Beautiful weather and a big new venue brought trucks and people to one of the country‘s not-to-bemissed biennial events on the trucking calendar.

Photo: TIL Freight had 11 trucks on display and also provided rides for the public throughout the day

The 2019 Taranaki Truck Show was held on Sunday 10 March and New Plymouth turned on near-perfect weather conditions for the event. The biennial show is organised by the Taranaki Truckers Group, and their close connection to the transport industry was apparent, with a meticulously planned convoy and show that meant the entire day went off without a hitch. More than 140 trucks gathered early near Port Taranaki in preparation for the convoy, which took them through the heart of New Plymouth and out to Hickford Park in Bell Block, 13 kilometres from the starting point.

Hickford Park was a change in venue this year and proved to be the perfect location, with more than enough space to allow operators to bring their complete units along. This was a welcome change from previous shows when trailers were not permitted. The event was very well supported by local transport operators, with companies like J D Hickman, G J Sole, Uhlenberg Haulage and TIL Freight not only providing sponsorship, but also each having 10 or more trucks on display. Food stalls and various other activities kept the large crowds busy when they had finished admiring the immaculate trucks on display. Part of the entertainment was the transport operator tug of war competition, and this year bragging rights went to the team from Warner Construction. Proceeds raised from the show went to the Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter Trust, which is a lifesaving service in the Taranaki region. The coveted Truck of the Show trophy was awarded to the stunning W924 Kenworth from Uhlenberg Haulage, who also took out the People‘s Choice and Best Fleet awards.

Photo: One of three near-identical CF85 DAFs on display from Sanford Brothers.

Photo: There was plenty of support from the local transport operators. G J Sole turned up in force.This impressive heavy haulage unit, loaded with a D8 bulldozer, formed part of their line-up. 

Photos: The immaculate line-up from Uhlenberg Haulage deservedly took home the Best Fleet award. Inset: Uhlenberg Haulage took away the coveted Truck of the Show trophy with their stunning W924 Kenworth.

Photos: J D Hickman had 12 units on display, including their immaculate Kenworth T900 Legend.

Photo: A near-new T610 Kenworth logger from Freight and Bulk Transport.

RESULTS 2019 Taranaki Truck Show