The Bill Richardson Truck Rally
The sound of engines and the sight of shining chrome filled the highways of the South Island as more than one hundred trucks made their way from Christchurch to Invercargill for the Bill Richardson Truck Rally. The event celebrated a man whose passion for transport helped shape the industry as we know it today.
Transport World team were incredibly proud to have hosted this special journey that honoured Bill Richardson and the lasting legacy he created. The rally marked twenty years since Bill’s passing and fittingly finished on his birthday, bringing together people from all corners of New Zealand who shared his love of trucks and the open road.
Bill’s connection to trucks began when he was only six years old. Sitting in the cab of Snowy Kidd’s 1949 Ford five tonner sparked a fascination that would stay with him for life. That early moment grew into both a successful career and a remarkable collection, which continues to inspire visitors and enthusiasts alike.
Throughout his life, Bill was known not only for his hard work and innovation but also for his warmth and generosity. He built strong friendships across the transport community and left a legacy that is felt every day through the people and the industry he helped shape.
The rally began in Christchurch on Wednesday, 15 October, with a relaxed barbecue that set the tone for the days ahead. Participants then travelled south through Geraldine to Oamaru, visiting private truck collections and enjoying time together on the journey. On Friday, the convoy continued down the lower South Island to Invercargill, finishing the trip with a lap around the city. People from across the region lined the streets to witness the great spectacle of trucks. Once the trucks were parked for the night, Bill Richardson Transport World welcomed rally attendees to an evening filled with dinner, stories, and celebration.
The Bill Richardson Truck Rally was more than a road trip. It was a heartfelt reminder of how one person’s enthusiasm can inspire generations.
