Little Trucker Down Under, Autumn 2023

$8.50 | Autumn 2023 | Issue 6

677008 9 772744

ISSN 2744-6778

$8.50

r o f s i h t t u o b a t a h

! d n u o r g y a l p a

W

Do you want to be in and around transport and logistics when you grow up? We did! Now, we’re working around the trucks we love with great people who also love trucks – and we have fun doing it every day! A career in transport is rewarding in heaps of ways. From driving truckloads of goodies everyone likes receiving, to making sure businesses have the right truck and trailer to get the job done – you’ll be part of making a difference in people’s lives by simply doing what you love.

“I’ve always been a “gearhead”, and

“The best part about working in

best part about my job are the trucks,

the same values. I love the culture, and

my first word was even “truck”! The

working with really cool people, and

it’s a great industry to be a part of.”

- Liam King,

transport is you work with people with

it’s just like working with your friends.”

- Nicole Barber, Rental Operations Coordinator.

Rental Operations Coordinator.

4

www.trgroup.co.nz

TRG_2519 Little Truckers print ad January 2023.indd 1

www.trgroupau.com

8/02/23 4:29 PM

EDITOR

Shannon Williams Ph: 021 182 4803 Email: editor@littletrucker.co.nz Contributors Milly McCauley Rochelle Thomas Mike Williams Carl Kirkbeck PUBLISHER

6

10

CONTENTS

Dave McCoid Ph: 027 492 5601 Email: editor@nztrucking.co.nz For all advertising enquiries: Matt Smith Ph: 021 510 701 Email: matt@nztrucking.co.nz Pav Warren Ph: 027 201 4001 Email: pav@nztrucking.co.nz

4 Welcome to Little Trucker Autumn 2022

ART DIRECTOR

10 Top Truck

Dave Pistorius

Ricky Harris COVER DESIGN

27 Puzzles & Activities

DIGITAL MANAGER/CONTENT

36 Yummy Recipes

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

42 Kenny’s Korner 50 Little trucker Photo Album

Features

Louise Stowell Georgi George OFFICE

Long Haul Publications Ltd 511 Queen Street, Thames 3500 PO Box 35, Thames 3500.

6 On the road with Milly: Technology is moo-ving us forward!

12 Wheels at Wairarapa

16

24 Aussie Aussie Aussie 44 Mini Big Rigs

20

48 TMC Trucking Industry Show

On the road with our junior reporters 16 Bombay Truck Show with Isabella 20

Off for a ride with Jacob

22 Billy’s bulldozer with Dustin

Little Trucker Down Under magazine is published

by Long Haul Publishing Ltd. The contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the consent of the editor. Unsolicited editorial material may be submitted, but should include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. While every care is taken, no responsibility is accepted for material submitted.

Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Little Trucker Down Under or Long Haul Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

This magazine is subject to the New Zealand Press Council.

Complaints are to be first directed to: editor@littletrucker.co.nz with “Press Council Complaint” in the subject line.

If unsatisfied, the complaint may be referred to the Press Council, PO Box 10 879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 or by email at info@presscouncil.org.nz Further details and online complaints at www.presscouncil.org.nz

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$8.50 | Autumn 2023 | Issue

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Little Trucker Down Under is a truck magazine for Kiwi and Aussie kids pictures, short stories, competitions, puzzles and colouring pages, collector

9 772744

ISSN 2744-6778

launched in December 2021. It’s full of

WE CATCH UP WITH

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cards, activities and loads of fun.

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e 6 of

u Welcome to iss

Check out our website Hey there little truckers!

Hey guys, I hope you have had a nice summer break!

I hope you managed to get out and about, go on some road trips, and explore! My favourite part of the summer holidays was definitely a road trip we took to the Far North of New Zealand with my new puppy and spending every day at a different beach!

By the time you’re reading your copy of Little Trucker Down Under Autumn 2023, you’ll be back at school and all the truck drivers out there will be well and truly back behind the wheel. My favourite part of school was definitely lunchtime, and this issue we’ve got some yummy sandwich recipes (page 36) for you to try out that you can slip into your lunchbox – we know how much our truckies love a BLT! We’ve also got some refreshing drinks for you to try out as well, check out page 38.

Speaking of road trips, we were out and about all summer long checking out all the cool truck shows happening around the place. We’ve got the Wheels at Wairarapa (page 12), Bombay Truck Show (page 16), and the TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show (page 48). Did you manage to get to any shows? Remember to send us your photos!

As usual, Little Trucker Down Under is PACKED with puzzles, activities, posters, colouring comps and stickers... and this time around we even have some cool cut outs for you, so make sure you ask an adult for some help with the scissors! Have you ever thought of being a truck driver?

Head over to our puzzle section and tell us what you think “a day in the life of a truck driver” looks like!

Remember, we love to see your photos so feel free to send us some pictures and tell us why you love trucks!

Happy reading,

Sh a n n o n This is my new puppy, Forest, spending the day at Cooper’s Beach.

Isn’t she cute?

Head on over to www.littletruckerdownunder.com for photos, puzzles, fun stories and more! The Little Trucker website is a fun place where we can all come together and share our love of trucks!

TUNE IN TO TRUCKING RADIO 24/7 NOW! Yes! We have a brand-new radio show that is 100% dedicated to trucks! We've got commentary, news and some cool music that you can listen to all day long.

You can send through a voice message to us that we will play on air so your mum or dad, or whoever is out driving, can listen too!

Download the Trucking Radio 24/7 app now on Google Play or the App Store, or listen on iHeart Radio.

On the road with Milly

Technology is

moo-ving

us forward!

Story and photos by Milly McCauley

Backed in at Uruwhenua Farms

I like to move it, move it I like to move it, move it I like to move it, move it Ya like to (move it!)

RIDDLE

What do you call a grass-fed cow?

Turn to page 9 for answer

6

Little trucker down under

Augering the trailer load off at Upper Takaka

Meal flowing out the grain door into the auger

Me manning the tipping controls

Hey, Little Truckers! For this trip with Dad, I was able to learn all about how advances in technology are making a difference in the transport and agricultural industries.

