10-13th April 2025 (including the Show & Shine Competition)
National South Island Easter Rally - 18th to 21st April 2025
Wheels at Wanaka18 to 20th April 2025
Waimea Motorcycle Rally 10 May 2025
Post 1960 Post 1980 Rally 17 May 2025
Southland Vintage Car Club
Chairman’s Report
Well, it has been a busy month starting with the Vintage & Veteran Rally. I drove the Darracq with Steve Hackett as my navigator, and Sylvia McGibbon, Peter Pryde, and Wayne Calderwood as the naughty kids in the back, still managed a 3rd place in the field test. We stopped to look at Fred Howden’s collection of bikes and Fords on the way home. A very good run organised by Bruce Marshall and an equally impressive meal afterwards by Ken and his team.
The next weekend was the National Executive meeting in Christchurch, 2 more full-on days where the notice of motion to change the constitution was passed, which will be voted on by our branch. The Vintage Car Club of NZ has bought new premises on Meadow Street Christchurch, the old premises were damaged beyond repair during the earthquake and will be auctioned off on 3 April to fund the new purchase. Andrew Lister from the NZTA border entry team gave a very interesting talk on how to get our vehicles legally back on the road (NOTE NZTA is NOT VTNZ). Talk to NZTA BEFORE starting your restoration and get tags issued, it can save a lot of time, money, and grief.
If you haven’t already, please fill out the survey on 12-month WoFs for Vintage Vehicles and Motor Caravans on the NZTA website, remember VCC has 9,000 members motor caravan has 140,000. A paper version of the submission is also available. There is also now a proposal being discussed for a 3-year WoFs for Vintage Vehicles.
Earlier this month I took the Darracq to Teretonga for the Relay4Life event, this gives palliative care patients and their careers a chance to do a lap around the track, or Otatara, in a variety of vehicles (helicopters to fire engines). I did seven trips around the circuit, a very rewarding experience.
The AGM is looming over the horizon with the election of officers being a particular concern. We need fresh new people to come onto the Executive Committee to take-over some roles. Please get you nomination forms in, we are particularly interested in representation from our younger/newer members.
A group of us went to Cromwell to participate in their new motor cycle rally last weekend - a great event we hope to have a report in the next edition.
Donald
March
Wednesday Run: 2nd April
Next run is Wednesday - 2nd April 2025
The next Wednesday Run is on 2nd April, 2025. Leaving from the Racecourse at 10-30am. Cost $25pp, Ring Elaine or Angus on 03 2128956 or 0273104239 by Sunday evening prior.
Wednesday the 5th March
On Wednesday 5th March 48 people left the Racecourse on a beautiful sunny morning, but unfortunately only 46 arrived at the Venue for Lunch because one car had a breakdown. The route took us to Kennington, Lorneville Highway and onto Makarewa/Branxholme and along the Wreys Bush Road to Drummond then Otautau and onto Riverton. Our destination was The Riverton Lodge Hotel where we enjoyed a hearty roast meal. Thank you to Dave and Raewyn Birss for organising the day.
Bar Roster
29/03/2025
5/04/2025
12/04/2025
19/04/2025
26/04/2025
Ron Irwin
Russell Jenkins
Wayne Calderwood
Paul Hamilton
Mac McGarry
Office Bearers 2024/2025
Patron Wayne Nicoll 215 7136
Chairman Donald Ward 027 294 7692
Secretary Carol McGarry 027 277 6878 .... southland@vcc.org.nz
Treasurer Sheryn Warren 021 712 198
Club Captain Gerry Pethick 0210 298 5620 Howard Kingsford-Smith 027 232 3464
Bulletin Editor Stuart Francis 03 213 0529 stuartfrancis9@gmail.com
Welfare Officer Barry Hayman 03 216 3639
Southland VCC website sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar VCC website www.vcc.org.nz VCC forum www.trash.co.nz/vccbb 46 Ariki Avenue, Otatara, Postal: PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840
Rumour Notices
Copyright of the contents of the “Rumour” magazine rests with the VCC of NZ (Southland Branch) unless otherwise stated. The Rumour is available by e-mail as a PDF file, contact the secretary if you wish to receive it this way. It also delivered earlier. Views and opinions expressed in the Rumour are those of the authors of the articles and are not necessarily those of the Southland Branch of the VCC of NZ, the Branch Executive or the Editor.
