Great to see that the Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop, announced that the Government is considering further changes to the WOF regulations. Under the proposed updates, the first WOF for new light vehicles would be valid for four years. Vehicles between four and ten years old would need a new WOF every two years, while those older than ten years would require a yearly inspection. As you know, currently, vehicles over forty years old need a new WOF every year, which means many of our club members' vehicles manufactured between 1985 and 2000 still require six-monthly checks. This last point certainly needs to be harmonised, so that all vehicles over ten years old are treated the same under the new regulations. It seems to me this was not thought through properly initially, but kudos to the Minister for proposing this amendment alongside earlier changes. Hopefully, these proposed changes will become law. It's so damned frustrating to have to follow such draconian regulations. We must be, or certainly were under some previous administrations, one of the most over-regulated countries on earth. I understand that we need certain rules and regulations to live by, but for goodness sake, not stupid or nonsensical ones please.
As I promised in my previous editorial, I have looked into and sought advice regarding the font size I use in the Rivet. Hinemoa has suggested that I slightly increase it, so I have trialled this approach. Obviously, this will sometimes reduce some content, but it is worth trying out, so let me know what you think. I have not received any further complaints about the print size, so I can assume most readers are content with what is presented or have heeded my advice to read online or get stronger glasses. The difficulty I sometimes face is when I am asked to include various material into the publication, such as rally forms, where often the content will not fit unless I decrease the font size somewhat. I do try to cut back on some of the ‘blurb’ and make the main parts clearer. I do my best, but please remember that I am an old retired chicken farmer, not a journalist! Still not happy? Then give it a go yourself! It's a quite time-consuming job, but mostly enjoyable.
Looking through the Club Calendar, it’s clear we have a busy schedule of events early next year, starting with the New Year’s Day Taihape Gumboot. It’s one event I definitely don’t want to miss. I enjoy the atmosphere created by the organisers, skilfully led by Robert Baines. What a legend this man is! A fantastic way to kick off the New Year. For those who haven't yet made the trip north on New Year’s Day, I encourage you to do so next year. Be ready for some rough metal roads, though. Don’t forget the annual Restoration of the Year on the December Club Night. I’ve heard through the grapevine that there could be some real stunners on display if the restorations are finished in time. I wonder if anyone will bring a customised vehicle this year? Hope so.
Finally, I am sometimes struggling to find members willing to put their VCC story into print. Please let me know if you or anyone else you can think of would be interested. That’s all from me for now. Yours in cruising, Editor Ian
Chairman's Report — November 2025
Frank and I attended the Manawatu VCC Motorcycle Rally recently. We put the bikes in the van and headed off to the rally which left from the clubrooms in Palmerston North. It was a great day for motorcycle riding along some wonderful back roads. We lunched in Marton and finished for afternoon tea and prize giving in Cheltenham. I decided to ride my bike back while Frank and Heather returned in the van. Unfortunately it bucketed down on the way home but the rain had stopped and the road was dry when we hit Whangaehu. I was almost dry when I got home.
The last club nights weather was absolutely divine for the night trial. The wind had dropped and the night was warm. The only thing wrong was the MG was not driveable as we are preparing it for the International Rally. However we had a lovely run around town organised by Wayne. The winners were “The Idiots Team”. ( Pictured receiving a prize from Wayne on the left) Congratulations, well done and good luck for your organisation of next years night trial. Thanks to Wayne for organising this one.
I, along with other classic racers from Wanganui attended the Spring Classic Race Meeting in October (the last meeting of the series). Wanganui was well represented in the winning circle for 2025.
The ongoing work in my garage consists of getting my AJS7R ready for the Classic Festival in February next year.
Don’t forget our working bee at the clubrooms on Saturday 22 November, 9am - 12pm. Ham sandwiches for morning tea!
Until next time.
Bill James.
Club Captain’s Report— November 2025
The October Sunday run had a smaller than usual turn out with the weather being so unsettled but the sun came out for it and the rain stayed away. All enjoyed a nice drive around the city and some even got to visit places they had never been before.
