Truck enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered in their thousands at the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show 2025, held at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch on March 7-8, to celebrate New Zealand’s premier trucking event.
The event kicked off with a high-energy Trade Day, where exhibitors hosted a range of interactive sessions. This included the HARMfree Connect session, featuring a presentation from the Laura Ferguson Brain Injury Trust, raising awareness about concussion symptoms and their impact.
Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Health, Safety & Well-being Series brought together top transport and logistics leaders to discuss the effects of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, marking its 10-year milestone. NZ Trucking editorial director Dave McCoid led a robust Q&A session, giving attendees valuable industry insights.
TruckSafe NZ programme manager John Sansom took the stage to announce the completion of the safety management system (SMS) review, with an updated version set to go live soon. He also introduced the NZ directors and revealed that Avid Plus has been appointed as the programme’s auditor. The initiative will deliver a new accreditation system designed to elevate well-being and operational standards in the transport and logistics sector.
The concept has been shaped by the New Zealand Trucking Association’s (NTA) longstanding collaboration with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA). Drawing on over 27 years of success with TruckSafe Australia — a not-for-profit subsidiary of the ATA — the NTA has adapted the system to align with New Zealand’s regulatory and legislative landscape.
Attendees also had the chance to hear from TruckSafe Australia, who shared stories and examples around the accreditation system and how it has benefited businesses across the ditch.
Another highlight was the Transport Women session featuring YouTube sensation and social media influencer Casuarina Smith – better known as Trucking with CJ. Smith captivated the audience with her journey into the industry, while Jenny Fellows, Australian Transport Woman of the Year 2024, shared her inspiring story of balancing family, business growth, and launching an education driver programme.
The day concluded with the NZ Trucking Association’s industry networking event, made possible by Ancra Cargo’s happy hour sponsorship. The event provided a relaxed setting for exhibitors and transport professionals to connect and unwind before the main show day.
Trucking fans gather
Saturday’s Show & Shine event kicked off at 5am, as 350 gleaming trucks from across New Zealand rolled into Canterbury Agricultural Park. Despite a light drizzle early in the morning, the sun soon emerged, and thousands of visitors poured in to admire the trucks, meet exhibitors, and explore the extensive kids’ zone.
The BP Classic Truck Showcase was a trip down memory lane, featuring beautifully restored trucks on the ‘legends lawn’, some even in better condition than when they first hit the road.
One of the day’s biggest crowd-pullers was the TR Group Trucking Relay, hosted by Mark Harvey. The celebrity team included Yogi (Glenn Kendall) from Outback Truckers, Casuarina (Trucking with CJ), and Dave McCoid (NZ Trucking Magazine). Yogi’s impressive forklift skills wowed spectators, adding to the excitement of the event.
Relay Winners:
- 1st Place: Good Bastards (Hilton Haulage)
- 2nd Place: Mullet Madness
- 3rd Place: Better Bastards (Opzeeland)
- Special Mention: Concrete Chicks (Least Penalties) – Allied Concrete
- Best Dressed: Opzeeland (Trucking with CJ Award)
Meanwhile, the Teletrac Navman Pit Stop and kids’ zone was a major hit, featuring a giant bouncy castle, Road Metals sandpit, mini golf, Carters Tyre Run, Bridgestone Tile Track, and Valvoline pedal cars. The Safety MAN Road Safety Truck also proved popular, educating visitors on road safety through the Don’t Muck with a Truck video and a live motorcycle blind zone demonstration.
Inspiring the next generation
The Careers Transport 2025 initiative saw students engage with industry professionals and explore career pathways in transport and logistics. A highlight for many was meeting Yogi, who shared his experiences and advice with students. Industry experts Mark Carter (Conroy’s Furniture Removals) and Pete Cochrane (TR Group) ensured students got a hands-on look at the latest technology and career opportunities in the field.
The event wrapped up with the much-anticipated Show & Shine Awards Night, where truck drivers were recognised for their dedication and craftsmanship. The competition was fierce, making the judges’ decisions incredibly tough.
“The judges had a challenging task selecting winners, but the joy on participants’ faces was a testament to their passion and hard work,” organisers say. A special thanks was extended to Transcold and Fairfax Industries for their sponsorship.
The NZ Trucking Association expressed “heartfelt thanks” to exhibitors, sponsors, Show & Shine drivers, volunteers, staff, partners, and the public for making this year’s event a huge success.
“This year’s show was uplifting for many, especially amid a slow economy, proving the strength and resilience of the trucking industry,” organisers added.
“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 several 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.
