Fleet team shines at 2023 AFMA Awards

Our fleet team was celebrated as the winner of the Australasian Fleet Management Association’s (AFMA) 2023 Environment Award in recognition of outstanding commitment to sustainability, waste reduction, and greener fleet management.

Head of Fleet Jitesh Singh was also announced Fleet Manager of the Year.

It’s the first time in the 26-year history of the awards that one company has won two AFMA awards.

AFMA said of Jitesh and our fleet team:

"WMNZ has embarked on a transformative journey towards fleet electrification and decarbonisation and has been at the forefront of innovation and collaboration, working closely with international partners to bring cutting-edge electric vehicle technology to New Zealand.

"In addition to this technical prowess, Waste Management has fostered a culture of pride and enthusiasm among its 1,500 employees as they embrace the electric vehicle revolution.

"As Fleet Manager of the Year Jitesh is recognised for his knowledge and dedication to elevating the entire fleet industry. He is a true ambassador for safety, efficiency and sustainability.

"WMNZ’s notable achievements, under the leadership of Jitesh, include:

• Expanding its electric fleet with the addition of 97 EV passenger cars and 32 heavy EV trucks, with plans to deliver a further 20 trucks in 2023.
• Establishing the Electric Vehicle Innovation Hub in Auckland, New Zealand's first heavy EV conversion and repair workshop dedicated to converting diesel trucks into electric vehicles.
• Successfully converting 32 electric trucks, with a target of 50 conversions set for completion by the end of 2023.
• Achieving a milestone of over 1 million electric kilometres driven by the company's EV trucks.
• Introducing telematics, in-cab drive cam systems and AI camera technology to enhance fleet safety and efficiency.
• Collaborating with international partners, to develop and implement innovative fleet solutions across Waste Management NZ’s fleet.
• Development of specialist collection trucks to suit WMNZ’s customer and operational requirements with consideration to safety, innovation and efficiency."

The AFMA 2023 Awards are a platform for celebrating exceptional achievements and fostering professional development within the fleet management sector. The awards ceremony was attended by almost 700 guests all keen to learn from Waste Management and Jitesh’s journey. Congratulations Jitesh and team!