VCC COVCC PNS August 2026

VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ INC. – CENTRAL OTAGO

Puff ‘n’ Stuff

August 2026 - Issue 426

CLUBCAPTAIN’SREPORT

AUGUST 2026

A shorter offering this month, as it’s been a busy July getting stuff done around our property pre-spring, pre-holiday and that I will be out of action for a few months through shoulder reconstruction, immediately following our break in the sun. It’s not just our cars that tend to wear out and need ‘restoration’ and refurbishment work from time to time. It’s sort of like the defects found during a WOF check. It’s not until we get the restoration work done, that we realise how necessary the work was, and how much better both we and our cars perform afterwards.

We have a very good variety of front-line Branch events upcoming, including the visit to the Earnscleugh Castle on Sunday the 30th of August, followed by our two-day event to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, further details of which are listed below.

We presently have 19 people paid up for the Earnscleugh Castle visit and 21 for the Earnslaw Cruise and lunch. Thank you to everyone who has registered and paid to date and while these numbers are great, it is a little disappointing that from a membership of around 170 odd, we are only getting a little over 10% of our membership wanting to participate in these banner events.

Organising events such as these require a lot of volunteer time and financial commitment from the branch, in anticipation of the numbers we could expect to attend. Events of this nature require decisions and commitments to be made as to venue bookings, reservations, badge numbers etc, well before the event date, therefore we appreciate when members commit early to give us confidence to proceed.

Therefore, please give your participation of the 80th Anniversary events your highest consideration. If you intend to attend either of the events in early October, please enter as early as possible and don’t procrastinate and leave entering and paying to the last minute. The organisation of these events is stressful enough, without the added concerns of financial success to cover our commitments.

Please email me notification of your participation and entry forms, as I’ll be out of the country till the 16th of August.

John Gray COVCC Club Captain

UPCOMING EVENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS

Please also refer to the main ‘Calendar of Events’, for activities over the next few months.

WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST: CLUB NIGHT

DYLAN RUSHBROOK: CROMWELL BMX CLUB – WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN BRISBANE

Dylan has just returned from the World Junior BMX Championships in Brisbane, with a group of local kids. He will talk about the event and how our local kids performed.

Clubrooms and parts sheds open at 7.00pm and meeting starts at 7.30pm

SUNDAY 16th AUGUST: SUNDAY RUN – CANCELLED THIS MONTH

Owing to the reduced Winter Program, there will be no Sunday Run this month.

WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST 10:30am

SOUTH OF THE KAWARAU GORGE GET TOGETHER

ORGANISER - ALISTER GOUGH

In keeping with our theme of spreading our business around and keep these Get Togethers interesting, this one will be held 10:30am Wednesday, 26th August at the Cafe in the Queenstown Golf Club, 759 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights.

For those who haven’t been to this cafe before it is right out the end of Kelvin Heights. It can be a slow trip driving out to the end of the peninsula so allow plenty of time. Drive to the end of Peninsula Road and then cross over to the right and take the Kelvin Heights Golf Course Road to the Clubhouse. The cafe is in the Clubhouse. There is plenty of parking, especially mid-week.

The Cafe needs to know numbers, therefore, please email me at alister.gough69@gmail.com before Sunday, 23rd August with numbers attending.

SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST

2026:

VCC NATIONAL DAFFODIL DAY FOR CANCER

ORGANISER - GRAHAM TAYLOR

Show and Shine at our Clubrooms site. Gates open for us at 10.00am. The show is from 11.00am till 2.00pm. Display vehicle $20, Adults $5 entry, kids free.

This is the VCC National Day to promote our Club while raising funds to support the great work undertaken by the Cancer Society. Many of us have had a reasonably close association with someone who has had Cancer, whether it be ourselves, our partner, a family member, or a close friend. At these times of extreme stress for the patient and their family, the Cancer Society are there to assist with information, support, and accommodation for those undergoing treatment and their close family members.

This is a great opportunity for us all, in our small way, to support this organisation which stands up to the plate, if and when we need them, so please take some time to prepare your vehicles and bring them along on Sunday the 23rd, to display in support of this great cause.

We require several members to fill various roles of support on the day, collecting cash from the show cars at the gate, general donation collectors, parking cars etc. If you are going to be there and can assist, please notify Bryan Anderson, 021 204 9390, bryandjen@live.com by Friday 14th August, so the committee can complete planning for the day.

If you can’t make it along on the 23rd but would still like to donate some cash towards this very worthy cause, consider making an internet donation through the Branch account 06-0921-0035742-00. State your name and the code ‘Daffodil’, and these amounts will be included with the proceeds of the day, directly to the Cancer Society.