Authors of the articles are responsible for the accuracy of the articles and captions. The editor does not “Fact Check” any article and will only correct obvious mistakes after consultation with the author. Mistakes will be corrected if possible if they are pointed out to the Editor.
Secretary’s Notes - Carol McGarry
Meeting Night presentation
Howard Kingsford-Smith will be talking about his Ford Model T that was used in the remake of East of Eden, at the conclusion of the March meeting.
Trash or Treasure (Garage Sale)
Saturday 12 April 2025 at the St Stephens Church Hall, North Road, Waikiwi from 9.30am to 1pm. Open to anyone wanting a clear out. $10 for your own table or $15 to hire a table. Contact Daphne Ellis on 021 253 1301 for more information or to book.
Cleaners wanted
The Cleaning roster on the noticeboard. Please add your name to the list and assist in the running of your club.
Notes from the Executive Meeting on 13 March 2025
We have purchased a new wireless microphone. Hopefully, this will make an improvement to our monthly meetings. Welcome to the following new members: Brent Withington, David and Melanie Richardson and Greg Emmerson, we look forward to meeting you. The Southland Sports Car Club will be arranging a joint event with us in June or July – date to be confirmed. Due to Easter and ANZAC day falling in the same week, we are proposing to move the April Club meeting date to the next week. This will mean the April Club meeting is on Thursday 1 May 2025. We will confirm this with you all at our club meeting on 27 March to ensure you agree. Our Annual General Meeting is on Thursday 29 May. Details and nomination forms are included in this Rumour.
12
-month WOF submissions are now open on the
NZTA website
NZTA is currently in the consultation phase for the proposed change to rule. The changes would reduce the frequency of warrant of fitness (WoF) checks on vintage and veteran vehicles and certificate of fitness checks (CoF) on privately owned heavy motorhomes. If you would like to be part of this process, click on the link below which takes you to their submission page. Then scroll down to complete the survey and make your submission. Link to website
We also have a paper submission template available for you that we have included in this Rumour (page 12) and on our website link Submissions close on 4 April 2025.
Vero Insurance Issues
If you are having trouble with Vero Insurance contact Linda at VCC head office, she is virtually in daily contact with the company may be able to help solve the problem. A little known fact, if you are competing in a VCC speed event your vehicle is covered by your Vero insurance.
Vero 2026 Loan of Vehicles to Australian Competitors
The Australian strict rules on the importation of asbestos and their heavy-handed application means its virtually impossible to re-import older vehicles back into Australia. A number of Australians want to compete in the 2026 NZ Vero Rally, so they are looking for eligible vehicles. Do you have an eligible vehicle you could loan? If you do contact HQ.
Parts Shed
The parts shed will be open the afternoon of meeting nights between 1 & 4 p.m. The following people can be contacted at anytime if requiring parts or information on parts in our Parts Shed.
John Burke 217 8177 & 027 226 0067 or Ray McCulloch 03 217 9667
Library
The library will be open on general meeting nights between 7&9 p.m. Other times by appointment - phone 021 159 8319
Forthcoming Events
George Begg Festival, Teretonga Park 10 to 13th April 2025 (including the Show & Shine Competition - see last months Rumour)
South Island Club Captains Tour 11 to18th April 2025 enquiries to Mark Wilkinson at sicc@vcc.org.nz
National South Island Easter Rally - 18th to 21st April 2025
Wheels at Wanaka - 18 to 20th April 2025
Waimea Motorcycle Rally - 10th May 2025
P60/P80 Rally - 17th May
Golden Times Rally Saturday 26th April 2025 contact mwhyit@gmail.com
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026
Post 60 – Post 80 Rally 17 May 2025
Hosted by the Southland You are most welcome to join us – we cater for Competitive & Non- Competitive Drivers/Riders
Entry Form is included in this Rumour & Online.
