Symons Group

Putting the brakes on for a well-earned feed! 🚛🍔

With our busiest season in full swing, it was great to get some of our New Plymouth and Waikato crews together for good food and a catch-up.

A big thanks to The Flying Pig Barbecue and Cosana for keeping everyone well fed!

To our drivers, logistics, operations, fleet, admin and everyone behind the scenes — thank you. We appreciate the hard work, long hours and teamwork that keep things moving, including those who couldn’t join us.

Here’s to the people who keep Symons rolling! 🙌

More than 275 people captivated by an evening with Willie Apiata VC

More than 275 people came together at the Plymouth International in New Plymouth on Thursday night for what proved to be a remarkable evening with Willie Apiata VC.

From the outset, Willie showed an extraordinary ability to tell a yarn. There was no polished corporate presentation or carefully packaged leadership speech. Instead, he simply took the room on a journey through his life, weaving humour, hardship, service and some incredibly raw moments together in a way that had more than 275 people completely enthralled.

We had promoted the evening as an opportunity for conversation, reflection and inspiration, particularly around leadership, resilience, service, courage and looking after the people around us. What Willie delivered went well beyond that.

He spoke about his early life and some of the challenges of his childhood, his journey into the New Zealand Special Air Service, and the experiences that would ultimately lead to him receiving the Victoria Cross.

But some of the most powerful parts of the evening came afterwards.

Willie spoke openly about his mental health and the challenge of coming to terms with life after receiving the VC. At times it was incredibly raw.

The evening was an emotional roller coaster. One moment the room was chuckling along as Willie recalled his hitchhiking exploits on the East Coast; not long afterwards, you could have heard a pin drop as he shared some of the toughest periods of his life.

It is hard to remember another occasion where more than 250 people remained so quiet for so long.

That ability to move effortlessly between humour and vulnerability, without ever making the story feel rehearsed, was what made the evening so powerful. Willie wasn’t lecturing the room about resilience or wellbeing. He was telling his story and allowing people to take from it what they needed.

The evening would not have happened without the vision and organisational ability of Building Wellness Taranaki. Their work to create opportunities for honest conversations about wellbeing, particularly across industries such as construction, engineering, transport, logistics and the trades, was central to bringing the event together. Those were also the sectors the event was originally intended to reach.

Symons Group was proud to underwrite the event and help make that vision a reality.

As a family-owned Taranaki business, we are highly invested in the community and region we operate in. Supporting an event like this isn’t about putting our name on something. It’s about helping bring people together and supporting conversations that matter to our people, their families and the wider community.

The Plymouth International proved to be a fantastic venue, and seeing a room of more than 250 people so completely engaged was something pretty special.

A huge thank you to Building Wellness Taranaki for making the evening happen, to everyone who came along, and, of course, to Willie Apiata VC for his generosity, honesty and willingness to share his story.

It was one of those nights that will stick with people for a long time.

Symons Group is committed to continue supporting the great work Taranaki Foundation does in running the Taranaki Youth Boost

From Taranaki Foundation latest update.

TYB is about backing our tamariki and rangatahi. When we invest in young people, the whole community rises.

Taranaki Youth Boost (TYB) was established through a partnership between Taranaki Steelformers, NP Partners and Taranaki Foundation and opened to the wider community in
2023.

Since then, the Fund has grown to more than $60,000, thanks to annual partner contribution, investment returns and the generosity of new supporters. A warm welcome to Cunningham Construction, our latest supporter.

Community support means we can now provide five $500 Boosts every month, helping 60 young Taranaki people each year pursue their goals.

Fund Performance

The success and growth of TYB is reflected across the wider Taranaki Foundation portfolio. As at 30 June 2026, the Foundation’s funds under management (FUM) had grown to more than $24.5 million, up from $12.1 million June 2025.

The portfolio has delivered an average annual investment return of 9% since inception.

These returns help grow the fund over time, while distributions from TYB support the monthly Boosts awarded to students. TYB is one of 132 funds held within the Taranaki
Foundation portfolio.

Impact Snapshot

18 Local businesses and individuals that support / have backed the programme since it began.

200 The total number of Boosts awarded since TYB began,
supporting the talents and ambitions of Taranaki’s young
people.

60 Annual number of boost given out per year.

Looking forward to seeing the upcoming recipients represent Taranaki.

https://youthboost.co.nz/

A shout out to our team who keep our local and line haul clients happy during our peak season.