We are once again having a Christmas raffle so please bring something along to go into the basket next time you’re at the rooms.
We have a lot of events coming up over the next few months as the weather settles and the sun comes out more.
We have a working bee on Saturday 22nd November between 9am-12pm. Please come along and lend a hand keeping our grounds and buildings looking great. A great morning tea will be provided.
The December club night is Restoration Of The Year, it is always good looking at all the hard effect our members have put in restoring vehicles. This year we are not going to have items of interest this night and will instead have that as the February club night.
December 7th is the Christmas Parade. We will be meeting at 1pm in Cook Street behind the Wanganui Telephone Exchange building where we normally meet. So get those Christmas decorations out and dress your car up. After the Parade everyone is welcome to come to the club rooms for afternoon tea.
The Gumboot Rally in on in Taihape on 1st January 2026, this is a good way to see in the new year.
We are planning a picnic for the 7th January club night, more details to follow in the December Rivet.
Wellington Anniversary Weekend 17-19th January is once again the Vintage Weekend in town so we will be busy events everyday .
Captain Wayne
The Howell’s Story
Recently I journeyed out to what seemed to the back and beyond to Kaukatea Valley Road off Number 3 Line. Never travelled over this section before, and after some 7 km, I came across Ian and Sarah’s property. A lovely and friendly couple who were only to pleased to show me their motoring projects and to share their VCC story. They are only some 10 15 minutes from the City boundary, and it is really good that the lifestyle blocks have not yet fully changed this area. Given time I guess that this will. They have projects aplenty, which will keep these two busy. They just love old vehicles, and take pleasure in having saved so many from the wreckers yards. I shudder when I recall myself having carted similar older vehicles to the dump many years ago, including an old Chrysler Ute complete with wooded spoke wheels! Anyway, here is their story supplied by the couple. Editor Ian
Sarah’s story
I have always been interested in old cars. I have a book about vintage cars which was given to me when I was 6 years old. I have no idea where this interest came from. My parents didn’t own a car at all!
My first car was a 1936 Morris 8 which I bought in 1988. I should have joined the VCC then, but felt that my car was too scruffy. I used that car as my everyday car for about 2 years.
I joined the VCC in 1998 and soon obtained a rather sad Jowett Javelin which was followed by a much better example which I still own. I met Ian through the VCC, both having entered the 1999 Maunga Moana Rally .His first words to me were “Does that beautiful Jowett Javelin outside belong to you?” As I was living in Dannevirke I became involved in the Manawatu Branch and held every position on the Committee except Club Captain. Four years ago we bought a lifestyle block at Okoia and shifted a house and sheds on. We transferred to Whanganui Branch.
My current cars are 1954 Jowett Javelin de luxe, 1930 DD Dodge, 1921 Type A Citroen, 1938 WTB Bedford bus, and jointly with Ian, a 1986 Citroen 2CV.
I bought the bus recently to save it from being scrapped. Being a WTB it is quite rare. It was the Hunterville school bus.
I have built up the Citroen from a collection of parts gathered from four different sources. This has been a labour of love for over 10 years and is also a very rare car . We both love cars that are unusual with a preference for pre-war cars. We love swap meets and scratching in parts sheds. Most of all we appreciate the many friends we have made in the VCC.
Ian’s story
My parents certainly had no interest in old cars (early 1950s) but bought a Bradford lite truck (their first vehicle) as we had a small farm. This was followed by a Bradford Station Wagon that I later taught myself to drive.
The film “Genevieve” (1955) triggered my interest in vintage cars. One of my first cars was a 1912 Crossley.
The Howell’s Story
My parents certainly had no interest in old cars (early 1950s) but bought a Bedford Lite truck (their first vehicle) as we had a small farm. This was followed by a Bradford Station Wagon that I later taught myself to drive.
