Not only does Darrell Hoskin of Dave Hoskin Carriers believe in teamwork within his business, but the former Whanganui and Harlequins rugby player is evidently a big fan of it on and off the field too.

 He has a ‘treat people how you want to be treated’ mantra, coaches the local 1st XV Collegiate rugby team and is a proud supporter of the Life Education Trust - for that and much more, he’s a Southpac Legend.

Born and raised in Whanganui, Darrell Hoskin’s story is interwoven with the fabric of his hometown, a place he fondly celebrates for its accessible lifestyle and rich sporting culture.

As a young man, he excelled in rugby and rowing, eventually donning the Whanganui jersey for eight or nine years in the heartland-grade competition. Seeking adventure and the thrill of international competition, Darrell ventured to London in 1992/93 to play for Harlequins Rugby Club, savouring the unique experience of a rugby exchange across the globe.

Despite his deep love for the game, Darrell’s rugby career came to a halt around 2002, opening the door to another major aspect of his life, the family transport business.

Established in 1977 by Darrell’s parents Dave and Gwen, Dave Hoskin Carriers has been a staple in the transport industry. Today, the company operates a diverse fleet of around 30 trucks, predominantly European brands including Volvo, Scania, and DAF, ensuring adaptability and efficiency in an ever-changing industry.

Darrell says, “We have just purchased one of the brand-new DAFs, that runs a 6-axle B-train. We’ve had a good run out of DAF, they’re a good fleet truck, very comfortable, reliable and cater to our needs.”

The company provides a wide range of services, from small deliveries to 40-foot containers, bin and skip hire, furniture removals, Hiab hire, storage facilities, oversized loads, and export and bulk containers. Operating daily across Wanganui, Palmerston North, Horowhenua, and the Hawke’s Bay, the team at Dave Hoskin Carriers is constantly on the move.

Driving trucks was almost second nature to Darrell, having first perched in the driver’s seat of a truck and trailer at a tender age that is maybe too young to print. Darrell says that he doesn’t remember that truck (only the experience) but certainly remembers getting his HT license.

“Classic story really. When I was going to sit my HT, the old man wanted me to do it in an old J5 Bedford with a beer crate for a passenger seat. I refused because I didn’t want to fail. So, I ended up taking one of our Isuzu semi units instead.” recalls Darrell.

After spending eight years hauling freight, handling diverse jobs and gathering firsthand experience in the industry, Darrell transitioned into the operational side of the business in 2010 and eventually taking the reins of the family enterprise in 2014.

As a leader, he embraces responsibilities with his trademark humour and pragmatism. He works closely with his brother, who manages the store operations and container loadings, and a dedicated team of employees—some of whom have been with the company for over 30 years. His leadership philosophy centres around respect and building strong relationships.

“I learnt a long time ago, that you shouldn’t treat people like a number on a page. You should always treat people how you want to be treated,” he says matter of factly.

Having developed a strong people-first approach, Darrell values face-to-face interactions over emails, which has helped him establish lasting relationships with major industry players like AFFCO and Silver Fern Farms.

His ability to navigate challenges has been evident throughout his tenure, particularly during the catastrophic Hawke’s Bay floods in 2023, which left two of the company’s drivers stranded for three days. His belief in contingency planning and nurturing relationships has proven vital in overcoming obstacles, reinforcing the business’s reputation as a dependable and resourceful partner.

“I’m a people person. I’d rather not be a keyboard warrior; I prefer to connect with people especially in a place like Whanganui. The area is growing, and the industry and surrounding network is positioned well at the moment,” says Darrell.

Beyond business, Darrell is committed to his community. Dave Hoskin Carriers has been a significant supporter of the Life Education Trust since 1993, a cause his parents saw as an invaluable tool for educating children on health, hygiene, and personal well-being.

“Mum and dad saw it as a great thing for kids. It gives them more of an education for things that happen in schools but are not dealt with at schools. Health, hygiene and a bit about the birds and bees. It can’t be a bad thing,” he says.

Family plays a central role in Darrell’s life. He has a supportive wife and three sons. His eldest has finished his degree at the University at Otago and has taken up an internship at Deloitte in Auckland. His middle son is in his third year at Canterbury University, while his youngest attends Cullinane College in Whanganui.

His youngest son, who has Down syndrome, participates in Special Olympics swimming and basketball, and Darrell is actively involved in supporting his endeavours on a weekly basis.

“When you have a child with a disability in the family, you are fortunate to experience a unique kind of parenting, one that leads you down a completely different path, meeting and forming relationships with incredible people. Our youngest son is a blessing and has taught me so much. I carry those lessons into my work, ensuring I treat all people equally.”

Darrell’s passion for teamwork extends beyond the transport industry and into the world of rugby.

“At the moment I’m the forwards coach for the Whanganui 1st XV Collegiate Team. This is my third year and my passion.

“Although as a parent you do what you need to do so previously, I managed my eldest two boys’ school and rep hockey teams for seven years, and I even had a stint at managing an U18 Central Hockey team. I like sport and being part of a team, so it’s not hard to do those roles. Sports and teamwork go hand in hand. I enjoy being part of a team environment, coaching and mentoring feel natural to me.”

Darrell finds great satisfaction in guiding young athletes, referring to them as “sponges” because of their eagerness to learn.

“There’s a big gap between First XV and Super Rugby, and coaching at this level involves more than just tactics. Sometimes, you need to be a mentor, a counsellor, and a motivator all at once. I’m lucky that my job allows me the flexibility to dedicate time to rugby.”

For Darrell, managing a sports team and running a business share a common goal—building connections and bringing out the best in people. His leadership, whether on the field or in the office, is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and respect for those around him.

As for the future of Dave Hoskin Carriers, the succession plan remains open-ended.

“There’s no pressure on my sons to take over the business,” Darrell says.

“If they choose to, they’ll have to start from the ground up, just like I did, but that’s entirely their decision. Life is about having options, and I want them to find their own paths.”

Darrell Hoskin’s story is one of dedication to family, business, and community. Whether navigating the roads of Whanganui or coaching on the rugby field, his life is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of meaningful relationships. Whether navigating the streets of Whanganui or managing a thriving transport business, Darrell continues to drive forward – quite literally.