roadcraft blog

Hamish Carter

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:53:00 +1300

RoadCraft take great pride in welcoming Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter to the RoadCraft family. The partnership will see one of New Zealand's greatest ever athletes become the face of Overland Camping Vehicle (OCV) designer and manufacturer RoadCraft.

Hamish is no stranger to leading from the front. During his stunning performance at the 2004 Olympics, he typified the fighting spirit and 'give it a go' attitude all kiwis aspire too. It's those qualities that are bred into every RoadCraft vehicle. And like Hamish, RoadCraft is kiwi - born and raised. That's why RoadCraft is now the New Zealand's biggest seller of new campervans to the leisure market.

Hamish sees RoadCraft's performance driven approach as world beating. "RoadCraft gives new meaning to the classic kiwi road trip. The Base Jumper is the OCV to take you anywhere. Family holidays have never been so good" says Hamish.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader

021 271 5300

roadcraft.co.nz

Deloittes Fast 50 Award

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:58:00 +1300

RoadCraft today announced that it ranked number 5 in the 2009 Deloitte Fast 50, the barometer of successful, innovative businesses across the country.

The company also took away the award for fastest growing manufacturer at the awards ceremony last night. The Fast 50 index ranks New Zealand companies based on revenue growth. RoadCraft achieved 5^th position with a massive 704% percent growth over the previous two years.

RoadCraft is New Zealand's only designer and manufacturer of Overland Camping Vehicles (OCVs).

A family owned and operated company, RoadCraft has come from humble beginnings to be the biggest seller of new campervans to the leisure market in New Zealand over two years.

The company attributes its success to its innovative and unique product range which appeals to people who don't see themselves driving a traditional motorhome. A strong design led approach inspired by New Zealand's unique conditions has appealed to adventure loving kiwis and allowed RoadCraft to grow the market.

RoadCraft founder, John Managh credits the companies' colossal growth with creating a clear point of difference at both brand and product level. "We're outdoor junkies and, I'm not ashamed to admit, gear junkies too. We build OCVs that we love to use and, as it turns out, others do too." said John Managh.

Success in the 2009 Deloitte Fast 50 builds on last year's achievement by sister company Wilderness Motorhomes who was recognised as the fastest growing tourism company in New Zealand.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader

021 271 5300

roadcraft.co.nz

RoadCraft K2 2009

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:04:00 +1200

RoadCraft is proud to announce the continuation of its naming right partnership with the prestigious RoadCraft K2 road cycle race set to take place on October 31st 2009 on the Coromandel peninsula.

RoadCraft, designers and manufacturers of Overland Camping Vehicles (OCVs) will continue to support this demanding event offering a partnership built on the pursuit of adventure and celebration of all things kiwi. RoadCraft Marketing manager Gray Borrell says the RoadCraft K2 is a unique event on the New Zealand sporting calendar and really captures the spirit of the RoadCraft Base Jumper range. “RoadCraft is passionate about getting out there and exploring New Zealand’s challenging landscapes. The RoadCraft K2 has the reputation for being an iconic event and is a great showcase for some of the country’s more unique and rugged scenery. We’re excited to build on the event’s success last year and are really looking forward to making the 2009 RoadCraft K2 one to remember.” Andy Reid from Adventure Racing Coromandel (ARC) welcomes the return of RoadCraft and is confident participant entries will exceed last year’s turn out. Entries are currently running 10% above the same time last year and the organisers are expecting in excess of 1,600 riders this year. “We are already seeing heaps of riders training on the course every weekend as we build towards race day. If you haven’t started training, it’s not too late” says Reid. As an added incentive RoadCraft is giving participants the chance to win a training weekend away in a RoadCraft Base Jumper. All race entries received up to the 21st August will go into the prize draw. ENDS For further information, please contact: Gray Borrell Marketing Leader 021 271 5300 www.roadcraft.co.nz

Brandon Tipene

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:59:00 +1200

Junior motocross rider secures partner for World Championships. RoadCraft is delighted to announce its partnership with New Zealand junior motocross rider Brandon Tipene.

