The sun shone, the engines roared, and the crowds turned up in droves. Thousands flocked to Christchurch in March for the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show 2025, a spectacular two-day event that reinforced its status as far more than just a truck show – it’s a true celebration of the transport industry.

The event kicked off with an action- packed trade day on Friday, bringing together key industry players, professionals and aspiring transport workers for a mix of networking, knowledge sharing, and hands- on experiences. Exhibitors set the scene with live demonstrations and interactive sessions, making for a highly engaging day.

A standout session was the HARMfree Connect event, where the Laura Ferguson Brain Injury Trust delivered a compelling presentation on concussion awareness, shedding light on the hidden dangers of head injuries in transport-related work. Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CiLT) health, safety and wellbeing series marked the 10-year milestone of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, offering a platform for in-depth discussions with leading safety experts. Industry veteran Dave McCoid led a robust Q&A session, helping attendees navigate the ever-evolving landscape of workplace safety.

The TruckSafe NZ Programme also took centre stage, with programme manager John Sansom announcing the completion of the SMS review. He introduced the newly appointed directors and confirmed Avid Plus as the programme’s official auditor. A special highlight was a guest appearance by the Australian chair of TruckSafe, Paul Fellows, who shared his journey toward accreditation and the positive transformation it brought to his business.

One of the most inspiring sessions of the day was the Transport Women event. Social media sensation Casuarina Smith, creator of Trucking with CJ, captivated the audience with her unconventional journey into trucking, while Jenny Fellows, the 2024 Australian Transport Woman of the Year, shared how she balanced family life with expanding her business and launching a driver education programme.

As the sun set, Ancra Cargo’s Happy Hour provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to relax and connect at the NZ Trucking Association’s industry networking event. With a buzzing atmosphere and plenty of industry banter, it was the perfect lead-up to the main event, show day.

Saturday’s showstopper moments

Saturday kicked off at 5am as an impressive fleet of show and shine trucks rolled in from across the country. Despite a brief morning drizzle, the excitement was palpable. By 9am, a sea of spectators had gathered to admire the craftsmanship behind nearly 350 immaculately presented trucks, explore exhibitor stalls and take part in an array of family-friendly activities.

A major highlight was the BP Classic Truck Showcase, where enthusiasts took a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Some of the trucks had been restored to their former glory – if not better – demonstrating the passion and dedication of their owners.

The TR Group Trucking Relay hosted by Mark Harvey proved to be an unmissable attraction, drawing a massive crowd.

(Read article for all the winners’ details.) The Teletrac Navman Pit Stop and Kids’ Zone proved to be family favourites, featuring a giant bouncy castle, Road Metals sandpit, mini golf, the Carters tyre run, Bridgestone tile track and Valvoline pedal cars. The Safety MAN road safety truck was another major drawcard, delivering interactive demonstrations, including the Don’t Muck with a Truck video and a live motorcycle blind-zone awareness activity.

The Careers Transport hub provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with transport professionals and discover career pathways within the industry. A highlight was meeting Glen ‘Yogi’ Kendall, whose personal stories and advice left a lasting impact on the next generation of truckies. Industry leaders Mark Carter (Conroy’s Furniture Removals) and Pete Cochrane (TR Group) ensured that students were up to speed on the latest technology and employment opportunities in the sector.

The grand finale was the highly anticipated Show & Shine Awards Night, where the industry’s most dedicated truckies were recognised for their efforts. The judges had the tough task of selecting winners from an outstanding lineup of meticulously polished rigs, but the pride and passion on display made it all worthwhile.

The NZ Trucking Association extends its deepest gratitude to all exhibitors, sponsors, Show ‘n Shine drivers, volunteers, staff, partners, and attendees who contributed to making this event a tremendous success. This year’s show provided a much-needed morale boost amid a challenging economic climate, proving once again that the trucking industry’s spirit remains unbreakable.

Organised by a dedicated yet small team at the NZ Trucking Association, the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show represents countless hours of planning and hard work. Proceeds from the event support various local charities and sports groups, including Riding for the Disabled, City Mission, Kix Taekwondo, Christchurch Boys’ High School Sports Department, Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association and the Halswell Scout Group.

From start to finish, the 2025 show was an unforgettable experience, cementing its place as the ultimate industry gathering. Thank you to everyone who made it special; we can’t wait to see you again at the next event.