Watched by students from Pukerua Bay School, RTF representative John Anderson (L G Anderson Transport) presents the cheque to Pukerua Bay School deputy principal Andrew Wooster. On the left is Darren Varcoe (Capital Journeys Wellington) and on the right Sandy Walker (RTF area executive).

The Road Transport Forum has presented a $1000 donation to Pukerua Bay School deputy principal Andrew Wooster to say ‘thanks‘ for the incredible support the Pukerua Bay community gave to truckies caught up in the State Highway 1 closure on 19 October.

“With hundreds of drivers trapped for 16 hours the Pukerua Bay community took it upon themselves to look after them,” says RTA area executive Sandy Walker, who presented the donation with local operator John Anderson of LG Anderson Transport.

“The locals really stepped up and we have heard nothing but praise from our drivers for what the Pukerua Bay residents, school and businesses did to keep them comfortable.

“We have received reports of people paying for pizzas out of their own pocket to give to drivers, local shops and residents offering refreshments, and barbeques being fired up to feed everyone. The good folk at Capital Journeys were also on hand all day and provided port-a-loos for everyone stranded.”

RTF chairman Neil Reid says that the entire industry is grateful for such heartfelt support.

“It once again proves that New Zealanders understand what an important role truck drivers play in our communities and are appreciative of the challenging job they do.

“The $1000 donation is a mere token of our industry‘s gratitude but we hope that the school, Pukerua Bay residents and local businesses know just how thankful we are for what they did.”

Reid said praise must also be given to the NZ Transport Agency for doing their best to keep operators informed of the situation through their various communication channels.