Safety-focused organisations from across Australia and New Zealand have been recognised at the 11th annual Australasian Fleet Champions Awards, celebrating the ongoing efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries involving work vehicles.
Run by Brake, the road safety charity, and supported by headline sponsor AutoSense, the awards highlight companies and individuals who have implemented effective initiatives, products, or services to tackle fleet risk and improve safety outcomes.
This year’s ceremony took place in Auckland, hosted by sports broadcaster Stephen McIvorand featuring guest Greg Murphy.
Alongside organisational categories, three individual awards were presented to fleet professionals making a personal impact on road safety — including the top honour, the Outstanding Commitment to Road Safety Award, which went to Gerard Jull of Waiotahi Contractors.
2025 Fleet Champions Award winners
Company Driver Safety Award – Oranga Tamariki with Custom Fleet (sponsored by First Rescue)
Road Safety in the Community Award – Tranzit (sponsored by Bridgestone)
Safe Vehicles Award – Foodstuffs North Island (sponsored by SG Fleet)
Sustainable Journeys Award – Waste Management (sponsored by Fleetcoach)
Fleet Driver Award – Ronald Harding, Linfox (sponsored by NZI Fleet Fit)
Road Risk Manager of the Year Award – Blair Inglis, Foodstuffs North Island (sponsored by Suzuki)
Outstanding Commitment to Road Safety Award – Gerard Jull, Waiotahi Contractors
Recognising leadership in safety
Caroline Perry, Brake’s New Zealand Director, said the event shines a light on organisations that put safety at the heart of their operations.
“We are delighted to see organisations working hard to help ensure their employees, contractors and other road users get home safely every day. The organisations represented at the awards are striving to make a real difference to fleet and road safety, and we hope their work and achievements inspire others to address their own risks too,” she said.
AutoSense CEO Charles Dawson said supporting the awards aligns with the company’s mission to improve fleet and driver safety across Australasia.
“At AutoSense, improving fleet and driver safety is at the core of everything we do. Supporting the Fleet Champions Awards is a natural extension of our commitment to helping businesses on both sides of the Tasman put driver safety and wellbeing at the heart of their operations,” he said. “We’re proud to stand alongside Brake to celebrate organisations that share our dedication to safer journeys for all.”
The awards underscore the critical role of fleet operators in shaping safer transport networks — recognising that every kilometre driven for work represents both an operational duty and a community responsibility.
