May 23, 2019
Semenoff trucks stay on roads until trial
The High Court has extended an interim order allowing Stan Semenoff Logging to continue in operation until a substantive hearing over alleged safety breaches.
The New Zealand Transport Agency is trying to shut down the firm responsible for moving more than half Northland’s log harvest, claiming a pattern of safety violations including drivers not taking proper rest breaks, speeding offences and vehicles failing compliance checks.
Justice Christian Whata also agreed media could show a secretly-recorded video of Mr Semenoff discussing the company’s rest break policy with a driver, but he said any broadcast must be balanced with the former Whangarei mayor’s explanation of the conversation.
Justice Whata says he is satisfied the Transport Agency’s concerns about safety are justified, but the three defendants have 90 plus years of experience between them and no record of fatal accidents involving trucks under their control.
The interim order is therefore appropriate, subject to conditions to protect the public, possibly including a new global positioning system to be fitted on the truck fleet.
The case has taken on political significance because of questions asked by Regional Economic Development and Forestry Minister Shane Jones about the consequences to the Northland economy of the region’s biggest log hauler being shuttered.
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