Entries Close 1 May 2025 Please visit www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar
Veteran and Vintage Rally
Seventeen cars and one bike set off from the Club Rooms after morning tea on a mild calm morning. We travelled through Myross Bush, Branxholme and finally made our way to Winton where we enjoyed a friendly chat and lunch at the Winton Reserve.
Donald Ward aptly drove the Darracq with four passengers. Great to see it out on the road as it created a lot of interest. After lunch we visited Blair Howden’s collection of motorcycles and classic cars. Well worth a visit, especially the Fairlanes.
We then meandered our way back to the Club Rooms for prize giving. Lots of friendly competition between the Herrons and Eunsons. Lynne Herron being very competitive in her new Model T, Ashley Bell had mechanical problems and was unable to finish the run.
To finish off we had pea, pie and chips, followed by dessert which was appreciated by all.
Sylvia McGibbon
Above - Lynne HerronOverall Winner Vintage section Toomey Wilson Trophy.
Below - Ashley Bell - Hard Luck Trophy
Club 1907 Darracq driven by Donald Ward
1909 Wolseley driven by Robert Eunson with Carol and Mac McGarry
Dave Harris 1928 Oakland All American 6
Don Bradley and Peter Pryde Awards
Inadvertently held over from last month's issue , the images of Don Bradley and Peter Pryde receiving their 35yr and 25yr Awards (respectively) from Donald Ward.
Malcolm Hodgkinson Awards
Malcolm was presented with his 35yr award and a Shield for wining the inter-branch challenge at the recent National Motorcycle Rally.
Balclutha Motorcycle Run 50th Anniversary
Saturday 8th March dawned wet and windy as I got ready to leave for Balclutha to attend the rally. Dave Sycamore arrived at home and after some discussion I decided to add my Yamaha to his trailer which had his Yamaha on board and travel up with him. I’m glad I did as the rain persisted until we got to Balclutha. On arrival at the clubrooms, we found fellow members Robbie & Greg Eunson with their Royal Enfield’s, and Malcolm & Mark Hodgkinson, with their Velocettes, also unloading their bikes. Unfortunately for Greg his ’14 Enfield wouldn’t start due to loss of spark, must have lost it on the journey up!!
At morning tea, we received our rally packs and sorted out the instructions, etc. After a catch up with fellow bikers we found that there were 2 members who had been on the very first run, these being Bill Veitch and Brian Hayman, my first attendance was in 1978. There were also members from Christchurch, Dunedin, Oamaru, in all approx. 30 bikes were on the run.
After leaving the Clubrooms we headed out over the bridge heading north with an immediate left after the bridge, following this road out through the Clutha Valley to the Tuapeka Mouth, from there we had very scenic ride along which the time section ended, to the Beaumont Highway passing the hotel, continued pass Millers Flat to Roxburgh, crossed over the dam and continued down the left bank of the Clutha River to Millers Flat, this was the first time I had been on this road, then back to Beaumont Hotel for a nourishing lunch, which was included in our entry fee. After lunch we came back thru the Rankleburn Forest to Clydevale, over the bridge to the Clutha Highway continuing back to the Clubrooms. There was some light drizzle on this part of the run, other then that it was a dry day.
At the Clubrooms the bikes were loaded onto various trailers and we then enjoyed more social time. While waiting for the prize giving there was raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, when this was drawn both Malcolm and Mark won prizes. Prize giving was held with both Mark Hodgkinson and myself received awards for the timed sections.
I decided to ride back to Invercargill, this proved a great test for my new bike and wet weather gear, in all we did approx. 250kms on the run and over all for the day approx. 377kms. Overall it was a great day’s ride, catching up with fellow bikers.
