National Road Carriers (NRC) is spearheading a major transformation in New Zealand’s road freight industry with its innovative leadership initiative. The new Board Secondee Programme, which kicked off on October 4, 2024, aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders by providing direct boardroom experience and shaping the future of the sector from within.
A New Era of Leadership Development
The NRC has created the Board Secondee Programme to directly address the need for skilled and experienced leaders in the transport industry. This initiative is designed to give promising individuals a unique opportunity to understand the complexities of governance and strategic planning at a high level.
By immersing participants in boardroom dynamics, the programme ensures a pipeline of talent ready to tackle future challenges. Ian Newey, the NRC Chair, noted the high calibre of applicants, stating, “I was genuinely impressed by the diversity and quality of the candidates. Choosing just two was no small feat.”
The programme offers participants a chance to:
- Gain practical, hands-on governance experience.
- Contribute to and influence the NRC’s strategic direction.
- Develop a strong professional network with key industry figures.
This approach is a strategic investment in the long-term health and innovation of New Zealand’s supply chain.
Meet the Inaugural Secondees
The first two individuals selected for this prestigious programme are Kieran Carr and Nikki Ellis. Both bring a unique blend of skills and a deep commitment to the road freight sector. Their selection highlights the rich talent pool within the industry.
| Participant | Background | Current Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kieran Carr | Chartered Accountant | CFO at Carr & Haslam |
| Nikki Ellis | Logistics & Distribution | Manager at Marlin Transport |
Kieran Carr’s strong financial background as a Chartered Accountant and CFO provides a valuable analytical perspective. He is keen to apply his financial expertise to support NRC’s growth and strategic goals.
Nikki Ellis offers extensive hands-on experience from her family business, Marlin Transport. Her deep understanding of logistics and distribution operations gives her practical insights that are crucial for effective governance.
Driving Real-World Industry Change
This programme is about more than just personal development; it’s a vehicle for industry-wide progress. By bringing fresh perspectives into the boardroom, the NRC anticipates new ideas that will drive positive change and innovation. The secondees are expected to play an active role in shaping policies and strategies.
Nikki Ellis emphasised the importance of this experience, sharing, “Understanding governance firsthand will help me contribute more effectively to our industry’s sustainability.”
Kieran Carr echoed this sentiment, adding, “I want to bring a fresh perspective, combining my finance background with industry insights to drive positive change.” Their involvement is set to strengthen the NRC’s ability to navigate the evolving landscape of road transport.
Programme Launch and Future Vision
The initiative officially launched with a strategic session on October 4, 2024, at The Landing, an event graciously hosted by Foodstuffs North Island. This kickoff marked the beginning of a collaborative journey to enhance governance and leadership across the sector.
The NRC is already looking to the future, with the next call for secondees scheduled to open in August 2025. This ongoing cycle of development demonstrates a firm commitment to fostering talent and ensuring the road freight industry remains dynamic and resilient for years to come. The organisation plans to refine the programme based on the outcomes and feedback from its first year.
