VCC CHB The Bleat September 2025 by Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

Bleat Editor Joyce Calder joycecalder@gmail.com

Branch Email: centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz

History of the Wolseley Hornet—1934—1935

In late 1933 ready for 1934 season, Wolseley Motors announced a new Hornet Special chassis. It was an under slung arrangement of the rear axle, with a cross bracing design, which was expected to reduce some of the flexibility that had been experienced in the previous over slung chassis.

There were also more changes to the engine, mainly a new cross flow design cylinder head, still with twin carburettors, and a new block. The gearbox now incorporated synchromesh on 3rd to 4th gear and a free wheel arrangement, (which was only retained for 1934). The radiator design became more rakish and was characterised by a U shaped chrome embellishment, where the earlier cars only had a single strip. The bodies however had now put on a lot of weight, but with only a small increase in performance (45bhp). The Wolseley Hornet specials had become more touring cars than sports cars.

In 1935 Wolseley Motors installed the 14hp engine of 61.5 mm bore and 90mm stroke with a full 12 port cross flow head giving the engine 1604cc. The chassis remained basically the same as the 34 car but the free wheel had disappeared. The engine whilst still retaining the original 1" inch and 1/8th S.U was now up to 50bhp but the engine somewhat restricted them. These 1935 cars had yet another new radiator shell which was deeper to accommodate the taller radiator, and had reverted back to a single vertical chrome embellishment.

Throughout its life the Hornet Special has represented variety, value for money, and fun. By 1935 the car industry was beginning to hit troubled times again, and Sir William Morris decided to rationalise his car production. MG retained sports car production as by now the marque had built up a solid reputation in competition which aided their sales. The Wolseley Hornet Special disappeared, as did the O.H.C. engine. Morris replaced the MG with an over head valve pushrod engine.

Saturday 6th September 2025—CENTRAL HAWKES BAY 3rd VINTAGE

Organised by Bruce Poole and Ken Lyons

The idea to organise and host this Vintage Rally began with a Trophy donated to Hawkes Bay VCC Branch about 15 years ago. The trophy was presented to the winner of the Hawkes Bay Vintage only rally. However the Rally lapsed after a couple of years and the trophy remained on display in their trophy cabinet.

It has now been returned to Bruce Poole at the CHB VCC Branch and will be presented each year to the winner of the CHB Vintage Rally.

The rally will be open to all VCC members and VCC Vintage eligible vehicles, (1919 to 1931 )

The trophy will be presented to 1st place getter and there will be 2nd and 3rd place prizes also.

The rally will start from Russell Park in Waipukurau with assembly time from 10.45am.

Briefing will be at 11.00am and first car away soon after. This late start will allow out of town entrants plenty of time to get to start venue.

The first part of the run will take you to a lunch stop with shelter if the sun is not shining, and hopefully daffodils to pick if you wish. BYO lunch and folding chair. Daffodils will be there to pick for a small charge. The funds will be donated to The Plunket Society.

The competitive part of the rally will begin at 1.30pm and take you on a variety of scenic back country roads in CHB and finish at the Waipukurau Club in Waipukurau for a BBQ meal and prize giving.

It is anticipated that BBQ and prize giving will finish by 6.00pm

Wednesday 17th September 2025

VCC Meeting and Meal will be held in Dannevirke at the Service and Citizens Club, 1 Princess Street, Dannevirke.

Arrive from 5.30pm

Quiz starts at 6.00pm—Dinner at 7.00pm

Main and Dessert $36 00 per person

Menu: Roast Beef

Roast Chicken

Seved with Gravy

Roast Potatoes

Roast Pumpkin

Baby Carrots

Peas

Dessert: Apple Shortcake with cream

Pavlova and fruit salad with cream

Please reply to Eva with numbers by the evening of Friday 12th September 2025 06 858 9105 021 170 9978 nga-oki@xtra.co.nz

No late bookings please

If you have any dietary needs, please advise when you book your meal.

PLEASE NOTE: The CHBVCC branch will make payment for any late dinner cancellations or no shows, then an invoice will be sent to the member/members concerned.

CHB Branch Chairman LynnCross

September 6th Sept

Wed 17th

Vintage only Run by Bruce Poole and Ken Lyons

Sat 20thSun 21st Manawatu Vintage Only Rally [2 days]

Club Dinner and Meeting at the Services and Citizens Club Dannevirke Quiz night Sat 27th

Manawatu Branch Swap Meet at Manfield Sun 28th Wairarapa "Distiuished Gentlemen's Drive

October

Wed 8th

12th 18th

Club Dinner and Meeting venue TBA

Mid-October Rod and Scarlett McKenzie will be taking the branch on another adventure trip to Coromandel.

