The sun was shining, and the crowds came out in full force! Thousands attended the two-day event last weekend in Christchurch, making it a stand-out success. The TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show 2025 proved once again that it’s far more than just a truck show – it’s a full-scale industry celebration.
A Dynamic Friday Trade Day
Friday’s Trade Day set the stage with exhibitors hosting engaging on-site events. The HARMfree Connect session featured a powerful presentation from the Laura Ferguson Brain Injury Trust, raising awareness about concussion symptoms and their effects. Meanwhile, the CiLT Health, Safety & Well-being Series brought together respected leaders from transport and logistics to discuss the impact of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, marking its 10-year milestone. Dave McCoid led a robust Q&A session, allowing attendees to gain deeper industry insights.
TruckSafe NZ Program Manager John Sansom announced the completion of the SMS review, with the updated version set to go live shortly. He introduced the NZ Directors and revealed that Avid Plus has been appointed as the program’s auditor. Attendees were also privileged to hear from the Australian Chair of TruckSafe, who shared his journey towards accreditation and its positive impact on his business.
The Transport Women session was a highlight, filling the room with energy and inspiration. Social media sensation Casuarina, creator of Trucking with CJ, captivated the audience with her journey into the industry, while Jenny Fellows, Australian Transport Woman of the Year 2024, shared her incredible story of balancing family, business growth, and launching an education driver program.
Friday night saw the NZ Trucking Association host a fantastic Industry Networking Event, thanks to Ancra Cargo’s Happy Hour sponsorship. The gathering provided a chance for exhibitors and transport enthusiasts to connect, unwind, and prepare for the big day ahead, all while early-bird trucks rolled in for Show Day.
A Thrilling Show Day on Saturday
Saturday’s action started at 5am with the incredible Show & Shine trucks arriving from all over New Zealand. Despite an early drizzle, spirits were high, and as the sun broke through, the crowds poured in. By 9am, thousands had gathered to admire around 350 stunning trucks, meet exhibitors, explore the huge kids’ zone, and celebrate the pride and passion of the trucking industry.
One of the day’s standout moments was the TR Group Trucking Relay, which drew massive crowds. Hosted by Mark Harvey, the relay featured an unforgettable celebrity team, including Yogi (Glenn Kendall) from Outback Truckers, Casuarina (Trucking with CJ), and Dave McCoid (New Zealand Trucking magazine). Yogi’s forklift skills left the audience in awe, making for a spectacular event.
Relay Winners:
1st Place: Good Bastards (Hilton Haulage)
2nd Place: Mullet Madness
3rd Place: Better Bastards (Opzeeland)
Special Mention: Least Penalties – Concrete Chicks (Allied Concrete)
Best Dressed: Opzeeland (Trucking with CJ Award)
Meanwhile, the Teletrac Navman Pit stop, and kids’ zone was a magnet for families, with a giant bouncy castle, Road Metals sandpit, mini golf, Carters Tyre Run, Bridgestone Tile Track, and Valvoline pedal cars keeping young ones entertained all day. The Safety MAN Road Safety Truck also proved popular, educating visitors through the Don’t Muck with a Truck video and a live motorcycle blind zone demonstration.
Bp Classic Truck Showcase was a chance to remember the old days, showcasing trucks on the Legends lawn that were restored to their former glory in some cases better.
Careers Transport 2025 saw students gain valuable industry insights, engaging with professionals and exploring career pathways. A special highlight was meeting Yogi, who inspired students with his experiences and advice. Industry experts Mark Carter (Conroy’s Furniture Removals) and Pete Cochrane (TR Group) ensured students didn’t miss the latest technology and career opportunities.
The event wrapped up with the highly anticipated Show & Shine Awards Night, celebrating the dedication of truck drivers who spent countless hours preparing their vehicles. With tough competition, the judges had a challenging task selecting winners, but the joy on participants’ faces was a testament to their passion and hard work. A big thank you to Transcold and Fairfax Industries for their sponsorship.
Acknowledgments and Final Thoughts
The NZ Trucking Association extends its heartfelt thanks to all exhibitors, sponsors, Show & Shine drivers, volunteers, staff, partners, and the public for making this event a resounding success. This year’s show was uplifting for many, especially amid a slow economy, proving the strength and resilience of the trucking industry.
The TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show is organised by a dedicated yet small team at the NZ Trucking Association, with countless hours invested in delivering an event of this calibre. Proceeds from the show support local charities and sports groups, including Riding for the Disabled, City Mission, Kix Taekwondo, Christchurch Boys’ High School Sports Department, Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association, and the Halswell Scout Group.
Thank you for being part of it – we can’t wait to see you again at the next event!
