The first New Generation DAF XF to reach New Zealand roads should feel right at home.

There are plenty of DAFs – and other PACCAR Group stablemates – already running in the green and white Waitoa Haulage colours and the Thames Valley plains are as flat as the Netherlands.

Based at Waihou, just a few minutes west of Te Aroha, the rural transport company has been owned by the Clement family since 2004. It’s history goes back to 1976 when it was founded by Neill and Jenny Dorrian along with Kevin and Dianne Norton, making 2026 a celebration of 50 years in business.

Ever since I climbed into the new generation DAF at last year’s Brisbane Truck Show, I’ve been keen to get behind the wheel of one in New Zealand. Almost a year later, here we are with the Waitoa Haulage new generation XF, part of the DAF NG family.

The main reason for my excitement about this new truck was the cab interior. As soon as I climbed into it at the truck show it struck me how clean and crisp the design and layout was.

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it was, but I just felt comfortable in it and knew where everything was. And I was impressed with the amount of space inside the cab.