Freightways
General Manager, Express Package
BCom, Auckland University
Aaron joined Freightways in 1995 as a Management Accountant. Aaron went on to hold branch and regional management roles in both the North and South Island with New Zealand Couriers. In 2008 Aaron returned to Auckland as General Manager for Messenger Services Ltd (MSL) which includes SUB60, Kiwi Express and Security Express. After 9 years with MSL the opportunity presented itself to become the General Manager of Post Haste Group which comprised of Post Haste Couriers, Castle Parcels and Now Couriers. After spending 20 years building teams and improving margins Aaron has been promoted to lead the NZ Express Package businesses, as General Manager Express Package, from March 2024. Business units inside his portfolio include New Zealand Couriers, Post Haste Group, MSL and the newly acquired Freightways Global.
B.Com, LLB (Hons)
David was appointed to the Board in April 2022. David is a professional director and has a strong background in strategy and finance with over 20 years investment banking experience, including as Co-Head of Investment Banking in New Zealand for Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Craigs. During his finance career David has advised on many of New Zealand’s largest capital market transactions. David is also a director of NZME Limited, Goodman (NZ) Limited, Rangatira Limited and Contact Energy Limited.
Chairman
BE(Hons), BBS, MMGT, FEngNZ, CFInstD
Mark was appointed a Director in April 2021. He was Chief Executive of Port of Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest and most successful port, from 2005 until his retirement in June 2021 to pursue a full-time governance career. Mark was previously Chief Executive of Toll Owens Limited and Owens Cargo Company Limited. Mark has extensive experience in logistics, infrastructure, contracting and significant exposure to capital markets. Mark is also a director of Auckland International Airport Limited.
LLB (Hons), BCA, CF Inst D, INFINZ (cert)
Abby was appointed a Director in June 2018. She is a professional director with over 13 years’ governance experience, with qualifications in both law and accounting. Abby has experience in a range of senior management, finance and legal roles, with a focus on corporate finance and commercial transactions. Abby is currently a director of KMD Brands Limited.
Freightways Information Services (FIS) is an internal shared services provider of information technology and advisory services to the Freightways businesses. It is responsible for managing Freightways’ overall information technology infrastructure and maintains relationships with selected external information technology suppliers. FIS is also responsible for the design, development, maintenance and support of Freightways’ in-house express package application software. FIS has extensive experience in managing mission-critical, high-volume transaction processing systems and works closely with the Freightways businesses to apply this experience to the development of secure, robust commercially-focused information systems. FIS is ISO 27001 certified, meaning their systems are security-compliant and follow an internationally-recognised security framework. View their Information Security Management System (ISMS) Policy here.
Stocka is a third-party logistics (3PL) company that specialises in online fulfilment services for parcel-sized items across a variety of industries. Whether it’s for growing e-commerce brands or large global companies, Stocka ensures that your goods are securely stored and orders are dispatched efficiently and accurately, thanks to our Freightways partners.
Head of People and Culture
Ami Van Gils is our Group Head of People and Culture. Ami is responsible for driving the people-related strategic priorities of the business. Prior to joining Freightways, Ami worked for a number of multinational companies including Kuehne + Nagel and Deloitte. She is a commercially focused, empathetic HR Leader with a passion for offering pragmatic advice and building strong, high performing teams. We will utilise Ami’s experience right across our employee life cycle – including recruitment, talent and capability management, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, learning & development, and remuneration.
Ami has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Auckland Majoring in Psychology.
The Information Management Group (TIMG) has over 30 years of industry experience in both Australia and New Zealand. TIMG are the experts in information management, with a focus on innovatively helping businesses to securely and efficiently transform, manage or destroy their business information. This includes but is not limited to imaging and document capture/extraction, customised workflow solutions, data storage, cloud backup, disaster recovery solutions, app development, physical document/file storage and document / E-Waste destruction.
The Information Management Group (TIMG) has over 30 years of industry experience in both Australia and New Zealand. TIMG are the experts in information management, with a focus on innovatively helping businesses to securely and efficiently transform, manage or destroy their business information. This includes but is not limited to imaging and document capture/extraction, customised workflow solutions, data storage, cloud backup, disaster recovery solutions, app development, physical document/file storage and document / E-Waste destruction.
General Manager, Freightways
Neil has 30 years’ diverse experience in the transport and logistics sector, holding senior management positions within the road, rail and shipping industries in both New Zealand and the United States. He has been with Freightways for over 20 years, having started as a Management Cadet fresh from school before specialising in Sales for Freightways then International Freight division. Since 2004 Neil has held a number of General Management positions in the Express Package division. He is currently General Manager, Freightways where he holds responsibility for the Information Management division in NZ and Australia, DX Mail, Dataprint, Parceline Express and Fieldair and is actively involved in Freightways’ mergers and acquisitions programme.
