ABOUT US
It's been over 60 years, but we're still proud of what we do and are still going strong, transporting livestock throughout New Zealand.
OUR HISTORY
Redefining the way Livestock is Transported.
Stock Lines’ story began back in 1963 when Jim & Bev Barker, along with Dennis & Cynthia Dow purchased a small rural carrying company, Otorohanga Transport (now owned solely by the Dow family). It was a typical local carrier providing livestock and general cartage as well as other services in conjunction with the rail head in Otorohanga.
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Through organic growth and acquisition, the company developed into one of the largest livestock companies in New Zealand. In 1992 due to problems experienced with transporting livestock across the cook strait during the height of South Island dairy farm conversions; Jim & partners purchased a ship, the Straitsman, and Strait Shipping was formed. This was the first company to successfully break the monopoly on the cook strait held by the rail.
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Following this, the Feilding depot was purchased to transit livestock and Manawatu Transport established. After a few years of having only Owner Drivers in the South Island, Nelson-Marlborough / TNL was purchased. Nelson Marlborough and Manawatu Transport worked together as sister companies to establish the cook strait job until 2011 when they amalgamated to form Stock Lines.
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Stock Lines provide livestock cartage throughout New Zealand, specialising in inter island transport. It has depots in Feilding and Riverlands, as well as an office in Otorohanga. Today, Stock Lines is owned by Jim & Bev’s eldest daughter, Maree Barker. Stock Lines is proud of its experienced and knowledgeable team as well as its grass roots history, can-do attitude, and family values.
MEET OUR TEAM
Paul Parsons
Managing Director
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Paul has been with Stock Lines for over 20 years, overseeing the operations. Paul has spent most of his life in the industry working his way from being a driver through to managing director.
Abby Daniel
Director of Finance and Administration
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Abby brings over a decade of hands-on experience to her leadership role at Stock Lines Ltd, having grown up immersed in the trucking industry.
As Director, she wears many hats, ensuring the company runs smoothly behind the scenes while supporting the team on the ground.
Her deep connection to transport is matched by a strong focus on people, whether it's supporting staff wellbeing or building a positive, safe workplace culture.
Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, and is actively involved in local sport through both coaching and playing.
Ian Daniel
Feilding & Compliance Manager
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Ian was bought up around rural industry and enjoys the no.8 wire mentality of the people involved. In his spare time he enjoys sports, family time and catching up with mates.
Chris Vercoe
South Island Manager
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Chris was brought up in the transport industry and has worked in it for 35 years - 21 as a driver predominately on livestock and the last 14 in the office. He started in the office as a dispatcher and has worked his way into the management role.