Keeping the big wheels turning
Part of Toast Martinborough’s charm lies in the smooth running behind the scenes. Long-time transport partner Tranzit is a big cog in the Toast wheel.
Words and photo by Katie Farman
Anna Nielson laughs when being described as an elegant swan - calm on the surface but paddling hard underneath.
But it’s an apt description for the General Manager of Toast Martinborough. Now in its 28th year, Toast offers punters a unique one-day, multi-site event, with 10 vineyards partnering with 22 chefs and food producers and 22 musical acts.
Behind the scenes is an army of over 200 volunteers, security guards, first responders and bus drivers working together to ensure 8000 festival-goers have a great day out.
Masterton-based, family-owned company, Tranzit safely transports festival-goers to and from Wellington, Manawatu and within the Wairarapa as well as shuttling people from vineyard to vineyard throughout the day.
It’s a mammoth undertaking, with planning beginning in April. Three weeks out from the event vehicles are relocated, rosters and schedules are finalised for the 70 drivers and buses, and briefings begin.
“Toast’s dynamics change year to year,” says Tranzit’s Marketing Director Jenna Snelgrove. “If there’s been drizzle, people typically arrive later and our buses are all lined up waiting for passengers whereas the last few years the weather has been beautiful and everyone arrived early.”
Technology, including real time updates, and a centralised communication centre have enabled organisers to better manage the day.
Alan Wilson has worked as a driver for Tranzit for 31 years and driven at all bar one of the festivals. He’s seen lots of changes but insists the event’s heart and soul is the same.
“The trains used to come over from Wellington – three or four different trains - and one from Manawatu as well as the usual service train, so it was a massive job getting everyone from the Featherston Railway Station. Now, there’s just one train, and people arrive on buses direct from Wellington. Or they may drive and stay in town for a few nights, which is great for the whole town.”
Ever the gentleman and adhering to the bus driver’s code of ‘what goes on tour, stays on tour’ Alan has seen plenty of funny sights and overheard hilarious conversations in his time. He’s also collected lots of lost property – mainly cellphones, sun hats and sunglasses to return to punters the following week.
Tranzit’s Travel Centre Administrator Zoe Forsyth has only worked two Toast Martinborough’s since joining Tranzit in 2017.
“In the mornings people are excited and there’s a real high. The girls are all dressed up and the whole experience of going on the bus with friends just adds to the buzz. From lunchtime onwards the volume goes up. The buses are full of people laughing and having a good time,” she says.
Being a young, female, blonde bus driver is a surprise for some of her passengers.
“They jump on board and are amazed to see a young female driving a bus – you’d think I’m from another planet! Passengers come up and chat away, while first timers ask for my recommendations on vineyards, food, music or vibe. Some come just for the music and have put a lot of planning into being at a certain vineyard at a certain time.
“Between shifts, drivers are based at the Tranzit tent which has an all-day BBQ going. When we’re not driving, we have a break, relax and mingle. It’s like a party within a party. There are always a couple of guitars and people singing – making the day something special for us too.”
Toast Martinborough is being held on 17 November. For more information visit www.martinborough.co.nz
