TOPICAL TORQUE
August - September 2025
TARANAKI BRANCH INCORPORATED BRANCH OFFICERS, BRANCH ADDRESS BRANCH MEETING DETAILS 2025-2026.
CHAIRMAN: COLIN JOHNSTON.
ADDRESS: 63 BROADWAY, WAITARA. TELEPHONE: 021 131 6699 / 06 754 6216
E-MAIL: cajohnstoncollections@xtra.co.nz
SECRETARY / TREASURER: ROB THOMSON. ADDRESS: 7 LEATHAM AVE, STRANDON, NEW PLYMOUTH 4312. TELEPHONE: 027 701 2485
E-MAIL: [secretary] taranaki@vcc.org.nz [treasurer] vcc.taranaki@gmail.com
CLUB CAPTAIN BRIAN EVANS. TELEPHONE: 027 956 0441
E-MAIL: brian.julie@outlook.com
NEWSLETTER EDITOR JIM LOGAN. TELEPHONE: 027 604 4821
E-MAIL: logandj49@gmail.com
BRANCH COMMITTEE: GRANT BISHOP: 027 295 8492 grantmerrilyn@farmside.co.nz
KEVIN FABISH: 06 756 7665 kev.fabish@gmail.com
DANNY PATTINSON: 06 756 7735 pattinson-family@farmside.co.nz
PARTS SHED: JOHN MUTER: 06 751 5554
CES BUDD: 06 241 0454
NEIL ROOK: 06 758 6737
GRANT BISHOP: 027 295 8492
BEADED WHEELS SCRIBE: COLIN JOHNSTON: 021 131 6699 cajohnstoncollections@xtra.co.nz COMPLIANCE/DOMAS/VIC: LES BOGNUDA: 06 755 2810 021 084 82323 bognuda63@xtra.co.nz
MIKE WILLIAMS: 06 765 4419 annmike21@hotmail.co.nz
CLUBROOMS CUSTODIAN: ROSE COX: 027 353 9968 roselcox7@gmail.com
FACEBOOK ADMINIST’R: ALEXANDER JOHNSTON: nakivccmedia@gmail.com GROUNDS CUSTODIANS: LES BOGNUDA: 06 755 2810 021 084 82323
DANNY PATTINSON: 06 756 7735
LIBRARY: JOHN MUTER, ROSE COX.
MEMBERSHIP / ARCHIVIST: ROSE COX: 027 353 9968 roselcox7@gmail.com
MID WEEK COORDINATOR: BRYAN MORRIS: 06 272 8027
NAME BADGES: KEVIN FABISH: 06 756 7665 kev.fabish@gmail.com
CLUB ROOMS: 1040 MOUNTAIN ROAD, SH3A, WAIONGANA, INGLEWOOD. MONTHLY MEETING: AT CLUB ROOMS, THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, 8.00PM. On The Cover: Our visit to Summerset, Bell Block On Saturday 9th.
Chairmans Chatter for Topical Torque
Hello Folks
Our long wait is over and now from the 1st of September we will be able to obtain 12 month warrant for our over forty-year- old vehicles. The Government, Chris Bishop, announced that warrant of fitness checks will change from every six months to every year.
"Vintage light vehicles" refers to cars and motorcycles that are over 40 years old and can now obtain a 12month warrant. This is great news for all our members as we have been wanting and waiting for this to happen for many years.
Chris Bishop said that evidence shows that vintage vehicles are half as likely to have contributing fault in a serious crash - even after adjusting for how many are on the road. And yes, we can now spend less time on bureaucracy and queuing for a vehicle inspection and more time where we would rather be under the bonnet or out on the road. Thanks to all concerned who helped push this through government. There was a huge number of submissions and support for this to get through and it was a joint effort from all motoring clubs that helped along with the right personal to be able to talk and push this through.
We have now collated the membership list with members names and details from those who authorized us to do so. Copies have now been printed and are available to all members to pick up from the clubrooms at the Noggin and Natter nights or when the clubrooms are open. This is our first attempt, and we will be updating the list in the future as required. It will be beneficial to members use only and for contact with likeminded members.
Daffodil Rally for Cancer is our Vintage Car Club National day where we will join members from all over New Zealand to showcase our vehicles. This year Taranaki members will hold a motor show at Energy City Ford New Plymouth in their forecourt area on the 24th of August from 10.00am till 2.00pm. we have space for around 60 to 80 vehicles, and we have invited other car groups to join us so space is limited Contact John Muter or myself to confirm your attendance. The cancer Society will be holding a bucket donation for the public donations and all vehicles on display will give a $5.00 donation to this worthy cause. We will require help on the day to get all vehicles into position and if you are bringing your pride and joy be there in plenty of time before 10.0 0am.