General Manager, Express Package Division
Steve Wells is best known in the freight industry for his 20 year tenure as General Manager of New Zealand Couriers. A freight and logistics expert, Steve has used his ability to commercialise complex networks utilising high value assets for over 30 years. Today, Steve applies his proficiency to head up the largest division in the Freightways portfolio—Express Package Division, as General Manager. Brands inside his portfolio include New Zealand Couriers, Post Haste, SUB60, Castle Parcels, NOW, Stuck, Kiwi Express and Security Express.
Allied Express is the largest independent courier and express freight company in Australia with offices in major cities and a fleet of over 1000 vehicles. They provide a range of fast and efficient transport services and go beyond just delivering products to operate as a transport partner. Allied mirrors their clients’ service and commitment to their customers and ensures that their reputation as a consistent and reliable supplier is upheld. With Allied, customers can entrust their products to be delivered safely and efficiently.
ProducePronto have been working with companies in Auckland and around New Zealand to ensure staff are healthy and motivated with our office fruit basket deliveries since 2011. We’re New Zealand’s most flexible corporate fruit delivery company supplying business’s with fresh fruit baskets every week.
LitSupport helps law firms, corporations and government agencies within Australia find, process and present information.
An integral part of the Freightways infrastructure, Parceline Express operates our line-haul on all the arterial roads in New Zealand. A vital connector, Parceline Express’ big trucks provide our brand family with a dedicated daily multi-link to main airports and links between our main centres and the provinces. View Parceline’s Privacy Notice here.
Fieldair Holdings Limited’s primary purpose is to support the operation of a fleet of Boeing 737-400 freight aircraft under the Parcelair joint venture arrangement, which operate nightly dedicated air linehaul services between the North and South Islands. It provides crewing and support services for these aircraft and for external customers including The Life Flight Trust. Freightways acquired Fieldair in November 1999, gaining full control of its air linehaul requirements and avoiding reliance on any external party.
Shred‐X is a nationally recognised secure destruction provider with the highest industry accreditations. Shred-X offer a Privacy Act compliant service for the collection, transportation and destruction of sensitive data with the most extensive direct service coverage in the industry. The Shred-X service includes document destruction, e-waste, media and hard drive destruction, archive box and purge destruction, textile and product destruction. Shred-X are also industry leaders in ethical and sustainable recycling providing paper recycling, printer waste solutions and e-waste recycling and are the largest provider of recycled office paper to Australian paper mills significantly reducing greenhouse emissions and deforestation.
Med-X Healthcare Solutions provide products and services for the safe and secure handling, treatment and disposal of clinical waste and related services including sharps, washroom and hygiene services and chemical waste and pharmaceutical disposal in Australia. Med-X are committed to exceptional customer service and the development of innovative and sustainable practices.
Pass The Parcel is a simple online courier solution designed with Kiwi online traders in mind. Developed and backed by Freightways courier powerhouse, Post Haste, Pass The Parcel keeps the courier engagement process simple, fast and hassle-free – and it even syncs with Trade Me.
Security Express is the secure-logistics arm of Freightways, serving the security needs of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch businesses and beyond. A complete, capable secure service, from call to consignment delivery ensures Security Express is positioned as the nimble, hardworking brand in direct competition to the large security companies.
25+ years of experience firmly establishes this brand in the parcel distribution market. With two branches in Auckland, one each in Wellington and Christchurch, Castle Parcels is perfectly located to serve the non-document needs of businesses around New Zealand. Their next and two-day nation-wide service ensures all urgent parcel needs are met.
This 2005 acquisition to the Express Package division strengthened Freightways’ position in the time-sensitive courier sector. Kiwi Express offers a strong national courier network characterised by responsiveness, investment in up-to-the-minute technology and knowledgeable people.
A Freightways acquisition in 2008, NOW Couriers complements our Express Package division with New Zealand Couriers, Post Haste and Castle Parcels. Specifically NOW Couriers specialises in responsive, friendly service for Auckland businesses with national courier needs. NOW Couriers is backed by Freightways’ 50 years of experience in the hub and spoke courier industry.
Developed to service your more unusual, hard-to-solve freight requirements in a one-stop logistical shop. Stuck uses the expertise and horsepower of the Freightways group to plan and move oversized, uncommon items anywhere in New Zealand and the world. It’s the place you go to when the competition says ‘they can’t’.
SUB60 was formed in 1982 and is the largest nationwide time sensitive courier company in New Zealand. Based in three main centres – Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, SUB60 is perfectly positioned to serve the point-to-point courier needs of other nationwide businesses.
Dataprint works to revolutionise the traditional mail house sector, offering a combination of conventional and digital mail house solutions, from creation, management to archive. Dataprint is a perfect fit for enterprise companies that process large volumes of transactional electronic communications.
