Beyond imagination
Where will your life lead you? Yes, it is really important to have a plan; I’m sure you Little Truckers have one. But opportunities will come your way, and it will be up to you to do something about them ... if you want to.
Working at New Zealand Trucking and Little Trucker Down Under magazines is a whole lot of fun. You meet and work with lots of truly great people, and you see cool machines doing important work. Sometimes I get asked how I got this job.
It all started in 1985 when New Zealand Trucking magazine first arrived on the shelves. I was a young person working in a transport company called Thames Freightlines, located in the town of Thames in the North Island of New Zealand. I worked in the office back then as a junior office worker putting prices on all the freight dockets.
I was truck mad; I always have been. After work at nights and in the weekends I rode in trucks, drove trucks, and took photos of trucks. I tried to make models like the ones our Capt Carl Kirkbeck makes, but I have always been rubbish at making model trucks. I think it is my ‘bung’ eyes combined with a lack of talent.
Anyway, New Zealand Trucking magazine had arrived, and many enthusiasts just like me were excited at the thought of seeing a photo we had taken in its pages. In those days the magazine was all there was – the internet as you know it now was 15 years away.
Jon Addison was an original co-owner and the first editor of New Zealand Trucking magazine and little did we know he was willing to help anyone who wanted to give contributing a go. Contributing – there is a big word, and it means taking photos and writing stories for the magazine. Some of us took up the opportunity he gave us, and that is how it all started.
You will have seen Craig McCauley’s name in the New Zealand Trucking magazine? Craig was one of the early contributors also. His daughter Milly you will certainly all know – she’s been our Little Trucker Down Under regular contributor since that magazine began, and next year she will step up to New Zealand Trucking magazine. Isn’t that amazing! It was Craig taking an opportunity all those years ago that opened doors for his daughter. Back then he did not even know he would one day have a daughter! There’s a big life lesson for you … the opportunities you make the most of in your life might just help the generations who follow you! Wow!
I have always tried to pay forward the opportunity Jon Addison gave me all those years ago.
One of the great things for me about Little Trucker Down Under when we decided to give that a go, was the opportunity it would give kids to start their writing and storytelling career much earlier in life than I was able to.
We’ve had some great successes. Milly of course, but also Dustin Wright from North Canterbury who has taken his opportunity with both hands and is now one of the team. He and Milly have both come with us on a cover story shoot for New Zealand Trucking magazine recently, just to give them a taste of what that’s like. They are on their way, who knows where it will take them? It may not even be writing about trucks. As their passions evolve, it might lead to writing about other things, but the big thing is, they know they can do it! We also have a bunch of other regular writers for Little Trucker Down Under, and soon we will start to see even newer names also! Orlando Scott from Kaiapoi just north of Christchurch is old enough to start sharing his love of trucks with us through words and pictures, so keep a lookout for his name.
That then, leaves us with you. Yes, what about you? You might be just like me and Craig all those years ago … just a truck-mad kid who would love to see their name, stories, and photos in a real life magazine. If that is you, all you need to do is contact Shannon Williams at Little Trucker Down Under and let her know you’re keen. From there, as the old saying goes … the rest will be history
Thank you so much for loving trucks.
Tui Truck Stop Show & Shine
The Tui Truck Stop Show & Shine at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka is always a great day out. Located just north of Pahiatua in the lower North Island, it was a cracker day full of sunshine and a turnout of 110 trucks, and busy with people of all ages from around the community coming to see the stunning rigs on display. I was there with a display of my paintings, which was exciting, catching up with friends and family and meeting lots of people. There was even a mini truck for the kids to have a ride on – it was a huge hit, seeing the show in style! There were food and drink stalls, merchandise, live music, even a sandpit and play castle, so much fun!
Timaru Round 2
Jacob checks out Round 2 of NZ Super Truck Racing at Levels Raceway in Timaru. He takes people on trips in his own little truck, and donates the money he receives to help animals at the SPCA.
For this race meet my granddad couldn’t come so I knew it was my job to help out as much as I could. I helped cook and prepare meals for the team.
I helped out selling merchandise for The New Zealand Trucking Association, and I got to work on the EFTPOS machine for The Punisher merchandise too. The whole team turned up to help out.
I was so proud of my dad getting second in Round 2 that weekend, and coming second in the championship.
I love the photo of Dad and me with The Punisher – my little truck and the legend together.
I was disappointed because I couldn’t drive my truck at this meeting. It was too big and busy so my mum stepped in and helped out raising money for the SPCA. We got $350! That’s what you do when you’re a team!
