Pickups vow to make annual return

Kohu Kohiti admires a truck at the NZV8 Pickup Roundup at the Lakefront on Saturday.

The country's first NZV8 Pickup Roundup stopped off in Rotorua and Taupo over the weekend.

And it went so well organiser Allan Smith said there were plans to make it an annual event.

More than 110 American pick up trucks were displayed at the Rotorua Lakefront on Saturday, attracting hundreds of truck owners and spectators from across New Zealand.

"It's more than what we expected," Mr Smith said.

"We have had very good comments from participants and the public, so we've already decided to make it a yearly thing."

This year's event doubled as a fundraiser for the Cancer Society. Mr Smith, who is also the USA Haulers club president, said he planned to donate proceeds from next year's event to a local charity or organisation.

Image 1 of 7: Dozens of American pickups of all colours were on show.

"It will be good to put money back into the local economies."

Other possible changes would include extending the day and providing more activities, he said.

The convoy was at Taupo's Tongariro St Reserve yesterday for another day of displays, music and a prizegiving.

Mr Smith said all kinds of vintage American-style pick up trucks had been on show, with the oldest car at the show dating back to 1927.

• For more information, visit www.usahaulersnz.weebly.com, or the Pick Up Round Up Facebook page.