The May 2026 issue of New Zealand Truck & Driver reaches a milestone for the magazine – 300 editions since the title debuted in March 1999. 

The May cover and Giti Tyres Big Test put the spotlight on the new Kenworth T620, which brings styling updates and Euro VI performance to the brand’s bonneted line-up.

Our feature truck is called Starting Over, a T620 8x4 Sleeper Cab which has joined the Northchill Group fleet. It runs between Auckland and Palmerston North towing a refrigerated quad-semi with driver Hayden Little making sure it stays polished and shining while he enjoys a custom sound system. 

We have an electric theme for the Advantage Tyre Solutions Fleet Focus. WM New Zealand is an early adopter of electric trucks, having already gained a decade of experience operating its fleet of both locally converted and OEM electric trucks.

The News pages in the May issue outlines New Zealand’s Fuel Plan strategy and looks at new Average Speed Camera locations in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. We also preview new Volvo 13-litre models, report from the Tui Truck Show, update the latest Bombay Truck Show news, and look ahead to the final round of the NZ Super Truck Championship set for Manfeild over the ANZAC weekend.

Transporting New Zealand outlines why efficiency becomes more important than ever for the transport industry when diesel prices are surging and there is potential for supply shortages. There are also details of the election year national conference being planned for Wellington in June. 

The regular Southpac Legend feature puts the focus on the Kenworth W900 SAR Legend which holds a special place in the Pokeno-based N & J Wood Ltd fleet.

The May issue also preview the New Generation DAF line-up which is about to go to work in New Zealand and introduces the B.J. and the Bear tribute which is Charlie Bailey’s latest Kenworth restoration project. 

We also report from a training day for heavy salvage operators held in Hamilton and from the 2026 Southpac Trucks Truckers & Loggers fishing tournament.

The Bygone Days historical series continues with Rod Simmonds taking a look at the story of Hawke’s Bay Farmers Transport and we have the latest updates from the National Road Carriers Association and the New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association.

CrediFlex Recently Registered – the monthly look at the new truck and trailer market – sees the first quarter registration figures holding steady compared to 2025 numbers and features the regular gallery of the latest trucks to go to work on Kiwi roads.