New Zealand Taxi Federation 60th Annual Conference
By Rex Morrow
It was a full and interesting
program with the theme for the Conference being: ‘Every Federation Member- A Taxi
Professional’. In addition, NZTF members present were privileged in being the first
to see and drive the New Ford Falcon during the opening of the conference. It has now been
released to the general public. During it’s three days, the conference was addressed
by a number of people giving their view on professionalism as they saw it pertaining to
the taxi industry. There were also speeches on training methods as "…a means of
achieving professionalism".
We were also addressed by the NZ Minister of Transport, Maurice Williamson
focusing on policy matters for the future of transport in New Zealand. Mr
Williamson’s address can be seen on:
http://www.executive.govt.nz/
minister/williamson/pp/taxi/index.htm
AIR, LAND AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
The Commercial Manager for Wellington International Airport Limited, Gary
Craig,, gave his perspective on his company’s view of taxi professionalism and the
criteria they set for allowing taxis
General Managers Rob Martyn and Jenny McIlroy of the Land Transport Safety Authority gave a presentation on the LTSA’s responsibility in encouraging taxi professionalism. This was followed with a panel made up of LTSA staff, who answered questions about regulations and compliance.
John Bowe, President of the Australian Taxi Industry Association, gave an update on the industry in Australia. He mentioned briefly deadlines and targets for buildings and vehicles to be wheelchair accessible. It was hoped that the government would accept a phased-in delivery time for wheelchair vehicles in order that the whole fleet did not have to become wheelchair capable at the same time.
Ian Brokenshire of Blue Star Taxis, Christchurch along with Bernie Hall of Gold Band Taxis, Christchurch spoke on ‘Taxi Driver Safety’ and outlined some of the procedures drivers can take to enhance their safety whilst also making delegates aware of some of the products on display by the sponsors of the conference.
SPECIAL FUEL OFFER, A SPECIAL NEW CAR - THEN DINNER!
A major presentation on the last session of Conference was by the main sponsor, the Ford
Motor Company.
The presentation showed the new model Falcon along with the special
arrangement made with Rockgas for the
Ford introduced a very competitive pricing package for members of the NZ Taxi Federation. Have a look at the new Falcon at:- www.ford.com.au follow the links for Falcon, Fairmont and XR series. Maybe you will see the Fairmont and XR versions in the UK although I can’t somehow see Dial-a-Cab using them!
It wasn’t all work at the conference, we had a MASH theme dinner on the second evening while on the third afternoon we had a tour of the area ending at Deerworld where we were entertained by the local ‘Tina Turner’.
On the last evening we had a dinner and dance provided by the Ford Motor Company. (Are you reading this LTI and Metrocab…Ed)
A very successful conference. The next one is being held in Blenheim at the top of the South Island. It is also being co-ordinated by a lovely Englishwoman who is a ‘new’ New Zealander and manager of a taxi company in Blenheim. Blenheim has the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand and lots of wineries. So you Dial-a-Cabbers - start making plans for your 1999 New Zealand holiday!! Merry Christmas, London…