In addition, the Cancer Society have asked our club if we would assist with the delivery of the preordered bunches of Daffodils on the afternoons of August 25th or the 26th, in both Cromwell and Alexandra. We need up to 3 cars at each location, with two people in each car. At present it is envisaged that the task should take around 3 hours in total. Please notify John Martin, 021 109 1309, before Wednesday the 12th of August, if you can assist with this task.

THURSDAY 27th AUGUST: THURSDAY MUSTER – CANCELLED

Cancelled, as the run is on Sunday 30th as per details below.

SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST: WEEKEND RUN

EARNSCLEUGH CASTLE, RESTORED HOUSE TOUR

ORGANISER – JOHN GRAY

You probably saw the restored house recently on ‘Grand Designs’ New Zealand. Wendy and I were not able to get onto a tour during the Fund Raiser weekend, so I thought, why not arrange a tour of our own, for our Branch members. Ryan and Marco have accommodated us for a tour on Sunday 30th August, from 11am till Noon.

The cost per person is $50 per head and must be paid directly to our Branch Rally Account, 06-0921-0035742-01, by Wednesday 26th August. Please list your name, in the ‘Code’ and ‘Earnscleugh’ in the reference, so that Alister knows what event the payment is for. The Branch will then pay the Castle owners directly as a lump sum.

For those coming through Cromwell, please meet outside the Clubrooms at 10.00am, to leave by 10.10am. We will all meet on Earnscleugh Road, Clyde, outside # 754 at 10.40am to proceed in and be ready for the tour start at 11.00am. The tour is of 1 hour duration.

After the tour, we will proceed to the ‘Old Post Office Café’ at Clyde for lunch. This is located at the top of the hill, above the Clyde Bridge.

Once you have paid your money into the Branch Account for this event, please re-email me that you have done so, and advise if you will be staying for the lunch, as this is Sunday, and the restaurant needs reserved numbers.

FRIDAY 2ND & SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER:

COVCC NZVCC 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENTS

The Entry form for this event is elsewhere in this magazine, and you will have already received via email, the entry form for our Rally Weekend in early October, to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. This will be a big weekend for our Branch, and participation in these events, will also be made available to VCC Members from other Branches.

The entry form sets out the program and format for the two days. At present we are only able to reserve 61 places on the TSS Earnslaw for the Friday lunch time sailing, therefore bookings are on a first come, first paid and reserved basis. Payments must be made to our Club Account as instructed on the Entry Form, not directly to Real Journeys. Please book and pay early, to secure your place, and take advantage of the subsidised price, available to ‘Financial COVCC Branch members’ only. The committee looks forward to your participation.

Please note, although we have already had preregistrations for this weekend from our Branch members; which is fantastic; completion of the entry form and payment, is now required to complete the process, and secure your seat on the Earnslaw and for the rest of the weekend.

See the ENTRY FORM elsewhere in this magazine.

SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2026: CORONET PEAK HILL CLIMB

– VCC CLASS

The 2026 Coronet Peak Hill Climb; to be held on Saturday 28th November this year; which will again include a ‘VCC Class’. Owing to limits in the number of vehicles which can be accommodated for the day, the VCC Class, will be limited to 12 vehicles (20% of the field).

Banks Peninsula Branch will handle the admin of the VCC entries. VCC Gore Branch is running the Josephville Hill Climb, on Sunday 29th, and are keen to also be involved at the CPHC as well. Following on from last year Murray George will be the Clerk of the Course for the VCC Class, and Greg Doran will be the VCC Speed Steward, and I will be assisting Rod Corbett as Event Organiser and learning the ropes, for future events.

Members of our Branch, who are interested in competing, should keep a look out in Beaded Wheels for further information, as to entry and the requirements to compete in the VCC Class. Get your entries in quickly when notified as there are limited places available.

Rod has asked if I can co-ordinate a few marshals to assist at the CPHC. We need to provide 5-6 marshals for ‘Flag Marshalling’ duties for the day. Please notify me as soon as possible if you are able to assist thank you. It’s an easy job, and instructions will be given, and you get to be up close and personal to the action. Phone: John Gray 0274 345 621, jbgray@xtra.co.nz

Shared transport can be arranged for the day.

CLUBNIGHTREPORT

WEDNESDAY 8th JULY 2026

MICHAEL WYATT - HIS PASSION FOR AND FACINATION OF ITALIAN CARS

EVENT REPORT: JOHN GRAY

Micheal presented a very well-illustrated talk, with several photographs of his cars and several historical photos of the vehicles’ designers and cut-away illustrations of the mechanicals of the cars. He also bought along, several books relating to the cars, along with a large Italian flag, several Topolino model cars and original brochures.

