This year’s Road Transport Forum Conference, which is now only two months away, will celebrate the important role of the road transport industry in the Otago and Southland regions, says RTF Chief Executive Ken Shirley.
The Conference, which is to be held on 26 and 27 September at the fantastic Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin features a range of influential and inspiring speakers to inform and entertain delegates.
“We are grateful that Transport Minister Phil Twyford has committed to returning after speaking at our 2017 conference and we look forward to learning more about the Government’s new transport plans that will have such a major impact on our industry,” says Shirley.
“Other speakers include highly regarded economic commentator Cameron Bagrie, who will provide an analysis on the state of the New Zealand economy; Chairman of HW Richardson Group, Rex Williams, who will share his experiences of being involved in the iconic Southland transport company and Graeme Gale from Helicopters Otago, owner of one of the largest commercial helicopter operations in New Zealand.”
“Specific industry issues such as driver fatigue and impairment, and training and qualifications will also be discussed by panels involving subject experts and road transport operators.”
Well-known Dunedin entertainer Doug Kamo will MC the Conference while Otago sports icon and legendary rugby commentator Paul Allison will entertain delegates with stories from his days both on and off the sports field. There will also be trade and vehicle displays supplied by sponsors and supporters of the industry.
The prestigious New Zealand Road Transport Industry Awards Dinner will be held on the evening of the 26th September in the Dunedin Town Hall and will be a celebration of some of the outstanding achievers in road transport as well as a great night of local entertainment.
The 2018 New Zealand Truck Driving Championships Final, traditionally held alongside the Conference, will this year start a day early and take place on the ‘East Slab’ of the stadium, which should make for a tight and technical course in a spectacular setting.
The Conference website, including an online registration facility, accommodation options, sponsorship packages, transport and a partner’s programme is available at www.rtfconference.co.nz.
The Road Transport Forum represents the interests of the road transport industry and our member associations – National Road Carriers, Road Transport Association NZ and the NZ Trucking Association.