She’s the most qualified ‘truckie’ in New Zealand
Watch out Thelma and Louise here comes Rhonda! Otagite Rhonda Didham is the first person to qualify for the New Zealand
Road Transport and Logistics Industry Training Organisation’s (NZRT ITO) National Certificate in Commercial Road Operations. Rhonda has also completed the National Diploma in Road
Transport Management making her the most qualified truck driver in New Zealand.
Approximately 3,500 people are registered as studying toward the NZRT ITO’s various truck transport industry qualifications, and about 30 of those are working on the National Certificate,
but sorry guys Rhonda got in first!
Rhonda’s achievement represents nearly three years of hard work, but through this effort she’s not only achieved her own
goals, she’s also made a significant contribution to the truck transport industry’s future. Because she was the first
trainee to undergo these courses, Rhonda provided the ITO with valuable feedback to tune its qualifications for industry
needs thereby paving the way for other trainees.
“We’re proud as punch of Rhonda”, said Tony Lansdown of the NZRT ITO. “This is a milestone for both the truck transport industry, and our new qualifications.”
Rhonda’s presentation will take place in Dunedin on Thursday. Rhonda’s employer, Errol Gardener, General Manager of NZ
Van Lines and her other colleagues will be hosting the event. Also attending will be Tony Lansdown and Simon Keown from
the NZRT ITO, as well as Dave Potter of the Road Transport Association. Kris Bennett, Michael Perkins and Lindsay Guild from
Otago Polytechnic will also be cheering Rhonda on.
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