Stephen Arthur Leslie Segetin, affectionately known as “Segee” or “Have a Chat,” was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, mate, fisherman and respected figure in the New Zealand transport and farming industries. He was larger than life, always up for a yarn and co-created Aztec Forestry Transport Developments Ltd – in other words, a Southpac Legend.

Born on May 4, 1950, in Devonport, Auckland, earning him the moniker of a ‘Star Wars baby’ (May the fourth be with you). Steve was the eldest son of a Brady bunch of six children, a role that demanded resilience and instilled in him a lifetime of resourcefulness and humour.

His early years were shaped in Coromandel, where he thrived on the simple, hardworking lifestyle. School held little appeal; his favourite subjects were lunchtime and mischief, often leading to creative solutions to soften disciplinary blows.

“He copped the strap more than a few times, so often that he used to line his pants with newspaper and sometimes wear up to 3 pairs of shorts just to soften the blows,” says close friend (and Sales Representative at Southpac Trucks) Mark Tucker.

Despite the cheekiness, Steve showed promise as a runner, earning a pair of running shoes from the famous Arthur Lydiard and he got to run with Peter Snell. By age 12, Steve was already working on his father’s longline fishing boat, developing the strong work ethic and self-reliance that defined his life. He and his brother Bob also engaged in eel fishing, helping the family generate extra income.

“He also had chores to do, including the not so glamorous job of digging a hole each day to empty the poo bucket in the veggie garden. Tough job, but he did it. That was Steve. Get in. Get it done and have a laugh after”, says Mark.

In 1965, the Segetin family moved to Auckland. Steve cycled through a series of jobs, including house re-blocking and working at the Onehunga Woolen Mill, but a fateful glance introduced him to Kathy in 1968, whom he married in 1969.

“He knew she was the one,” says Mark. “And they married on January 11, 1969, at the Revell family farm in Matakana.”

Their married life was marked by moves across the region, a growing family, Brent, Michelle, Leanne, and Shawn, and Steve’s ongoing search for his true calling. Settling in Wellsford in 1977 marked a turning point. Steve bought his first house on Davies Road, which became a family hub for over two decades, before moving to Tomas Street.

“Steve had tried a few different jobs over the years, he was always searching for what would be a fit, and then when he found it trucking, he loved it,” says Mark.

Initially working with R & O Transport (Rodney & Otamatea Livestock), his dedication led him to obtain his transport service license and launch Segetin Cartage as an owner-driver in 1983. Steve was known for his relentless work ethic and for involving his family in the business.

“Sunday was always the family day. But the family day meant heading to the meat works and after, Steve washed the truck, while the family sat and waited inside the truck,” Mark says.

“But he always bribed them with the promise of an ice cream in Albany or Orewa. That was Steve’s way, work hard, make it fun, and include family.”

A serious bout of leptospirosis in 1990 forced Steve to step away from livestock transport. Adapting with characteristic grit, he transitioned into the logging industry, converting his truck to serve in this new sector. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he co-founded Aztec Forestry Transport Development in 1998 alongside Ken Angus and Peter Phillips, building the company into a respected industry player.

Aztec Forestry Transport Developments was established in response to a call from Carter Holt Harvey for key suppliers. Drawing on over a century of combined expertise, the trio aimed to create a unique brand, choosing the name “Aztec” to reflect both ambition and a desire for distinctiveness.

Plus, the name would be at the front of the telephone book – back in 1998 people still used the telephone book. The company began with just four trucks and has since expanded to a fleet of over 100 trucks, primarily Kenworths, operated by both directors and subcontractors.

Today, Aztec operates from two offices: one in Rotorua (serving Central and Hauraki) and the other in Ruakaka, continuing its commitment to innovation, quality, safety, and service in forestry transport.

“Steve’s pride in his work was evident; he owned seven trucks at the time of his passing and remained actively engaged with his team and peers,” says Mark.

In addition to his trucking career, Steve maintained a passion for farming, leasing blocks for cattle and sheep before eventually purchasing his own farm. He had a particular fondness for his Charolais cows “big solid beasts just like him”. Steve was also an adventurous outdoorsman, enjoying diving, fishing trips, and spirited games of social pool among mates.

“Social pool was a favourite pastime, win or lose, it was about the mates and a bit of banter,” recalls Mark.

Steve’s personal attributes left a deep impression on all who knew him: a sharp tongue paired with a big heart, unwavering loyalty, infectious humour, and a steadfast readiness to help family, friends, and fellow drivers alike. Even in the face of adversity or change, Steve approached life with resilience and gratitude, encouraging those around him to laugh, work hard, and include family in all pursuits.

His impact resonated beyond his work, he was legendary for his storytelling, notorious for extending meetings with tales of fishing trips, and always present early for every gathering.

Known as “Have a Chat,” Steve’s stories would only grow taller with each telling, adding to the folklore of his life. He was candid, honest, and could be counted on to get the job done, setting a standard for reliability and camaraderie in the New Zealand trucking community.

Steve Segetin’s legacy is one of hard work, innovation, loyalty, and laughter. He is remembered with pride and affection by his wife Kathy, his children and daughter in law and grandchild, colleagues, and the many whose lives he enriched. In the words of his eulogists, Steve’s story, much like his favourite truck, rolls on in all those who knew him.

For Steve it wasn’t always about work and no play he did enjoy holidays on cruise boats, trips overseas especially his trip to Europe and Melbourne which was sponsored by Southpac.

Steve was farewelled with a high trucking convoy for which his family says would have really touched his heart and made him feel humbled. His daughters Michelle and Leanne say that their father taught them good principles and work ethics.

“He was a hard man, but a fair man and he loved life, his family and friends. He was straight up, and he meant what he said. He was cheeky and loved to have fun and have a good laugh. It’ll be quiet without him.”

Mark pondered one last thing, if Steve meets the Pope on his celestial journey, what would the conversation be, and will the Pope take up fishing?

“Rest easy Steve, the roads are smooth now, the tides are calm, and your story rolls on in all of us,” Mark ends.