DX Mail began in the 1970s as an interchange system for lawyers exchanging documents between practices, and through hard work, passion and commitment, DX Mail have grown to become leaders in business mail communication.
Big Chill is a New Zealand market leader in temperature-controlled transport, specialising in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and time critical parcel freight, both chilled and frozen. Big Chill operates a fleet of over 200 temperature-controlled trucks and trailers through its nationwide network of depots and purpose-built cool stores.
20 million kilometres per year, through 300 towns and cities in New Zealand keeps this brand an integral part of our business to business, network courier infrastructure. Positioned in the wide and lucrative mid-market segment ensures Freightways customers have an imperative market choice in terms of service levels and price point.
Freightways’ flagship brand is positioned as the premier provider of network courier services to New Zealand businesses. Specialising in express parcel delivery, service standards range from 2.5 hours for local deliveries, to overnight by 9.30am for nationwide deliveries. New Zealand Couriers sits at the premium service/premium price end of Freightways’ multi-brand strategy. New Zealand Couriers is Freightways’ largest brand by revenue and operating earnings.
General Counsel & Company Secretary
LLB (First Class Hons)/BA, University of Canterbury
Nicola is responsible for the legal, regulatory and secretarial functions of Freightways, providing strategic legal and commercial guidance across the Group both in New Zealand and Australia. She has extensive corporate and commercial experience, having worked in leading law firms and as part of in-house teams in various industries (financial services, technology, telco), both in New Zealand and the UK. Most recently she spent a number of years as Senior Legal Counsel at Vodafone New Zealand. Nicola joined Freightways in 2021.
Chief Information Officer
PhD, Georgetown University
Matthew understands the reliance Freightways has on a robust information technology platform. Joining the business as recently as 2016, Matthew brings capability to continuously transform the business’s digital environment and manage its dynamic needs to best advantage and use of resource, both in New Zealand and Australia. Prior to Freightways, Matthew has held similar leadership roles in telecommunications and tertiary education sectors.
Chief Financial Officer
MBA (University of Cape Town), Master in Finance (Institut d’Etudes Politiques of Paris)
Stephan brings to Freightways extensive commercial experience, built through several Senior Financial roles in New Zealand, Brazil and China for companies such as Fonterra and Air New Zealand (where he recently was the Acting CFO). Stephan heads the financial team across the Freightways Group and is passionate about leveraging a deep understanding of the business’ commercial performance to ensure a successful implementation of its strategy.
Chief Executive Officer
BMS, Waikato University
Mark’s succession to Chief Executive in 2018 is another example of Freightways’ ability to nurture talent from within. Beginning in 1996, Mark’s progression through the business was marked by a number of roles in sales and marketing at New Zealand Couriers before becoming General Manager of Post Haste in 2003. In 2009 he became General Manager for Freightways overseeing the development of the Information Management Division. Mark’s experience spans; sales management, brand development, managing operational units, mergers and acquisitions, developing emerging businesses and corporate oversight.
PMD Harvard
Peter was appointed a Director in July 2016. He brings to Freightways many years of senior executive experience with the Lion group of companies in both New Zealand and Australia. Peter’s last executive roles were as Managing Director of Lion Nathan New Zealand and Managing Director of Lion Dairy and Drinks, based in Melbourne. Peter retired from Lion in 2014 and has since developed his career in governance. Peter is involved in a number of private companies both in New Zealand and in Australia.
BE(Hons), MEM
Mark was appointed a Director in September 2015. He has extensive experience in the technology sector, with a decade’s governance experience, predominantly in the high tech and innovation space. An electrical engineer by training, with widespread operations and marketing experience, he spent 4 years on the senior executive team of Vodafone NZ, where among other things he had executive accountability for the fixed line business and as Director of Marketing. Mark previously served as chief executive of Pacific Fibre, ihug and financial services company, Paymark Limited. Mark is currently Chief Executive Officer of private equity owned UP Education and a director of a number of private companies.
LLB, BA, CF Inst D
Fiona was appointed a Director in July 2021. She is a professional director, holding governance roles across a range of business sectors including renewable energy, natural gas, technology, and financial services. She is a director (and Audit Committee Chair) of Gentrack Group Limited, the First Gas Group, BNZ Life Insurance Limited and BNZ Insurance Services Limited and Wynyard Group Limited (in liquidation). Fiona’s Executive career was in the financial services sector in New Zealand and overseas. In New Zealand, her roles included Chief Operating Officer of Westpac’s investment arm, BT Funds Management, and General Manager of AMP NZ’s Wealth Management division. In Sydney and London, Fiona managed the Risk and Operations function for AMP’s private capital division. Prior to this, Fiona was a senior corporate and commercial solicitor in New Zealand and overseas, specialising in mergers and acquisitions.