10th, 11th, 12th VCC Swapmeet McLeans Island, Christchurch 17-20th Oct Hawke's Bay Branch "Safari" to the "Naki"

November 19th Branch Dinner and meeting venue TBA 25-27th

MTFCNZ Tin Lizzie run Waikato.

30th Nov Mangatainoka Vintage Car day at "Tui"

December TBA Christmas Party 6th Dec

Sun 7th Reliability Run [Seton and Judy]

January

February

March 15th to 21st Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring in Nelson/Tasman District [Nelson VCC]

Manawatu Veteran Rally [in CHB]

CHB Branch Chairmans report—September 2025

The Daffodil Rally for Cancer went off very well on a fine and sunny day in Central Hawke’s Bay. One of the few of late, Kaye and her team turned on a good show and so far $4,500 has been banked with a few minor amounts still to come. The team are to be congratulated on this success.

At our meeting of 20thAugust Mary Peacock from the local Cancer Society was welcomed. She spoke of their work for the comfort of sufferers in Central Hawke’s Bay and made the point that our donation is appreciated and will be used entirely within our area.

Bruce Poole went to the VCC AGM in Invercargill recently and saw the new Constitution passed into being.

Our Branch will need to check our own Constitution and update it if necessary. We will attend to this at our next committee meeting.

By the time you read this entries will be closed for the Vintage Car Rally to be held on Saturday 6th September and organised by Bruce Poole and Ken Lyons.

At our next meeting, which is in Dannevirke, there will be a quiz, Central Hawke’s Bay versus Manawatu, who won the contest last year.

LYNN CROSS Chairman

CHB Branch of the VCC—Club Captains Report—September 2025

The National “Daffodil Day” which was held on Sunday 24th August throughout the country was apparently very successful. Kaye Carswell and her band of assistants got locals ready for our CHB event, with it being a major operation to organise. Disappointingly, some of the assistance from sponsors wasn’t as forth-coming for the event as in past years, but it was still a marvellous day and the weather was spot-on too. There were as many as 100 vehicles on show, from Tony Prebensen’s 1903 Holley to the latest Ford Mustang courtesy of the local Ford dealers, Ruahine Motors Ltd. Ford were major sponsors of the day throughout NZ.

The “Cancer Society” people put on a fabulous afternoon tea at the local aerodrome where the vehicles were again on display following a short tour of CHB.

The “Vintage Only Rally” that Bruce Poole and Ken Lyons are arranging is coming along too for a September day out. If you haven’t got an actual “Vintage Car” [ie manufactured before 31st December 1931], come along anyway for a pleasant day out in the sunshine. Bruce has made special arrangements with the Meteorological Society for a sumptuous fine day he says.

Our meeting and meal for September will be in Dannevirke at the Services and Citizen’s Club where we will again compete in a quiz session against the Manawatu Branch for a trophy.

The “Coromandel Adventure” draws closer and there are about a dozen confirmed entries so far heading north in mid-October for some interesting motoring and social times. We start with a take-away evening meal at the Taupo VCC clubrooms. They’ll put on a cuppa for the entrants, while we raid their spares department.

On Sunday 28th September there is a Hot Rod day being held at the old Tui Brewery factory at Mangatainoka. Limited to vehicles that are Hot Rods, custom-built or significantly modified vehicles, typically pre-1970s. Includes hot rods, rat rods, gassers, and vintage dragsters. Must feature substantial customization in engine, body, or interior. Pre-1970s vehicles are most common, but later models heavily modified to reflect the hot rod spirit will also be considered.

There are over 350 entries confirmed for the International Rally in Nelson in March with something over 700 people involved. Entries closed at the end of August, so if you were planning on going south, you’ll have to pay the $200 late entry fee. We have entered our 1987 Holden towing the caravan and staying at a motor camp. We will likely have a bit of a look round the Tasman area before heading back to CHB.

Sadly, local member and business-man, Brian Stephenson, died in August and will be missed by those who knew him and did business with him. He had been a great help to numerous CHB vintage car club members in the past. His 1935 Auburn Roadster was well known throughout Hawke’s Bay having been shown at nu-

Rod McKenzie CHB Branch Club Captain

The2025 National Daffodil Rally was a great success with $4.500 raised for the CHB Cancer Society.

From left Ella Domper, Kaye Carswell and Scarlett McKenzie welcoming the registrations Thank you Kaye and her team of helpers for all your hard work.

