Drive It

03/09/2026

We’ve seen some country this week!
From way out the back of Matau, through to the Waitomo District and plenty of places in between.

It’s been a varied week for Drive It, with a big focus on in-cab log truck assessments for major forestry and harvest company site accreditations.

And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

Some incredible country, some seriously technical forestry sites and back-country roads, and most importantly, some outstanding driving from the operators I’ve been out with.

When you see experienced log truck drivers working in these environments, you get a real appreciation for the skill, judgement and professionalism required to do the job safely.

This is exactly the kind of work we want Drive It to be doing more of.

Drive Better. Lead Better. Work Safer.

01/09/2026

A new chapter for Drive It.
After many years of being known primarily for driver licence training, we've made a pretty significant change.

Drive It has evolved- Drive Better. Lead Better. Work Safer.

We're taking the experience we've built across driver training, transport, operational safety, leadership and business and focusing it into three areas:

DRIVING & COMPLIANCE
In-cab assessments, heavy vehicle development, 4WD/rural vehicles, logbooks and compliance.

LEADERSHIP & PERFORMANCE
Leadership Under Pressure, Frontline Leadership, operational leadership and culture reviews, workshops and mentoring.

HEALTH & SAFETY / SOPs
From writing a single SOP through to developing practical H&S systems for businesses.

We've also completely rebuilt the Drive It website around where we're heading.

Drive Better. Lead Better. Work Safer.

Have a look around the new site and let us know what you think.

www.driveit.kiwi

28/08/2026

A shout-out where it’s deserved 👍

This week I jumped in with some of the GJ Sole crew to carry out in-cab driver assessments for access to a forestry site, and I have to give these guys some credit.

The standard of driving was top notch. But what stood out just as much was the attention to detail around the trucks and equipment,particularly loading, load security and restraints.

Logging trucks and their drivers can sometimes get a pretty hard time in the media, but what I saw this week was professionalism at its best.

There were many, many millions of kilometres of experience between the drivers I assessed, and it showed. Smooth, considered driving, good decision-making, excellent equipment knowledge and a real understanding of the responsibility that comes with operating heavy vehicles in the forestry environment.

These drivers are an asset to GJ Sole and to the wider forestry and transport industry.

It was also a great reminder of why I enjoy getting back in the cab and doing this type of work. There’s a lot you can learn about a driver — and an operation — from sitting alongside them for a few hours.

Well done to the GJ Sole team.

DriverSafety Taranaki

28/08/2026

A shout-out where it’s deserved 👍
This week I jumped in with some of the GJ Sole crew to carry out in-cab driver assessments for access to a forestry site, and I have to give these guys some credit.

The standard of driving was top notch. But what stood out just as much was the attention to detail around the trucks and equipment,particularly loading, load security and restraints.

Logging trucks and their drivers can sometimes get a pretty hard time in the media, but what I saw this week was professionalism at its best.

There were many, many millions of kilometres of experience between the drivers I assessed, and it showed. Smooth, considered driving, good decision-making, excellent equipment knowledge and a real understanding of the responsibility that comes with operating heavy vehicles in the forestry environment.

These drivers are an asset to GJ Sole and to the wider forestry and transport industry.

It was also a great reminder of why I enjoy getting back in the cab and doing this type of work. There’s a lot you can learn about a driver, and an operation — from sitting alongside them for a few hours.

Well done to the GJ Sole team. 👏

23/08/2026

DRIVING LESSONS – LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
Looking to get behind the wheel, build your confidence, or get ready for your licence test?

We have a limited number of spaces available for car driving lessons.

✅ Learn in our vehicle or yours
✅ Manual or automatic
✅ Fully qualified driving instructor
✅ Relaxed, practical and supportive approach
✅ Lessons tailored to your experience and confidence level
✅ From complete beginners through to test preparation and confidence building

With us, the focus is on keeping things relaxed and practical, no unnecessary pressure, just quality one-on-one instruction to help you become a safe and confident driver.

Spaces are limited, so if you or someone in your family is looking for lessons, send us a message to secure a spot.

Drive It – Real Training. Real Skills.
Call, message or text to book in 027 4915764

22/08/2026

Over 220,000 views on our Road Ranger video! Its always something that comes up, people looking to improve.
Part to is in production now but here's the best tip, timing " Clutch to neutral, clutch to gear"

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

21/07/2026

🚛 Class 5 Bulk Driver Wanted – The season is creeping up quickly and we are hitting the ground running!

We’re looking for a reliable new driver to take the wheel.
What We’re Looking For:
• ✅ Full clean Class 5 licence
• ✅ Confident with reversing (not just driving forward)
• ✅ Reliable & self-motivated
• ✅ Good time management
• ✅ Team player who gets on well with others
• ✅ Keeps gear clean & tidy
• ✅ Drug-free
• ✅ Available for the odd weekend
• ✅ Minimum 40 hours per week

🚚 Our unit's run between here and the Manawatu, so flexibility and commitment are key.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 027 340 6273

We’re not on Facebook all the time, so calling or emailing is the best way to get in touch.

16/07/2026

How good is this!

🚛 A Well-Deserved Recognition! 👏

At Sandford Group of Companies, we're incredibly proud of our team, and today we'd like to give a special shout-out to Josh Trowbridge.

Josh was recently nominated for the EROAD Young Driver of the Year at the Transporting New Zealand Industry Awards – an outstanding achievement and recognition of his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the transport industry.

While only one person can take home the trophy, being nominated alongside some of the country's best young drivers is an accomplishment in itself, and one we're extremely proud to celebrate.

Josh's work ethic, positive attitude, and passion for the industry make him a valued member of the Sandford team, and we're excited to see what the future holds for him.

Congratulations, Josh – you've done yourself, your family, and the whole Sandford team proud! 👏🚚

If you'd like to read more about the awards and nominees, check out the Transporting New Zealand article: Spotlight on Superb Skills in the Transport Sector

https://www.transporting.nz/spotlight-on-superb-skills-in-the-transport-sector/

09/07/2026

We will be closed for the long weekend, back on deck Monday morning! ✅️

Stay safe, drive safe, and enjoy time with family and friends if you can 😊

Happy Matariki 🌟
John & Serena

➡️ www.driveit.kiwi