Last held in 2021, the Taranaki Truck Show returned over Easter Weekend 2024. The biggest event yet, it had clearly been missed.
The 2024 Taranaki Truck Show kicked off at 9am on Sunday 31 March with an impressive convoy from Centennial Drive at Port Taranaki in New Plymouth to the show’s traditional venue, Hickford Park, Bell Block.
A Trade Me auction was held to determine the lead vehicle, which was won by JD Hickman.
It was a beautiful Easter Weekend, sunny with a cool breeze – and great views of the mountain.
According to the Taranaki Truckers Group Committee, the 2024 show presented the largest turnout of trucks yet, with an estimated 180 attending. The show attracted local enthusiasts and families alike, with several having picnics alongside their trucks. There were food stalls aplenty and activities to keep future little truckers entertained.
The local fire department put on a great demonstration, alongside Hato Hone St John in attendance.
After the last show, Michielsens Transport was the reigning champion of the Uhlenberg Haulage tug-o- war challenge, but this year, the Taranaki Truckers Group Committee won out.
A total of $17,719 was raised for the Taranaki Retreat and Waimanako, a suicide prevention initiative.
The Taranaki Truckers Group Committee would like to thank each of the 40 show sponsors and the volunteers who helped on the day, as well as all the drivers who came along to support the show, with a special thanks to the Taranaki community.
Here’s looking forward to the next show in 2026.
Taranaki Truck Show winners
Best Mack | Ryan Gadsby | Gadsby Haulage – Mainfreight | Super-Liner |
Best Kenworth | Jon Murray | Beale Trucking | K200 |
Best Volvo | Mark Mackle | Mark Mackle Contractors | FH12 |
Best Isuzu | Jayden Baird | Michielsens Transport | CYJ530 |
Best Hino | Rick Payne | Roebucks | 700 |
Best Freightliner | Stewart Rolls | Reliable Distributors | Argosy |
Best DAF | Richard Kotlowski | GMC haulage – Mainfreight | XF105 |
Best Mercedes-Benz | Mike Fale | MC Fale Transport | Arocs |
Best Western Star | Chris Garrett | Log Haul Taranaki | 4884FXC |
Best Iveco | Tori Van Klink | Agtrans | Stralis |
Best MAN | Les Lyford | Move Logistics | TGX 35.540 |
Best Fuso | Michelle Wilmshurst | NP Towing | Fighter |
Best UD/Nissan | Will Bishop | Hynds | CW 26 390 |
Best Scania | Brendan Rowlands | Rowlands Transport | S620 |
Best International | Brendon Clegg | Bunn Earthmoving | 9200i |
Best Other | Ethan Boyce | Titan Cranes | Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 |
Best Fleet | Uhlenberg Haulage | ||
Best Logger | Darryn Warren | McCarthy Transport | Kenworth T659 |
Best Tanker | Tyson Mascull | BHL Feeds | Kenworth T610 SAR |
Best Curtainsider | Shaun Dickie | Duo Transport | Kenworth T909 |
Best Flat Deck | Stewart Rolls | Reliable Distributors | Freightliner Argosy |
Best Bulk Unit | Ross Larking | Michielsens Transport | Volvo FM 500 |
Best Stock Unit | Colin Liddall | Sandford Livestock | Iveco Stralis |
Best Special Purpose | Murray Russell | Bosco Contracting | Mack Super-Liner |
Best Tractor Unit | Shane Tito | Tito Transport | Scania S660 |
Best Rigid | Justin Tito | Uhlenberg Haulage | Kenworth W923 S2 |
Best Classic | Charlie Ruakere | JD Hickman | Kenworth K100E |
Best Vintage | Symons Transport | Model A Ford | |
Truck of the Show | Jon Murray | Beale Trucking | Kenworth K200 |
Tug-O-War | Taranaki Truckers Group Committee |