This three-part series explores the evolution of road transport - from the horse and cart, bullock and traction engine days in the early nineteen-hundreds - to the modern era of high productivity trucking in New Zealand - over it's 120-year history.
Ham-strung by governmental policies that favoured rail for most of the twentieth-century, it was a difficult gestation for an industry that now hauls 93% of the freight task.
Having no sustained truck-manufacturing capability of its own, New Zealand relied almost solely on the importation of heavy-transport vehicles, and was able to source from Britain, Europe, Asia and North America in order to meet its needs, and this documentary showcases the broad range of truck brands that reached these shores.
Created as a tool to explain to illustrate to the general public the importance, history and reliance as a society we have on the road transport industry - this documentary also celebrates an industry that we are justifiably proud of for its capabilities, presentation and professionalism under what are often trying operational circumstances.
Part one explores the transition from hoof to wheel, and how quickly the truck evolved - particularly with the stimulation of two world-wars.
Part two will appear on Oct 26 - 2024.