Michael’s fascination of Italian cars has evolved from his profession as an architect, and his interest in design and engineering. His first car was a 100E Ford prefect, followed up by an MG Midget, which piqued his early interest in sports cars. This was followed, in 1977 by the purchase of a Fiat 124 Sports Coupe, which impressed him as to the mechanicals and the lines of the bodywork. This car got him interested in Italian cars.

His second Italian car was the 1952, 500C 16.5HP Topolino, purchased from John Britten in Christchurch, in 1975, followed by a 1938, 500A 570cc, 12.5HP side valve Fiat Topolino. Special mention was made as to how important it is to highlight the ½ HP’s, as in such a small car, every ½ HP matters. He still has both cars.

The Topolinos

He explained the early production process of the Topolino, built in a large six storey building at the famous Lingotto Plant, in Turin, Italy; built in 1927; with an undulating car test track on the roof. The restorations of both cars are fundamentally complete, awaiting compliancing. Michael obtained the new interior upholstery of both cars, as a kit, at a modest price, directly from Italy, in the correct fabrics.

He then moved on to collecting early Alfa Romeo sports cars, purchasing his first Alfa Sprint Speciale in 1994, which is a 1962 model, and was at that stage red. He also owns an exquisite 1954, Giulietta Sprint Speciale, by Bertone, and a 1958 Alfa Giulietta Spider; this body designed by Pinin Farina; all with dark blue paintwork and all kept in excellent condition.

Michael and his wife were very unfortunate to have had a serious accident whilst traversing the Kawarau Gorge Road, back in 2007, in the Sprint Speciale. They were happily motoring along, when a nut came off the rear trailing arm, allowing the securing bolt to fallout. The car instantly developed acute rear wheel steering, which took the car off the road, ending upside down in a ditch, considerably collapsing the bubble roof. While they luckily escaped serious personal injury, the car required a total rebuild. The car was rebuilt by Barney Tansley in Queenstown.

He was then offered a 1968 Maserati ‘Ghibli’ Coupe, with a V8 engine of 4.9 lt. A very complicated twin cam engine, probably quite similar to those produced by Ferrari at that time.

His current major project is the complete restoration of a 1965, front wheel drive Lancia Fulvia 2C 1100cc, 4 door saloon, which is also nearing completion.

A very interesting and informative talk, by a very knowledgeable and passionate member. There were considerable questions asked by the 26 members present, who all enjoyed the presentation. Thank you, Michael, for such an interesting presentation.

FromaWhippettoanAustin…

GRAHAM TAYLOR

Michael Wyatt's talk about his experiences with Italian cars got me thinking. With the weather looking miserable outside, it seems like the perfect excuse to reminisce about some of the cars I have experienced in my lifetime so far….

My earliest memories are of a 1927 Whippet Tourer. That was followed by a 1932 Ford V8, which my father painted in Hawthorn Green with yellow wire wheels. It looked smart, but it didn't stay with us for long as he sold it to help finance the Garage at Hawea Flat.

I also have a lasting reminder of that Ford - I managed to shut the door on my finger, and to this day I still have a double fingernail!

Then came a 1937 Dodge, which had originally served as the tea wagon at Wigram Air Force Base. It was later converted into a station wagon so it could be used for the Hawea School run. We also had an Austin K4 five-ton bus with leather seats. It was quite flash, although the rough roads meant the springs were forever needing to be welded.

The first newish car was a 1951 Standard Vanguard - poor gear change, but did Hawea to Dunedin in 4.25 hrs, and considering the roads this was remarkable. This was sold and in 1958 we took over an Austin A50 (my father had an agency for Austin Cars from 1954 and sold a small number starting with the popular A40 pickup).

The A50 was used and abused by the family well into the 1960’s and considered old by the time it was rolled in loose gravel on Cemetery Road. To change the oil filter the engine had to be lifted, and to do any work on the distributor was challenging.

Then in 1966 we got a nearly new Austin 1800, it was the earliest sold in Christchurch by David Crozier motors and was an ex-demonstrator. A nice, powerful and fast car, but not all that reliable or maybe my heavy foot had something to do with that. Hawea - Christchurch in just over three hours one night.

My grandfather had an English Austin A40 Countryman, and it was a lovely car to drive. Like the Austin A30s and A35s, my view of the road was through the narrow gap between the steering wheel and the dashboard! Unfortunately, it had virtually no dustproofing. Driving it in summer was like being caught in a Saharan dust storm.

After another trip "home" in 1956, and with the Suez Crisis affecting vehicle supplies, we bought the only new car available - a Goliath 1100, built by Borgward. It had a flat-four engine up front and a rather clumsy gear change, but no dust!