RoadCraft will become a core member of Brandon’s family of sponsors as he builds towards the 2009 RoadCraft FIM Junior Motocross World Championships in Taupo, New Zealand on August 15-16, 2009. The 13 year old North Harbour teenager is no stranger to success having secured 1st place in the 11-12 years' class at 2008 nationals and 1st at the Woodville GP in 2008. Brandon will be competing in the 85cc class at the championships and hopes his showing on a national level will be a solid platform as he presses for higher honours on the international stage.

RoadCraft, New Zealand designers and manufacturers of Overland Camping Vehicles (OCVs), is proud to support Brandon’s dream and sees its OCV range as the perfect support vehicle for aspiring motocross riders and their families. Marketing Manager Gray Borrell says “RoadCraft has always had a strong focus on performance and adventure. We’re excited to be able to reward the dedication and hard work Brandon has shown and he has our unconditional support as he competes at the highest level.” Brandon is part of a 24 strong New Zealand team who come August 16th will be taking on the best junior motocross riders in the world.

The challenge of competing on the international stage is a huge motivation for Brandon, “It’s exciting to be named in the New Zealand team and it’s a real big deal to be riding against all the top riders” says Brandon. The 2009 RoadCraft FIM Junior Motocross World Championships will feature up to 120 of the world’s best junior riders – it is the first time the event has left European shores and is considered a real coup for New Zealand and Taupo to have secured an event of this prestige. Entry on Saturday 15th August is free for all spectators and tickets are available at the gate on Sunday 16th August for $15 for adults and $10 for a child. Children under 5 are free.

END For further information and/or high-res image, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader 021 271 5300

www.roadcraft.co.nz

RoadCraft manufacture and distribute NZ made Overland Camping Vehicles (OCV’s) to the domestic leisure market. Outdoor junkies choose RoadCraft – people who are serious about getting out there and doing it. They want the best – the drive, the gear, the place. The RoadCraft Base Jumper offers a revolution in design and functionality. Getting in the zone has never been this exhilarating – until RoadCraft.

RoadCraft 7 in 7 Challenge

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:09:00 +1200

RoadCraft is proud to announce their support of the Mizone 7 in 7 Challenge. The initiative to take place in November this year is a world-first attempt to run New Zealand’s 7 ‘Great walks’ in 7 consecutive days.

The challenge is the brain child of Malcolm Law (49) and aims to raise $50,000 for a great cause – The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation of NZ. Having lost his brother to leukaemia when he was 13, Malcolm has supported the foundation through and through. His determination to raise awareness has inspired him to take a year off work and fully dedicate himself to the challenge. RoadCraft will back Mal and his support team every step of the way by providing a fleet of Base Jumpers for the journey.

The Overland Camping Vehicles (OCV’s) designed and manufactured by RoadCraft are built for the adventurous at heart and share Mal’s passion for the outdoors and relentless pursuit of the unknown. Never one to shy away from such a monumental task, the Base Jumper is the perfect vehicle to get Mal through some of New Zealand’s most remote and demanding landscapes. Gray Borrell, from RoadCraft says the challenge is a huge undertaking and superb way to raise awareness and support for such a worthy cause. “RoadCraft is no stranger to pushing boundaries and Mal’s commitment to the cause is nothing short of inspirational.”

Mal is realistic about the road that lies ahead and is very much looking forward to the opportunity of a lifetime. “The thought of running the equivalent of 9 off-road marathons and climbing Mt Cook twice all within 7 days is daunting but with the support of RoadCraft and others I’m determined to get there. Finishing it will be one thing, but I’ll only count it as a total success if I can raise the much needed $50,000.” RoadCraft encourages everyone to get behind the 7 in 7 Challenge.

