The story of Maungatua Contracting begins in 1956, when Murray Duncan laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the Otago construction industry. Starting as an agricultural company based out of Maungatua Ranges, the business initially focused on farm work, small tracks, general farming operations, tractor work, and land planning. It was humble work, but it was honest work, and it established the family’s reputation for reliability and craftsmanship.

The business remained predominantly agricultural until Robert Duncan, Murray’s son, came of age and brought fresh vision to the company. When Robert turned 20, he became heavily involved in the operation and began steering Maungatua toward civil construction and road work. This pivot would prove transformative, positioning the company for exponential growth in the decades to come.

Today, the business is managed by Robert’s son, Kane Duncan, who was practically born into the industry. Their introduction to heavy machinery came remarkably early, at just 14 years old, they were already sitting in Caterpillar machines. Kane now serves as General Manager, overseeing operations that have arguably expanded far beyond anything his grandfather might have imagined.

Building communities and shaping ski slopes

Modern Maungatua Contracting is a far cry from its agricultural roots. The company now specialises in civil construction and large-scale projects throughout the Wānaka region and broader Otago area. Their work is visible everywhere, from the ski slopes that attract tourists from around the world to the subdivisions and infrastructure that support Wānaka’s growing community.

The scale of the operation is impressive. The company operates an extensive fleet of 33 pieces of Caterpillar construction machinery, ranging from D7 bulldozers through various excavators and dump trucks. This modern equipment forms the backbone of their earthworks capabilities, allowing them to tackle projects of virtually any size.

Complementing their construction machinery is a trucking fleet of around 13 trucks. While trucking isn’t the company’s primary business, it’s an essential component of their civil construction operations. The fleet serves multiple purposes, two trucks are dedicated to transporting machinery around job sites, while others haul aggregate, bulk materials, and waste. They operate both truck-and-trailer configurations and tipulators, with one truck currently dedicated to wastewater removal from a subdivision development. The company even runs a regular freight service to Christchurch most weeks, demonstrating their versatility.

The attraction of the T900 Legend

When it comes to heavy trucks, the Kenworth T900 Legend occupies a special place. Kane says that when Kenworth announced a limited edition run of these vehicles, his father Robert’s interest was immediately piqued. For Robert, who had always been a fan of traditional long-nose Kenworths, the T900 Legend represented something more than just another truck, it was a return to classic trucking aesthetics.

The company had long-favoured Kenworth, with a history of running W900s, T900s, T600s and T400s. Robert worked closely with Mike Gillespie, the South Pacific dealer at the time, who kept him informed about new releases. When the T900 Legend was announced, Robert wasn’t actively looking for a new truck, but the opportunity to own one of these limited edition vehicles was too good to pass up.

What made the T900 Legend so appealing? Kane says that the answer lies in its traditional appearance. Unlike the rounded cab of the T908 or T909, the T900 Legend features a classic long-nose design that echoed the iconic W924 models that had built Kenworth’s reputation. The Legend edition designation added an extra layer of exclusivity and appeal. Robert had previously missed out on a T909 Director Series release, so he jumped at the chance to secure the T900 Legend.

“It is set up in our standard tractor configuration, which is a 5.4m wheelbase, 6-wheeler, 97-tonne GVM unit,” Kane says.

“It’s on a twist-lock body frame, through Guy Norris in Christchurch. It keeps the manual gearbox with the X15. It was created as an all-purpose tractor for towing the transporter and tipulator.

“It’s a different and very unique truck, with twin stacks rather than the big high-rise air cleaners.”

Jason Black, the man behind the wheel

Every legendary truck needs a legendary driver, and for Maungatua’s T900 Legend, that person is Jason Black. Since becoming the transport manager in 2015, Jason has been the truck’s primary (and almost exclusive) driver. Robert had been particular about who operates this special vehicle, and Jason has proven himself worthy of the trust.

Jason’s role extends beyond just driving. As both transport manager and earthworks manager, he splits his time between managing the truck fleet, operating equipment, and supervising construction sites. This diverse skill set makes him invaluable to the operation.

Jason’s attraction to the T900 Legend was immediate and instinctive. “They’re a pretty cool truck,” he explains simply. “Just that old school look, I reckon they actually look pretty good, something different.”

As someone who has driven various types of trucks throughout his career, Jason appreciates quality machinery, and he’s found that Kenworths definitely deliver. In fact, Maungatua’s entire truck fleet consists of bonneted Kenworths, including T600s, reflecting the company’s commitment to the traditional aesthetic that defines their operation.

The T900 Legend, affectionately named Maungatua Legend, keeping with the truck’s traditional character, serves multiple roles in the fleet. It typically runs with a three-axle tipulator for hauling gravel and materials for projects like ski field maintenance. When not tipulating, it’s equipped with a three-row, four-axle lowboy for transporting the company’s extensive machinery fleet. This versatility means Jason is constantly switching between hauling aggregate and moving equipment, from D7 bulldozers to excavators and dump trucks.

With 140,000kms on the clock Jason has grown particularly attached to the T900 Legend. He’s kept it immaculately maintained since it was brand new, treating it as his own. This sense of ownership and pride is precisely what Maungatua aims to foster among its operators.

As Kane Duncan notes, staff retention is crucial, and providing drivers and machine operators with quality, well-maintained equipment helps achieve that goal. When drivers take pride in their equipment, they care for it better, creating a virtuous cycle of excellence.

A distinctive presence on New Zealand roads

Despite being ‘just one of the fleet’, the T900 Legend stands out on the road in ways that go far beyond its utilitarian function. With its red chassis and classic chrome details, the truck is a rolling tribute to trucking’s golden era.

Kane says that the truck “draws a lot of attention.” Any Kenworth enthusiast can immediately identify what it is, and many stop to admire it. This visibility serves as a rolling advertisement for Maungatua Contracting, reinforcing their image as a company that values quality and tradition.

The company’s commitment to keeping their trucks looking pristine is evident in their Friday routine: drivers spend a couple of hours giving their trucks a thorough bath, cleaning, and polishing. It’s this attention to detail, this pride in appearance, that sets Maungatua apart in an industry where equipment often bears the scars of hard use.

More than just a truck

The Kenworth T900 Legend represents something profound for Maungatua Contracting. It’s more than transportation; it’s a symbol of the company’s journey from agricultural contractor to major civil construction player.

Maungatua’s investment in the T900 Legend makes a statement. It says that tradition matters, that beauty and functionality can coexist, and that the people who operate equipment deserve to take pride in what they drive.

As Kane Duncan continues building on their grandfather’s 1956 foundation, and as Jason Black pilots the Maungatua Legend across the dramatic landscapes of Otago, they’re carrying forward a legacy of family, craftsmanship, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that spans nearly 70 years. The T900 Legend is perfectly suited to a company that has become legendary in the regions they serve.