Executive Meeting held Friday 8th August 2025 starting at 7:30 pm from Bruce Poole CHB VCC Delegate.

President George Kear stood down and executive member Andy Fox took over the running of the meeting to discuss the two letters. From the Gisborne branch, Tony Bartlett spoke on this, and various members were also given a chance to do so. It was moved that the “Constitution” as presented be voted on. Thirty three in favour, eight against and one abstention.

Mention was made of the “BURTZ” model A Ford engine, a copy of the original and manufactured in China, which has been installed in a car recently. They produce far more power than the original engines. Their cost is about $5000.00 and more was to be spoken about this later in the meeting.

Financials: The Financial Report was presented and spoken about and adopted.

The Office System: The new office and its merits were discussed. As of Friday night, the membership numbers of the NZVCC are at 8156. The Financial Budget was discussed and it was moved accepted and carried. The minutes of the last executive meeting were discussed and with amendments approved. The next executive meeting for March was discussed, and with there being a lot on in March of 2026 eg The Vero Rally in Nelson, a decision will be made at a later date as to when and where.

Newsletters: It was noted that some branches are not submitting their newsletters to National HQ. CHB however is a regular contributor.

The Constitution: the voting participation was 86%. I did not see our branch percentage. It was interesting to note that the Gisborne branch with 68 members had double the numbers voting “Yes” for the constitution.

The Meeting Closed at 3:22pm on Friday 8th August, to be reconvened at 1:30pm on the Saturday afternoon.

Saturday Evening Dinner: At the dinner on Saturday evening it was opened by George Kear. He introduced a speaker from Southland who was commissioned by the film producer for “The World’s Fastest Indian” to provide two motorcycles for the salt lake at Bonneville. He had 50 days to make these bikes which had to do 100mph for filming. Because the body shells are so narrow, he found two Dakar trail bikes for $11,000 and started on them. He must have been an excellent engineer to do this. The bikes were loaded into a container and Donaldson gave him an envelope. Upon opening it he had Airline tickets to the USA. Once there they were given a big warehouse to get the bikes together with their new shells. He met Anthony Hopkins [who was playing Bert Munro] who had never been on a bike who sat on it, started it up and got a real growling for letting him do so, as one accident would mean no more film! Hopkins was a real gentleman, but he could not say the same for his wife who w s quite difficult. They had to make two trailers and get three 1954 Chevrolets together. The cars looked like a mudguard, good on top but not so good underneath, always breaking down. The engineer guy had to ride the bikes along with a stunt rider who broke his shoulder when the bike had to get out of control and slide along the salt.

Daffodil Rally: Kaaren Smiley presented a report on this year’s rally for cancer [24th August]. Last year we had 95% of the branches involved and raised over $80,000. Ford Motor Company are right behind us this year with generous sponsorship. To date, the VCC have donated more than $250,000 from our membership of just over 8000 people.

Reports were received from the Speed Steward and both the North and South Island Club Captains

Registrar: The Registrar reported that 219 Domas cards, and 426 VIC cards including 173 motorcycles. VTNZ have been asked about 30 year old identity forms including “Hot Rods”. It was decided they should remain Hot Rods, and not period specials.

Archives: The archivists, Don and Marlene Mulleur were thanked for the work done in changing over to the new building and presented with a citation and flowers.

Beaded Wheels: Kevin Clarkson gave a report on the Beaded Wheels magazine saying that printing and postage costs were a huge expense.

NZTA: The Good news is that a 12 month WoF for vintage vehicles up to 30 years old comes in from 1st September. The new Minister of Transport is very easy to get along with and supported our organisation. There have been no fatal accidents of club vehicles in the last 10 years.

FIVA: This organisation is lobbying politicians for exemptions for the vehicles due to the fact of their low annual mileage, and not every day useage.

Vero Rally: as at 17 July there were 254 vehicles entered with 525 people. $10,000 has been donated by the Nelson Regional Development Fund, with a further $2000 [verbal] from the Nelson building Society. And as at the 8th August there are now 346 entries with 710people involved.

National Events: The next AGM will be in the Manawatu on 14-15-16 August 2026. And the South Island Easter Rally is booked for Otago in 2027. The meeting closed at 3:45pm.

Welcome: by Tony Warren Chairman of Southland VCC. He introduced Jerry Ford as Guest Speaker, Ambassador for Southland. He is a real “Live Wire” and got all members up to participate and really promoted Southland.

