Turning it on down south

Once again the Purdue family of Invercargill excelled in putting on a great Labour Weekend Sunday truck show and prizegiving function for the transport companies, drivers and general public of Southland.

Coming fresh off a long period of cancellations due to the Covid pandemic and lockdown, it was a much-needed day out for all concerned. About 115 trucks parked up in the new industrial area of Invercargill where they were inspected by the judges and on show for the public to view as well. Although the numbers were down slightly, the standard of presentation was higher than previous years, which meant some pretty close judgments had to be made.

Mark ‘Mackers’ Wilson with his mount, a Mack Superliner, took out the King Rig title. This big American is powered by a 685hp Mack MP10 engine with mDRIVE transmission.

It is double-shifted hauling woodchips from Winton to the fibreboard plant in Mataura. Mackers has worked for McNeill Distribution for approximately 10 years and has competed at Invercargill Truck Parades for 23 years. Last year he won the Best International trophy. The McNeill success at the 2020 show didn’t stop there, being supplemented with the prestigious and coveted award of Best Fleet, just ahead of Phil Collinson’s immaculate Eden Haulage fleet.

After the parade through the streets of Invercargill the participants of the show met at the Newfield Tavern for the prizegiving function. Mark Purdue thanked the drivers for their continued support, and also made special note of the support of the company owners for allowing their trucks to be used for this event, which is a special part of Labour Weekend in Invercargill.

Close runner-up to King Rig was Jaden Pearson with this stunning Kenworth K200.

Mark ‘Mackers’ Wilson alongside the Mack Superliner. He won the coveted King Rig title with McNeill’s also awarded the Best Fleet trophy.

Titiroa Transport has always been a keen supporter of the truck parade, which dominates the events in Invercargill at Labour Weekend.

Ryal Bush Transport driver Andy Muir took out the prize for the best new truck with this DAF auger truck.

Eden Haulage was runner up in the Best Fleet category. Owner Phil Collinson is quick to acknowledge the hard work and devotion invested in the constant everyday struggle by his staff to maintain a top level of presentation.