I

hope your Christmas and New Year went well and you are enjoying your school holidays. The holidays for me mean plenty of time to head out with Dad. I got to do just that as I went and visited a very cool dairy farm in Golden Bay. We left home in the Scania with a load of dairy meal pallets (breakfast cereal for cows), which Dad had bought up from Ashburton the day prior and travelled ‘over-the-hill’ to Upper Takaka.

A farm there was the day’s first delivery; Dad backed

the trailer up to the famer’s auger, (a long steel tube with a spiral inside it, which is turned either by an electric motor or by a tractor) and once the tractor was started up, the meal began to flow out the small door at the rear of the trailer.

I operated the trailer tipping controls each time the bin needed lifting, and when the bin was right up in the air and the meal stopped flowing, Dad climbed into the bin and coaxed the last of the stock food out with a shovel.

Once the trailer was

A heifer is a female that has not had any offspring. The term usually refers to immature females; after giving birth to her first calf, however, a heifer becomes a cow. An adult male is known as a bull.

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

7

Dad scraping the last of the stock feed out of the bin

empty, we left Upper Takaka and travelled about 10 minutes towards the Takaka township, until we reached Uruwhenua Farms, operated by the Sowman family.

Dad unhooked the trailer and backed the truck up to the Sowman’s auger, while he was augering the load, I looked at some cows in a nearby paddock that had interesting collars around their necks.

Corrigan Sowman came over to see how we were getting on and I asked him about the collars the cows were wearing.

He explained to me that every cow wears an electronic collar that is basically like a Fitbit (or smart watch) for cows. It measures their activities, what goes on inside their stomachs, how often they ruminate (how cows digest food – did you know that cows have four stomachs?), any animal health issues that

Cows have an acute sense of smell – they can smell something up to 9km away!

8

Little trucker down under

may be happening for them, and what percentage of the day the cow eats and rests.

These are all very important details for a dairy farm owner to know: with this system Corrigan is able to see if there is potential illness or irregularities within his herd, he can then deal with it immediately.

Prioritising the health of their animals and trying to produce a consistent quality of milk is very important to dairy farmers .

The information the collars supply is transmitted wirelessly to the milking shed and it can be viewed either on a computer or smartphone.

Through this technology, if a cow had nutritional issues, the automatic feeders would know what to feed her, how much to feed her and ensure this food only went to her.

Corrigan then led us into his office to show us how he keeps informed of the

progress on his farm and how he allocates jobs. He uses an online programme where important information, notes and instructions are imputed.

Corrigan then showed me how to draw a map of a fence where he wanted it set up then it was sent off as a job to one of his employees, through the smartphone app.

The use of innovative technology has revolutionised Corrigan’s farm and also shows just how quickly the world of agriculture is advancing due to new technology and just how helpful it is.

On the way back to Motueka, Dad and I discussed the way technology has made Corrigan’s farming so efficient and allowed him to be able to care for and monitor his cows in the best possible way. This led us to talk about how technology has advanced effectively also

for trucks. For example, his Scania truck uses adaptive cruise control, where the truck’s onboard system not only keeps the truck going at a set speed, but monitors any vehicle ahead, and automatically slows the truck down if the vehicle brakes for any reason, making any travel safer for both the truck driver and other road users.

Dad has a tablet for work.

It has the loads he is doing on it and as they are picked up and delivered the tablet is updated, in turn sending the completed details straight back to the transport office’s computer.

Technology is enhancing all industries, including transport and farming. For people like Corrigan and Dad, they appreciate the difference these technologies make to their jobs and they can’t wait to see what comes next.

Corrigan with cow number 188, sporting the state of art collar

This base station transmits information from the collars on the animals to the cow shed

ANSWER

A lawn moo-er!

Display screen shows each individual cow’s details as they come in for milking

Top truck

It is all in the detail with custom printed mudflaps, and check out the polished stainless steel. Right: A real taste of Euro flare with an ‘Alucar’ headache rack protecting the big Scania cab

BIG KAITOA IS EFFICIENT LOG TOWER Story and photos by Carl Kirkbeck Plenty of power is the answer to getting logs out of the bush, and our Little Trucker Down Under Top Truck for Autumn 2023 certainly does not disappoint.

When Steve was ordering the new Scania for his employer Kaitoa Logging Ltd of Whakatane, he was looking for a truck that would have plenty of comfort on the rough bush roads, as well as ample amounts of horsepower and torque to

Start

e logs to the Lu h t t mb ge p er l he

ll?

Mi

Can yo u

T

he big Scania V8 engine is popular with many drivers and operators across all areas of the transport industry, and this R730 that is driven by Steve Miles of Mamaku near Rotorua is no exception.

get out of skid sites with a heavy load of logs on board, especially in the mud on rainy days.

So to tick the box on big horsepower and plenty of torque, Steve specified the Scania with the DC16 Euro-6 V8, this one delivering 730hp and 3500Nm of torque.

Behind this is the 12-speed Opticruise automatic transmission, complete with 4100D retarder to

assist with slowing the big Scania down on steep hills.

Jumping into the cab you will find big comfy leather Scania V8 seats, as well as overnight air conditioning, microwave oven and fridge making trips away a breeze.

Fitted to the chassis of the Scania to hold the logs in place there is Evans logging equipment and matching Evans 5-axle trailer, and when the sun goes down the entire combination is lit up with an impressive package of quality Hella LED marker lights.

Talking to Steve, we asked him, how did you get into trucks?

“Well, my Dad was a truckie and he would take me for rides on the

Lumber Mill

weekends and school holidays so that got me hooked for sure,” he says.

“But it was funny at school though, my teachers would tell me off for looking out the windows instead of doing my school work! They would say things like ‘you will never get paid to look out a window’.

“Well, all I can say is, they got that one wrong! I get paid very well thanks for doing just that every day, looking out the window of my big Scania and loving every minute of it.”

‘Miles Ahead’– can definitely see for miles at night with its array of big ‘Hella’ spotties

“Hey, how much wood have you chopped so far?”

“I don’t know.

Let me check the logs.”

There are more than 2000 trucks in New Zealand's log and forest industry.

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

11

Wheels at Wairarapa Story and photos by Rochelle Thomas Story and photos by Rochelle Thomas Clareville Showgrounds Carterton held the first-ever Wheels at Wairarapa event over Waitangi Weekend.

