Dedicated to the cause TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show 2025

The 2025 TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show returned to the Canterbury Agricultural Park on 7 and 8 March.

Since 2014, the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show has been one of the biggest trucking get-togethers in the South Island – bringing together OEM and trade exhibitors, classic trucks, and Show ‘n Shine entrants.

While there was all that and more this year, it was disappointing that the show was smaller than expected, with some notable names missing. Nonetheless, with about 350 trucks on display, the crowds filled the park grounds on Saturday, the day the event was open to the public. The day might have started a little gloomy, but, as they say, always trust the locals … “It’s clearing from the south; she’ll be right,” they said. And it was. Before the morning was out, the sun had joined the show, and the rest of the day was a pearler.

A highlight of the show this year was the TR Group Trucking Relay competition, which allowed operators to go head-to-head and show off their loading/unloading, precision driving and teamwork capabilities. Hosted by TR Group’s Mark Harvey, the competition attracted entrants from all corners of the industry – including a media team of Glenn ‘Yogi’ Kendall from Truckin’ Life and Outback Truckers, Casuarina Smith (Trucking with CJ), and our own Dave McCoid.

All participants clearly had fun showing off their skills, and the Trucking Relay winners were:

The show has always been about promoting the trucking industry, celebrating the industry’s professionalism, showing off hundreds of New Zealand’s best working trucks, and inspiring the next generation. In this instance, the Careers Transport showcase allowed students from local schools to visit relevant exhibitors and learn about the opportunities in the industry.

There were hundreds of working and classic trucks on show, mainly from the South Island but also from the North. It’s one of the few shows that allows full combinations. The Classic Trucks Showcase and Legends Lawn were highlights this year, celebrating trucks from yesteryear.

Visitors numbered in the tens of thousands over the two-day event (official numbers were still to be released before we went to print), with a festive vibe among everyone there to celebrate trucks and trucking.

Paul Fellows, Australian Truck Safe chair, Jenny Fellows 2024 ATA National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year, and Kevin Walsh, Truck Safe manager ATA, also travelled across the ditch to visit the show. “Your presence strengthens the bonds between our associations and countries and our ongoing collaboration,” said New Zealand Trucking Association CEO Dave Boyce.

He also congratulated all Show ‘n Shine entrants: “The effort you guys and gals put into your gear is amazing. I’ve polished a few trucks in years past and I know the amount of work that goes in; it’s pretty impressive. We want to celebrate your dedication and pride. Well done to you all.”

He also thanked the team behind the scenes: “The association is a small but dedicated team, and their tireless effort made this possible. Led by Carol with Debbie, Bill, John and Katie, the NTA board and volunteers, your passion and commitment to this event and the industry as a whole deserves a huge round of applause.”

The NTA thanks all sponsors and exhibitors, with special mention to TMC for its ongoing support as title sponsor, as well as event partners Teletrac Navman, BP and TR Group.

Special thanks also go to the following sponsors, Ancra Cargo and Transcold (networking happy hour), Sime Darby (Best Hino, Best Mack, Best UD, Best Volvo), Penske (Best MAN, Best Western Star), Palfinger (Best Mounted Crane), Transpecs (Best Fleet, Best Tipper), Keith Andrews (Best Mercedes-Benz, Best Freightliner, Best FUSO), TWL (Best Small Fleet, Best OD Truck), Hammar (Truck of the Show), Spartan Finance (Peoples’ Choice, Drivers’ Choice).

Turn to the NTA’s column on page 108 for more on the show, including the Friday industry networking events and sessions, and to page 120 for more highlights from Little Trucker Down Under junior reporter Dustin Wright.

SHOW WINNERS