On Sunday 29 March, hundreds of trucks rolled into Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka for the 2026 Tui Truck Stop Show & Shine. It is a highlight on the Kiwi trucking calendar. MyTrucking was proud to be part of the action, with our own support specialist, Amelinda (Ame) Moates, joining the judging panel.
Having Ame on the judging team was a natural fit. She spends her days helping fleets get the most from MyTrucking, and her weekends often involve cars and trucks. She’s a self-proclaimed lifelong motorhead! As a former dispatcher, she brings hands on experience across operations.
“The vibe of the whole day is what really hits you first,” Ame adds. “Sure, the trucks are jaw-dropping, but it’s the atmosphere that truly steals the show – everyone’s bursting with passion, and even the Tui crew make you feel right at home.”
The 2026 event brought together two other judges with serious industry credentials, Murray Sowerby and Brent “Cookie” Cooksley. Murray is a respected industry leader and New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame inductee. Brent has nearly five decades of connection to the Mack brand in New Zealand.
Celebrating trucks, people, and pride in the gear
From custom paintwork through to spotless cab interiors, the standard was high.
Judges looked at presentation, attention to detail, branding, and the stories behind the trucks before naming winners across categories like Star of the Show and Best Fleet.
“These rigs weren’t just clean – they were so polished the truck next to it could use it as a rear-view mirror,” Ame shares. “But as a judge, you’ve got to look past the sparkle and dig into the detail. I was checking out everything: the decals and artwork, the condition of the cab interiors, any clever modifications.”
Beyond the trophies, the day was about catching up with mates, talking trucks, and celebrating the work these vehicles and drivers do to keep New Zealand moving.
Why showing up matters for MyTrucking
Flying the MyTrucking flag at events like this is a wonderful chance to spend time with the people using our software, listen to what is happening out on the road, and celebrate operators.
It’s a reminder of why MyTrucking is focused on building tools that best support the people behind the wheel and in the office. These people work hard for their families and help keep our lives moving. They’re also some of the most passionate people you will ever meet.
Events like this are also a chance to bring the industry together in tough times. Often truckers are only passing each other on the road, so shows like this allow operators to discuss their wins, their challenges, and their solutions.
Word of mouth is everything and many great ideas come with the meeting of like minds.
“One big, chrome-loving family”
We were proud to see Ame up there alongside other industry greats!
And a final word from Ame:
“Seeing those trucks in person felt like meeting celebrities I’d only ever talked to on the phone,” she says. “It’s pretty special stepping out from behind the support desk, connecting with the people we help every day, and feeling like part of one big, chrome-loving family.”
We can’t wait for next year!
If you’re planning a conference or industry event, let us know – we’d love to see how we can help. Contact our team.