A three-day show consisting of Day 1: Cars, Day 2: Trucks, and Day 3: Machinery. I attended the Truck Show and Shine – with more than 40 trucks on display, it was a great turn out with loads of people coming to see them and a piping hot day for all to enjoy! Here are some photos I got of the trucks, drivers and/or owners.

PETERBILT – OWNER JOHNNY BURLING

This truck is Johnny’s pride and joy. He got it two years ago when he swapped a Freightliner Argosy for it! He gave it a complete makeover and enjoys showing it at various truck shows…

12

Little trucker down under

2016 KENWORTH T409 – K & D CONTRACTORS HEAVY HAULAGE

Driver Tim O’Hallovan Tim has been driving since he was 14 years old. He took some time away from trucks and worked in the Fire Service returning behind the wheel two years ago to drive this stunning truck. He tells me this Kenworth is Australian spec and was used over there as a road train towing three trailers. Now it tows general freight and heavy haulage.

Tim transported a digger all the way from Cape Reinga, top of the North Island down to Invercargill down the bottom of the South Island. It took him four days!

2023 SCANIA R620 - BRAUSCH CONTRACTING LTD

Driver Patrick Chapman This truck has only been on the road a week! It is brand new and Patrick has only done two loads of logs in it so far. Previous to driving the Scania he spent a year driving the company’s Freightliner Coronado.

He has been driving about 15 years and enjoys the freedom of being out on the road.

STORMTROOPER – 2015 SCANIA R620

Owner Dell Moreland Dell describes himself as a nerd, he is Star Wars mad and it shows when you see his truck! There is a definite Star Wars theme going on which even includes the lights. Pictured here with his dog, Dell tells us this truck is based in Wellington and carries a tank behind it with oils or chemicals most days.

1977 R MODEL MACK Owners Tony and Cindy Ross purchased this Mack six years ago and have fully restored it as a show truck. Tony says he has always loved R Models as he spent a lot of time in one as a kid.

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

13

2012 FREIGHTLINER FRL ARGOSY – KIKAKAI TRUCKING

Owner CJ Geofferies CJ purchased this truck roughly four or five months ago when his boss of six years decided to sell up.

This is the first truck he has owned and loves it!

2021 FREIGHTLINER CORONADO – BRAUSCH CONTRACTING LTD

Driver Gemma Garlick Gemma grew up loving trucks and always knew that she was going to drive them one day. She loves the on-road/off-road experience that driving logging trucks gives her and says “If I can do it anyone can!”

1978 KENWORTH K124 - MATAI TRANSPORT, TAUPO

Owner Tony Burling Tony spotted this rare find in a paddock and purchased it about nine years ago. After a total makeover it is now fully restored.

This beautiful Kenworth is strictly a show truck.

14

Little trucker down under

The show also included some exciting awards.

AWARDS Here are the winners of each category.

1937 CHEVROLET PICKUP

Owner Chris Rasmussen Chris got this pickup when he was 15 years old. It was his first car and 51 years on he still owns it!! Originally it was a flatdeck but Chris changed it to a wellside.

He loves that his Chev is unique and is a member of the Northern Classic Truck Club. He fully restored the pickup 13 years ago.

New to 100,000kms

Brausch Contracting

100,000 to 500,000km

Martinborough Transport

500,000 to 1 mil

K.D Contracting

Over 1 mil kms

Temple Haulage

Best Isuzu

Brausch Contracting

Best Scania

Martinborough Transport

Best Mercedes-Benz

CR Grace

Best Hino

Kieran Oliver

Best Kenworth

Kieran Oliver

Best Volvo

Ellison Cartage

Best Western Star

Ellison Cartage

Best Mack

Kieran Oliver

Best DAF

Kieran Oliver

Best Other Make

Robin Wildbore

Best Linehaul

Shannon Bulk Haulage

Best Logger

Brausch Contracing

Best Bulk truck

Kieran Oliver

Best Curtainsider

Shannon Bulk Haulage

Best Stock truck

Martinborough Transport

Best Tractor Unit

Robin Wildbore

Best Paint Job

Martinborough Transport

Best Lights

Martinborough Transport

Best Oldest working truck

Brian Gattsche

Furtherst distance travelled

Christopher Bell - Edgecombe

Best Vintage

Christopher Bell

Best Refurbished

Robin Wildbore

Best Fleet

Ellison Cartage

Truck of the Show

HP Transport

People’s Choice

Martinborough Transport

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

15

amazing

Bombay The

Truck Show

By Isabella Sulu-Kiripati

Isabella was lucky enough to head along to the Bombay Truck Show, where she got up close to some pretty amazing trucks!

The new T659 for Burnetts Transport and Earthmoving with its New Zealand made tipping bins and trailer

Knock knock!

Who's there?

Cargo!

Cargo who?

Car go "Beep beep"!

BEEP BEEP!

How are false teeth like stars?

RIDDLE

Answer on page 19

What kind of driver never gets a ticket?

Answer on page 18

M

y mum and I made our way Saturday morning 21 January to the Bombay Truck Show. With a bit of traffic to get through, we made it onto the Bombay turnoff to be greeted by the impressive sight of trucks lined up the hill. On arrival we could see the number of parked cars outnumbered the trucks, so I knew already there had to be hundreds of people in attendance.

What caught my eye was clearly it was a family event,

with children of all ages, some proudly sporting their trucking T-shirts. There was a band playing from the end of a curtain side trailer, bouncy castles, a dedicated area for children with a choice of food options.

Rows of trucks, similar shapes and sizes, some old, some new, some restored so beautifully you wouldn’t know they were made in the 1960s and 1980s. I was impressed with the size, power and ability of some of these trucks. It was amazing

to learn what these trucks can do!

I was excited to come across a truck that is manufactured in New Zealand, the rigid eightwheeler International RH, built in Tauranga by Intertruck Distributors. It’s American style, proudly on display by Stephenson Transport Ltd from Waipawa.

The Kenworth Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition was impressive! With its Cummins X15 engine, this green machine has some of

the latest technology that promotes safer and cleaner usage.

The mini Kenworth W900 hotrod – don’t be fooled by its size – this one packs a punch and was custom built by EDS truck shop. You can clearly see a lot of time and effort was put into this beauty.