You can help by sponsoring Mal and becoming a ‘Friend of the Challenge’. You’ll also be entered into monthly prize draws to win some great prizes, including a weekend getaway in a RoadCraft Base Jumper. To sponsor Malcolm visit his website - www.7in7.org.nz

END

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader RoadCraft

www.roadcraft.co.nz

021 271 5300

RoadCraft Junior Motocross World Champs

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:18:00 +1200

RoadCraft, New Zealand designers and manufacturers of Overland Camping Vehicles (OCVs), will be the naming rights sponsor of the 2009 RoadCraft FIM Junior Motocross World Championships.

The event will feature up to 120 of the world’s best junior riders and will be held in Taupo on August 15-16 – it is the first time the event has left European shores and is considered a real coup for New Zealand and Taupo to have secured an event of this prestige. “We are delighted to welcome RoadCraft on board as the naming rights sponsor and look forward to their involvement in the event,” said Geoff Hall, President of the Taupo Motorcycle Club.

RoadCraft is proud to partner an international event of this calibre and see their OCV range as the perfect support vehicle for aspiring motocross riders. Marketing Manager Gray Borrell says “RoadCraft have always had a strong focus on performance and adventure. The opportunity to support the next group of NZ riders on the world stage is something we’re very excited about.”

On the back of its international events in 2006 and 2008, the innovative Taupo Motorcycle Club was awarded the hosting rights to the 2009 Junior World Championships. “Over the past 18 months, we have been working hard to make the necessary changes to the track at Digger McEwen Park to ensure we reach the strict FIM standards for the event – these changes allow us an opportunity to potentially host a round of the FIM motocross series in the future. “At last weekend’s penultimate training camp of the New Zealand squad, we took the opportunity to run a ‘training camp’ for our officials and volunteers so they were aware of the different standards and procedures for the Junior Worlds – overall, we were really pleased with the outcome. “Over the coming months we will be also installing a communications centre, funded by the Lion Foundation, which is necessary for safety and race control purposes, and increasing the size of the wash bays,” said Hall.

New Zealand has a proud history of delivering riders at world championship level such as Ben Townley, Josh Coppins, Daryl Hurley, Cody Cooper, Darryl & Shane King and Katherine Prumm.

END

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

RoadCraft Marketing Leader

021 271 5300

www.roadcraft.co.nz

Launch of RoadCraft Custom grows reputation.

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:47:00 +1300

Overland Camping Vehicle (OCV) designer and manufacturer RoadCraft is proud to launch custom business – RoadCraft Custom. RoadCraft Custom has been established to service the custom re-fit and maintenance requirements of New Zealand's recreational vehicle owners.

RoadCraft has a long history in this line of work as the business was formerly known as the Motorhome Service Centre run by Mark and Bob Thornton. Mark is currently Production Leader for RoadCraft and has an extremely skilled and experienced team working with him.

Mark welcomes this new initiative seeing huge benefits for recreational vehicle owners after the convenience of a one-stop-shop. "Being able to complete all work under the one roof is a real time saver for our customers not to mention the cost savings they get from our established network of suppliers. This also applies to the experience and expertise of the team. Having full control of the build and repair process gives the customer confidence in the end product.

RoadCraft Custom would like to extend a warm invite to any parties interested in motorhome, caravan and campervan custom and maintenance work. Please contact Mark directly on 09 255 5600 for a chat and free quote. In addition to re-fit and maintenance work RoadCraft Custom also act as an approved valuer for GKA Insurance.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader RoadCraft

www.roadcraft.co.nz

021 271 5300

RoadCraft Custom RoadCraft Custom offers customised motorhome, campervan or caravan fit outs and maintenance. With a long and impressive history (formerly Motorhome Service Centre) RoadCraft Custom have a dedicated team able to provide personalised solutions. Services: * Repairs & Alterations * Maintenance * New conversions * Custom interiors * Electrical * Gas/Plumbing * Certified valuations (GKA)

www.roadcraftcustom.co.nz

RoadCraft Brotherhood – Ride for your life.