A large break bulk shipment into Auckland has arrived and will keep the team busy the next week.

Symons Group have appreciated a great relationship with one of our VIP clients Marubeni Corporation led by Sales Manager Allan Hamilton here in New Zealand for many years.

Looking forward to seeing continued momentum building here in Taranaki.

A shout out to every member of our team involved in the first 40 days of the 2026 Fonterra Season.

To the Team we work with at Fonterra, our recruitment and people performance team, training team, our fleet team, logistics team, HSEQ team, finance team, leadership team and importantly our Driver Team a huge thank you.

A shout out also to all our partners across the north island that enable us to deliver a significant amount of fleet from a standing start to meet the flush as it comes on.

It’s a first this year moving Organic Milk from Taranaki to Waikato for processing.

Looking forward to a successful 2026 season.

Symons Group is very happy to support Building Wellness Taranaki to bring Willie Apiata VC here to Taranaki for a special evening of conversation, reflection, and inspiration.

Our “Why” is to provide an exceptional opportunity to be encouraged and inspired to the communities we work amongst.

Willie Apiata is one of New Zealand’s most respected servicemen and the country’s most recent Victoria Cross recipient.

Drawing on the experiences that have shaped his life, Willie shares practical insights into navigating challenges, maintaining wellbeing, and the people and values that have helped him along the way.

This event will be particularly relevant for people working in the construction, engineering, transport, logistics and trades sectors, where strong leadership, teamwork and wellbeing are critical to both personal and professional success.

WHEN: Thurs 22nd October 5:30pm
WHERE: Plymouth International

Limited tickets - Secure yours today!

https://lnkd.in/eH8HmNd9

We are looking for a new Sales & Logistics Coordinator

Symons Group is a Taranaki-owned transport, warehousing, waste, and logistics business operating across New Zealand. Established in 1984, we are entering an exciting growth phase, including a new 1,600m² warehouse facility launching in March 2027. We are seeking a proactive Sales & Logistics Coordinator to join our team, reporting to the Group Sales Manager.

💼 The Role Overview

This is a varied, commercially focused, and customer-facing role. At Symons Group, we believe in taking ownership—if it is your customer, it is your responsibility to find the solution. You will bridge the gap between sales and operations, creating viable logistics solutions rather than just processing paperwork.

📋 Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management: Maintain and expand existing customer relationships while identifying new revenue opportunities.

Pricing & Quoting: Prepare pricing and quotes for transport, warehousing, rail, and logistics services.

Freight Solutions: Gather supplier costs to develop practical import/export movements (sea freight, rail, container handling).

Cross-Team Collaboration: Work alongside transport, warehousing, and operations teams to deliver on customer commitments.

Proactive Tracking: Follow freight movements closely and keep customers informed.

👤 About You

Previous experience in transport, freight forwarding, shipping, warehousing, or sales is an advantage but not essential. We value attitude and ownership over day-one technical knowledge.

Qualifications & Skills:

Core Traits: Strong initiative, clear communication, and a willingness to learn.

Commercial Mindset: Comfortable working with numbers, costs, and pricing.

Ex*****on: Highly organized, adaptable to fast-paced environments, and proactive at problem-solving.

Eligibility: Must hold a valid NZ residency or work visa.

🎁 What We Offer

Career Growth: Mentorship from experienced logistics and commercial managers to build your industry expertise.

Work-Life Balance: A company culture that genuinely values family, health, and life outside the office.

Stability: The chance to grow alongside a well-established, expanding regional business.

How to Apply

If you are ready to take ownership and build a long-term career in sales and logistics, submit your application today.

https://nz.seek.com/job/94785161

At Symons Group, operational leadership isn't about simply keeping trucks moving - it's about taking ownership, making good decisions, and leading people to deliver the right outcomes.

We're looking for a Logistics Manager who can lead people and take ownership of a busy transport operation.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is comfortable with the details of the operation, but who can also step back, see what's coming, and make sure the team is prepared for it.

You'll be responsible for the day-to-day performance of the logistics operation, including drivers, rosters, customer requirements, and the decisions that keep the operation moving.