Another Kenworth truck for Burnetts Transport and Earthmoving Ltd was manufactured in Bayswater Melbourne. Although the cab and chassis was built

The brand new Iveco S-Way was sneaking out from under the covers

The powerful hotrod mini Kenworth built by EDS Truck Sho p of Pukekohe

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

17

Allied Bulk’s new Mack Anthem, if you look close you will find that Mack and Volvo Trucks are related and share parts

and imported from Australia, you’ll be surprised to know that the trailer was built in New Zealand.

Also making an appearance at the truck show was Hawke’s Bay R & L Beale Log Transport, with their Kenworth T659. They went home with two prizes, the best logger award and also first place in the people’s choice award.

We came across the 2022 Mack Anthem, with its tiltassisted hood. What was interesting to learn is that Mack is part of the Volvo Group, so you’ll find that both Mack and Volvo truck parts were used to build this truck.

Another truck that seemed to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue was the impressive new Kenworth K220. Based

R & L Beale from Clive in the Hawke’s Bay won Best Logger and 1st place in Peoples Choice with this cool T659 Kenworth

ANSWER A screwdriver

18

Little trucker down under

in Tapanui near Invercargill, Dynes Transport Ltd trucks travel all over the country.

It has the ability to haul bigger loads with ease and efficiency, and has more safety equipment now. The new model also has a digital dashboard.

Amongst all the newer model trucks were also some amazingly restored beauties; the 1964 Canadian Kenworth

848 ´Old Yeller´ was the first Kenworth to land in New Zealand; and the 1984 Mack Superliner owned by Kaitaia Timber. Both trucks come with interesting histories.

The brains behind this amazing event, Marieka Morcombe of N & J Wood Ltd, was extremely happy with the successful turnout – admitting at one point she was worried they would

The new Dynes Transport K220 Kenworth (left) and an older K200 (right). the company’s base is in Tapanui near Invercargill

ORIGIN OF THE WORD TRUCK The first known usage of "truck" was in 1611 when it referred to the small strong wheels on ships' cannon carriages, and comes from "Trokhos" (Greek) = "wheel".

In its extended usage, it came to refer to carts for carrying heavy loads, a meaning known since 1771.

Some of the gorgeous trucks from the N & J Wood fleet were on display, so shiny

need to turn people away as they had nearly reached full capacity! Thankfully it didn’t come to that.

If you’ve never been to a truck show, I strongly recommend you attend the next one in your town. There is so much to learn about the trucking industry and I can’t wait to see you all at the next one.

When you think about

the clothes you wear, the food you eat and even the things in your home, you can guarantee that they have spent time on the back of some of these amazing trucks. Remember trucks play a vital role in New Zealand as well as those that work in this field.

See you at the next show, Isabella

Kaitaia Timber owned this Mack Superliner when it was brand new in 1981, they have now restored it back to how it looked when it was new

RIDDLE

What kind of cattle is always sleepy?

Answer on page 23

I got to meet Ma rieka Morcombe who is the organiser of the show, Ma rieka was extremely happ y seeing all th e families enjoying the tr uck show

Hmmm, Where did my teeth go?

ANSWER They come out at night.

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

19

Jacob loves animals and donating to the SPCA

Getting the truck ready for rides

Off for a ride

By Jacob Gray

Our mate Jacob is a member of Team Quality Supertruck Racing, who recently took part at a Thunder Down Under racing event in Timaru. Jacob takes people on trips in his own little truck – and donates the money he receives to help animals!

O

n the Friday of the racing at Timaru, I cleaned my truck to get it ready for rides. I take kids for rides in my truck and all the money I get, I get to give it to the SPCA because I like to help animals.

I have 21 chickens and four sheep and a dog called Carly.

When I was doing rides, there was a policeman. He

What do you call a dog magician?

20

pulled me over and asked me for my drivers licence. Sorry Mr Policeman, I don’t have a licence but I am a really good driver – and I don’t drive my little truck on the road! He said I am a fantastic driver.

When my dad comes in off the truck, I get him a drink and give it to him when the truck is parked. I also love helping my grandad clean the BBQ and get it ready for

Turn to page 21 for answer

Little trucker down under

making dinner.

The racing was at the Levels International Raceway in Timaru. My dad came third in the race - I am so proud of him.

Our whole team raced for Carl Gibson, who recently passed away. He drove the L&P truck that towed the race truck, the Panther, to all of the meetings. I miss him, he was my friend.

When all the racing was finished, my friend Payton asked all the super trucking drivers to get in my little truck and I took them all for a ride.

I think the truck was a bit overloaded!

Come along to a meeting sometime and I’ll take you for a ride!

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) International works to stop the abuse and suffering of animals with innovative programs that serve both animals and their human caretakers. SPCA International distributes critical veterinary medical supplies to animal welfare groups throughout the world.

Getting dad a dr

ink after the ra

ce

The whole team raced in honour of their friend Carl

Taking all the truckies for a ride

Cleaning the BBQ with Grandad

A Labracadabrador!

RIDDLE

Why do tomatoes never enter Truck races?

Turn to page 26 for answer

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

21

Age: 13 Name: Dustin n, de ar From: Haw ry u rb te North Can a: in d n u fo Can be K200

Billy’s bulldozer

Dustin heads out with Billy to pick up a new bulldozer

ANS

22

Little trucker down under

etty massive

The bulldozer is pr

About to head out onto the road

O

ne overcast afternoon I got a call from Billy Lott of Lott Contracting, a company started by Billy’s dad in 1957.

He was getting ready to go pick up his new bulldozer. He picked me up on the way in, we got to Rolleston and went to the John Deere dealership.

We went around the back, and there it was waiting for us. It looked really cool.

We loaded it up, and got on the road, with a pilot vehicle driving in front of us.

We had all the flashing lights on.

We were heading for home and had

just got off the motorway when the truck cut out, and then the ABS fell out of the trailer and they were sparking, so we lost the power in the truck.

We got it all fixed and then carried on, and when we got to Amberley we stopped and had a pie. Billy’s favourite pie shop is Wakefield Bakery – Billy loves pies!

