Transport Operators Warn of Driver Crisis Ahead of Christmas

Transport operators are sounding the alarm over a potential nationwide driver shortage as New Zealand approaches the Christmas season. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) recently revoked 440 commercial driving licences due to the discovery of false or altered documentation used during the conversion of overseas licences into New Zealand equivalents. This sudden action has raised concerns about the ability of the transport sector to meet demand during one of the busiest times of the year.

Industry stakeholders have expressed their fears that this decision could leave numerous trucks idle in depots when they are desperately needed. Navjot Sidhu, a transport operator advocating for the affected drivers, noted that many of those impacted are of Indian origin and had previously worked in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before relocating to New Zealand in 2022. “The Indian community has been disproportionately affected. These drivers form the backbone of New Zealand’s transport, logistics, and courier workforce,” Sidhu stated. He emphasized that the implications extend beyond the drivers themselves, impacting their families and the broader supply chain.

The loss of these drivers could disrupt essential supplies as Christmas approaches. “These are 440 families—thousands of people—who may soon be left without an income,” Sidhu added. This sentiment is echoed by Ranjit Singh, a transport operator in Tauranga, who employs four drivers, two of whom are now at risk of losing their licences. “You can’t replace these drivers overnight. I advertised for a year and couldn’t find a single local driver,” Singh explained, underscoring the challenges of recruiting and training new drivers.

Concerns about the economic impact of these licence revocations have also been raised by Parmjeet Parmar, an MP from the ACT Party. After meeting with affected drivers, she highlighted the immense pressure on freight and supply chains. “Standing down hundreds of experienced Class 5 drivers just weeks before Christmas will strain businesses that rely on this period for financial recovery,” Parmar stated. She noted that many of the drivers believed they had adhered to the correct licensing procedures, even if their documentation was later deemed problematic.

Sidhu revealed that an audit conducted by NZTA in July 2025 found that the licences in question had been obtained using documents that the agency now considers invalid. The issue primarily affects those in the heavy vehicle commercial categories. The document at the center of the controversy is a Dubai-issued supporting letter, a common requirement that had been accepted by NZTA for nearly two decades. “Drivers coming from the UAE have routinely submitted this document over the years, trusting NZTA’s past approval processes,” Sidhu explained.

The situation has become more complex due to a shift in interpretation regarding these documents, which is not believed to stem from any intentional wrongdoing by the drivers. Onkar, a transport company owner, noted that the UAE authorities do not provide the specific type of verification letter required by NZTA for licence conversion. “Many applicants submitted this document in good faith, relying on NZTA’s long-standing practices,” he stated.

Reports suggest that some drivers may have been misled by a Dubai-based provider who claimed to offer the necessary supporting letters. “Lured by the impression that this was the official letter recognized by New Zealand authorities, many drivers paid for it,” Sidhu said. The NZTA has since deemed these letters fraudulent.

The repercussions of the licence cancellations have been severe for many drivers. Hundreds attended a rally at the Takanini Gurdwara in South Auckland to voice their concerns. Amritpal Singh, who drove trucks in the UAE for 15 years before moving to New Zealand, expressed the emotional toll it has taken on his family. “They have taken away our family’s only source of income. How will I feed my kids now?” he lamented.

The situation has left many drivers in dire financial straits. Parminder Singh shared that he is struggling to pay rent after losing his ability to drive. “We have to rely on the generosity of friends just to attend this meeting,” he said. Kiranpreet Singh echoed similar frustrations, stating that families are being penalized for following what was long considered an accepted practice by NZTA.

Legal advocate Sarfaraz Khan is calling for a case-by-case remediation pathway for the affected drivers. “We are meeting with NZTA representatives soon to present the drivers’ case,” Khan stated, highlighting the need for clarity and fairness in the resolution process.

Confusion continues over the communications from NZTA regarding the drivers’ licences. Jitendra Singh, who runs a driving academy, noted that some drivers have been told their Class 5 licence is cancelled, while others have been granted lower-class licences, complicating their ability to drive legally. “We need to understand how NZTA is determining which clause applies to which driver,” he said.

In response to the situation, an NZTA spokesperson stated that the agency is acting on the revocation of licences following the discovery of fraudulent documentation. They noted that irregularities were identified during the July audit, prompting a thorough investigation.

As the holiday season approaches, concerns grow about the looming driver shortage. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has referred inquiries to NZTA, highlighting the operational nature of the matter. The situation remains fluid, with many stakeholders advocating for a resolution that balances the integrity of the licensing system with the livelihoods of those affected.