The big road trip Part 3
We’ve got the third and final instalment of Demi’s big road trip with her granddad, Ken, who likes to take the kids out in his truck in Australia. We left off in part two (LTDU Autumn 2024) with Demi and her granddad parked up for the night after a long day on the road. Demi’s just woken up as Granddad is starting up the truck to get going.
Still in my bunk, Granddad says I can stay where I am if I’m still tired.
“Ok Granddad, I might do that,” I say.
The next thing I remember was Granddad talking on the radio to a mate of his as we went south through Mt Magnet.
“Oh, you’re awake, are you?” he asks as I sit up and pull my jumper on.
“Yes, I’m awake but can we stop soon. I need the toilet and to clean my teeth.”
“Yes sweetheart, we can stop at Kirkalocka Station in about 25 minutes, and you can do both there. Can you hang on that long?”
We get to Kirkalocka Station, and I do what I have to while Granddad gets us both some breakfast out of the fridge – fresh fruit and muesli.
After breakfast, we had been going for about half an hour when we came up behind two eight-metre-wide loads going south, but there were two eight-metre-wide loads coming north and we were going to all meet quite soon. Granddad backed off and called the rear pilot.
“Southbound eight-metre pilots. MTA here with two at two-point-seven and light. I’ll just sit back here until we have got around those northbounds if you like,” he says.
“That would be great MTA, if you don’t mind.”
“Not a problem, mate,” Granddad says.
The art sculptures were really creative.
We had only gone about another kilometre down the road when the eight-metre loads and pilots in front of us stopped and the radio was going flat out with the wardens and pilots from both north and southbound big loads working out how to get around each other safely.
It ended up that the northbound eight-metre-wide loads pulled into a parking bay, the southbound eight- metre loads stayed parked on the road getting as far to the left as possible so that the traffic behind the northbound could come through, and then we got called around. As we pulled away, we could hear both lots of pilots getting their loads moving again.
“Well, that was a bit of fun that most people don’t get to see,” Granddad says.
“I never realised how much organising those big loads take when you have talked about them before. I’m going to do an essay on them for my monthly project at school,” I say.
“That’s good Demi. So, you think the trip was worthwhile then?”
“It’s always worthwhile coming with you Granddad and you know it!”
“That’s good then dear. I would hate to be wasting my time,” Granddad says with a big grin all over his face.
An hour later we pull into the roadhouse at Paynes Find so Granddad can have his five-hour break. He said he was hoping to get to Perth with only one break but that won’t happen now. We will have to have another break at the Chittering Roadhouse, which is almost an hour north of Perth, but we will still be in the yard and parked up by five o’clock this afternoon and home for tea.
As we were coming into Perth, Granddad was on the phone to his boss, and when they were done, Granddad said that things just got easier. He did not have to take the trailers to the yard – just drop them at the Kewdale hook-up area and go home.
That was my road trip and I loved it. Thank you so much Granddad for such a wonderful trip together. – Demi
Northchill Ltd
We caught up with Graham Redington from Northchill Ltd, who tells us all about the type of trucks he uses to operate his freight business.
What does Northchill Ltd specialise in?
Graham: We have four companies under the Northchill Group Ltd banner. We specialise in refrigerated linehaul work, express overnight linehaul, tankers that carry chemicals, new boat distribution and concert logistics.
Who owns/runs the business and how many staff do you have?
Graham: Graham (myself) and my wife Michelle, and we have 41 staff. My daughter Hollie works in the business as part of our management team.
How long has it been in business?
Graham: Since 2007.
How many trucks are in your fleet?
Graham: We have 37 trucks.
What makes of trucks are they?
Graham: We run Kenworth, Volvo and DAF trucks.
And what is your favourite truck?
Graham: Kenworth.
What type of loads do you cart?
Graham: Produce, frozen chicken/meat etc, groceries, overnight freight, chemicals and concert equipment.
Where are the main areas you operate in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Graham: We operate mainly in the North Island, but run a truck and trailer unit from Auckland to Invercargill return every week.
What is your background, How did you get into transport?
Graham: I started as a courier back in Wellington more than 30 years ago and things progressed from there. I worked in Australia for five years and then came back to New Zealand. That’s when I bought a chemical delivery business, and things began to grow from there.
What is your favourite thing about this industry?
Graham: Working with some really cool people including my wife and daughter every day, having a really neat management and workshop team and also our drivers who are integral to our business.
Do you have any advice for young people who want to work in transport?
Graham: If you’re passionate about trucks then talk to some operators. Start off washing trucks and being the yard person – we all had to start at the bottom but if you show some nous then most operators will work with you once you are old enough to obtain your licence. Don’t expect to jump straight into a Kenworth – we all had to learn the ropes and you will be a better person for it.
Have you got an exciting experience you can share?
Graham: Moving the big concerts around and working alongside some of the big bands’ crews is pretty cool!