Please wear your name badges at all times that you are attending our Club night Noggin and Natters and events. It is a great way to introduce yourselves to other members. There are plenty of activities coming up and our Club Captain Brian Evans is doing a Stirling job arranging these and if you have any suggestions, please let Brian know. Please check the events calendar in this newsletter.
Planning for The Rubber Duckie motorcycle rally is underway and being organised this year by Peter and Lynda Hutton and entries are starting to flow in. The rally is being held in September and help is required for check marshals.
We welcome another new member Ross Gilchrist is from New Plymouth and owns a 1977 Holden Ute. We look forward to seeing you at our activities Ross.
So, Keep the Passion............ enjoy your outings ...........Let’s get out on the roads..........And no more sixmonth warrants ..........Enjoy.
Cheers, Chairman Colin -Ph 021 1316699
Facebook Report and Update
Our Branch Facebook page continues to generate considerable interest, Contact Alexander Facebook Administrator, with photos of events or reports of interest to our members
Club Captains Report
Hi All,
Hope everyone is staying warm and dry this winter!
Brick Run Recap
Last month’s Brick Run was well attended, with 14 vehicles and their occupants departing from the War Memorial car park in Stratford. The group enjoyed a scenic drive along back-country roads, finishing at the clubrooms for a well- deserved afternoon tea. A delicious spread was enjoyed by all!
It was a close competition, with the winner determined by a couple of tie-breaker questions. Congratulations to Danny Pattinson, our 2025 Brick Run winner! Commiserations to Geoff Blackbourn – it was a tight finish.
Summerset @ Pohutukawa Place Visit
We also visited Summerset at Pohutukawa Place in Bell Block this month. Another great turnout with 13 vehicles. Unfortunately, the chilly weather kept many residents indoors, but those who did come out had a lovely time reminiscing about days gone by. A nu mber of residents even enjoyed a ride around the village in members’ cars. We’re planning a return visit in summer — it would be fantastic to have even more vehicles then.
Thanks to everyone who took part and helped make the day special.
Upcoming Event – Daffodil Day Car Show
Our next event is the Cancer Society Daffodil Day Car Show, happening on Sunday, 24th August. This promises to be another enjoyable outing, and it’s a great opportunity to support a very worthwhile cause. Proudly supported by Ford Motor Company. Further details to come — we hope to see you there!
August Guest Speaker
This month, we’re pleased to welcome Ewen Darling as our guest speaker. Ewen has been a valued member of the VCC for 32 years and is currently standing for the upcoming NPDC council elections. He’s happy to answer questions and share his insights. Feel free to bring friends and family who may be interested in the discussion.
Upcoming Events
24th August – Daffodil Day Motor Show (supported by Ford Motor Company) Don’t Forget to get your VCC Sash ready for the Car Show, Will be available on club night for $15.00
• 28th September – Trip to TATAM – Taranaki Aviation and Transport Museum
• 19th October – Potters Paddock at Dudley Hall
• 2nd November – Garden Run
(Looking for someone to organise this – please let us know if you're keen!)
As always, your ideas and suggestions are welcome – we love hearing from you.
Warm regards, Brian.
Events Calendar
MANAWATU BRANCH - MOTORCYCLE RALLY
SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025
ENTRY FORM
FORMAT - SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 2025
9.00 am Meet at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms, 684 Kelvin Grove Road, PN - Tea/Coffee available
9.30 am Rally Briefing
10.00 am First Bike away
● Run length - approx 105 miles
● FUEL available enroute
● Lunch available at your own cost - MARTON - Cafes
● Rally Entry Fee includes a Plaque
● Run will conclude at the Chelty Pub mid afternoon for Prize Giving
ENTRANT NAME
NAVIGATOR/PASSENGER: NAME NAME
TELEPHONE ( ) EMAIL
ADDRESS
BIKE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR
BIKE REGO. NO
RALLY ENTRY @ $20 PER BIKE = $
PAYMENT DETAILS: Please make payment via Internet Banking
Account Name: VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND MANAWATU BRANCH INCORPORATED Account Details: 03 0718 0027253 001 Ref: Name, Reg No. (MC RALLY)
FREE ACCOMMODATION ON SITE AT THE MANAWATU VCC CLUB ROOMS IF YOU HAVE A SELF-CONTAINED CAMPER/CARAVAN. THERE ARE NO BATHROOM FACILITIES AVAILABLE. PLEASE ADVISE RALLY SECRETARY IF YOU WISH TO USE THIS.