We got back to the yard at midnight, so we went home and went to bed. In the morning, we unloaded the bulldozer, and then we had to fix some small oil leaks.

After we loaded up the bulldozer, we took it to its first job. We dropped it off then went back to the yard and dropped off the truck.

The bulldozer weighed 28 tonnes.

Billy’s dad Dave is 92 years old and still drives bulldozers. Billy got his bull bar custom made from Whites Bull Bars in Melbourne, Australia.

Thanks to everyone at Lott Contracting for making my time there very enjoyable.

The truck and bulldozer looking stunning

The Scania transports the bulldozer

I get paid to move the earth!

A bull dozer ANSWER Autumn 2023 - issue 6

23

great big drive Aussie Aussie Aussie

The

Mike Williams

Story by Mike Williams

photos by Mike and Rosalie Paul

Our Aussie reporter Mike shows us the spectacular drive from Sydney to Perth.

Name: Mike Williams From: Sydney, New South Wales A bit about me: I’m a full-time truck driver, parttime podcaster and writer and a frustrated chef! My favourite drink is coffee and my favourite food is lemon tart.

Favourite truck: Got to be the Kenworth T909

I

spent several years driving across Australia from Sydney to Perth and back. Three and a half years of it with my Rose and our pup Ollie.

Eight thousand kilometres per week.

That’s a total of about 1.5 million kilometres!

We drove this awesome big cab Kenworth K200, which we lovingly referred to as Angela. She was well set up for the run too. As well as a

comfy bed, we had a fridge and a freezer plus a microwave. She even had a toilet! A massive 600hp series 2 Cummins driving an 18-speed Fuller Road Ranger transmission kept us trucking along towing a B Double set of Freighter drop deck chiller tautliner trailers.

Our run started in Sydney on Monday night about 8:30pm. We drove down to Wagga Wagga and

We saw some great sights on this epic journey

en Q: Q: Wh r is a bea r? ea not a b

Turn to page 26 for answer

Some

Quick pit stop for something to eat

The truck has a comfy bed, fridge and freezer plus a microwave

Angela, the big cab Kenworth K200

then across NSW through to Yamba in South Australia. Ollie loved to get there because the roadhouse girls always had a sausage or two they’d done for him while we filled the truck with diesel.

Next stop, Port Augusta late Tuesday afternoon for a shower and a meal.

Then on to Penong for more fuel. She got a bit thirsty and that’s the last place we could fill before the long haul across the Nullarbor into Western Australia. A quick stop at the quarantine facility on the WA/SA border and then a stop at

Cocklebiddy for Wednesday morning breakfast. More sausages for Ollie! He was a spoiled pup. Then it’s the run all the way to Perth, getting there around 7pm. A night off while our trailers were unloaded then a quick reload in the morning and it’s off back to Sydney getting home Saturday morning.

It was a lot of fun and we saw some great sights every week. Beautiful scenery, dawns and sunsets. Looking out the windscreen is a great place to be.

More budgies than people in Cocklebiddy

Ollie along for the ride

Some beautiful sunsets

and sunrises to be seen

Time to refuel

Ollie has a nap

, she’s thirst

y

rd work after all that ha

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

25

THIS ROOM

BOOK MARKS

Build

ISN'T MESSY Play

Dream

from Riddle on page 22

ANSWER

Because they’re always playing ketchup.

26

Little trucker down under

It's under construction

According to the Queensland Trucking Association, more than 246,000 people are employed in the trucking industry in Australia.

from joke on page 24

n’t he does n e h W : A e right have th tions. a koalific

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

27

Turn to page 32 for answer

28

Little trucker down under

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

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Story Time

Day in the life of a truck driver Do you ever think about what a truck driver does while driving around in their truck all day? What time do they wake up? Where are they driving? Are they transporting goods? What’s inside their truck? Do they wash their truck at the end of the day?

Have a go at telling us what you imagine they get up to!

s! read your storie We can’t wait to e ttl will receive a Li Our favourites Under cap and Trucker Down e xt edition of Littl appear in the ne er.

Und Trucker Down

30

Little trucker down under

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

31

COLOURING COMP

Our friends at Patchell have given us some cool T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags and drink bottles to give away to one of you special Little Truckers!

Just send us a photo of your colouring and you'll go in the draw to win!

Email your photo to shannon@nztrucking.co.nz and let us know which prize you'd like to be up for.

Entries close 5pm, 20th April 2023.

PRIZES AS FOLLOWS: •B lue bag with the drink bottle • 1 x Grey sweatshirt size 8 youth • 1 x black sweatshirt size 10 youth • 1 x grey T-shirt size 8 kids • 1 x black T-shirt size 10 kids

32

Little trucker down under

SIGNWRITE YOUR OWN TRUCK FLEET Signwrite your own truck with your company logo and colours.

Can you copy the picture from the first box into the second box?

A gnarly Kenworth triple trailer road train hauls a load of exploration plant up the Stuart highway at the Helen Springs jump-up.

Recipes

BLT classic The delicious bacon, lettuce and tomato classic sandwich that can be changed up to suit your tastes. Try some turkey instead of bacon for a healthy twist.

Ingredients

s u o i t p m Scru

s e i m Sam those andwich on s s u io c li e d at ing like a e classics th m o There’s noth s r e th e g We’ve put to g! long drives! outh waterin m r u o y t e g are sure to

• Two slices of bread of your choosing • Four rashers bacon, cooked until crisp • Two tomatoes, thickly sliced • Handful iceberg lettuce, washed and dried • Two tablespoon mayonnaise

Method 1) Spread each slice of bread with some mayonnaise 2) On one slice, add your bacon, sliced tomatoes and lettuce 3) Top with remaining slice of bread Enjoy!

PB&J

Peanut butter and jam sammies are a sweet, savoury delight, perfect for a quick bite and loved by children and adults alike.

Ingredients • Two slices of fresh, white bread • One tablespoon peanut butter, or alternative nut butter of your choosing • One tablespoon of your favourite jam – try strawberry, grape or raspberry

Method 1) Place your two slices of bread on a chopping board or plate 2) Spread one slice with peanut butter 3) Spread jam on the other slice 4) Place the two slices together 5) Cut in half or in squares *top tip* Try adding slices of banana or strawberry in your sandwich!

