Visitors to Wanganui were spoilt for choice in January, with both the Vintage Weekend and Wheels in Wanganui ensuring there was something to keep everyone happy.

Photo: Paul Vennell from Auto Dispatch took the Best Kenworth award with this immaculate 2017 K200.

The Sunday of Wellington Anniversary Weekend in January was perfect weather-wise, and more than 2000 people came through the gates at the third biennial Wheels in Wanganui. A total of 130 vehicles were entered, including cars, motorcycles and trucks. “We had a lot more truck companies this year than the past two shows, and we had a lot of car clubs from Wanganui and Taranaki as well,” said organiser Angela Teal. This year there was a mock truck crash rollover display involving the police, ambulance, and fire service, with the vehicle recovery carried out by Truck Towing Ltd of Palmerston North.

More than $5000 was raised for the St John Ambulance Service from entry fees and truck rides. “We had a lot of drivers doing truck rides for the kids and families, that was a great hit. We really are thankful to them all for doing that,” said Angela. The show was supported by a number of Wanganui businesses, including McCarthy Transport, Watson Earthworks Ltd, Loaders, Wanganui Motors, BNT, Paintworkz, and TIL. “We were so overwhelmed by the support we had from the community as well. We couldn‘t have done it without our crew, who took time out of their lives to help us out.”

Photo: Dorothy Taylor‘s 1990 Mack Ultra Liner was popular with those waiting for truck rides, and won Best Mack.

Photo: A 1982 White Road Boss dwarfed the cars it was parked next to.

Photo: Aiden Sutton‘s 2014 TGX was voted Best MAN.

Photo: Blair Watson‘s impressive 1999 379 won him the Best Peterbilt award.

Photo: The Best Scania was this 2019 Scania R series of Sharp As, contracted to Open Country.

Photo: Rex McDermott took out Best Volvo with his immaculately presented 2019 FH.

Photo: Barry Parker from Truck Towing Ltd in Palmerston North brought along his Peterbilt tow truck and was part of a rescue display involving police, fire and ambulance.

Photo: A line-up of classic yellow and white trucks owned by Britton House Movers.

Photo: This 2003 4864FX owned by Richard Lennox from Wanganui Well Drillers took out Best Western Star.