Freight industry group pitches Minister of Supply Chain idea in ‘election manifesto’

The National Road Carriers Association is advocating for a new government portfolio: a Minister of Supply Chain. This proposal is a key element of their "election manifesto," a document outlining six calls to action aimed at tackling current pressures within New Zealand's freight industry.

James Smith, the association's general manager of policy and advocacy, believes such a dedicated ministerial role would provide crucial oversight for the country's freight networks. He suggests this would be particularly beneficial for regions like Gisborne, where road transport is the primary mode for all freight movement.

However, the proposal has met with some skepticism from local political figures. One Member of Parliament in Gisborne has reportedly expressed reservations or uncertainty regarding the feasibility or necessity of creating a new ministerial position specifically for supply chain management.

The association's manifesto aims to prompt political parties to address the challenges facing the freight sector, with the proposed Minister of Supply Chain seen as a central solution to improve efficiency and support regional economies.