Southpac Legends

Renowned for his standout choice in footwear, plus his ability to ask ‘posing’ questions, Gary Johnstone (of Brenics food transport and logistics fame) is a South Island transport stalwart who is known to many. He’s a self-proclaimed optimist and, together with his wife Barbara, has created a true, family-run business – and for that reason, he’s a Southpac legend.

Gary was born in Dannevirke but did his schooling in the Tauranga/Te Puke area, shifting around because his dad was (at that stage), a sharemilker or farmer. He says he “always had an obsession with trucks,” however, he left school early and went on a farm-cadet scheme. Fortunately, he quickly discovered ... ... 

The ID Loader family business - A legacy of excellence in Whanganui

Celebrating its 70th this year, ID Loader Ltd is a proud testament to what dedication, passion, and family values can achieve. Based in the quaint region of Whanganui, it’s a civil contracting company that has evolved from rather humble beginnings. Despite its evident growth, its third generation owners, cousins Justin and Hayden Loader, have created a vibrant modern business while retaining its core ‘close-knit’ integrity – and that’s why they are Southpac legends.

The story of ID Loader began in 1954 when Ian Douglas Loader, the founder, and grandfather to both Justin and Hayden, made a b... ... 

Mike Gillespie stands out as a legendary figure at Southpac Trucks. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, his journey from starting out as a certified mechanic in Timaru to becoming their South Island Sales Manager is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for trucking – that and him clocking up over 70,000km on the road each year.

Born and raised in Timaru, Mike’s fascination with trucks began at an early age. After completing his training as a certified mechanic, he found himself working as a mechanic salesman for Leo Leonard motors back in the PDL Mustang days.

“I always wanted to get into trucks,” says Mike. “We were doing lig... ... 

When it comes to truck paint spraying or vehicle finishing in NZ’s extended golden triangle, it’s hard to ignore Glenn Tervit of Fleet Image fame. Born and bred in Te Awamutu, Glenn’s journey from sweeping floors as a teenager to co-owning New Zealand’s largest independently owned collision repair company, is a testament to his hard work and dedication. And that’s why he’s a Southpac legend.

From a young age, Glenn harboured a fascination with trucks and machinery. His father, a Holden dealership owner in Te Awamutu, introduced him to Roy Browne Car Painters, a small but ambitious business in the town. At the age of 13, Glenn began working part-time for the shop, ... ... 

When it comes to signwriting, to say Mt Maunganui-based Truck Sign’s owner Cliff Mannington ‘has a gift’ is a huge understatement. Not only has his work been seen as far away as Europe, but with over three decades in the industry, there’s an estimated 3,000 trucks bearing his designs. Yet signing trucks still gives him butterflies – which is why he’s a Southpac legend.

Thanks in part to his father, Cliff is a self-confessed ‘truck nut from way back’, but he’s also ‘always been good at drawing’. 

“My dad had trucks when I was a little kid, so I just grew up around them, sort of live and breathe diesel. I wanted to be a truckie like my dad, but he said `n... ...