The film “Genevieve” (1955) triggered my interest in vintage cars.
Moved to New Plymouth (Jan.1961) starting work at Duncan and Davies tree and shrub nursery, my only transport a push bike. One Saturday while cruising on my 3 speed Raleigh I spotted a 1925 Austin 12/4 tourer. It stopped, so I had a chat with the driver ‘Batch’ Collins. He took me under his wing and we became friends for life. He told me about a meeting to start a new branch of the VCC. So I became a foundation member of the new Taranaki Branch.
Cruising around town on another Saturday I saw a 1927 Morris Cowley for sale, for 20 quid. I bought it! Needing a total rebuild, it took up my spare time for years.
I worked in rented sheds, no power, a concrete floor a luxury, and moving towns for work all took time.
Moved to Hamilton 1971 and was very active there. Sold my restored Morris to buy a house and shifted a large shed on. Concrete floor and power – luxury! More cars followed, too many to detail here. A shift to Palmerston North and meeting Sarah followed, then to Dannevirke before we moved to Whanganui in 2021.
I have kept my interest in Morris vehicles, including the 1926 12 cwt truck and a 1926 Morris Oxford tourer.
Both vehicles were sold new here and are now back home. We both look forward to club events and keeping active restoring and using our cars.
Ian and Sarah Howell.
Thank you for your entertaining story. Editor Ian.
MANAWATU & CENTRAL HAWKES BAY BRANCH VCC
COMBINED VETERAN RALLY SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2025
THIS NON-COMPETITIVE EVENT IS OPEN TO VETERAN VEHICLES AND TWO-WHEELED BRAKED VINTAGE VETERAN VEHICLES, INCLUDING MOTORCYCLES UP TO 1930
FORMAT-SATURDAY6THDECEMBER2025
10.00 am Meet at TUI BREWERY (TUI HQ) MANGATAINOKA
10.30 am Rally Briefing - First Car away shortly afterwards
Run length - 3 ROUTES AVAILABLE - 40, 50 OR 60 MILES
NO FUEL available enroute
Bring your own picnic lunch, thermos, and a folding chair. The lunch stop is at an interesting collection. Entry fee is $5 per person (PAY CASH ON THE DAY PLEASE)
Run will conclude back at Tui Brewery Mangatainoka
ENTRANT NAME
VCC MEMBERSHIP NO.: EXPIRY DATE:
NAVIGATOR/PASSENGER:
NAME NAME
TELEPHONE ( ) EMAIL
ADDRESS
VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR REGO. NO.
PLEASE TICK WHICH ROUTE YOU WANT:
SHORT ROUTE 40 MILES MEDIUM ROUTE 50 MILES LONG ROUTE 60 MILES
RALLY ENTRY @ $20 PER VEHICLE = $ TOTAL = $
PAYMENT DETAILS: Please make payment via Internet Banking
Account Name: VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND MANAWATU BRANCH INC.
Please send completed entry form to Glyn and Cath Clements– PO Box 232 Feilding Or email to cbz1@xtra.co.nz Phone Cath 027 286 2927 if you do not receive confirmation. Entries close on Thursday 27th November 2025.
67th Burma Rally
18th January 2026
Rob O’Keeffe Joinery
Principal Sponsor
Entries close 3rd January 2026
The Burma Rally takes place over Wellington Anniversary Weekend and Wanganui’s popular Vintage Weekend. VCC members and Burma Rally vehicles play an important part in the weekend. Entrants are invited to display their vehicles, enjoy the Vintage Weekend activities as well as taking part in the Burma Rally. It is recommended that you book your accommodation now. Though not essential, we encourage period costume to be worn at the rally and Vintage Weekend activities. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed gentleman and lady at the prizegiving dinner.
Friday 16th January
PROGRAMME
4.00-7.00pm Rally packs will be available for all. Meet and greet at the clubrooms, 25 Patapu Street, Wanganui East. Tea and Coffee with finger food will be served from 6 pm to those who have enrolled.