Results were as follows:
Vintage - Robert Hutton
1924 Harley Davidson
Post Vintage - Mark Hodgkinson 1938 Velocette
Post War Vintage - Max Dewar
Post 60s - Graham Hunter
Post 80s - Ray McCulloch
Overall Winner - Max Dewar
1955 Norton Dominator
1970 Triumph (owned by Stuart McElrea)
1980 Yamaha XJ600
1955 Norton Dominator
Ray McCulloch
Southland Branch, Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
Notice is hereby given that THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of this branch will be held following the monthly members meeting on Thursday 29 May 2025.
AGENDA
Apologies
Minutes of the 2024 AGM
Matters Arising
Chairman’s Report
Annual Accounts
Election of Officers
Signatories to Cheque Account
Presentation of Trophies
General Business (Note all General Business is to be in the hands of the Secretary 14 days prior to the meeting)
Nominations for Office Bearers must be in by 13 May 2025.
Carol McGarry Branch Secretary
Executive (12 total)
Please be aware that nominations close on 13 May 2025. Please don’t miss the deadline.
Volunteers will be called for these positions on the night of the AGM.
We have indicated the ideal number for each position.
Let’s have a full complement this year, we need people who are willing to contribute to the smooth running of our club. If you cannot attend the AGM, don’t let that stop you from putting your name forward.
NominationForms
Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc), Southland Branch Nomination Form
Nominations close with the Secretary, P O Box 1240 Invercargill on 13 May 2025. If less than the required nominations are received, extra nominations may be called for at the Annual Meeting. Note that Nominator, Seconder and Nominee must be financial members.
I nominate ……………………………………... for the position of ………………………………....... (Please Print)
Nominated by ……………………………………… (Please Print)
Signed …………………………………………..
Seconded by ……………………………………….. (Please Print)
Signed ………………………………………......
I ………………………………………….. accept the nomination …………………………………………… (Signature of Nominee)
Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc), Southland Branch Nomination Form
Nominations close with the Secretary, P O Box 1240 Invercargill on 13 May 2025. If less than the required nominations are received, extra nominations may be called for at the Annual Meeting. Note that Nominator, Seconder and Nominee must be financial members.
I nominate ……………………………………... for the position of ………………………………....... (Please Print)
Nominated by ……………………………………… (Please Print)
Signed …………………………………………..
Seconded by ……………………………………….. (Please Print)
Signed ………………………………………......
I ………………………………………….. accept the nomination …………………………………………… (Signature of Nominee)
1. I am writing to support the proposal to reduce the WoF check frequency for light vintage vehicles aged over 40 years old from six monthly to annually, as proposed in the Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment 2025.
I own [NUMBER] light vehicles over 40 years of age. [DESCRIBE IF THEY ARE CARS, MOTORCYCLES OR BOTH]
These vehicles travel an average of ____ km per annum, meaning between WoFs they average just ____ km. There is little opportunity for wear and tear between the 6 monthly inspections.
[DESCRIBE THEIR CONDITION, YOUR MAINTENANCE REGIME AND HOW OFTEN THEY PASS WOFs FIRST TIME]
2. This proposed change would have a positive impact on me because currently I have to obtain ___ WoFs per annum for my classic vehicles. These cost me a total of $____ per annum, plus there is the time cost of ____ hours to obtain and wait for WoFs, and in addition, I need to travel ____ km each time to obtain a WoF. By reducing the frequency to annual, these time and financial costs will be cut in half.
In addition, there will be negligible safety risks from this proposal because of the low annual mileage vehicles aged over 40 years travel, their low contribution of safety faults in death and serious injury crashes, and their relatively high WoF pass rate. This is supported by research performed by the Federation of Motoring Clubs:
· The MoT fleet Statistics 2023 state that the average distance travelled by light passenger vehicles aged 40 years and older is 2,852km per year. This contrasts with an average mileage of 10,136km p.a. for vehicles manufactured from the year 2000-on, which are subject to annual WoFs
· This is consistent with the average annual mileage of 3,700km from the FOMC 2024 survey of club members’ vehicles (which covers all sectors including more modern classic and Special Interest Vehicles, so it is likely that the average for 40+ year vehicles is less than 3,700km p.a.)
