The rumble of diesel, the shine of polished chrome, and the unmistakable pride of the Kenworth community all came together in spectacular fashion at Mystery Creek for the 2025 Kenworth 100 celebrations. Thousands of Kenworth trucks — from pristine classics to the latest K220 — rolled in from across New Zealand to honour a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and trucking heritage.
What unfolded was one of the largest gatherings of Kenworth trucks ever seen in the Southern Hemisphere.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Line-Up
From the moment gates opened, the sight was unforgettable: rows upon rows of Kenworths stretching across the field, each truck telling its own story of work, pride, and the people behind the wheel.
Owners showcased everything from:
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Meticulously restored W-Models and K100s, gleaming like they had just left the factory floor
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High-spec modern legends including the T610, T909, and the flagship K220
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Custom builds featuring airbrushed murals, LED packages, stainless work, and decades of personality
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Fleet trucks representing New Zealand’s toughest industries — logging, linehaul, livestock, and heavy haulage
It wasn’t just a display — it was a living, breathing museum of Kenworth history.
Thousands of Proud Owners and Fans
The atmosphere was electric. Truckies, families, enthusiasts, operators, and industry suppliers filled Mystery Creek in celebration of the brand that has shaped New Zealand transport for generations.
Crowds gathered throughout the day to:
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Chat with owners about their builds and their careers
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Explore the latest technology and safety innovations
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Watch live demonstrations and truck parades
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Relive memories of “their first Kenworth” or “the truck Dad drove”
At its heart, Kenworth 100 wasn’t just a truck show — it was a celebration of the people who keep New Zealand moving.
Spotlight on the Kenworth K220
One of the show’s key attractions was the Kenworth K220, drawing constant crowds around its redesigned cab, upgraded powertrain options, and driver-focused refinements.
Operators were able to get up close with the latest PACCAR MX-13 engine, enhanced aerodynamics, and the modern digital dash system that defines the future of Kiwi transport.
For many, stepping inside the K220 felt like stepping into the next century of the Kenworth legacy.
Honouring a Century of Innovation
Kenworth 100 paid tribute to key milestones that brought the brand to where it is today:
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The introduction of the first K-Series cabover
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The evolution of aerodynamic design
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The expansion of Kenworth’s Australian and New Zealand engineering capabilities
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The rise of custom-spec workhorses built for our demanding terrain
From humble beginnings to global leadership, the event showcased why Kenworth remains the gold standard for durability, performance, and driver pride.
Southpac Trucks Proudly Representing Kenworth in NZ
As the official distributor of Kenworth in New Zealand, Southpac Trucks was honoured to be part of this historic event.
Our team was on-site supporting owners, showcasing the latest models, and celebrating the million-kilometre stories that define what Kenworth truly means to Kiwis.
Kenworth has always been more than a truck — it’s a symbol of hard work, loyalty, and a commitment to doing things properly.
Looking Ahead to the Next 100 Years
The 2025 Kenworth 100 celebrations at Mystery Creek will be remembered as a milestone moment for the industry — a gathering of legends old and new, fuelled by passion and community spirit.
With innovation accelerating and demand for high-performance trucks growing, the next century for Kenworth looks brighter than ever.
Here’s to 100 years of Kenworth — and to all the drivers, owners, and families who keep the legacy rolling.
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