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:47:00 +1300

RoadCraft are proud to partner the Brotherhood – ride for your life. This is an initiative passionately brought to life by Rick Martin of Cornerstone Group.

The aim is to educate and encourage New Zealand men to have annual check-ups, including screening for prostate cancer starting now and every year on their birthday from thereon. Every year too many Kiwi men's lives are claimed by medical conditions and diseases that could have been diagnosed and treated effectively had they been caught earlier. Many of them could be saved. And that's why, in November this year, Rick is going to go for the ride of his life - and possibly yours.

With the support of RoadCraft Rick will cycle the length of New Zealand from Bluff to Cape Reinga. Gray Borrell from RoadCraft says the ride is a great initiative and highlights health issues often neglected by men. “The RoadCraft Brotherhood ride is a superb way of getting guys to change the way they look at their own health and empowers them to take positive action” The aim of the ride is to get 10,000 people to download the Male WOF checklist from www.brotherhood.org.nz.

Rick makes it clear that his objectives aren’t to raise money to spend on research. “I want to say at the end of it that we got 10,000 guys to go and get checked. It's not about the bike ride. It's about you saying to your friends, I am going to get checked, and you need to go too because I don't want to go to the funeral of any of my friends.” If you’d like to support the RoadCraft Brotherhood – ride for your life Rick encourages everyone to join the ride at any stage.

See the website for more details.

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader RoadCraft

www.roadcraft.co.nz

021 271 5300

www.roadcraft.co.nz

Market leaders set for long term partnership.

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:47:00 +1300

Two of New Zealand’s premier RV sales specialists have partnered with Overland Camping Vehicle (OCV) manufacturer RoadCraft.

Barrons in Taupo and Barrons South Island (SI) are now agents for the RoadCraft brand. Both companies have long established reputations as industry leading distributors of motorhomes, caravans and campervans. RoadCraft are proud to strengthen this reputation with the addition of their all new OCV class. These partnerships offer customers a greater level of choice combining first class industry knowledge and customer service with a leading New Zealand made product.

Customers now have a great opportunity to see first-hand the innovative design and manufacturing philosophies that have made RoadCraft a market leader. Neil Whithear of Barrons SI welcomes RoadCraft to the family of brands and considers RoadCraft OCVs to be a great fit for his South Island distributorship. “We have watched the evolution of the RoadCraft OCV with great interest over the last 18 months and after spending time with John & Mary we are extremely proud to be able to represent the product to the market. RoadCraft Base Jumpers have been specifically designed by kiwis that actually use OCVs for their love of the outdoors and are based around practicality and usability. Every component has been thoughtfully placed and included to be of maximum use. They just work! We are really looking forward to showing kiwis the benefits of the Base Jumper range and of course maybe even sneaking away for the odd trip ourselves…”

Tina Rushby of Barrons in Taupo also feels the partnership will be of great benefit to customers looking for carefully crafted products designed and made specifically for the kiwi market. “I am very happy to have finally found a well designed and crafted local product that complements our existing imported range. This new addition can only enhance our customers ability to find a vehicle that fits their specific needs.”

RoadCraft founder John Managh sees natural advantages in designing OCVs specifically for the local market and believes the partnerships with Barrons in Taupo and Barrons SI as a great way to promote New Zealand design and manufacturing. “We’re mad keen outdoors people. There’s nothing we enjoy more than loading up the toys, heading away, and getting into it. That’s how we came to invent OCVs for kiwis. While we designed and built them for ourselves, we knew there are loads of other kiwis who’d love them too. We’ve come to realise not everyone uses their OCV exactly like we do – that’s why it’s great to partner with distributors who work so closely with their customers to make sure the vehicle is the right fit for them. ” Barrons in Taupo and Barrons SI would like to extend a warm invite to any parties interested in viewing the RoadCraft OCV range.