When changing the oil, one was lucky not to be showered, as the sump plug was about 50mm in diameter, and when it all came out it was faster than, well me for a start.

There was a 1939 Ford V8 “Barrel nose” 1.5 ton that was our workshop truck until the late 1960’s.

Cheryl had a new Morris 1100 in 1968, which was a nice car but had reliability issues with little things, so this was traded on a 1962 Austin A60 This car had over 200,000 miles on the clock and was traded on a PBSX Vauxhall in 1970 - at a time when Vauxhall retail prices were low, as Holdens had displaced Vauxhall from the market.

That Vauxhall turned out to be one of the best cars we have owned. Its powerful 3.3-litre engine delivered excellent performance while still returning around 26 mpg on a trip. It was comfortable, enjoyable to drive and its only real drawback was the very small boot.

This was replaced with an ex rental Morris 1100 that had nearly 100,000 miles on the clock, but it was the best ADO 16 that we have owned. An oil leak from the cylinder head gasket, and tyres being the only problems. The Morris was later replaced by a Simca 1501. It was a quick car with good handling, and economical, but unfortunately the engine proved to be rather fragile.

My Vintage car at this time was a 1925 Ford T pickup painted canary yellow and black. This was a high school project and went for many long trips including to Milford Sound.

In the 1970s a Dodge D12 was obtained from Lowburn, and restored the rules finally accepted this car into the VCC. It was comfortable, but it was far from economical. The steering left a lot to be desired, especially when tackling the old Cromwell Gorge Highway. With uneven length track rods adding to the challenge, keeping it pointed in the right direction could be quite an adventure. The last I heard, it had headed north to Ashburton - perhaps a more suitable home with its smoother, straighter roads!

Then there was an Italian episode a 903cc Fiat 850 Sports which could blow just about anything away in those days.

Briefly a Fiat 1500, then a Fiat 132 Ok but needed more power and a five-speed gearbox. As we were Fiat Tractor dealers, and I make no apology, the tractors gave an excellent service, and at one time they were parity with Ford, and IH (ironically all owned by the Fiat Empire these days)

We now have two 640’s, a 55-66DT which are in regular use, and a 451 Crawler. We also had an 1100T light truck which was good in the summer but no heater in the winter so that was traded on a new 1974 Mazda B1600 Japanese assembled. Followed by two NZ assembled B 1600’s they went from excellent to forgettable! Bedford’s A 1953 3 Ton M, a 1949 K, a 1953 O, and in 1985 A J6 the best of that lot At 6mpg fully laden it beat a 1972 Toyota Landcruiser Petrol that was lucky to get any better MPG unless parked up with the battery disconnected and the handbrake firmly on!

So, then I get to what served us well in the past, just about forgot the excellent J Series Holden Camira’s, Nissan Bluebird Diesel, the Mazda Eunos and now the Diesel 5 speed Kia Rio which is still giving remarkable service.

At the 1982 Wanaka Show Central Otago Toyota had a Landcruiser BJ 42 on their stand, this was purchased and replaced a 1979 Holden HZ 308 nice truck in some ways traded for what we paid for it new, but my back suffered from the seating position. I also had a Toyota HJ60 Wagon, recently sold

The Landcruiser with more upright seating cured that and it has served us well since, the engine, diff and gearbox all being replaced due to the heavy loads towed and distance travelled.

There have been others too including a Rover P6b which we used to cruise up to Blackball in the early 2000’s. So, what were the best cars I have owned? Overall, I would rate the Morris Minor at the top, followed by the 1100-1300 ADO 16’s, the Toyota HJ 60 and the Rover V8, with each having their own merits. The Kia Rio would be hard to beat, but then we have only owned it for 13 years.

In 1993 a Morris Minor was purchased as a second car. I took it up to the Luggate Men’s Coffee group this morning and it is living proof that occasionally the poms got things right! But lost to Argentina!

Date

CLUBEVENTSCALENDAR

Please take care to read and copy to your diary!

Pretty full calendar. Note: subject to change but any changes to next month’s event will be emailed out.

Event

AUGUST 2026

Wednesday 12th August

Club Night: Clubrooms

Organiser Detail

John Gray Dylan Rushbrook: Cromwell BMX Club. He went to the Junior World BMX Championships in July, taking a group of local kids. He will talk about the trip and how our local kids performed.

Sunday 16th August Sunday Run No Run

Sunday 23rd August Daffodil Day Cancer Society Fund-raiser

Wednesday 26th August South of the Kawarau Gorge Get Together

Graham Taylor

Clubrooms and Spare Parts open 7.00pm, meeting at 7.30pm.