Meeting: was opened by NZVCC President, George Kear, 33 branches were attending the meeting [of 36]. The minutes of the last AGM in Tauranga was moved and carried. The President’s Annual Report was given with a big “Thank You” to all involved in getting the 12 month WoF through for Vintage and up to 30 year old vehicles. The Annual Financial Report was given, membership cards have enough for three years as the printer is closing. The North and South Island Club Captain Reports were adopted with the comment that rally numbers are dropping and members are encouraged to go to other branch’s events. All other reports were accepted.

Twelve Month WoF,s: Negotiations for changes were started back in 2017 and 2003 and fits into NZTA separate identity and took so long as all regulations had to be looked at There have been no fatal accidents in 10 years. With the new Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop, at the helm, from him attending a “Motor Show” in February and booked in for an event in Wanaka next year, things really happen. Over 13,000 submissions were received in favour of the changes. Veteran cars are now being considered for q 3 year WoF. Heritage Vehicles: Our vehicles are regarded as “Moving Monuments” and as “Heritage” only recognises “Fixed Assets”, the minister of Arts and Heritage, [Chris Bishop] is looking into this also. They have talked with Paul Goldsmith [The Minister for Culture and Heritage] and Gary Jackson [Ford Motor Coy connections and Chairman of Federation of Motoring Clubs] has also met with the minister.

John Goddard Trophy: This year it went to Elizabeth Smits. She and her late husband travelled around North and South America continents with their 1957 Mercedes Benz 220 with caravan in tow for 10 years. She gave the meeting a slide show presentation of their journey and adventures.

The Vero Rally: As at the 8th August 710 people and 346 vehicles have entered the event. Entries close on 31st August but are still open until 30th November, but with a $200.00 late entry fee.

Daffodil Day: New Zealand’s oldest established, Ford, has committed to supporting the event. Many towns are going yellow with prominent buildings being lit up.

Election of Officers: There is no Secretary-Treasurer appointed as nobody stood for the office. The Auditors and Solicitors have been re-appointed for another year. Other office holders remain the same.

The new VCC Premises: Pictures of the new buildings were shown as well as the old premises. A video of the old building from Harcourt’s advertising was also shown. The original building [pre earthquake] was purchased for $156,000 and sold at auction for $710,000. The new buildings cost $1.25 million with a rateable value of $1.5 million. It is on a main road with reasonable car-parking. Additionally the old printer was sold. Presidential Awards: So far five hundred and fifty –five 50 year badges have been issued to long-standing members, and additionally 104 Sixty year badges have been distributed to members, along with two 70 year awards.

Calendar of Events: CHB events have our Veteran Rally combining with the Manawatu branch on 6th December with a “Twilight Rally” in April, and a “Vintage Only” rally for September of next year.

The Southland Branch was congratulated on running a very good conference and was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Meeting closed at 12:35pm for lunch. An article on the “World’s Fastest Indian”, which was filmed partly in Invercargill and Southland, was shown at the start of the evening dinner.

A welcoming address was given to all present by the Chairman of the Southland Branch of the VCC, [Tony Warren} who gave the attendees a break-down of the “Health and Safety” requirements and other house-keeping issues. He welcomed all “Life Members” and Past Presidents along with the 33 delegates and observers. President George Kear addressed the meeting declaring the meeting open at 7:35pm. Apologies were received from the West Coast and Marlborough branches. Most branches have received two letters from the Gisborne branch regarding supposedly breaches of the “Notice of Motion” regarding the new constitution. A special meeting had been held at 4:00pm on the Friday and it had been decided to deal with this matter first thing at the Executive meeting.

Brian Stephenson was possibly our newest CHB Branch member who passed away ear-

MANAWATU BRANCH—VINTAGE RALLY

2 DAY EVENT (OPTIONAL)

SAT 20TH / SUN 21ST SEPTEMBER 2025

OPEN TO VINTAGE VEHICLES 1919-1931

IMPORTANT INFORMATON!

FORMAT - SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2025

9.00am Meet at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms, 684 Kelvin Grove Road, PN.

Tea/Coffee available

9.30am Rally Briefing

10.00am First Car away

● Run length - approx 100 miles (45 miles of gravel)

● NO FUEL available enroute

● Bring your own picnic lunch OR Country Pub lunch available at your own cost

● Run will conclude at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms for Prize Giving and “Bangers & Mash” Evening meal

● BYO Drinks

● We can cater for GF/DF dietary requirements Any other dietary requirements PLEASE SELF CATER.

FORMAT -SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2025

9.00am Meet at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms, 684 Kelvin Grove Road, PN.

