Issuu

The Bayâ€™s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

63,430 copies

LIFTOUT

Friday 24 August 2012

Page 2

Friday 24 August 2012

Weekend Sun Friday 24 AugustThe 2012

Bay Driver

Simpler rules for agricultural vehicles Bookings and enquiries contact Caro Leuschke 027 578 0035 email: caro@thesun.co.nz For editorial and news tips email: ben@thesun.co.nz

phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email ads@thesun.co.nz No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz

For just $44,990* you could be driving a new Falcon XR6, complete with 6-speed transmission,

Agricultural vehicles are underrepresented in crashes relative to fleet size, so the Government is looking at ways to simplify compliance costs. In the years 1997-2010, there were 276 crashes involving agricultural vehicles. Agricultural vehicles make up 1.15 per cent of the national fleet, yet only account for 0.2% of crashes. Of the 276 agricultural, 19 were in the Bay of Plenty region. Three of these were fatal, out of 28 nationally. The Government is revamping agricultural vehicle registrations and use to simplify compliance and reduce costs. Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges says changes to the rules for agricultural vehicles will reduce costs while still ensuring safety. In September 2011, a review was initiated into the laws regulating the 40,000 registered agricultural vehicles in New Zealand in response to the sector’s concerns that the laws did not take into account the special nature of agricultural vehicles or the demands of agricultural production. “The Ministry of Transport received submissions on the proposals and carried out consultation workshops with industry. The Government has considered this feedback, as well as research into crashes and the approaches of overseas jurisdictions, and has agreed to progress a number of changes,” says Simon. The changes establish a two tier system for agricultural vehicles based on a 40km/h operating speed. Vehicles operating below this speed will be

exempt from warrant of fitness and work time requirements. A new licence endorsement will allow car licence holders to drive a greater range of agricultural vehicles once they prove they have the skills to do so. Other changes will improve and simplify the rules on pilot vehicles, work time variation schemes, hazard identification and vehicle visibility. “Safety remains a key factor. The changes include a requirement that agricultural vehicles use a flashing amber beacon. This will better alert other road users to the presence of agricultural vehicles and associated hazards. “The changes also reflect the Government’s focus on better and less regulation by improving compliance and providing greater operational flexibility for agricultural vehicle owners. “Farmers and contractors sometimes work long and irregular hours. For instance, crops need to be harvested when they are ready and when the weather is right. The laws on the use of agricultural vehicles need to be fit for purpose and the proposed changes better reflect the needs of this very important industry.” Introducing the changes for agricultural vehicles will require land transport rule amendments, and there will be further opportunities for industry and the public to make submissions. Further information about the planned changes is available at http://www.transport. govt.nz/ourwork/land/agriculturaltransportreview/

17” alloys and sports body kit. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that. Visit your Ford Dealer today.

*Price shown excludes on road costs. Offer available until March 31, 2011.

Coombes Johnston BMW

ford.co.nz

Tauranga Hamilton

THE BMW X1 RUNOUT. Going. Going. Of course, you know what comes next. Gone. With the new BMW X1 arriving soon, this is your last chance to getaway with Manufacturer’s Rebates* across the current model BMW X1 Range. The Ultimate compact SUV, the BMW X1 is stylish, agile and every bit an Ultimate Driving Machine. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Get into Coombes Johnston BMW and getaway in a BMW X1. Drive Now. Live Now. Save Now.

MANUFACTURER’S REBATES* ACROSS THE BMW X1 RANGE.

BMW PREMIUM SELECTION. PRE-OWNED CERTIFIED. Each vehicle comes with the reassurance of: • 3 YEAR MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY > • 3 YEARS SCHEDULED SERVICING > • 3 YEARS BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE >

1 Series 09 118i Sports Hatch SE 12 116i Sport Line Hatch

PRICE Bluewater Mineral White

$34,990 $54,000

Sapphire Black Alpine White

$49,990 $89,990

Deep Sea Blue

$114,990

Titanium Silver

$65,990

Alpine White Titanium Silver

$59,990 $65,990

3 Series 10 320d Innovation M Sport Sedan 11 335i M Sport Coupe 5 Series 11 528i Sedan SE 7 Series 08 730Ld Sedan 11 X1 sDrive20d 07 X5 30d SE

*Manufacturers rebate is applied by Coombes Johnston BMW to reduce the Recommended Drive Away Price of the current model BMW X1. Offer applies while stocks last, to new vehicles delivered by 31 August 2012 and is not valid in conjunction with any other X1 offer. Excludes ﬂeet and demonstrator vehicles. >Premium Selection extended three year warranty and service package expires 30 September 2012.

