Tributes are flowing following the death of New Zealand transport publishing pioneer Trevor Woolston, whose career helped shape the country’s trucking media and transport events industry for more than four decades.
Allied Publications announced the passing of its managing director, describing Woolston as “the driving force” behind the company for many years.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our Managing Director, Trevor Woolston,” the company says.
“Trevor was the driving force behind Allied Publications for many years, leading with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the industries and people we serve.
“His passion for publishing, his dedication to our team, and the relationships he built across New Zealand will leave a lasting legacy.
“More than a leader, Trevor was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to so many. His wisdom, generosity, and genuine care for others touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him.
“Thank you, Trevor, for everything you gave to Allied Publications and our wider community. Your legacy will continue to guide us, and you will be deeply missed.”
Born into a trucking family, Woolston’s association with the transport industry began at an early age. He first drove a truck at 14 and was working as a paid driver by the age of 18.
After purchasing the family milk run in 1977 and later becoming a founding member of Dibble Independent Transport, Woolston became actively involved with the Road Transport Association, serving on its regional committee.
His biggest impact on the industry, however, came through publishing.
Frustrated by the lack of New Zealand trucking content in Australian magazines, Woolston launched the first issue of NZ Trucking magazine in March 1985 after encouragement from his wife, Sue.
He went on to establish some of the country’s best-known transport publications and events.
In 1989, Woolston organised New Zealand’s first national road transport exhibition at Mystery Creek, attracting more than 23,000 visitors, before launching truck racing at Pukekohe Raceway the same year. More than 25,000 spectators attended the inaugural Caltex New Zealand Truck Grand Prix, making it one of the country’s biggest sporting events of the year.
After a brief period managing industry publications for Independent Newspapers following the sale of NZ Trucking magazine in 1995, Woolston returned to focus on transport events before launching NZ Truck & Driver magazine in partnership with the Road Transport Forum in 1999.
Under Trevor and Sue Woolston’s leadership, Allied Publications expanded to publish NZ Truck & Driver, Equipment Guide, Truck Body & Trailer and NZ Logger.
Woolston was widely recognised for his contribution to the transport industry, receiving the Road Transport Forum’s Supreme Contribution Award in 2017 before being inducted into the New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame in 2020.
Beyond publishing, he was a long-time supporter of transport organisations, industry awards, exhibitions and charitable initiatives, with his sponsorships and donations benefiting the sector over many years.
His influence extended well beyond magazines, helping connect New Zealand’s transport industry through publishing, events and advocacy while promoting the people and businesses that keep the country’s freight sector moving.