36

Little trucker down under

Egg salad This egg salad tastes wonderful in a sandwich. It’s really good on nice brown bread.

Ingredients • Two slices of fresh, brown bread • Two hard boiled eggs, chopped (ask Mum or Dad to help) • One tablespoons mayonnaise • One gherkin or pickle, finely chopped • Half a teaspoon fresh dill • Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato and avo bagels Bagels are a delicious option for a sandwich, enjoyed toasted in slices or pressed together.

Ingredients

Method

What is a shark’s favorite sandwich?

• One bagel, sliced • Two tablespoons hummus • Half avocado, sliced • One tomato, sliced • Salt and pepper to taste

1) In a bowl, combine your hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, gherkin and dill in a bowl.

2) Season with salt and pepper 3) Place the filling on the first slice of bread, topping with the second slice.

4) Cut in half and enjoy with some sliced cucumbers, celery and carrot sticks

answer on page 38

Method 1) Toast each slice of bagel until golden brown 2) Spread each slice with humus 3) Top with slice avocado and tomato 4) Salt and pepper to taste

Did you try any of these recipes? We’d love to see a photo of you making your food! Share with us on our Facebook page: facebook.com/LittleTruckerDownUnder

A rolled up piece of white bread was used to erase graphite before rubber erasers were invented.

How do chickens stay fit?

They eggs-ercise!

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

37

DRINKS

Fruity Tooty With the weather still pretty warm, we’ve put together some delicious refreshing drinks that are sure to cool you down, packed with some fruity goodness. Enjoy at home or pour into a drink bottle while you’re out there on the road!

BERRY INFUSED WATER

Sometimes water can be a bit boring. Try adding some flavour to your water with some delicious fruit. You can use any fruit, but today we’re trying berries!

Ingredients: Handful strawberries Handful raspberries Handful blueberries One lemon, sliced Method: Gently wash the raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. Slice up the strawberries.

Drop the fruit into a glass bottle or jug a few pieces at a time, alternating between fruits so that they are well mixed.

Fill the bottle to the top with cold water.

Leave to infuse for 10 minutes then serve over ice and enjoy! Once the water has all been drunk, you can continue to fill and refill the fruit-filled jug all day long.

Keep it in the fridge to keep it chilled.

38

Little trucker down under

WONDERFUL WATERMELON This quick and easy recipe makes fresh and delicious watermelon juice at home with just one fresh ingredient — watermelon!

Ingredients Watermelon – that’s it!

Method Cube the watermelon and discard the peel.

Put the cut up watermelon into a blender and blend on low speed.

Strain through a finemesh sieve and serve cold.

A peanut butter and jellyfish sandwich. from joke on page 37

An Aratuna Freighters IVECO X-Way climbs west from Castle Hill on the Arthur’s Pass SH73 in New Zealand. It was heading home to Greymouth with a load of essentials for the people of the South Island’s West Coast.

Kids PUZZLE DO YOU KNOW WHAT THESE SIGNS MEAN? GIVE IT A GO!

Match these Road Signs with What They Mean

A. Slippery Surface B. Beware of Landslides C. Slow Down and Give-Way to Oncoming Traffic D. No U-Turn E. No Left Turn F. Stop and Then Give-Way

G. Stop for School Patrol H. Merging Lanes / Left Lane Closed I. Narrow Road J. Pedestrian Crossing K. Beware of Hazards L. Roadworks Area

DRIVEN FOR YOU. JOIN OUR TEAM. “I love working at Keith Andrews! We’re a friendly team that’s proud to work with some of the most advanced trucks in the world.”

WORK WITH THE WORLD’S LEADING BRANDS Keith Andrews is proud to represent Daimler Trucks – the world’s largest truck family dedicated to:

Developing new technology

Battling climate change

VISIT OUR CAREERS PAGE ONLINE www.keithandrews.recruitmenthub.co.nz

Improving safety

Korner ay to me, Happy birthd e!! Hey kids, yes ay to m happy birthd turned the big 100 on I that ’s right, year. I don’t look too is h t y r 22 Janua ge I reckon! ol things, bad for my a did lots of co

eck summer and member to ch had a great l al u yo pe ow or two. Re sh I ho k . w uc lo tr a be ar t to h-branded ge maybe even go cool Kenwort UR YO D out all the SEN BE FEATURED, Z .N CO IF YOU WANT TO G. IN NON@NZTRUCK PICS TO SHAN E OUT THER ON AND SEE YOU W O N R FO E RP BY UFF!! BARP BA THE BLACK ST

Kenny

Kenworth celebrates its 100th birthday

K

enworth turned 100 years old on 22 January. Officially incorporated on this date in 1923 by Harry Kent and Edgar Worthington, Kenworth is looking forward to driving the next 100 years!

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you throughout the year! Here are a few of the more interesting variations of KW over the past 100 years.

tions

tula Congra ks 3 Prize pac on w n e e b have

Answer

7

Congratulations to Macklyn, Brynn and Mitch, your prize pack is on the way.

Shop Kenworth $25

$20.80

$29.90

$25

$18

VIEW MORE PRODUCT ON LINE VISIT: www.spt.co.nz/shop 42

Little trucker down under

$28

$4.50

Wad the

1928 - KW Pick Up:

This was a one-of-a-kind Kenworth workshop pick up truck produced in 1928 for the Seattle Street Department.

Powered by a Buda HS-6 petrol engine.

1936 - KW Bus:

One of eight Kenworth buses used by Washington Motor Coach. These specially designed luxury Kenworth buses carried both passengers as well as express freight.

Kasia (1) and Krista (6 months)

1948 - KW 853:

A proud driver and crew next to their 1948 Kenworth 853. This 853 was a special-purpose truck used in the desert by the Arabian-American Oil Company (ARAMCO) to build the TransArabian Pipeline, it was six-wheel drive with a 318hp diesel engine.

enjoying the Kenworth at the Kamo Touch a Truck day

1950 - KW Tanker:

Although Kenworth offered the first American truck with a diesel engine in 1933, petrol engines were still available for decades.

This 1950’s era Kenworth conventional pictured here has a Hall-Scott petrol engine fitted.

