Ride along: Ninety years helping drive Hawke's Bay's economy

Good morning.

Hello.

I'm at Stephenson Transport's depot in Hastings.

I'm meeting boss and third-generation operator Todd Stephenson, who you'll hear from more later on in the show.

I'm also meeting driver John Robson, sometimes known as JR, who I'll be spending most of the morning with.

Today, we're heading out the back of Tutira in northern Hawke's Bay to pick up a load of cows and bring them down for a more sheltered calving experience.

First, though, I have to clamber up into the cabin.

The truck door sits about 1.5 metres above the ground, well above the top of my head.

Job done, we set off north.

It's a journey that takes us past Napier, along the state highway, past blossoming fruit trees and coastal beaches, into steep hill country and up winding, narrow gravel roads.

Today, we're driving a 54-tonne capacity truck, a Freightliner Argosy.

Along the way, John tells me more about himself.

I started at 1st September 1999.

I did a little bit of freight beforehand, but nah, this is my forte.

And you're

from the Hawke's Bay originally as well?

Yep, born in my part.

Done all the hard yards, the old shearing and fencing and shepherding.

It's not just driving, it's all the people as well too.

uh you know all the farmers and then their sons come along and then stock agents all that

yeah i think my favorite part is just you get to see some pretty amazing places as well yeah yeah yeah you're going to see one today actually i thought

No, I'm looking too forward to this job.

A

bit complicated? It

is.