Event: The Otorohanga Truck & Ute Show

It was a summer sizzler as Ōtorohanga’s population swelled, with around 100 trucks coming together for the inaugural Otorohanga Truck & Ute Show on 24 February 2024

One of the key organisers, local legend, business owner, mechanic, driver, and social media celebrity, Rodney Dowd, hopes it will be a permanent show every two years when combined with local classic cars, hot rod, and ute enthusiasts in the future.

Naturally, the largest fleet was from Rodney’s local Ōtorohanga Transport Ltd (OTO) and nearby Lime Haulage Te Kuiti (LHL) showing the latest Volvos, Scanias, and Kenworths, plus, the much-revered classic Mack Ultraliner restoration.

The crew worked tirelessly through Friday night to clean the trucks that arrived late after a busy week of carting stock. Every truck showed the passion they have for their work.

Rodney commented it was also good to see many of his competitors showing up. Loyalty runs deep in the area. Locals showed a strong presence, with some trucks from Hamilton, Auckland, and Tāupo making it to the town, with a wide variety of makes and models, ranging from vintage and army trucks to TK Bedford, C57 ERF, tidy Foden Alphas, and the latest models.

The kai carts, sand pit, paddling pool, and the miniature truck and train rides kept the little ones occupied. It was indeed a genuine display of the community coming together to support the local cause.

The event showcased a real all-comers line-up and was a fantastic promotion for the important local agricultural base everyone in the area depends on.

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Photography: Rod Simmonds