100 years of Kenworth
Dustin was given a flight to Hamilton for Christmas so he could check out the 100 Years of Kenworth celebration event at Mystery Creek
I woke up on Friday morning and got ready to go to the airport, as Dad and I were flying out at 8:45am. When we got to the airport we got a coffee and then got on the plane and flew up to Hamilton where my great-uncle picked us up. We were fortunate to be able to stay at their home in Cambridge.
On Friday afternoon we went to the Ross Bros Museum in Cambridge. It had lots of old trucks, many bulldozers, and a big loader from their days in construction.
On Saturday morning we got up and had breakfast and then were lucky enough to use my aunty’s car to go to the truck show. When we got there, there was a whole valley full of Kenworths, row upon row of them. If you love Kenworths, you just didn’t know where to look.
At the start of the show I talked to Dave McCoid and Carl Kirkbeck (from New Zealand Trucking magazine). As we walked around the show there were a few showers of rain. To stay dry while it rained, I was grateful to have shelter in a Kenworth that had been made into a motorhome. How awesome.
We had to walk around the show quickly as there were so many trucks to see and so little time. At the end of the show, when all the trucks were leaving, I took a bunch of photos.
The next day when I went back to the show; there were more trucks leaving but no rain, which was good, because all the new trucks that were in the shed were all outside so I got to have a good look at them. It was cool to see all the North Island trucks up close rather than on social media. It was amazing to see how much effort all of the companies put into washing, polishing and painting up the old trucks like they were brand new.
As I was walking around, I spotted plenty of Little Truckers at the show – it may have been you!
Stay safe and keep having fun out there. – Dustin
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
The celebration took place on Waitangi Weekend 2024 and marked the global centenary of the Kenworth marque – 100 years since the first Kenneth truck rolled off the production line.
Every model sold in Aotearoa New Zealand was represented, from the 1950s early imports to brand new T909s, C509s and SARs. Wall-to-wall Kenworths, all lovingly looked after, bling-blinging like never before.
Microwaved fruit and custard pudding
This time-saving dessert only takes five minutes to prepare and there is no preheating the oven required. Easy as!
Ingredients
- ½ packet vanilla cake mix
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 300ml pouring cream
- 100ml milk
- 150g of your favourite fruit – try pears or peaches
- vanilla ice cream (to serve)
Method
- Prepare the half-portion of cake mix in a bowl then scrape it into a large microwave-safe bowl.
- In another bowl, beat the egg, sugar and vanilla together until well combined, then pour in the cream and milk and whisk together for two minutes more.
- Arrange the fruit pieces on top of the cake mix and then pour over the cream mixture. Microwave on high for 10-12 minutes – the cream will sink down to make a delicious custard layer.
- Leave to cool slightly for a couple of minutes, then serve with some vanilla ice cream.
Traffic Light
Ready, set go! Enjoy the different colours of this refreshing classic.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup raspberry cordial
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2-3 drops green food colouring
Method
- Pour the raspberry cordial into the bottom of the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice and carefully pour orange juice over cordial.
- Add a few drops of green food colouring to the top of the filled glass and stir lightly with a toothpick, being careful not to mix the colours.
Pink Panther
These Pink Panther drinks are not only a classic, they are also delicious! Super easy to make, pink lemonade ice cream floats.
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream
- 2 tablespoons raspberry cordial
- 1 can lemonade
- Whipped cream for the top
Instructions
- Place one scoop of ice cream and one tablespoon of raspberry cordial into a tall glass.
- Add a splash of lemonade and stir with a fork or long-handled spoon until the ice cream has broken up and the cordial is well combined.
- Top up with lemonade. At this stage you can scoop off a little froth and top up with more lemonade.
- Top the glasses with a spoonful of whipped cream.
Tasty Bolognese
A family favourite, this recipe makes a lot, so it’s ideal for several meals during the week and even some handy work lunches.
Ingredients
- 500g beef mince, or plant-based mince
- ½ chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated carrot or zucchini (optional)
- ½ cup stock
- 1 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley/ oregano/rosemary/basil) or 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper
- 250g dried pasta
- Grated cheese to serve
Method
- In a pan, add the onion and garlic and cook for about two minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the mince and cook until brown (5-10 minutes). Add the vegetables and cook for a further five minutes.
- Add the stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar and combine. Simmer over a low heat for 15-20 minutes until the Bolognese has thickened. About halfway through this cooking time, give it a taste test and add salt and pepper to taste. Also add the chopped fresh or dried herbs.
- While the Bolognese is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions and grate some cheese.
- Drain the spaghetti, dish into bowls and top with the Bolognese and grated cheese.
- Serve immediately.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for three days or freeze portions.