First licence competition winner announced

April 16, 2016 12:03 am

Hino Distributors (NZ) Ltd’s nationwide driver’s licence competition’s first winner, Travis Quin, was presented with his licence upgrade package at his Rangitikei Timber yard in Marton on Monday 18 April 2016.

Travis entered the competition online not long after it’s launch at Central Districts Field Days in March. His entry said he would like to expand his timber business, and to do so he would need to invest in a heavy-duty truck.

Travis and his brother, Devlin, who are both qualified builders, took over Rangitikei Timber from their father in 2013. As timber and hardware suppliers, they sell and deliver throughout the Central and Lower North Island.

The business recently purchased a Hino 300 Series, which Travis, who obtained his Class 2 licence last year, has already put to good use. To keep up with growing demands, Rangitikei Timber plan to acquire a heavy-duty truck in the near future, which means Travis is keen to upgrade his licence too.

General Manager of Sime Darby Commercial Group and Hino NZ’s Acting General Manager, Chris Brown, says it takes time, money, and access to a heavy-duty truck to make upgrading to a Class 4 or Class 5 licence possible.

“Our competition was created to combat the nationwide driver shortage,” says Mr Brown. “Of the hundreds of entries we have received many said they want to expand their own business, help with the workload of their current employer, or move into haulage roles, but don’t have the means to do so.”

“The demand for skilled drivers has never been higher,” says AMS Group’s Lower North Island Area Manager, John Marcus. “Last year Hino ran a similar competition, showing they really do care about their industry.”

Mr Marcus was joined by Hino NZ’s Palmerston North Sales Engineer, Tony Pedley, to present Travis with his prize.

There are two more licence upgrade packages to be won. The second draw will be post National Field Days, on 20 June, and the third winner will be drawn on 4 July 2016.