1970 - Evil Kinevil:

This Kenworth K100 was built in 1970 for Evel Knievel to carry a 7.6m office mounted behind the cab and pull a 10.6m trailer loaded with his motorcycle, skycycle and take-off and landing ramps for his travelling stunt show.

Wade with his favourite KW the mighty K200 at Ham pton Downs, Rotor Day.

This is Ryan and he is KW crazy!!!

Seven answer

ved Roxannah-Lee lo ck Ro r’ he at df ‘go this the at k uc tr and Rubble ow Bombay truck sh

Eight-year-old Brynn first ride in a Kenworth. Thanks hea ps to Dean from GBC for taking him for a rid e. He loved every minute of it and spoke about it for days.

FIND THE HIDDEN KENNYS

MINI BIG RIGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

CONROY Story by Carl Kirkbeck

C

onroy Removals as we see it today dates back to 1972, where a 21-year-old David Conroy was looking for an opportunity to start out in the transport industry. David approached a local Napier-based furniture removal contractor. A little negotiation and some financial support from his mother, and David purchased the business complete with one petrol-powered D Series Ford.

Eighteen months later a second truck was purchased,

photos by Doug Elliott

a TK Bedford. At this time, David’s brother Gary joined the business as a partner and started driving the TK. These early days for the business had the brothers driving country-wide, moving families and businesses, all the while Mum was back at home base manning the phone and looking after administration. Fifty years on, Conroy Removals now employs nearly 350 team members across twelve branches throughout New Zealand and Australia. A true Kiwi business success story

When your birthday comes around you hope and pray for awesome presents. So when Conroy Removals turned 50 they were absolutely blown away with the incredible gift they received from one of their longstanding employees.

Conroy’s for the best part that has been built on strong of 34 years. He has loved family values by both David every minute of working and Gary. for the family. “They are an One of those team awesome company to work members is our friend Doug for, you definitely feel that Elliott. Some readers will you are a part of the family, remember Doug from the and not just another cog in story we featured in the the gearbox,” says Doug. So February 2022 issue of New for Doug, when the idea of Zealand Trucking magazine. a 50th birthday celebration In that story, we featured the was discussed, there was Alf Walling Mack replicas that only one thing for it – head to Doug had scratch built. Well the workshop and replicate we are treated once again, some of those great Conroy as this month we look at memories as a lasting gift to three of Doug’s latest builds. the family.

Chatting with Doug we 1/50 KW C509 & Drake 2x8 & 5x8 Low Loader learn that has been2x8 with 1/50 KW he C509 & Drake & 5x8Combo Low Loader “Centurion” at $649.50 Special Deal!

“Centurion” at $649.50 Special Combo Deal!

New Zealand’s largest New Zealand’s largest stockist of quality models stockist of quality models and vintage toys and vintage toys 1/50 - 8 different schemes TryKenworth one ofW900 our RHD combos andcolour save !! coming, taking orders now - due in 2023 $TBA

Anything can be scratchbuilt from styrene plastic, including an entire cab for a 1:25th scale D-series Ford.

Doug was able to source a resin-cast TK Bedford cab from Kit Form Services (KFS) in Britain, greatly reducing the build time.

The production line in full flight, with all three models starting to take shape.

Furniture removal bodies being test fitted to their chassis and readied for shaping and detail.

The bodies were formed by laminating various thicknesses of MDF, sanding them into shape and adding plastic details.

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

45

1

2

3

4

1) The paint shop in action, here we see the ‘Conroy Cream’ applied. 2) A coat of ‘Conroy Orange’ and things are starting to look familiar. 3) Add the sign writing and the realism goes to a whole other level. 4) David’s original D-series Ford on the right, with Gary’s TK Bedford on the left. 5) This DAF XF105 was built

by Doug as a representation of the Conroy Removals we know today. 6) The big and the little together at the 50th anniversary celebrations. 7) The trio now take pride of place in a display cabinet at Conroy’s head office.

5

6

46

7 Little trucker down under

One of New Zealand’s early Freightliner Cascadia 116s went to work on aggregate cartage in Central Otago for McNulty Transport based in Cromwell.

This Waimea Contract Carriers truck is fitted with some pretty interesting technology

TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show Hey Little Truckers, I hope you have all had an awesome holiday. Late last year with the New Zealand Trucking magazine team I was lucky enough to be able to head down to the TMC Trucking Industry Show in Christchurch at the Canterbury Agricultural Park. There were over 400 trucks from many transport companies from all over New Zealand there to see

Story and photos by Milly McCauley

O

n the first day of the show there were trade stands set up by companies associated with road transport. At these, you could find anything from a new truck or trailer, to truck seats, tyres and other parts.

This day is also where local schools and trade programmes were invited to come and see the wide variety of jobs the road transport industry has to offer.

Day two of the event was the Show n Shine, where so many amazing trucks were put on display to the public.

Arriving nice and early along with the rest of the New

48

Zealand Trucking magazine team, I took the opportunity to scout out the show before it got too busy. I discovered transport companies from all over New Zealand had travelled to Christchurch for the show. I recognised trucks from way up in Nelson where I live; Solly’s Contractors and Waimea Heavy Haulage Limited were among some of the fleets I spotted that had made the long journey down. I also spotted several other trucks that caught my eye including a fleet of NZ Express Container trucks, an Orbit Heavy Haulage Scania with a CAT loader on the back and a fleet of Protranz classic Macks.

Little trucker down under

As well as the vast range of trucks from transport companies, there were also major truck manufacturers, such as Southpac Trucks with the Kenworth and DAF brands; and Scania and Fuso, who had stalls of their own, displaying new vehicles and selling merchandise.

My duties at the show included manning the New Zealand Trucking stall, promoting Little Trucker Down Under and assisting with the sales of merchandise like T-shirts and caps.

The show was also a chance for me to connect with people involved in road transport as well as catch up

with Little Trucker readers, like you!

I also took the opportunity to film some of the action and compile it into a video for you guys to view (this is on the New Zealand Trucking YouTube channel for anyone to watch).

As this fabulous event drew to a close I was able to reflect on the amazing time I had down in Christchurch seeing all that was on show and meeting some pretty amazing people.

The TMC Trucking industry show is held every second year and I am keen to attend it next in 2024 and hope to meet more of you there.