Saturday 17th January
8.00am-4.00pm Vehicles participating in the ‘Wheels on Victoria Ave’ please be parked by 8.30am on Victoria Ave. Enter from Maria Place. Follow instructions from Marshals and park in designated areas for display. Look for the VCC sign to collect your Burma Rally packs. Enjoy the Wheels on Victoria Ave Car Show, Caboodle Street Carnival, period clothing stalls and more.
4.00 – 5.00pm Classic Car Cruise. Meet at Mitre10 carpark. Entry off Taupo Quay or Heads Rd. Pay $15 to the Vintage Weekend Trust, on site, to be eligible for spot prizes. The cruise ends at Barracks Sports Bar,170 St Hill Street. The Classic Car prize draws will be announced after 6.30pm.
Sunday 18th
January The Burma Rally
Bring your own picnic lunch and refreshments. For those out of towners, Rally Packs can be collected from the Rally Secretary at the start of the rally. Find her near the entrance.
8.30 am Assemble at Cornmarket Reserve, Somme Parade by the Dublin Street Bridge. Follow parking instructions from the Marshals
9.00am Safety briefing, all drivers and navigators must attend
9.15am First vehicle away. Starting times as indicated on your rally pack. The rally will conclude at the Clubrooms, Patapu Street, Wanganui East. The Parts Shed will be open during this time.
6.00pm Pre dinner drinks at the Laird Park Bowling Club, 92 Peat Street. Entry from behind the Blind Centre Rooms.
6.30pm Dinner and Prizegiving
Monday 19th January Wellington Anniversary Run
9.00am Meet at the Cornmarket Reserve, corner of Somme Parade and Dublin Street. The weekend will end with a late morning tea. Tea and Coffee will be provided, bring a plate to share.
Entries close: 3rd January 2026. Entries received after this date will be entered as NonCompetitive. No exceptions. Preferred method of entry is by online registration at the site bit.ly/vccbr2026 Alternatively, by email, to wanganuirally@gmail.com or mail entry form and payment to: c/- The Rally Secretary, Wanganui VCC, PO Box 726, Wanganui 4540 Bank Deposits: 03-0791-0210433-00
PARTICULARS: Your Name CODE: BR2026 REFERENCE Your Vehicle Reg.
RALLY REGULATIONS
This rally is open to vehicles as defined in the rules of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)
Eligible entrants must be current financial members of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, or overseas residents who are members of a recognised Antique Motoring Club. The entrant must be either the driver, rider, navigator, or passenger of the vehicle entered. Invited guests are deemed Non-Competitive and should not interfere with the competitive section of the rally.
Actions that may bring The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) into disrepute will incur disqualification.
Any entrant found using any electronic navigation device may be disqualified.
We prefer that you carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle
A minimum of three entries will be required to constitute a class. If insufficient entries are received for any one class those entries may be allocated to another similar class. The exception to this is for the Veteran class.
Entrants restricted to the first 100 vehicles
Safety briefing: Entrants must attend the pre-rally briefing at 9.00am Sunday 18/01/2026
CLASSES
Navigators surname
Pease circle one above Please circle one above
Wayne 027 244 7108
Christine 027 338 3321 Or 06 3424 755
If posting or handing to Christine
Please return this side with payment.
107 Rapanui Road Westmere
Farm shop opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm
Bates Watchmakers
130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Phone/Fax 06 345-2235
Email: bateswatch@gmail.com
Watch Specialists for Whanganui
Sales & Repairs
Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
WANGANUI ELECTROPLATING CO. LTD
‘NZ’s Finest Automotive Platers’ 68 Wilson Street Wanganui
Acknowledged experts on all types of Vintage and Post Vintage Nickel and Chrome Plating.
For all your METAL FINISHING REQUIREMENTS
Copper, Brass, Bronze, Antique Finishing and Metal Polishing Phone Dave on Wanganui 06 345 5042 or 021 057 6726 for prompt and efficient service.