Please send completed Entry Form to Rally Secretary: Cath Clements - PO Box 232, Feilding - or email to cbz1@xtra.co.nz Cath - 027 286 2927. If you haven’t received an email confirmation of entry by the closing date, please contact the Organiser. **ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER 2025**
(There was an error in the original entry form, this is the corrected version)
REPORT ON MIDWEEK RUN 30 TH July 2025
Wednesday 30th July 2025 saw an intrepid group of a dozen VCC members converge on the former Bank Of New South Wales building in Bridge St. Eltham , because Bryan Morris had persuaded the three volunteer ladies of the >>>eltham@districtshistoricalsocietyincnz<<< ‘(normal open hours Thursdays and Fridays 1 pm – 3.30 pm)’ to come in on their day off to present us with a history of the town of Eltham. We stepped into what can only be described as an amazing collection of times now past. The work that these three ladies do is extraordinary, as it records so much and in such detail of an age and aspects of the world, and the lives of those who by the very sweat of their brow carved out and created what we now know as the Eltham district.
Jenny Mack opened the seminar, outlining how in 1873 work started on a road by Capt. R J Blake, forming a 15 ft. wide track at £7.0.0 per chain, and this became known as ‘Mountain Road. Interestingly, this section of SH 3 today leaves Hawera as Waihi Rd. then becomes Boylan Rd. then Mountain Rd. then High St., Broadway, then Mountain Rd again, as far as Inglewood.
Then came 1876 when two County Councils were established- ‘Taranaki’ in the north, and Patea in the south. In this year an auspicious traveler named Jenny, en route from Marton to Bell Block with her new owner Mr. Hulke, became the first Jersey cow to enter Taranaki province.
Maureen Gatenby picked up the narrative explaining that Eltham is well known worldwide thanks to a little China man called Chew Chong, who in 1885 sent the first export of Butter out of New Zealand to England. In 1887 he built the country’s first commercial butter factory. He had already established an export trade to China with ‘Jews Ear’ Fungus. In fact, this era saw a string of firsts for the town, and indeed the country! 1892 saw the first dairy company formed, in competition to Chew Chong. 1901 saw the first world Axe man’s carnival there, 1904 the formation of Taranaki Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance (now Farmers Mutual). In 1906 after a visit to USA, councilor C A Wilkinson augmented the first tar sealed road (Bridge St) in New Zealand, and it was quickly followed by Eltham having New Zealand’s first concrete power poles.
Caron Graham continued with the firsts which came at us thick and fast. 1919 saw 50 kegs of Rennet made in NZ on a commercial scale- 1952 first trials of Blue Vein cheese- 1969 Hotters in Eltham built Merve Hick’s (Mangatoki) invention – the first rotary cowshed in NZ. And no summary could not fail to acknowledge the worldwide success in 2005 of John Burling’s ‘Carac Couplings’ enterprise, or his installation in 2013 .of Australasia’s’ first fiber profile cutter.
There were plenty of questions from the floor. Rob Gudopp who had forebears in the area, tabled a book showing the very first car to arrive in the town- a 1909 Cadillac (?).
The visit wound down with a thankyou from Bryan, together with some words of appreciation from Jim Logan, after which we all enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea- a highlight of which included nowhere near enough little cream filled sponge muffin thingies that Denise (Greg Carter’s) wife, made specially for us.
Contributed by Malcolm Harding
Branch News
Rubber Duckie Rally We would like some helper s to man some check points for this event. If you have some time on Saturday 20th, could you contact Rob Tho mson in the first instance
Daffodil Day Motor Show - Sunday 24 August, from 10 to 2 at ENERGY CITY FORD, Courtenay St Work is progressin g well with this fundraiser for the Cancer Society, sponsored by Energy City Ford. I have had an excellent response from our Branch members for vehicles to display on the day.
As there is limited room for about 70 vehicles, we have had to limit the number of cars from other clubs. However a number of one make clubs will be displaying a small number of vehicles . The show will run from 10 to 2, however we will need cars parked on site from 9 to 10, don’t be late. Committee has decided on an entry charge of 5 per vehicle which goes to the Cancer Society We will also require some members to help on the day with car parking and manning the Sausage sizzle which Energy City Ford are supplying. Please let me know if you can help.
I would like as many of our members as possible to bring their vehicles for this important Charity event.
Many thanks, John
Muter
Vintage Car Club of NZ Exclusive Discounted
Bluebridge Ferry Fares
Promo code: ANTIQUECAR
Motorbike up to 2m
Car/Van/Ute/Trailer up to 5.5m
Extra Length each 0.5m
*Peak Fares apply for travel on 15 December 2025 to 31 January 2026 and Easter weekend 17 to 22 April 2026.
With the 2026 Vero IFHM Rally quickly approaching we have secured discounted rates for the Bluebridge ferry for the period 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.
DID YOU KNOW
That any members are welcome to visit our parts shed by contacting a committee member to organise a suitable time for a visit. There is a wealth of parts within and there is not always time on Club night to rummage through them all.
ALSO We have located a historic film taken of the 1970 National Easter Rally which was held here in New Plymouth. If there is anyone who could provide a working projector for this reel of 8mm film, we would like to show it at an upcoming Club night. Please, if you could help contact Colin Johnston .
We are looking for someone to organize our annual visit to gardens during the Garden Festival in October-November. Brian and Alison have done a great job over past years, time to give them a break
The results of the membership survey that was conducted recently are now available to view at the clubrooms, see Brian Evans.
Energy City Ford Corner Courtney and Gover Streets New Plymouth
Come and join us for a car display to be held at Energy City Ford, corner Courtney and Gover Streets from 10.00 am to 2:00 pm
A bucket collection will take place to boost Cancer Society funds Entry $5.00 per vehicle
Event Organiser: Vintage Car Club of NZ Taranaki Branch
WANTED TO BUY
• 1939 Austin 8 HP, parts wanted, anything considered in any condition, ph 02108264899(mem)
• Ford T 21-inch wheel and rim, 4 stud bolt on type, ph John 7515554(mem)
FOR SALE
• 1974 MGBT, in yellow, 100+Km, three owners, present owner 13 years. Overdrive fitted, registered and warrented to July 2026. Price $21,000 contact 0212179775
• On behalf of Estate, Vauxhall 1938 14/6 Tourer (blue), has a top opening boot and spare wheel Located in Wellington, contact Bryan Morris 0273721976
• V C Cresta, parts for sale, bonnet, gaurds, doors, boot lid chrome trim, contact Les Bognuda, 02108482323
• 1962 Morris Minor 1000, white, and very tidy in Stratford, $8,000 ph 0272836674
• Triumph Mayflowers (Two) Partly restored, both cars have registration papers gauranteed all offers considered, Ph Mike Williams, 0273583856 (mem)
• Kent driving lights , chrome, as new $40.00 pr. Electric cooling fan, as new, $25.00 Metal Velocette sign, 10pprox. 400mm x 300mm new $20.0. Sunroof, suit 80 ’s on. NOS Vanguard rocker panels [sills] NOS, light surface rust, $50. Mazda B1600 ute tail gate skin, NOS, $5. Luggage carrier, rusty but will clean up, $50.00. Audi 5-cylinder engine, $200.00. Contact Taranaki Branch – Parts Dept
FREE(TO A GOOD HOME)
A three wheeled trolly on wheelbarrow wheels, suitable for moving a car body undergoing restoration. Ph Bryan on 0273721976.
OTHER BRANCH EVENTS
September – 19-21 Spring tour to Napier -North Shore, 20-21 Vintage Only Rall -yManawatu, 27 Swap Meet – Manawatu.
October - 4 King Country Scenic Tour – King Country, 11 Motorcycle Rally –Manawatu, 12-18 Coromandel Adventure – Central Hawkes Bay, 25-27 Inter Branch Campout – Manawatu.
VERO RALLY 2026.
Attention all members that are planning to attend the Vero international Festival of historic motoring rally in Nelson next year.
We are planning to have a meeting to coordinate travel arrangements from Taranaki so that if entrants want to travel together for companionship and security, we can all motor together.
If you want to join us and attend this meeting, contact Kevin Fabish on 7567665 or Colin Johnston on 7546216 or (02) 1131 6699. Nelson here we come.
Anyone wanting one or more of these stylish decals to go on your vehicle’s windows, please see Kevin Fabish, size 5cm x 12cm
you are
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