MIN-3043 – Stan Semenoff Logging Ltd
29 March 2019
This Min query provides more information regarding the revocation notice of Stan Semenoff Logging
Limited as discussed on Monday night.
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Whangarei based company, Stan Semenoff Logging Ltd (SSL), had a revocation notice served on 15
March 2019. The notice revoked the SSL transport service licence (TSL) and required SSL to cease all
TSL activity by midnight on 22 March 2019.
There was significant interest in the press release that the NZ Transport Agency (the Transport
Agency) sent out on 19 March 2019. The feedback received by the Transport Agency was largely
positive, including from First Union. A spokesman for First Union told journalists that some of his
drivers were too scared to speak against SSL for fear they might be in trouble with the Transport
Agency for excess driving time and speeding, even though they were strongly encouraged to behave
that way by the SSL management.
Transport Agency spokesperson, Steve Hazard, was later asked about this in an interview with Lois
Williams, a Radio NZ journalist, on 22 March 2019. Other media picked up on this story.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/385320/nzta-offers-northland-drivers-immunity-if-
they-will-talk
The Transport Agency recognises the complexities of the situation with SSL. It has been alleged (by
journalists and First Union) that SSL manipulates migrant workers into breaching basic safety
standard, due to their immigration status, and a concern that they (the drivers) might get in trouble
with the Transport Agency, they are fearful to speak up. To date, we have not had any drivers come
forward.
You will be aware that any employee is able to use the Protected Disclosure Act 2000,
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2000/0007/latest/DLM53466.html which provides for criminal
and civil immunity to an employee for disclosing unlawful behaviour about an employer if it involves
(amongst other things) a risk to public safety.
under the Official Information Act 1982
Released