Ends For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader RoadCraft

www.roadcraft.co.nz

021 271 5300

www.roadcraft.co.nz

BeST Awards 2008

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:47:00 +1300

Degree Design have recently picked up a Bronze award for Identity Development at the BeST Design Awards 2008 for their work on the RoadCraft brand.

The BeST Design Awards are a national award programme of the Designers Institute of New Zealand, recognising New Zealand's best graphic, product and spatial design. The award is well deserved recognition for Ryan and Alicia at Degree Design. Their work across the business has been instrumental in bringing the RoadCraft brand values to life. As the partnership goes from strength to strength we look forward to continuing to break new ground and produce inspirational design ideas and execution.

Thanks to the team at Degree Design. Click here to find out more about the Best Design Award.

To discover more about Degree Design click here.

RoadCraft K2

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:47:00 +1200

RoadCraft secures naming right partnership with iconic K2 cycle race. Adventure Racing Coromandel (ARC), organisers of the prestigious K2 road race, is proud to announce a naming rights partnership with RoadCraft.

RoadCraft, manufacturers of Overland Camping Vehicles (OCV’s) offer a partnership built on the pursuit of adventure and drive to continually challenge. The RoadCraft K2 cycling event will continue to push conventional boundaries and set the pace for endurance and peak performance. RoadCraft founder John Managh says the RoadCraft K2 association is a great opportunity to support a community based event and encourage active participation in outdoor pursuits. “RoadCraft is passionate about getting out there and exploring New Zealand’s unique and challenging landscapes.

The RoadCraft K2 has a well deserved reputation as one of the most gruelling and demanding events of its kind. A sense of adventure and unyielding drive to challenge are common themes we both share.” The RoadCraft K2 which takes place on the 1st November 2008 has been described as the toughest one day cycle race in the southern hemisphere.

Andy Reid from ARC welcomes the partnership with RoadCraft seeing the association as a long term commitment to the Coromandel region and the K2 event. “It’s a real pleasure to be involved with an innovative NZ company that’s driven by a passion to create extraordinary experiences for its customers. We’re looking forward to being part of the RoadCraft success story.”

For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader RoadCraft

www.roadcraft.co.nz

021 271 5300

International MTB riders back Team RoadCraft.

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 16:47:00 +1300

International MTB riders back Team RoadCraft Kashi Leuchs and Marcus Roy, two of New Zealand's top international MTB riders, are proud to announce a naming rights partnership with Overland Camping Vehicle (OCV) manufacturer RoadCraft.

Team RoadCraft has come about through the drive to rediscover what 'true' mountain biking is all about. The RoadCraft MTB tour will see Kashi and Marcus road trip around some of New Zealand's most iconic MTB races this summer. New Zealand 3x Olympian Kashi Leuchs hopes to use the tour as build up to the World Circuit he'll be returning to in March with new team, Felt International.

"My idea was that I wanted to get out there into New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and meet nice people in a relaxed atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible scenery and races we have in our own backyard. Then at the same time, having a great time while getting fit for my international race season," says Kashi.

RoadCraft, designers and manufacturers of OCVs offer a partnership built on the shared sense of adventure and unyielding drive to challenge. RoadCraft Marketing Leader Gray Borrell says the concept of Team RoadCraft is a great initiative and owes so much to the passion and professionalism of Kashi Leuchs. "This is a rare opportunity for the whole MTB community in New Zealand to benefit from the experience and knowledge Kashi has gained riding in the high pressure environment that is the European tour. As a founding partner we couldn't be happier with the way Kashi communicates the RoadCraft attitude of getting out there and exploring New Zealand's unique and challenging landscapes."

Some of the events on the RoadCraft MTB tour will include the 70km R&R Sports Peninsula Challenge on the 1st Feb, the inaugural Alpine Epic stage race between the 25-28th Feb and the 60km Motatapu Icebreaker on the 14th March.

Ends For further information, please contact:

Gray Borrell

Marketing Leader RoadCraft

www.roadcraft.co.nz

Tel: 021 271 5300

Email: gray@roadcraft.co.nz