These four, were among many stock trucks at the show

New Scania P450 on the Scania NZ stand

A pair of NZ Express DAF CF container trucks

Fiveash Contracting tippers

The drivers of these three stock trucks made a great effort to clean them up for the show

A line of DAFs featured at the Southpac stand.

Protranz classic Macks Hanes Engineering Scania leaves the show

Milly McCauley

Autumn 2023 - issue 6

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PH OTO A LB U M

Jordy Jack

Toby

Wade

Lachie

George

RIDDLE What do you call it when a crab takes a selfie?

Turn to page 53 for answer

Taylin

50

Little trucker down under

River and Mateo

Taylin

Billy

RIDDLE

Toby

What does a photographer need to hang up his photos?

Turn to page 52 for answer

Ryan

Riley-Ray Autumn 2023 - issue 6

51

Ashton

George and Max with Dad

Connor and Emmerson

Cohen, Jake, Lachie and Luke

52

Little trucker down under

ANSWER

Jpegs.

THE WINNERS ARE Congratulations to Arthur, Jannik and Pahanya who won our latest colouring-in competition. A Little Trucker Down Under cap is on its way to each of you!

Emma Arthur

Argosy

Jannik

Pahanya

ANSWER

A shelfie Autumn 2023 - issue 6

53

Kraft Engineering designs and manufactures trailer units to meet individual specifications for a range of manufacturing clients. In operation for more than three decades, Kraft Engineering’s commitment to innovative engineering solutions means the team stands by their craft.

Thank you to all our sponsors

Volvo sets the standard in safety, productivity and fuel-efficiency.

Complemented by a team of kiwi engineers who modify each Volvo Truck for a unique customer solution.

Hino pride themselves on supplying a better class of truck that is reliable, comfortable, safe, and most importantly – makes your working life easier.

An American icon. Supremely powerful, with a technically advanced powertrain and high driving comfort, you can count on Mack to get the job done.

Transpecs sells the parts that make top trucks and trailers run like a dream. Supporting little truckers to build the future for New Zealand transport.

Palfinger New Zealand makes Aotearoa’s coolest truck-mounted cranes, and we’re proudly committed to raising the next generation of little crane operators.

Smart and modern, UD Trucks strikes the optimum balance between features, cost, and efficiency.

54

Little trucker down under

Keith Andrews represents FUSO, Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner trucks, buses and vans and is New Zealand’s largest commercial vehicle dealership with locations across the North Island. We’re always looking for talented people to join our team!

Paving the way for the next generation of truckers

We would like to thank our sponsors who have contributed to put copies of Little Trucker Down Under into local schools throughout NZ and Australia.

NZT Group are the trusted experts in second-hand truck sales across New Zealand. Our team has decades of experience that will see you getting the best service and value for money. Whether you are buying or selling, contact the NZT team today!

S LIC AU R D HY

FUSO developed the world’s first series-produced electric light truck and is the number-one selling truck brand in NZ, with advanced safety systems and fuel efficiency at the forefront of its range.

Crushing & Aggregate Supply Specialists.

2006 FVR900 Isuzu Chiller Truck, complete with tail lift and 7.78 Curtainsider.

GA ON T RO RA

We’ve been helping clients grow since 1970.

We like to say that we brighten Kiwi homes.

Putting our experience to work for you.

Autumn 2023 issue 6

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Thank you to all our sponsors

The RFH Group is an integrated transport & logistics business servicing a range of customers across the forestry, wood processing, and agriculture sectors.

R oadmaster

Market leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of trailers and truck bodies. Roadmaster Limited products are manufactured and guaranteed by warranty to the highest quality and are proven in the toughest applications.

Moving and contouring earth and supplying aggregates throughout the Rodney district is our specialty.

On your next project give us a call for all your earthwork solutions.

Proudly the leading provider of log transport solutions in the Nelson and Marlborough regions, with our fleet of trucks traveling over 5,000,000kms per year

At Swanson Transport we have a great team and a diverse range of trucks that enable us to nurture and support the development of young people looking for a career within the transport industry.

A motivated and high performing Team that thrives on continuous improvement and honing our skill sets. At Symons Group we are more than just transport.

The vision at Sollys is to enable the success of others by connecting people and products. Within our core values we believe it is the small gestures that make the difference.

Our three interlocking guiding principles at Waimea Contract Carriers are Safety, Service & Sustainability. The entire team here at Waimea are proud to be the log transport company of choice with a reputation based on service and professionalism.

Nelson

Family owned and operated, with a fleet of 35 plus trucks. Delivering superior transport solutions to the most challenging of destinations throughout New Zealand.

quotes@austintransport.co.nz

Proudly supplying the aggregates to build the stepping stones of our children’s futures.

Mike Johnson: 027 878 4370 ohauquarries@icloud.com

Thank you to all our sponsors

Paving the way for the next generation of truckers If you are interested in sponsoring the next generation of truckers please contact Matt on 021 510 701 or email matt@nztrucking.co.nz and enquire about our different sponsorship packages.

FInd Trucky and his little friends Find Little Trucky and his 7 friends hidden in the pages of this issue. Write the page number under the correct Trucky on this coupon.

Email your answers to: shannon@nztrucking.co.nz Put in the subject line: FIND TRUCKY – Summer include your name, address and phone number.

Entries close 20th April 2023. The winner will win a free Little Trucker Down Under cap to be announced in the next issue of Little Trucker Down Under.

Summer 2022 truckies were hiding on pages: 7, 13, 15, 16, 23, 26, 45 and 49

Page:............

Page:............

Page:............

Page:............

Page:............

Page:............

Page:............

Page:............

Congratulations to our winner of our Summer 2022 issue, Arthur Mans

Campbell Transport based in Perth, Western Australia runs road train combinations throughout the Western state. Here, one of the company’s T909 Kenworths pulls a quad road train tipper unit, carting ore from inland mines to Port Headland.

Looking for a truckload of fun?

Scania Kids Hub is just the place you’re looking for. With loads of activities ranging from word searches to spot the difference, colouring sheets to scavenger hunts, and even a Scania board game, Scania Kids Hub is the perfect place for truck lovers to bust boredom!

Scan the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/scania-kids