100 Years Ago – Day of 100 Bikes
To mark 100 years since Percy Coleman opened his first motorcycle shop on Guyton Street in Wanganui on Nov 23rd 1925, the NZ Royal Enfield Riders Club and local classic enthusiasts are hosting a one day commemorative event. In addition to modern Royal Enfield machines there will also be a mix of classic machines entered from the Pre 1984 era, machines that the Coleman business both imported to New Zealand for the local market, and also sold via their retail outlets in Wanganui, Hamilton and Auckland.
Percy started as a Harley Davidson dealer, then Royal Enfield distributor plus post war dealt in Army Indian 741B, plus new Ariel and Panther machines. In late 1954 AJS & NSU became key brands with Suzuki secured in 1958. During the 60s, Lambretta, Norton, BSA and Triumph were distributed across NZ and in 1971 Spanish brand Montesa was added.
The day begins with a motorcycle static display on Guyton Street covering the section of the street from Victoria Ave to St Hills Street from 8am to 11am with riders briefing at 10.50am. Participating riders will then head out of town on the ‘Waimarino Treck’ to a photo stop 1.5hrs from Wanganui, before the lunch stop at approx. 1pm-1.30pm. Following lunch there will be a prizegiving before the ride returns to Wanganui.
There will be Pre-Dinner Drinks at 5pm at The Brickhouse on St Hill Street, followed by Dinner at 6pm.
All riders entered on the day must complete the official entry form for either Royal Enfield's or Classic Motorcycles to reserve your display parking spot on Guyton Street. (As organisers we have booked all the parking in the street with WDC for the event). A souvenir programme and event decal is included in your entry fee, all meals on the day are your care.
There will also be a commemorative tee shirt and cap available to pre-order prior to the event. A max of 100 shirts or caps will be produced.
For further details please contact robertc72@xtra.co.nz or 022-154-0334 daytime www.royalenfildridersclub.co.nz
New Members
We, the Wanganui Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand would like to welcome the following Whanganui people who have become new members of the Club over the past few months;
Roger Ellison who has a 1939 Austin New Ascot 12/4.
Louise Bell who has a 1984 Honda Civic.
Kerry Collins who has a 1961 Ford Prefect.
Rob Bennett who has a 1929 Riley together with other vehicles.
John and Anne Lawrence who have a 1976 Land Rover.
Felicity Lawrence.
Lloyd Williams who has a 1970 Triumph Tiger 650cc motorcycle.
Justine Warne who has a 1971 V W Beetle.
We welcome one and all and look forward to seeing you at our future events.
Thanks Frank
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
November
13th and 27th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
1st Taihape Gumboot Rally. More info next month’s Rivet.
7th Club Night BBQ at Bason Botanic Gardens
8th and 22nd Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre10 at 11am.
17th Wheels on Victoria and Classic Cruise.
18th Burma Rally.
19th Wellington Anniversary Day Run
Advance notice: Wellington VCC Motorcycle Rally. See page 8 in this Rivet. Entry forms and information in the December Rivet. Entries close on 16th January 2026.
Message from Secretary Frank: Christmas Hamper goods required please. Please deliver to the clubrooms on next Club Night.
Ed Boyd Parts Shed
We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist. You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us:
Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com
For Sale: 1927 Essex. (Right) Very original. $12000 ono. Includes spare parts ALSO 1939 Nash 400. ( Below) Great cruiser. $20000 ono. Includes spare parts. Contact Judy 027 254 7601
For Sale: 1947 Austin 8. (right) Complete rebuild engine 2024.All receipts. Includes spares. Original interior. $7000 Phone Grant 027 3278830
For Sale: 1953 Lanchester Leda (right) 4 cyl 4 speed Wilson pre-select, Rego on hold, 58574 m, new tyres, brakes relined, has been running, always garaged, sound body, fair interior. $4000 ono Barry Cleaver 06 3887871, Taihape
