The University of Otago’s new Fleet Manager Emma Dennison began in October. Her role involves managing the University’s 115-strong vehicle fleet as well as the more than 1500 carparks across campus.
The University of Otago’s new Fleet Manager has spent most of her career in the automotive industry, but in her spare time she’s much more likely to be tending to her vegetable garden than at the speedway.
Emma Dennison started at the University in late October and has spent her first couple of months getting to know the organisation and the range of customers within it.
Her role involves managing the University’s fleet of around 115 vehicles and trailers, as well as the more than 1500 University-owned car parks across campus.
But despite holding a Certificate in Automotive Parts and Accessories, and working with vehicles all day, Emma says her vocation doesn’t extend to being a hobby.
“I’ve been in the automotive industry for over 20 years – everything from owning my own garage, selling parts for trucks and most recently as a service manager at a local car dealership,” she says.
“Because of my career path, many people assume or ask if I follow motorsport in my spare time. But that would be a bit like bringing my work home, so I am very happy spending my weekends socialising with family and friends or looking after my vegie garden, which I love.”
Emma says the biggest industry change she’s seen during her career is the evolving technology and increased uptake of electric vehicles (EV).
“The EVs are obviously great from a sustainability perspective and reducing emissions. It can add some complexity from a vehicle servicing point of view though because sometimes parts can be hard to source or replace.”
In line with Tī Kōuka – The Sustainability Strategic Framework, the University’s fleet is becoming increasingly electrified. About a third of the fleet is now either fully electric or hybrid, she says.
“We’ve just recently procured seven new electric vans for our Trades Services team, and it’s our policy that any new or replacement fleet vehicles are electric or hybrid.”
Emma says that when it comes to the parking aspect of her role, the Parkable system introduced just over a year ago has helped to significantly improve casual parking options for staff and increase parking optimisation.
By using the Parkable app, University carpark leaseholders can indicate when their park will be vacant, and other staff can then pay to book it. Carpark lessees then receive credits the following month (discounted parking), minus some administration costs.
Emma says that since Parkable was introduced, utilisation of University-owned carparks during business hours has increased from 83 per cent to about 94 per cent.
A recent update of the app makes it even easier for casual users to find a park. If the carpark a casual user most recently booked is not available, the app will suggest another available park within the same precinct.
Emma says that her focus this year will be on updating relevant fleet and parking related policies and procedures.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to meet people from across the University, and discussing, understanding and meeting their fleet and parking needs,” she says.
-Kōrero by Manager, Communications Advisory Service Jamie Shaw
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