· FOMC analysis of death and serious injury (DSI) crashes from the NZTA’s Crash Analysis System (CAS) shows that over the ten years 2013 to 2023, there were just 13 DSI crashes for light vehicles aged 40 years or older (pre-1984), representing just 1.85% of all DSI crashes over that period where vehicle condition was a contributing factor. These same 13 DSI crashes represent a miniscule 0.06% of all DSI crashes over the ten-year period
Further analysis of each of the 13 DSI crashes for 40+ year vehicles revealed that the supporting data indicates that for eight of the crashes, other (non-vehicle) issues were contributing factors. Therefore the resultant five DSI crashes for 40+ year vehicles attributable to vehicle condition represent just 0.71% of all DSI crashes where vehicle condition was a factor
· FOMC analysis of WoF data for 2023 shows that across 109,531 inspections, vehicles 40+ years have a failure rate of 23%, lower than the national vehicle failure rate of 32% - and the same as vehicles less than 10 years old (23%)
The FOMC 2024 vehicle survey identified that that owners of pre-WW2 vehicles spend an average of $3,000 per vehicle annually on maintenance and servicing, whilst $7,200 per vehicle is spent on classic vehicles post-WW2 through to 1980
[ADD ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, EVIDENCE AND STORIES AS YOU WISH]
[YOUR NAME], [YOUR CLUB(S)], [DATE]
For Sale
DA Dodge De-Lux ex Milton car Very original in concours condition with original upholstery twin wire spare wheels $25,000 phone Russell McIvor 2178481 (repriced)
VCC early edition surplus library books for the sales table
1969 Triumph Herald Convertible in good condition but is not on the road (no WOF and registration is on hold, in Auckland(!)) contact david@mcewen.co.nz.
Peugeot 404 windows Windscreen, back & side windows, Contact Ray McCulloch.
2001 Jaguar Daimler Super- charged V/8, 4 litre, long wheel base. 93,000 km. Very tidy and runs well. Heaps of grunt. Ex Steve Thomas. $16,000.00 ono. Contact Barry on 021949531
1995 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 litre, long wheel base. Travelled 141384 km. Light green metallic paintwork. Tidy car. Ex Steve Thomas $6,000.00 ono. Contact Barry on 021949531
1964 Hillman Minx, Current WOF and rego, Kevern & Jenny Cummings, Ph. 027 599 1002
1960 Austin Westminster. It has been looked after wonderfully so it’s in lovely condition. The rego is good till the 04/03/25 and recent Wof. Time for another good owner to look after it, $15,000 ono . Contact Kavindu on 0274830972.
1925 Dodge Tourer. Good hood, new hood bows, new tyres, fully assembled, motor freely turns, upholstery good...Complete assembled, near drive away car! Very little work required to have a very popular usable vintage! Currently in Dunedin, the rego has lapsed, but there is good documentation. Quick sale required before house move, open to offers around the $15,000 mark, but is negotiable for a quick sale. PLEASE RING TONY STEVELY, 021 045 3533.
1979 Honda Super Cub 50 cc $3,000 low mileage really tidy rego. on hold.. Contact Colin Fleet 2179734.
1973 Triumph Bonneville T140 750cc with matching numbers, runs really well, re kited front master cylinder and new brake hose. Re-vined 8/2006, reg on hold, can be sold with wof and reg if wanted. Price $14,500 ono Contact Adrian on 0272324276
1984 XJ900 Yamaha, current registration and warrant, also available a spare parts bike. &
1983/4 XJ650 Yamaha, rego on hold, Needs mechanical attention. Offers for both machines Ray McCulloch 03 2179667 mccpac1@gmail.com
1962 Austin Cambridge A60 early restoration, Black Plates, drives well, $6000 - contact Ken 027 414 3377
