Transport operators are warning of a looming driver shortage in the lead-up to Christmas after the NZ Transport Agency revoked hundreds of commercial licenses earlier this month.
NZTA revoked 440 commercial driving licenses after discovering false or altered documentation that converted overseas licences to New Zealand equivalents.
Employers of the drivers have warned that the crackdown could leave a lot of trucks sitting in warehouses instead of transporting goods at the busiest time of year.
Navjot Sidhu, a transport operator who is advocating for affected drivers, said many of the drivers were of Indian origin and had been working in the United Arab Emirates before moving to New Zealand after borders reopened in 2022.
"The Indian community has been disproportionately and severely affected, as many drivers of Indian origin form the backbone of New Zealand's transport, logistics and courier workforce," Sidhu said.
"Long-serving, law-abiding drivers have suddenly found their livelihoods at risk."
Sidhu said the drivers' families had been unfairly caught up in the crackdown.
"It's not only 440 individuals," he said. "These are 440 families, including thousands of people with small children involved. Very soon, everyone will be on the streets.
"In addition - something the authorities probably haven't realised yet - this means 440 less trucks taking essential supplies all around the country.
"This impending commercial drivers' crisis would mean a lot o
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