BMW1856

Coombes Johnston BMW 113 Hewletts Road, Tauranga, (07) 575 5280. 575 Te Rapa Rd, Hamilton, (07) 846 8888. www.coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz

X Range

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August 2012

My first car - Ian Campion Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion’s first car was a Morris 1100. The Morris had hydrostatic suspension, meaning every wheel was independent, and was a very reliable car. “In those days I was in Central Africa. My parents bought the car for me. I don’t know how much they paid for it. They were in Malawi and I was in Rhodesia, now called Zimbabwe, with the British South Africa police force. I flew back home to pick up the vehicle and put it on a train in Limbe and went down to Beira in Mozambique on the eastern coast of Africa. Then I drove it from Byra through Mozambique to Rhodesia to where I was stationed in Marandellas, now called Marondera. The car didn’t miss a beat.” Ian says he got the four speed manual car in approximately 1973. The speed limit then was 50mp/h. “It wasn’t a vacuum cleaner for picking up fluff around town, but it was certainly a very reliable car. It was quite a few years old when I got it, but it never let me down. I was pretty fortunate really. It gave me a couple of

years of trouble-free motoring,” says Ian. The Morris 1100 had an east west engine and was one of the first front wheel drive cars on the market. Although most of the cars were manufactured in England, they were also built in Spain by Authi, in Italy by Innocenti and at the company’s own plant in Belgium. It was the basis for locally adapted similar cars manufactured in Australia and South Africa. The Morris 1100 was launched on August 15, 1962. The range was expanded to include several rebadged versions, including the twin-carburettor MG 1100, the Vanden Plas Princess (from October 1962), the Austin 1100 (August 1963), and finally the Wolseley 1100 (1965) and Riley Kestrel (1965). The Morris badged 1100/1300 gave up its showroom space to the Morris Marina in 1971, but Austin and Vanden Plas versions remained in production in the UK till June 1974. In 1964 the 1100 was Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year. By Paul Kendon

WANT TO WIN AN AWESOME PRIZE FOR YOUR DAD? Here’s all you need to do... Draw a picture of dad’s dream car and tell us in 50 words or less what incredible features it will have. The only limit is your own imagination. 1st Prize - $100 Voucher for Cornerstone Bethlehem Town Centre 2nd Prize - $60 Voucher to Ten Pin Bowling, 13th Avenue, Tauranga 3rd Prize - $30 voucher for Zaggers, Chapel Street, Tauranga To enter, simply email your entry to: baydriverads@thesun.co.nz or post to Bay Driver at Sun Media, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140.

Entries close Friday, 31 August 2012. The winning entries will be published in the next issue of the Bay Driver.

Alto 4-stage automatic normally $19,550

DRIVE AWAY NOW FOR JUST $17,000 Alto 5-speed manual normally $17,250

DRIVE AWAY NOW FOR JUST $15,000

IT’S LIKE WE PAID THE GST FOR YOU! For a limited time and only while current stocks last. Excludes other oﬀers and ﬂeet purchasers.

The Suzuki Real Value price includes 12 months registration, warrant of ﬁtness, 3 year/100,000km warranty, 5 year Suzuki roadside assistance and a full tank of fuel. WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ

TAURANGA MOTOR COMPANY

Page 3

HEY KIDS!

Buy an Alto like there’s no GST

TMC

Friday 24 August 2012

Cnr. Cameron Cameron Road Road&&3rd 3rdAve AveTauranga Tauranga Cnr.

Ph. 07 07 578 578 1378 1378www.tmccars.co.nz www.tmccars.co.nz

Page 4

Friday 24 August 2012

Weekend Sun Friday 24 AugustThe 2012

Bay Driver

The Europeans are coming

I’ve never been to Europe, so when I was told the Honda I was to drive had been designed to stand up to the stringent demands of the European market, I didn’t know what to expect. What I got was a refined vehicle that was understated in an effortlessly clever way. The new 2012 Honda Euro Civic encompasses the qualities the badge has epitomised since 1972 – the same qualities that more than 20 million customers globally have enjoyed during the last 40 years of production. Born of Europe by Honda’s design team, the Euro Civic is developed to balance the best of high speed autobahn cruising with that undertaken on the cobbled back streets of Italy. Inspired to create a car that performs well in any conditions, Honda brought in its Formula 1 race car designers to tune the body for superior aerodynamics. It’s a big step forward in that regard from the harsh lines of the previous Civic five-door model, and is easy on the eye too. My first impression raised more questions than answers. Who are these Europeans; indicators back to front wrapped inside a jet fighter

cockpit, built to dive steeply and sideways into corners before accelerating out? And, how are these Europeans; shorn of the ability to swivel their necks to check the rear for hazards and instead casually watching themselves reverse on the display-mounted camera like some evolutionary young voyeurs? Also, how lazy are they, that they cannot be bothered to divert their gaze from the road for even a moment and instead demand that all relevant driving information - including a gauge that changes colour to indicate fuel efficiency – be stashed directly in their line of sight on the dash in cool colours? Plus, how precious must they be that they need front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes, Electronic Stability Control, a tyre warning system, some things called EBD, EBA and Motion Adaptive EPS as well as the maximum five star safety rating in both the ANCAP and Euro NCAP? These questions swirled as the Euro Civic and I cruised the back roads of Welcome Bay getting to know each other. Before long I began to develop an appreciation for the European. It was versatile – with Honda’s Magic Seats in the rear able to fold, in seconds, into 18 different positions, allowing the vehicle to change to meet my needs. It was understated, but classy – with

from Japan to Britain, with the market concealed rear door handles and daytime having to make do with what it could get LED running lights adding an elegant from Asia. As Asia is mainly a four-door touch. market, Honda could supply only sedans. And thrifty, with the slight lack of Designed to compete in Europe against up and go more than explained, and such luminaries in the C-segment hatch compensated for, by the optimum 5.4 business as the Golf and Focus, the Civic litre/100km delivered on New Zealand five-door is the only Japanese offering roads by the 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine and to meet them head on, with the possible aerodynamic design. exception of the Mazda3. Throw in Bluetooth capability, an The quiet, intelligent Civic five-door impressive boot for a hatch, leather seats, has made a welcome return to the New front fog lights, heated front seats and Zealand market and should do well in a automatic headlights and windscreen hotly-contested market. wipers and a picture began to emerge of By Ben Guild Europeans as worldly, intelligent beings. A slight quibble would be the difficulty in checking blind spots when changing lanes due to a stocky rear, but that can be mitigated with a little car and knowing how much space the vehicle takes up. The new five-door Civic basically drove itself back km .4 litre/100 5 : y to the dealership, with me m o n C o Fuel ec litre i-VTE .8 spending most of my time 1 e lv a v ather looking at others looking Engine: 16 ont seats, le fr d te a e H at me in it. Seats Interior: da’s Magic n The onlookers cannot be o H , y r te uphols blamed – New Zealand let 00 = ORC its access to Civic five-doors Price: $38,9 lapse as production moved

SPECS

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August 2012

Page 5

Page 6

Friday 24 August 2012

The X240 4WD

w w w. g r e a t w a l l a u t o . c o . n z DEALER DETAILS

Weekend Sun Friday 24 AugustThe 2012

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August 2012

Page 7

Colorado rocks The all new Holden Colorado is here, and it’s ready to take anything life throws at it. With a bold new look inside and out, a powerful Duramax Turbo Diesel engine and class leading 3.5 tonne towing capacity, this is the one you can depend on. As comfortable taking on the work site as taking on the weekend, the all-new Holden Colorado has got your back. Built for power and performance, you’ll find there’s no quit in the Colorado. It gets the job done. And when it is time to play, its smooth ride and stylish interior

makes getting there easy. Hitch it up and let class-leading 3.5 tonne towing capacity go to work. That’s seriously tough towing, available across the 2.8 litre range. Whether it’s a bobcat or boat you’re towing, you’ll know that whatever the load, the Colorado’s got what it takes. This powerful vehicle leaves nothing behind – it’s all in a day’s work for the Colorado. Choose Colorado’s all-new 2.8 litre Duramax turbo diesel, team it with an optional six-speed auto and you’ve got 470Nm of torque. That’s the low down pulling power you need when the going gets tough. When you need to stay connected,

FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT Centred Centred

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

Left Align Left Align

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

Right Align Right Align

hook up your phone to the Bluetooth six speaker stereo system that comes standard with every model in the Colorado range. The Colorado is also tech savvy with tunes from the multi-band iPod or MP3 compatible stereo. The inside of the Colorado takes care of you as much as it takes care of business, with the information you need and the entertainment you want all within easy reach. There is also loads of spare space and plenty of comfort and style. The Colorado is engineered to help you avoid trouble and surrounds you with strength to give you the level of safety and design you can count on when you need it most.

Colorado is built tough from within. Its body and frame are constructed from high strength steel and incorporates full-length frame rails. A safety cell gives maximum protection in a frontal or side collision – and maximum peace of mind for you and your passengers. Electronic stability control keeps you in the right lane from snow on the Alps to a flock of sheep in the back country. There are truckloads more bells and whistles than a penny arcade. Check out the Colorado range at Ebbett Tauranga on the corner of Cameron Rd and Wharf St, Tauranga. By Paul Kendon

Page 8

Friday 24 August 2012

Weekend Sun Friday 24 AugustThe 2012

Bay Driver

FREE SNOW KIT*.

DON’T

HOLD DON’T BACK

HOLD BACK 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

The best of Subaru meets the best of New Zealand.

2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO

$64,990

FROM

FREE OFF ROAD PLAY KIT*.

The all new XV: SUV capability with thethe versatility of a hatch. The all new XV: SUV capability with the versatility of a hatch. The allSubaru newSubaru Subaru XV: SUV capability with versatility of a hatch. everything you need to play in the snow. *+gst per month. just +gst per*+gst month. LeaseLease from from just Lease from$599 just*$599 $599 per month.

RRP

*Excludes on road costs and dealer delivery charges.

With premium features like Selec-Terrain™, a one-touch system that matches drive dynamics to the environment, dual zone air conditioning and an impressive tow rating, the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo sets new standards in motoring luxury. Don’t hold back, test drive one today and experience 70 years of motoring excellence.

• • •

snow Kit worth over $1450 rrP.

CALL uS CALL uS CALL uS fOR ATODAy fOR A TODAy fORTODAy A TeST driVe TeST driVe TeST driVe

Call uS Wheel Boxer engine ground clearance Auto Stop Start • All • •2.0-litre • 220mm All Wheel 2.0-litre Boxer engine 220mm clearance Auto•Stop system AllDrive Wheel•Drive Drive 2.0-litre Boxer 220mm ground Auto Stopsystem Start system • engine •clearance •ground •Start tOday fOR a includes: Rear fuelfuel economy fromfrom 7 l/100km 5-Star ANCAP safety rating test drive • •Outstanding • ANCAP Rear•reversing cameracamera fuel economy from 7 l/100km 5-Star safety rating Rearreversing reversing camera Outstanding economy 5-Star ANCAP safety rating • Outstanding •7 l/100km •

transmission orSki 6manual speed manual Roof rack kitor 6 •speed (6 pair) • •Lineartronic Lineartronic transmission Lineartronic transmission or 6carrier speed manual

• First aid kit • Rubber cargo tray • Rear step panel (resin) • Rubber mat set • Windscreen ice scraper

*Monthly based Subaru XVXV 2.0i Hatch (6MT and and SLT).accessories Excludes accessories and on-road costs. isLease 45 months/45,000km non-maintained *Monthly lease basedlease on Subaru XV 2.0i Hatch (6MT and SLT). Excludes and accessories on-road costs. Lease is 45Lease months/45,000km non-maintained *Monthly lease basedon on Subaru 2.0i Hatch (6MT SLT). Excludes and on-road costs. is 45 months/45,000km non-maintained operating lease. Normal lease lending andand conditions Offer ends 30 June seek independant tax adviceterms. onadvice lease terms. operating lease. Normal lease lending criteria andcriteria conditions apply. Offerapply. ends 30 June 2012. Please seekPlease independant tax advice on lease operating lease. Normal lease lending criteria conditions apply. Offer ends 302012. June 2012. Please seek independant tax on lease terms.

FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE OFF ROAD OFF ROAD OFF ROAD OFF ROAD * * OFF ROAD PLAY KIT . *.. PLAY KIT KIT*. * PLAY PLAY KIT PLAY KIT .

*Offer based on retail price excluding on-road costs with no other

offersall included. excludes lease, fleet,capability government & rental The newOffer Subaru XV: SUV purchases. Snow Pack has a RRP value of $1,456.48 which includes with the&versatility of a30hatch. accessories fitment. Offer ends September 2012.

Lease from just $599*+gst per month.

• • • • •

All Wheel Drive • 2.0-litre Boxer engine Rear reversing camera • 220mm ground clearance 5-Star ANCAP safety rating • Auto Stop Start system Outstanding fuel economy from 7 I/100km Lineartronic transmission or 6 speed manual

Find your own roads. Off Road Play Kit worth over $2150 RRP.

Priced from

$39,990

*+ ORC.

RRp

The all new Dodge Journey. The 7-seater with style. The Dodge Journey has put an end to the seven-seat, family stereotype. From the designer interior, more powerful 3.6 Litre V6 Pentastar engine to the multi function touchscreen entertainment system it’s a whole new adventure in style. Test drive a Dodge Journey today, call 0800 NZ DODGE, text DODGE to 244* or visit dodge.co.nz * texts cost 24 cents

R/T Model pictured

includes: Find your own roads. Find your own roads. CaLL uS • Roof rack kit • over Roof$2150 box (black) • Cargo tray tOday fOR a Off Road Play Kit worth RRP. Off Road Play Kit worth over $2150 RRP. Find your own roads. test dRive •your Front & rear mud flaps • First aid kit Find own includes: includes: Off Road Play Kitroads. worth over $2150 RRP. CaLL CaLL uS uS CaLL uS • Roof • rack kit own • step Roof roads. box (black) • rack Cargo Rear panel • Rubber set tray Find your tOday fOR tOday fOR a amat • (stainless) Roof kittray•$2150 Roof box (black) • Cargo tOday fOR a Off Road Play Kit worth over RRP. test dRive test IN dRiveSTOCK test dRive •includes: Front & rear mud flaps • First aid kit uS aid kit • Front & rear mud flapscosts • CaLL First *Offer based on retail price excluding on-road with no other

Off Road Play worth over RRP. Roof rack kit • (stainless) RoofKit box (black) • Cargo tray$2150tOday fOR a •• Rear step panel • • Rubber mat set includes: Rear step panel (stainless) Rubber mat NOW test •dRive offers excludes fleet, government & rental CaLL uS set •*Offer Front &on rear included. mud flaps Offer •on-road First aid with kit lease, based price costs other •includes: Roof kit Roof box (black) • Cargo tray *Offer basedrack on retail retail price•excluding excluding on-road costsbased with no no other tOday a *Offer on retail price excluding on-road costs with USnofORother purchases. Offlease, Road Pack has a&mat RRP value of $2,175.63CALL which • Rear step panel (stainless) •government Rubber set offers included. Offer excludes fleet, rental CaLL uS included. Offer excludes lease, fleet, government & rental test&dRive offers included. Offer excludes lease, fleet, government rental •offers Front &onRoad rear mud First aid Roof rack kit •excluding Roof box (black) •kitCargo purchases. Off Pack has aaflaps RRP $2,175.63 which TODAY FOR Aa tOday fOR includes accessories &•of fitment. Offer available only on model year purchases. Off Road Pack has RRP value value of $2,175.63 which purchases. Pack has tray a RRP value of $2,175.63 which *Offer based retail price on-road costs withOff noRoad other includes accessories & fitment. Offer available only on model year test dRive includes accessories & fitment. Offer available only on model year includes accessories &mat fitment. Offer available only on model year included. Offer excludes lease, fleet, government & rental •offers Rear step panel (stainless) • Rubber set TEST DRIVE Front & rear mud flaps • First aid kit 2012 Legacy Wagon 2.5i Sport. Offer ends 30 September 2012. 2012 Wagon Sport. September 2012. 2012 Legacy LegacyOff Wagon 2.5i Sport. Offer ends 30 September 2012. 2.5i Sport. Offer ends 30 September 2012. 2012 Legacywhich Wagon purchases. Road2.5i Pack has aOffer RRP ends value30 of $2,175.63 *Offer based on retail price excluding on-road costs no other •includes Rear step panel (stainless) • onRubber set accessories & fitment. Offer available only modelwith yearmat 2012 Legacy Wagon 2.5i Sport. Offerlease, ends 30 September 2012. & rental offers included. Offer excludes fleet, government *Offer based on retail price excluding on-road costs with no other purchases. Off Road Pack has a RRP value of $2,175.63 which offers included. Offer excludes lease, fleet, government & rental includes accessories & fitment. Offer available only on model year purchases. Off Road Pack has a RRP value of $2,175.63 which 2012 Legacy Wagon 2.5i Sport. Offer ends 30 September 2012. includes accessories & fitment. Offer available only on model year 2012 Legacy Wagon 2.5i Sport. Offer ends 30 September 2012.

116 Hewletts Road, 116 Hewletts 116 Road, Hewletts Road,

OPEN: Monday-FridayÊ8.00am-5.30pmÊÊÊ Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City SaturdayÊ9.00am-5.00pm

Tel: 07 578 6017 Tel: 07 578 6017 Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz www.farmerautovillage.co.nz 116 Hewlettswww.farmerautovillage.co.nz Road, us Mount Maunganui. Follow on Facebook Follow us on Follow Facebook us on Facebook

Tel:Ê07Ê578Ê6017

www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

Visit us.

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August 2012

Ex-Demo

Visit us.

Ex-Demo

Visit us.

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

Page 9

Page 10

Friday 24 August 2012

NUAL

5 SPEED MA

Appraised Used Vehicles

Friday 24 August 2012

The 2012 Weekend Sun Friday 24 August

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

$30

per week

$75

Friday 24 August 2012

$37

per week

$75

$37

per week

Friday 24 August 2012

$44

per week

Page 11

$75

per week

$75

NZ NEW

COUPE

NZ NEW

8 SEATER

7 SEATER

NZ NEW

Visit us.

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

Page 12

Friday 24 August 2012

SBT SUPPLIED BY TOYOTA

The 2012 Weekend Sun Friday 24 August

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August 2012

Rabbit runs rings around scooters When people think about classic motor scooters, Italian design icons like Lambretta and Vespa generally spring to mind. So when Merv Garrett, member of the Tauranga Classic Motorcycle Club and owner of Bay Canvas, won best scooter with a 1958 Fuji Rabbit at the National Classic Motorcycle show he really shook up the entire scooter scene. The Rabbit was built by Fuji Heavy Industries, which made aeroplane parts for the Japanese prior to World War II. Now the company is probably better known for producing Subaru cars. Merv says he was really happy to win first place out of almost 300 bikes. He also won third best Honda with a 1967 CL125a. The Honda is a semi-off road bike, designed for streets and scrambling.

Merv estimates the value of the Rabbit to be at least $6000, after spending more than $5000 restoring the scooter. “It was pretty bad when I got it,” says Merv. “Restoring old bikes is a very specialised area. I have this Rabbit and a pimped out one that is not quite finished. I’m also building a matching camper to use at the Mount around Christmas time.” Joe Szabo from Jap Motorcycles worked on the Rabbit’s mechanics and electrics and has been working with Merv on bikes for about five years A 1958 Lambretta secured second spot and a Vespa won third place. The show was held during the first weekend of August and the plan is to run one every 18 months. About $30,000 was raised for charities by event organisers the Papakura Rotary Club. By Paul Kendon