Tea/Coffee available

9.30am Rally Briefing

10.00am First Car away

● Run length - approx 100 miles (5 miles of gravel)

● FUEL available enroute

● Bring your own picnic lunch OR Cafes/Bakeries in Marton available at your own cost

● Run will conclude at a Country Pub mid afternoon.

Camping accommodation is available at no charge at the Manawatu VCC Grounds. YOU WILL NEED TO BE A SELF CONTAINED CAMPERVAN / CARAVAN as there are NO shower facilities. Toilets and Kitchen facilities are available for use.

The Manawatu Branch Swap Meet is the following Saturday 27th September 2025 (NOTE new date), so if anyone wishes to stay on for the week we will organise a couple of runs and a couple of shed raids if sufficient interest.

MANAWATU BRANCH—VINTAGE RALLY 2 DAY EVENT—(OPTIONAL)

SAT 20TH / SUN 21ST SEPTEMBER 2025

OPEN TO VINTAGE VEHICLES 1919-1931

ENTRANT NAME____________________________________________________________________

VIC MEMBERSHIP NO_______________________________EXPIRY DATE__________________

NAVIGATOR/PASSENGER/S

ADDRESS__________________________________________________________________________

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR______________________VEHICLE REGO NO____________ RALLY ENTRY @ $20.00 PER VEHICLE = $_________________________

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER @ $25.00 PER HEAD No of People____________ = $_________________________

We are able to cater for GF and DF only. Any other dietary requirements PLEASE SELF CATER

PAYMENT DETAILS Please make payment via internet Banking

Account Name: VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND MANAWATU BRANCH INC

Account Details: 03 0718 0027253 001 Ref: Name, Reg No (VINTAGE RALLY

Please circle

I will be attending BOTH days YES NO

I will be attending SATURDAY only YES NO

I will be attending SUNDAY only YES NO

I wish to camp at the Manawatu VCC grounds YES NO

I intend to stay on for the Manawatu Branch Swap Meet and events the following week YES NO

Please send completed Entry Form to Organiser: 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 12 SEPTEMBER 2025**

Sunday 28th September

At the Tui Brewery on the last Sunday of each month we invite cars and motorbike owners to bring their ride to participate in one of our Mangatainoka Motors Show and Shine.

HOT ROD DAY

Limited to vehicles that are Hot Rods, custom-built or significantly modified vehicles, typically pre-1970s. Includes hot rods, rat rods, gassers, and vintage dragsters. Must feature substantial customization in engine, body, or interior. Pre-1970s vehicles are most common, but later models heavily modified to reflect the hot rod spirit will also be considered.

09.00am – Gates open for cars

10.00am – Gates open for public

10.45am – All competing cars to be parked

11.00am – Registrations close

11.00am – 12pm Judging will take place

12.30pm – Prize giving

Immediately after prize giving photos will be taken under the iconic Tui Tower.

5.00pm – Tui Brewery closes

31st July 2025

WoF and CoF frequency change

Following public consultation, the Minister of Transport has amended the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 to reduce the frequency of Warrant of Fitness (WoF) checks on light vintage and veteran vehicles and Certificate of Fitness (CoF) checks on privately owned heavy motorhomes from every 6 months to every 12 months.

The changes will take effect from 1st September 2025. Timings for WoFs and CoFs issued before 1st September 2025 won’t change.

Timings for eligible vehicles will auto update in the Vehicle Inspection and Certification (VIC) system and LANDATA.

To roll-out the changes, we'll create new inspection groups. These will be in VIC and LANDATA ahead of 1st September. We'll be in touch with more information about the groups soon.

Eligible vehicles

• A private heavy motorhome is a vehicle with a gross mass of more than 3,500 kg, not registered to a commercial entity, and not used for hire or reward. It's primarily used as a mobile dwelling and must include at least one sleeping berth along with other living facilities.

• Light vintage motor vehicles have a gross laden weight of 3,500kg or less, were manufactured on or after 1 January 1919, and are at least 40 years old on the date of being registered, reregistered, or licensed.

• Light veteran motor vehicles have a gross laden weight of 3,500kg or less, and were manufactured before 1st January 1919.

• Evidence suggests these types of vehicles are involved in fewer serious crashes including those involving vehicle faults when compared to newer light vehicles. The Government is committed to a smarter, more targeted approach to road safety one that focuses on real risk. These changes are a step in that direction.

Feedback received during consultation

We consulted the public and industry about the proposed changes earlier this year and received over 13,000 submissions. Submitters showed strong support for moving to 12-month checks 98% supported the WoF change and 89% supported the CoF change.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi