CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2025
This is my first report as your new Chairman. Just a bit about myself for those members of the club that I haven’t met.
I have been a member of the Vintage Car club for approximately 20 years, transferring from New Plymouth in 2013. Only recently becoming an active member of the Waikato branch, having been on the committee as custodian and involved in the parts shed, and most recently last year Vice Chairman. Previously I served on the committee at the Waitara S&C Club for many years. I was on the committee of the Waitara Bowling Club for many years and then President for 2 terms. I was also on the Taranaki Bowling Centre committee for quite some time.
The club had a run to C&R Developments on Sunday, followed by lunch. Appreciation goes to Bronya and Hugh for providing lunch and to Cossey for organising the run. The lunch was succeeded by an AGM where all positions were filled.
Thank you to Graham Pate for his invaluable contributions over the years. I acknowledge that I may not fill his shoes as seamlessly given his vast knowledge and experience in running the club. Thanks to current committee members who are continuing their service, and welcome to the new members. I look forward to hearing fresh ideas from them. Appreciation also goes to past committee members for their service over the last year.
My goal will be to encourage both new and longstanding members to actively participate in club activities including rallies, club nights and our Thursday morning gatherings. Don’t be like I was and be a non-involved member for so long, come along and get involved and make the most of your membership. Time to fuel up and make new memories.
Les King
Q: What is a vintage car owners definition of “fully restored”?
A: Everything works - except the horn, wipers, indicators, heater, petrol gauge, and sometimes the engine.
1993 Daimler XJ12 owned by Colin Dray in immaculate, original condition with only 31,000km from new, and is for sale by tender. refer classified column
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
“Life is too short to drive boring cars” EP
The Main event that everyone should and must attend is Daffodill Day – This is where you can bring a friend and show off your car, and Club to the rest of the world Open to any make and year of car along with people of like mindedness
“The Journey is just as Important as the Destination”
Interesting facts: The Late Brian Wilson, the musician known for the Beach Boys was a car man. Some of his notable vehicles: 58 Chev Impala,79 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, Rolls Royce Phantom, 1990 Corvette ZR1, Ferrari 488 GTB, McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche Panamera, Jaguar XF, a Bentley and 1966 Corvette Stingray…lots of toys.
Play with your toys!
Chris Hawkings
Sunday 20th July
Club run starting from the Velodrome Carpark
SECRETARY’S REPORT
This is the last report from me, and I would like to welcome Jayne Bentley as your new Secretary to the committee. I will be handing over to Jayne over the next couple of weeks, and giving her the support she requires. I am very confident Jayne will be a great Secretary. I will be looking after the new membership applications and the continuous membership awards, and have accepted the position of Social Convenor, with help from others to support me when required. Thank you once again for the support you have all given me over the previous 5 years that I have held the Secretary position. Watch this space for Jaynes first report in the August issue of the Venture magazine.
Heather Boswell
A few words from new club secretary Jayne Bentley Introducing herself.
I haven’t been a member of the VCC for very long but a trip down to the 2023 International rally in Taranaki re-ignited my love for vintage cars and participating in car rally’s. Having just retired in Feb this year I now have more time, at least that is what I thought while I was planning my retirement, to help out and do my part on the committee. I have just bought my first classic car, a 1975 Austin 1300. I wanted a car that I could use daily around town and didn’t need any work. With Graeme beside me I am sure I will learn how everything works and get some real enjoyment out of driving her. My other passion is volunteering up Maungatautari, checking traps and monitoring pests. This year I have had the privilege to be part of the Kiwi relocation programme, rehoming over 240 kiwi to Taranaki, Tongariro and Wellington. I have learnt so much about the work ‘save the Kiwi’ are doing and look forward to next season when they hope to relocate even more Kiwi.
We have a few trips planned including the International rally in March 2026 so I am looking forward to meeting other car enthusiast’s and exploring the Nelson region.
Jayne Bentley
“My Austin 1300 doesn’t leak oil ...it’s just marking its territory”
MOTORCYCLE REPORT
Too late to include in last months report. Spare a thought for Des Harvey who passed away in May. He was one of the originators of the Blue Smoke and Pedals gymkhana held annually in January. With the sun low at this time of year I noticed my helmet visor was not as clear as it should be. I always take care of it. I keep a spray bottle of soapy water or glass cleaner near my helmet, spit is good away from home, and always use a soft cloth, not paper towels which are actually abrasive. So I went to Motozone in Kihikihi, Troy gave me a good deal and what a difference a new visor makes.
Past Events
May 30th Tuesday Legover on Friday for Andy’s 60th anniversary of riding. 30 bikes took part, including 3 Vincents and a Sidecar, some from far away. We dodged the rain for a nice ride and good company with coffee at Cafe 9, more coffee at Arapuni, lunch at Okoroire, tea at the clubrooms and some for dinner at the Prince Albert.
Coming Events
Tuesday Legover June 24th , July 29th and probably August 26th The end of the golden weather! Time to hibernate? We’ll meet at the Top Pub in Morrinsville for the next few months, 12 midday, for lunch and a pint. If the weather’s crap you may want to come in your car, maybe bring some old classic bike mags to swap. I have a pile of “The Classic Motorcycle” 2023-4 to move on, thanks to Fred from Huntly. I wouldn’t mind some early “Real Classic”mags if anybody has any.
Of course, if the weather’s fine..........get yer leg over! I’m sure you can find some decent back roads to get to the pub.....unless you live in Morrinsville!
Andy Hammond. atepushrods@gmail.com
Club Run
July 5th Saturday. Travelling to Albany, north of Auckland to visit Mike Ensor’s Motorcycle collection. Some of these bikes were displayed at the Pukekohe Classic Festival 4 years ago and there are many awesome unrestored veteran and vintage machines, among others. Meet at the café at Hampton Downs Raceway for a coffee and be ready to leave at 10:30 am. It is suggested that being winter and through Auckland that this should be a carpool trip except for the keen ones. Some snacks are being provided and we may stop somewhere on the way home.
Steve Walter
WORKSHOP REPORT
Hi fellow members.
As the saying goes ‘I Came back’. Yes, I’m back and slowly getting back into the routine and slowly catching up with what’s been happening with regards to the club and the workshop, although it doesn’t appear to be much different to when I departed – hoist is getting used on Thursdays which is good to see.
Looks like the parts shed is full to overflowing as some new items have now appeared in the workshop, only temporary, due to extra shelving being installed in the parts shed.
Finally, I have the Murray McKie donated Renault sign all wired up so come along on a club night and see it all lit up.
Looks like the Studebaker is making progress and will be making its way into Alan’s workshop for some further skilled treatment. The Model A motor is getting a full once over and looks like it’s not far from getting fired up.
If any member is looking for something to do on a Thursday, come and make yourself known and I’m sure there is something that we could find to keep you from getting bored even if its separating washers from nuts or nuts from bolts or let us know your skills and we’ll see where your talent can be utilised.
Thursday opening hours are from 9.30am to at least 2pm.
Workshop Sub Committee:-
Jeremy Brook 021 152 0922
Bryan Cossey 027 410 7772
Graham Holmes 07 827 7341
Stan Richardson 027 233 4461
Terry Pidduck 027 2726 319
I’m still looking for any Memorabilia, Flags, Signs, Placards, Vehicle Posters or Illuminated Signs etc to cover the plywood walls.
Cossey
A reminder that the Workshop is open on Thursday mornings 9:30am 2pm and Saturday mornings and the hoist can be used by arrangement with Graham Holmes or Andy Hammond .
Jeremy Brook
You know you’re restoring a vintage car when:
• You measure cost in beer and band aids
• You own 6 hammers
• And you’ve yelled, "WHO DESIGNED THIS!?” more than once.
Club Run, Lunch and AGM Meeting
The June 15th club run followed by lunch, and then the AGM meeting was an experiment to see if it was going to attract any more, or any less members compared to other years, with it being held on a Sunday, and also during the day rather than in the evening. Being middle of winter no one I am sure wants to leave their nice warm home comforts. It also gave those members that had some distance to travel ample time during daylight hours, rather than having to travel in the dark midweek.
As it turned out the day was nice and crisp with the temperature expected to reach 15deg, so it was quite mild. With members asked to register for the free lunch, this made it a lot easier for the caterers. It was also helpful to know how many copies to print for the run sheets.
After a cuppa at the clubrooms some 22 cars set off for the C & R Developments private museum which has had a major makeover since I was last there some 6 months previously.
I hope everyone on the day got to see the set up of the American style Saloon complete with the call girls, the fire with the sound of crackling wood plus the unique toilets. After returning back to the clubrooms it was then time to have a feast of a lunch which was provided by Hugh and Bronya. What a meal it was, you couldn’t complain about it at all.
Following this was the main event of the day – the AGM. With our Chairman, (Graham) our Secretary (Heather) and our Editor (Aaron) all standing down, this left a big hole to fill, and congratulations must go out to Les King, (Chairman) Jayne Bentley (Secretary) and Michael Overington (Editor) for stepping up into these roles.
My thanks go out to Graham, Heather and Aaron for the outstanding work and commitment these three have made over the many years. Check out some of the photos from our C&R Development club run on the following pages, and our new committee members.
Cossey
“As our Chairman, Secretary, and Editor all step down this year, we’re reminded of a truth every vintage car owner knows: sometimes, all the key parts decide to retire at once - and just like with our cars, we’re grateful they got us this far without breaking down entirely!”
Megan dwarfed by the front end loader at C&R Developments
Above: The New Committee Members
Below: Heather receiving her presentation as outgoing Secretary
From the Editors Desk
What an eventful month. This years Annual General Meeting of the Waikato Vintage Car Club branch has seen the Chairman, Secretary and Editor committee member positions all step down after many years of dedicated service. I would like to personally congratulate Les King for stepping up as our new chairman, Jayne Bentley as new Secretary and you’re probably wondering who is this new guy that’s become the Editor.
Well, let me introduce myself. My curiosity and passion for cars began as soon as I was big enough to look out of my parents car window on our family drives. I could recognise and name all the different makes and models of cars by site and their distinctive exhaust notes. I grew up and did most of my schooling in New Plymouth, until I left for Auckland to take up an apprenticeship in Radio Servicing. After qualifying as a Radio Technician, the pull to work in the motor industry saw me getting a job as an auto electrician with C.E. (Monty) Whites in Frankton, Hamilton. As time went by I morphed into IT and Computing, then specialising in Technical Writing, As I neared retirement I started writing as a hobby, and found success in writing for motoring magazines, which I really enjoyed.
I have bought, restored and sold so many cars now I have actually lost count, and many have landed up in museums, so it was inevitable I would land up in the vintage car club. I recently rejoined the Waikato Vintage Car Club 20 years since my last double 50 run, and it was on the club run to Kawhia recently that Jillian discovered I was a writer, and encouraged me to take up the reins as Editor. As your new Venture Editor, I am hoping you will really look forward to receiving the magazine each month and continue to find it an enjoyable read.
Michael Overington
Another quiet month in the library, another year as Librarian. After a successful AGM and a few new faces on the committee it would be nice to see new faces visit the library. Plans are afoot to improve the versatility of the library, watch this space. Library is open every club night from 6.30 till 7.30 and on Thursday mornings. Don't forget libraries offer a wealth of information and resources. Come on in and see what we have for you, and discover your love of books.
Sue King
Events Ahead Home
Workshop / Parts Shed / Club Rooms open from 6:30pm . 2nd Wednesday of the Month Club Nights 7:30pm - Raffle $2.00 per ticket –cuppa
Sat 5 Motorcycle Run Going to Albany -Start at Hampton Downs 10:00am
Wed 9 Club Night: Electric Commuter Motorbikes NZ built –refer page 18
Wed 16 Wednesday Wander –Top Pub Morrinsville 12 noon Lunch
Sun 20 Club Run: Brewaucracy Brewery – start at Velodrome
Wed 23 Wednesday Wander Top Pub Morrinsville – 10.00am
Tue 29 Leg Over Motorcycles Run
Wed 13 Club night - Guest Speaker : to be advised
Tues 30 Leg Over Motorcycles Run August
Wed 20 Wed Wander - Top Pub Morrinsville
Sun 24 Daffodil Cancer Day –Driving our history
Tue 26 Leg Over Motorcycles Run
Sun 7 Motorcycle Run
Wed 10 Movie night Sun 14 Ladies Rally (format similar to last years)
Wed 17 Wednesday Wander
Events Ahead Away
Wellsford-Warkworth Winter Woollies 5-6th July (entries close 26th June 2025)
14th September Ford day Bob Hastie bobhastie@xtra.co.nz
5-6th Feb 2026 South Canterbury 120 years Veteran, Vintage, and Post Vintage
Vero International Rally Festival of Motoring 15-21st March 2026
Model T Ford Club 33rd National Rally 24 Feb – 1st March 2026 entries close
Pete Connelley receiving his new name badge from newly appointed Chairman Les King
Urban Electric Motorbikes
Come along to the club night on the 9th July to learn all about the new Urban Electric Motorbikes, manufactured here in Hamilton using local suppliers and businesses.
• Easy Charging
A removable battery allows you to charge at home, at work or from any standard socket
• Unmatched Practicality
Touch screen display, pin code access, lockable storage and siren alarms are just some of the features.
• Dynamic Riding
Responsive acceleration, rear hub motor, regenerative braking, light weight design, and balanced geometry makes riding an exhilarating experience.
Winter Project with a difference
YouTube can be a dangerous obsession but it also has some great ideas. Upon finishing a quilt for granddaughter I was searching for ideas for another project and happen to notice “fidget quilts”. Looking further it seems that these lap size quilts are a great comfort for patients with dementia. There wouldn’t be one of us who have seen the demise of a friend or loved one with dementia and I thought this would be a great way to give back to our local community of carers.
I contacted the local Resthaven Diversional Therapist to see if she would like some“YES PLEASE could we have some for the gentlemen our dementia unit!” Some of you will have seen my request go out for materials, zips and bits and bobs etc. to get us off and running. Joann came along with sewing machines and a huge amount of fabrics and fiddly bits, others have come along with old ties, materials and other accessories, but we are still short of batting material. Thursday mornings have been our go to session time - with plenty of room in the main clubrooms for us to spread out but when it isn’t quite so cold we will be in the upstairs room (or maybe someone can bring us a heater and we can spread out up there instead??). So far there is only the two of us sewing, with others helping sort out our treasure trove but if you are interested in a nice social get together and like to get the creative juices flowing please come along and join us, you don’t have to be able to use a sewing machine – we can always find something for you to do.
Jillian
Hugh McInally writes: As part of our business I receive a report on the motoring situation in NZ and the following has just come through.: The government also wants to change warrant of fitness (WOF) inspections for vintage vehicles from every six months to yearly. VTNZ and the MTA don’t oppose this because such vehicles are usually well-maintained and there is no evidence this change would raise safety concerns. Chris Bishop, the Minister of Transport, is expected to make a decision about the WOF and COF proposals this month.
Hugh McInally
Open one hour before club nights
Now open Thursday mornings 10am—12pm
Lots of parts including:
wiper blades steering columns
lights gauges
generators carburetors
light bulbs wheel rims
gaskets bumpers
armatures alternators
axles distributor caps
Recent additions:
1957-1958 Borgward Goliath 1100 2 door kombi station wagon shed stored 40years, no major rust, 4 cylinder boxer engine, lots of parts from 2 other cars partially dismantled.
1929 Chev light truck 6 cylinder totally dismantled, panels in poor condition, remains of Colonial cab, extra gearboxes and parts, not complete.
1935 Willys 77 parts - front hubs, wheels and differential spares for sale.
Parts Shed Committee
Alan Sharp
Les King
Clive Plumtree
Terry Pidduck
Graham Holmes
Robert Johnson
021 02553853
021 1909506
07 8275973
027 2726319
07 827 7341
027 4839825
CLUB BADGES FOR SALE
DO YOU HAVEACAR, CARS, MOTORBIKES OR PARTS THATYOU WISH TO SELL?
1993 Daimler XJ12 with Turbo 400 auto. In factory as new condition with only 31,700kms. Registration current and WOF up to date.. Tenders invited for purchase of this magnificent vehicle.
Phone Colin Dray on 021 158 9195.
Parts
Jaguar XJS rims and tyres x 4
Starfish rims 6.5J x 15”
Michelin Tyres: Energy XM1 215/70 R15
98H Tread 5-6mm
Offers around $950.00
Phone Colin Dray: 021 158 9195
The information in this newsletter and on the club’s web site, is supplied as a service to club members. Articles and other copy of interest are always welcome and encouraged. The opinions expressed in this newsletter and on the club’s website are those of the author alone. Neither the club nor any of its officers accepts responsibility for the accuracy of any statements or opinions.
Notice
We are getting non members ask about putting an advert in the For Sale or Wanted section of the Venture. After a discussion with the committee it has been decided that an advert from a non Waikato VCC member will incur a $15.00 charge. This will cover a three (3) month insertion. After the three (3) months it will be automatically withdrawn.
Veteran & Vintage Car Club (Waikato) Inc.
Branch Officers 2025/2026
CHAIRPERSON
VICE CHAIRPERSON
PAST CHAIRPERSON
SECRETARY
TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
VENTURE EDITOR
PUBICITY OFFICER
LIBRARIAN
SOCIAL CONVENOR
CLUB CUSTODIAN
COMMITTEE
PARTS COMMITTEE (Rep)
WORKSHOP CONTACT
WORKSHOP CONTACT
MINUTES SECRETARY
Les King
Dave Nordell
Graham Pate
Jayne Bentley
Jillian Hayton
Chris Hawkings
021 1909506
021 502390
021 2801586
027 2370351
027 4230608
021 2495845
Michael Overington 027 7236009
Michael Overington 027 7236009
Sue King
Heather Boswell
021 449686
021 684938
Alex Campbell 022 1277108
Megan Parker 027 3210240
Jeremy Brook 021 1520922
Bryan Cossey 027 4107772
Graham Blackstock 027 915 5608
Alan Sharp 021 02553853
Andy Hammond 022 0415356
Graham Holmes 027 6277341
Megan Parker 027 3210240
VIC COORDINATOR CARS Dave Nordell 021 502390
VIC COORDINATOR M/cycles Peter Spiller 07 823 0944 027 4913387
VALUATIONS Paul Clark 021 324911
ARCHIVIST
CLUBROOM BOOKINGS
MEMBERSHIP
FACEBOOK OFFICER
Kathryn Parsons 07 855 6774 022 0246820
Heather Boswell 021 684938
Heather Boswell 021 684938
Jillian Hayton/Heather B 027 4230608
MOTORCYCLE REP. Steve Walter 07 827 8484 0274 920095
SOLICITOR (HON)
POSTAL ADDRESS
Paul Clark 021 324911
CLUB ROOMS ADDRESS
C/- 67 Pirongia Road RD 6 MacLean St, Cambridge
Te Awamutu 3876
Club Night
2nd Wednesday of month at 7.30pm
Library and Parts Shed Hours 2nd Wednesday of month from 6.30pm over Summer, 7.00pm over Winter.
Workshop Hours Every Thursday 9.30am - 2pm
Website: www.wvvcc.co.nz
Email addresses:
Chairman: waikato@vcc.org.nz
Secretary: waikato@vcc.org.nz
Editor: vccventureeditor@gmail.com
CLOSING DATE FOR VENTURE COPY: 20th of each month Contributions should be emailed to Editor - vccventureeditor@gmail.com
