Come blistering heat or torrential rain (the jury’s still out on that one … c’mon MetService), Saturday, 3 February 2024 will go down in the hearts and minds of Kiwi trucking enthusiasts as a day they’ll never forget. Of course, I’m talking about the Southpac Trucks KW100 celebration tomorrow at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, in honour of the Kenworth brand’s centenary in 2023.

Registrations have been open for more than six months, and it only took a couple of weeks for the numbers to eclipse the 50 years of Kenworth in New Zealand event (301 trucks). With the trucks streaming onto Mystery Creek since 10am yesterday, visitors can expect to revel in a display of hundreds, upon hundreds of Kenworths.

There is no shortage of famous marques that rightfully hold their place in the annals of trucking in New Zealand. For many, Kenworth will be – is – at the top of that list. The overwhelming response to this event – the enthusiasm for it from the youngest truck-crazed kid and the punter who proudly boasts a tattoo of the Bug, to some of the greatest names behind some of the most famous liveries we see every day – proves one thing beyond doubt: This is a brand that means so much to so many, one that has ignited passion and endeavour, advanced lives and livelihoods, built legacies and nations.

Speaking like this, you may think I have a sneaky Bug tattoo of my own. No, it’s just that New Zealand Trucking Media has been lucky enough to spend the past couple of days onsite to play our little part in recording the event on the pages of New Zealand Trucking and our digital platforms. I’m merely basking in the atmosphere, history, pride, passion and sense of inspiration already filling the grounds.

So, whether you’re a Kenworth diehard (in which case you need no convincing) or simply have a general passing interest in trucks (what am I saying? Look who I’m writing for), make sure you’re part of the celebrations from 10:30am to 4:30pm, Saturday 3 February 2024. It will be a day we’ll all be talking about for many years to come.

Take care out there,

Gavin Myers
Editor