National Road Carriers Association

24/09/2026

Our NRC CTS Paula enjoyed catching up with members across the Taranaki region last week while attending the NZTA Pre-Season Workshop.
She had the opportunity to connect with operators, discuss industry issues, and even capture a few photos of members' trucks along the way.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with her. We always value the chance to spend time with our members and hear what's happening on the ground. 🚛

24/09/2026

Additional revised 50MAX proforma designs now available.

As part of the heavy vehicle productivity rule reform programme, the requirement for 50MAX permits has been removed.

All 50MAX operators need to transition from 50MAX and overlength permits to operating under revised proforma designs. You need to do this before your current permit expires or by 6 November 2026, whichever is sooner.

NZTA have now published additional revised proformas for vehicles that held 50MAX permits issued under discontinued proforma designs.
These are available on their website under the heading ‘Revised proformas for legacy vehicles’, alongside some detail on how they can be used. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/business/high-productivity/50max/50max-proforma-designs

Proforma requirements:
Drivers must be able to supply the proforma vehicle design for their vehicle at roadside and only travel on the approved 50MAX route network. There are no changes to the 50MAX route network.

10/09/2026

NZTA Notice: Full overnight closure – Kaimai Range

State Highway 29 (SH29) over the Kaimai Range will be closed overnight on Sunday 13 and Monday 14 September, between 8pm and 3am, reopening to traffic each morning. The overnight closures are required to safely complete critical stabilisation works at the Ruahihi Bluffs, near the Ruahihi Power Station, and undertake essential maintenance activities at other locations along the corridor.

Closure points will be located on the Waikato side at the SH29/SH24 and SH29/SH28 intersections, and on the Bay of Plenty side at the SH29/Redwood Lane/Kaweroa Drive roundabout.

Detours are lengthy and will add significant travel time. Road users are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and, where possible, avoid travelling over SH29 during the closure periods.
Check the NZTA Journey Planner before setting out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/bay-of-plenty

A further night of stop/stop traffic management will be in place on Friday 18 September (8pm to 3am) while the worksite is removed. Significant delays are expected. Plan ahead, allow extra travel time and avoid travelling over SH29 during these times if possible.

10/09/2026

Heavy vehicle drivers, keep an eye out for the NZI Truckie Rest Zone at Taupō on Wednesday 23rd September. Pull your rig in, enjoy some complimentary refreshments, get a health check, and have a chat to our NZI Fleet Fit experts about driver fatigue and ways to keep yourself safe and well.​
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Held in partnership with Taupō District Council Road Safety, NZ Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Team, and WSP, and proudly supported by Hato Hone St John and Volcanic Coffee.​
Big shout out to TMNZ for providing their awesome BBQ.​
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Fatigue is a major cause of road accidents, and we want to support drivers to stay safe on the roads. So come along to refresh and recover for the next leg of your journey, we would love to see you there!​
Find out more about NZI Truckie Rest Zones and NZI Fleet Fit. ​
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More details nzi.co.nz/truckie-rest-zone-event

07/09/2026

At NRC, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of those who continue to invest in their professional growth and raise standards across the transport sector.

Congratulations to Daniel Ludlow, recipient of the MITO Learner of the Year – Commercial Road Transport Award. Daniel's dedication to learning, commitment to industry best practice, and perseverance in completing the Certificate in Commercial Road Transport have earned him this outstanding recognition.

Daniel's achievement highlights the importance of continuous development in building a stronger, safer, and more professional road transport industry.

From all of us at NRC, congratulations Daniel on this well-deserved recognition. We wish you every success for the future.
We also extend our congratulations to the team at Booths Logistics for supporting and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

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02/09/2026

Next steps confirmed as crews work towards two lanes through Awakino Gorge.

NZTA has confirmed the next phase of recovery work in the Awakino Gorge following storm damage in April.
Crews have completed the installation of four larger drainage culverts and will now begin constructing a retaining wall and a new section of road to move traffic further away from the main slip area.

Key points:

* Four new drainage culverts have been installed to help keep the slip area drier.
* A retaining wall, rockfall barrier, and containment area will be built to support the road and improve resilience.
* Construction is expected to start this month, with the second lane currently scheduled to reopen in mid-December 2026, subject to weather and site conditions.
* SH3 will remain open under stop/go traffic management while the works are carried out, although access arrangements may change if conditions require it.

Read the full media release here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/next-steps-confirmed-as-crews-work-towards-two-lanes-through-awakino-gorge

19/08/2026

Heavy vehicle drivers, keep an eye out for the NZI Truckie Rest Zone at Temuka on Monday 7th September.

Pull your rig in, enjoy some complimentary refreshments, get a health check, and have a chat to our NZI Fleet Fit experts about driver fatigue and ways to keep yourself safe and well.​
Held in partnership with South Canterbury Road Safety and Temuka Transport. Proudly supported by the NZ Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Team, Hato Hone St John, FENZ, NZTA and "Oh Yes" Coffee Cart.​
Fatigue is a major cause of road crashes, and we want to support drivers to stay safe on the roads. So come along to refresh and recover for the next leg of your journey, we would love to see you there!

15/08/2026

Great to catch up with our members at last nights Western Central Districts AGM, Chair Mark Sorenson did a great job with getting everyone together which also included a tribute convoy in recognition of the recent passing of two industry legends Graeme Sole and Jim Ramsay.
NRC Chair Ian Newey, CTS Paula Rogers and recently appointed board member Simon Mulligan throughly enjoyed catching up with everyone and giving updates on NRC.
Thanks to the Western Districts Chair and committee for putting on a great event and to the drivers in the convoy, outstanding display!!!
Check out the videos in comments.

11/08/2026

The NZI Truckie Stop is underway at Uretiti South of Whangarei.
Great to see so many drivers taking up the opportunity to have a quick health check and chat with the teams on site.
Thanks to NZI, Road Safety Northland, WDC, CVST and NRC.

04/08/2026

NZTA Media Release:
Daytime closures planned for SH2 Karangahake Gorge


Daytime closures are planned on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Karangahake Gorge, between Waihī and Paeroa.

Rock-scaling is needed on cliffs above a section of the highway. A full closure is required because loose material may fall onto the road while crews are working.

SH2 will be closed from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day during 2 work periods:
Monday 24 to Friday 28 August
Monday 12 to Friday 16 October.

The closure will cover a 500-metre section of SH2, beginning near the historic rail tunnel bridge and extending north. The work is weather dependent.
Road users should plan to travel through the gorge outside the closure times, while inter-regional traffic should consider using SH29 over the Kaimai Range.
People are encouraged to check the latest highway conditions before travelling.

Find regional traffic information to help you plan your journey. See current travel times, traffic updates, information on incidents and roadworks, and traffic cameras in your region.