The most popular classes that run at Harewood RC park are 1/8 nitro buggy ,1/8 electric buggy and 1/8 nitro truggy.
There are many great brands to choose from.
These are a few that have local support by hobby shops in NZ
JQ racing and Team losi racing http://www.Rcparts.co.nz
Hot bodies http://www.Mainlandrc.co.nz
Xray http://www.Zoomresources.co.nz
Kyosho http://www.extremehobbies.co.nz
Sworkz , Mugen. These are the brands that make high quality model vehicles.
Google will show you what the look like and where you can get them in NZ.