This role is accountable for outcomes, not just activity.

The Role

Reporting to the Group Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day running of the logistics team.

You'll be responsible for making sure we have the right people, trucks, and resources in the right place to meet our customers' requirements, while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and driver wellbeing.

You'll be a key point of contact for drivers and customers and will need to be comfortable dealing with problems as they arise.

This role is not about simply reacting to what's happening.

We want someone who thinks ahead, identifies problems early, and takes action before they become bigger issues.

You'll need to make decisions, take ownership of those decisions, and follow issues through to resolution.

What the Role involves

You will:

Lead the day-to-day logistics and dispatch operation.

Take ownership of driver allocation, rostering, and operational planning.

Balance customer requirements with drivers' wellbeing, safety, and operational capacity.

Be a key point of contact for drivers and customers, dealing with issues and finding practical solutions.

Work closely with Operations, Fleet, HSEQ, and the wider business to keep the operation running effectively.

Monitor operational performance and take action where standards or outcomes are not being met.

Manage compliance requirements, including driver hours, fatigue management, and transport regulations.

Coach and develop your team, build capability, accountability, and confidence.

Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and the way we operate.

Follow problems through to resolution rather than passing them on.

Build strong working relationships with customers and ensure commitments are delivered.

This Role is not

A roster-filling or dispatch administration role.

A position where problems are simply passed up the chain.

A role where operational issues can sit unresolved.

A position focused on managing from an office and being removed from the reality of the operation.

A role where being busy is confused with delivering results.

This is a hands-on operational leadership position. You'll need to be comfortable getting into the details, when required, while also developing your team so that you're not the only person who can solve the problem.

About You

This role suits someone calm, practical, and comfortable with accountability.

You are likely to bring:

Proven experience leading people in an operational environment in transport and logistics

The ability to take ownership and follow things through to an outcome.

Confidence in making decisions and using good judgement when under pressure.

Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to think ahead and manage competing priorities.

A practical, hands-on approach and an understanding of the realities of a busy transport operation.

Strong people skills and the ability to build trust, accountability, and capability within a team.

The confidence to have direct conversations when expectations or standards aren't being met.

The ability to work constructively with people who may challenge your decisions - and the confidence to challenge others when required.

Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with drivers, customers, and the wider business.

A genuine interest in developing your own leadership capability and the people around you.

Exceptional computer skills and confidence with technology, experienced in using transportation management systems.

A strong commitment to safety, compliance, customer service, and operational performance.

Support and Leadership

You'll be part of the wider Symons leadership team and will work closely with Operations, Fleet, HSEQ, People & Performance, and Training & Capability.

You won't be expected to solve every issue yourself.

Your responsibility is to lead your team, own the operation, and know when to bring the right people into the conversation.

What matters most in this role is your ability to lead, make decisions, take ownership, and deliver outcomes.

On-call Requirement

Transport is not limited to office hours. This role includes an agreed level of evening and weekend on-call support, and you'll need to be comfortable providing leadership when the operation requires it.

Why join the team at Symons?

With a passion for trucks, Graham Symons established Symons Transport in 1984, based in Taranaki. From a small farm shed and one truck, we have now grown into one of the leaders in our industry here in New Zealand and are working for some of the country's most reputable companies.

As Symons Group grows, we have developed services that deliver a "one-stop-shop" solution. This encompasses four successful business units: Transport, Property, Warehousing, and Waste Remediation Services. As such, we can provide an integrated supply chain to our clients, tailored to their business requirements.

And what has made us successful and continues to drive our growth? Simple. Our people.

Apply Now https://nz.seek.com/job/94574256?tracking=SHR-WEB-SharedJob-anz-2

If you're an operational leader who enjoys working with people, solving problems, and taking responsibility for outcomes, we'd like to hear from you.

Symons Group Transportation Service

Reality!

While we like to celebrate the good things happening.

The reality is there are times that remind us about what can happen in a moment of time.

Last Thursday we as a company, as a team had to face up to the reality of the industry we are in and the risks that come with it.

The single most important thing is our team member returned home safely.

A big thank you to our client, industry partners, the police and traffic management for the various roles everyone played.

We never stop learning, another lesson learnt.