CAMRY GL 2.5L

$39,790 From $20 per day **

RAV4 LIMITED

$41,990 From $21 per day **

Friday 24 August 2012

Page 13

Reduced checks equal increased driver danger Drivers are concerned about less warrant of fitness checks proposed under vehicle licencing reforms according to a survey conducted by the Motor Trade Association. MTA marketing and communications general manager Ian Stronach says any changes to the current warrant of fitness (WoF) regime need to be carefully considered after a survey of drivers found the majority expressing some degree of concern that there could be a reduction in the number of WoF checks carried out. “A recent telephone survey of 1000 drivers, completed by the MTA, showed that 63 per cent of drivers are concerned to some degree about the possibility of fewer WoF inspections as a result of the current vehicle licensing reform process,” says Ian. The reform is a joint NZ Transport Agency and Ministry of Transport review of annual vehicle licensing (commonly known as registration), warrant of fitness/certificate of fitness and the transport services licensing systems. Its purpose is to consider opportunities to make each of the systems simpler and more efficient, without compromising safety. The telephone survey, which replicates research carried out by MTA in 1998, shows drivers increasingly feel there is about the right amount of emphasis placed on vehicle safety in general these days; 67 per cent in 2012 compared to 57 per cent in 1998. Conversely, the number feeling there is not enough emphasis fell to just 25 per cent in 2012 compared to 38 per cent in 1998. “Government needs to take into account public attitudes to the system currently in place to maintain and assure vehicle roadworthiness. We didn’t see much appetite for a change to the WoF regime. Drivers clearly feel that the system we have now works, and see the WoF regime as having an important role to play,” says Ian.

Page 14

Friday 24 August 2012

Fiesta from

22,290

PLUS ON ROAD COSTS RECOMMENDED SPECIAL PRICE

Friday 24 August 2012

All-New 2012 Focus Trend Diesel

33,990

PLUS ON ROAD COSTS RECOMMENDED SPECIAL PRICE

The 2012 Weekend Sun Friday 24 August

Bay Driver

New Falcon XR6 (MkII)

46,990

PLUS ON ROAD COSTS RECOMMENDED SPECIAL PRICE

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 24 August 2012

Friday 24 August 2012

Page 15

Planting with Honda Honda’s environmental fund is helping restore Pyes Pa community reserve Sanctuary Park to its original environment.

Bay of Plenty Honda sales manager Hamish Spall and Sanctuary Park project coordinator Jim Pringle with seedlings from the Honda Treefund. Photo by Bruce Barnard

Bay of Plenty Honda sales manager Hamish Spall says it is always good to see trees planted in parks and reserves throughout the Western Bay and estimates $10,000 is spent on trees in the region annually - shared between council reserves and community parks. “It’s always great to be able to give back through the Honda Tree Fund. We’re helping make a difference which is great to see.” The 4.5 hectare park project, which has been driven by the LifeZone Church, was officially opened last October – six years after the dream to create a sanctuary for native birds and whitebait began. Sanctuary Park project coordinator Jim Pringle welcomed the support from the tree fund, which has included another $2000 worth of trees planted this month, saying it is helping bring the vision to reality. The park, which is accessed from Joyce Rd, Pyes Pa, has been revegetated with over 50,000 seedling plantings and opened up to the public with boardwalks and walkways. Honda has donated 31,614 trees to Western Bay of Plenty since the tree fund was established in 2004. Jim is keen to hear from more volunteers who can help with regular weeding around the seedlings, to give them the best chance to survive. Visit www.sanctuarypark.org.nz for more details. By Hamish Carter

ECARnomic recovery July saw new vehicle sales continuing to fly the flag for economic recovery with strong sales evident across most segments of the market. Last month, 8361 new vehicles were sold overall, compared to 6705 in July 2011, an increase of 1,656 units (25 per cent). Year to date, overall sales are up by 9493 units (19 per cent). MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach says the market for new vehicles has been strong throughout 2012 so far. “The combination of continued vehicle replacement among fleet owners as well as increasing confidence among private buyers is pushing sales upwards. Compared to some other sectors, vehicle sales are riding a strong tide of confidence that’s repeatedly delivering healthy results across almost every segment,” says Ian. July 2012 was the strongest month for both new car and new commercial vehicles since 2007, and may be a pointer to growing economic confidence in the wider economy. A growing pool of confident buyers and plenty of new models for buyers to consider, backed by aggressive promotional and marketing programmes, should ensure that 2012’s vehicle market is remembered as a strong and successful one.

Automotive Trade Directory

PANEL & PAINT REPAIRS

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

tails: Installer NZSA # :

s: Alarm serial #:

www.avscarsecurity.com

BOOK 4 ISSUES IN OUR NEW TRADE DIRECTORY AND GET THE 5TH ADVERT FREE! Bookings and enquiries contact Jodie Burton on 07 578 0030 or email baydriverads@thesun.co.nz

Page 16

Friday 24 August 2012

The 2012 Weekend Sun Friday 24 August

Bay Driver

AUTO

AUTOS

RMVT

HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK HERE NEXT WEEK

nz new