MIGHTY TRUCK CARRIES POWERFUL MESSAGE
By Saskia Konynenburg, April 2007
 With the engine of his eight tonne truck roaring as he visits schools, Whangarei children's author Alistair McIntyre hopes his new wheels will inspire kids to listen, look and learn. Mr McIntyre aims to push the value of reading and writing with visits to schools where he reads to kids about "Doug the Digger".
As a former digger, he decided to write his first children's book after a road accident left him unable to drive diggers.
Mr McIntyre was a school drop-out so understands the importance of learning. That's why he is urging kids to work hard at school.
"Since I was a kid I have loved machinery. I tell the kids that paying attention at school is important as learning will help them with their futures.
"My new truck will help them learn as they will be inspired. The secret of learning is looking and listening," he said.
The truck is a US-imported 1992 Kenworth with 1.6 million kilometres on the clock. It costs about $1000 to fill up with about 900 litres of diesel.
It was used as a hire truck before Mr McIntyre bought it. He also bought two trailers, one of which he plans to turn into a mobile classroom.
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