The UDC Finance Show & Shine at the Allied Petroleum / TransFleet Trailers Bombay Truck Show took less than a month to reach the 465 truck capacity.

Entries opened early for the 2027 event and truck show coordinator Marieka Morcombe says she received a rush of 115 entries for the UDC Finance Show & Shine in first the 24 hours after entries opened on May 22.

The previous record had been 68 entries in the first day. The capacity number had been reached by June 16.

“We were getting so many enquiries that we announced we were going to open the registrations earlier than usual,” says Marieka.

“The response has been exceptional. The last show was fully subscribed by October, and this time we are already full.

“We’ll put together a waiting list because there is always a small number of people whose circumstances will change in the next six months or so.

“But it’s 465 trucks as the maximum on the day. That’s the limit for the amount of space we have available.”

It’s a similar story with exhibitor space now fully accounted for.

“The exhibitor space is sold out too,” says Marieka.

“But we will have a reserve list for show & shine, and exhibitors just in case anyone changes their plans.”

The majority of previous exhibitors are returning to the show but Marieka estimates there’s about a 20% turnover from 2025 with some exciting new companies lining up to make their show debut in 2027.

“The big news is we’ve gone international for the first time. Two Australian firms have signed up for the show,” Marieka says.

“PearlCraft from Victoria will have their custom steering wheels on display and for sale while Country Trucker Caps from Gympie in Queensland have also signed up for 2027.

“Country Trucker Caps have just been at the Mystery Creek Fieldays and they created a lot of attention with their social media.

“Having recognition internationally, is something I could never have dreamed of. It leaves me lost for words.

“I’m mostly excited for what this means for the public. Having international companies, scattered among our amazing NZ exhibitors really feels like it’s going to add a bit of extra energy to the atmosphere. The little old Bombay Truck Show, isn’t that little after all.”

More plans for the fourth edition of the truck show will be revealed in the next few months.

“We will have a big announcement ready to make public during July and the other area we are now starting to focus on is putting together all of the prize packages,” Marieka says.

The Allied Petroleum/ TransFleet Trailers Bombay Truck Show is New Zealand’s largest charity truck show. The 2027 edition is scheduled for Saturday January 23 at the familiar venue – the Bombay Rugby Club and on the grounds next door.

“The land is currently growing broccoli, but it will soon to be planted in grass just for us,” says Marieka.

“We are so thankful to Leaderbrand for allowing us into their space for a few months. When you see them on exhibitor stand D10, say thanks!”

The fourth running of the biennial show will again raise funds for Franklin Hospice, Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, and the Bombay Rugby Club. The first three shows have raised over $283,000, distributed between the three main charities and other community groups.

More info: bombaytruckshow@gmail.com