January 2023, thousands of truckers, families, and transport enthusiasts poured in for the second-ever Bombay Truck Show. Transport rigs of all different types and purposes filled the local Rugby Club and nearby fields for a day of live music, mini-truck rides for the kids, show-and-shine competitions, food and bouncy castles.
Event organiser Marieka Morcombe says, "The day well and truly exceeded our expectations and those of our exhibitors."
"While we knew the number of trucks coming along, we could not have predicted the public interest would be so large. Our first show saw about 8000 through the gates, this time that number was closer to 20,000! Ultimately the best bit is the amount we get to pass on to charities."
Held for the second time only, the Bombay Truck Show had no trouble topping the $68,000 charity donation from 2020 to a new record of $83,800 in 2023. Since the show started a total of $151,800 has been raised for local and national charities such as Leukemia and Blood Cancer Foundation NZ, St John, Bombay School Pool Project, Bombay Rugby Club and Franklin Hospice, an outstanding and growing effort.
During the show, there was one company in particular, who stood out with their anti-bullying message.
Amongst a sea of exhibitors with blue, black, and standard-coloured trucks, a neon-pink Western Star caught the crowd's eye. The truck's colour would be right at home in a hot-rod show, but we questioned how it ended up on a construction truck. After speaking to driver Josh Hart, the reason became clear and for a good cause.
Hart Haulage is a family-owned and operated business. Operating for 10 years with a rebrand to Hart Haulage 5 years ago. Josh explains, "We operate 21 units in Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga solely focusing on tipper trucks. Recently we had the pleasure of taking part in projects such as the NX2 Northern Expressway and the Hamilton Expressway."
Barry Hart, owner of Hart Haulage answered, "In 2019 we first painted Josh's Western Star, it was a Dark Green when we brought it. When we discussed painting it, Josh asked if we would consider Pink. So we did, and surprised him with it during a Friday night get-together."
"Pink is the international colour for Anti Bullying. Due to Josh's past and what he went through at school, we always supported Pink Shirt day. Both Josh and Jess would wear pink shirts to school on mufti days, showing their support for each other and anti-bullying. When we started our own Tae Kwon Do club in West Auckland, Hart TKD, we started to promote the pink movement through this opportunity, which eventually led to the decision to also support and promote the anti-bullying movement through our trucking company." says Barry.
Since 2019, Hart Haulage has continued to paint the trucks in support of standing up to bullying.
Josh adds, "I think this Bombay Truck Show was the best show we have ever attended. The crew did an amazing job keeping everyone informed prior to the event and it was fast and easy on the day to set up our location. It had a great family feel and this certainly showed in the people who attended, and the effort that went into each truck at this show proved that this industry has some amazing and special people in it."
Alongside the amazing truck displays, our Auckland Chain & Rigging Sales Manager, Ivan Flynn spotted some exciting trends. Here's what he has to say about the Bombay Truck Show:
"The quality of the equipment on our roads is impressive to say the least. Many businesses from all over the country showed their best. It was clear that they are very proud of their work."
"The transport industry is fast-paced and doesn't stop moving. I found the Bombay Truck Show presented the perfect opportunity to catch up with our customers and drivers in a timeless, friendly, and relaxed environment. As a lead supplier of tie downs, lashing equipment and lifting gear for Hiab trucks, this time at the show was invaluable."
"Steel & Tube participated with a stand on site. We displayed many of our chain & rigging products and solutions, as well as our mobile testing van. The discussions we shared with truckers on the day was inspiring! We look forward to supplying more of the transport industry as it continues to grow – whether it be Sea, Rail, or Road, we do it all!" Ivan Flynn.