-planned journey at a time. Renwick Transport Directors Jax Smith and Jen Hall
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