No Run this month due to my absence and reduced Winter Program

Show and Shine in conjunction with Alpine Street Machines. Gates open 10.00am. Display 11.00 –2.00pm. Barbeque All proceeds to Cancer Society.

Please bring your vehicle for display and support this event and this great cause.

Alister Gough

Thursday 27th August Thursday Muster No Run

Sunday 30th August Special Sunday Run

SEPTEMBER 2026

Wednesday 9th September

Club Night: Clubrooms

John Gray

10.30am - Cafe in the Queenstown Golf Club, 759 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights.

The Cafe needs to know numbers, please email alister.gough69@gmail.com before Sunday 23rd August with numbers attending.

The run for this month is on Sunday 30th

Earnscleugh Castle, Restored House Tour. 11.00am for I hour. Lunch at Old Post Office Café after. Please see the Club Captains notes for full details. Please pay into the club account by Wednesday 26th August.

John Gray

Nick Norman from Alexandra will talk about his passion for Fiat Cars, and the considerable number he has owned over the past four decades. Clubrooms and Spare Parts open 7.00pm, meeting at 7.30pm.

Saturday 26th September Blossom Festival Procession

TBA

Sunday 27th September

COVCC Blossom Festival Rally

OCTOBER 2026

Friday 2nd October

COVCC NZVCC 80th Anniversary Event

TBA

Final decisions to be made. It is likely this year that any members who wish to enter the Blossom Festival procession, will do so as a separate event. The Branch will organise your participation. The Blossom Festival Rally will be held on Sunday 27th - See below.

The COVCC Blossom Festival Rally will be held on Sunday 27th. This will be the motoring event for the month, probably leaving from Clyde. Further details to follow.

John Gray

Saturday 3rd October

COVCC NZVCC 80th Anniversary Event John Gray

Friday 9th –Sunday 11th October VCC National Swap Meet Christchurch

Canterbury Branch

Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, with Gourmet BBQ lunch. Full details in Club Captains notes and in Entry Form in this Magazine.

Please book and pay for this weekend ASAP as there are limited places available on the Earnslaw.

Motoring non-competitive Rally from Cromwell to St Bathans for lunch, via the Cambrians Blue Bell Glade. Full details in the Entry Form in this Magazine.

Christchurch Swap Meet. Full details in Beaded Wheels and on the Swap Meet website.

Sunday 11th October No Weekend Run this Month No Run

Wednesday 14th October Club Night John Gray/ Neil Webster

Thursday 29th October Thursday Muster John Gray

NOVEMBER 2026

Wednesday 11th November Club Night

Sunday 15th November Weekend Run

Thursday 26th November Thursday Muster

Mike Dorian TBC

Neil Webster’s ‘Ground Up’ Brewery visit. Potentially another Wanaka visit, and a lunch venue. Further details TBC.

Saturday 28th November Coronet Peak Hill Climb VCC Class

DECEMBER 2026

Wednesday 9th December Club Night

John Gray

VCC Class at the Coronet Peak Hill Climb. Our Branch have been asked to provide some Flag Marshalls to assist with the event. Please contact John Gray. See Club Captains notes for details.

DAFFODILDAY–SHOW&SHINE

ORGANISER: GRAHAM TAYLOR

Sunday 23rd August 2026, National VCC Fundraiser for the Cancer Society

VCC members are encouraged to attend and bring a vintage/classic car/vehicle, a short story giving the vehicle’s history attached somewhere prominent would be desirable.

We are also looking for a few members to assist on the day, so if you can spare some time, we'd really appreciate your help.

Some of the ways you can get involved include:

• Directing parking in the yard and outside the grounds.

• Welcoming visitors at the gate and collecting the entry fee.

• Helping out in the parts shed and pointing people in the direction of the treasures on offer.

• Being around the yard to answer questions and assist visitors.

• Lending a hand in the clubrooms wherever it's needed.

Every bit of assistance makes a real difference, and it’s also a great opportunity to catch up with fellow members while helping ensure everyone enjoys the day.

If you're able to help, please contact Graham: 027248 9942 or gc.taylor@xtra.co.nz

THE EVENT

The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) celebrates its 80th Anniversary this year. To celebrate this milestone locally, the Central Otago branch have decided to organize an event in Central Otago. The format of this two-day event, starts on Friday 2nd October at 11am, with a trip across Lake Wakatipu on the historic 1912 steam ship, the TSS Earnslaw, for a gourmet BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station. Participants MUST be at the Earnslaw Steamer Wharf, no later than 10.30am, on the 2nd Oct. Your trip tickets will be issued at this time, along with your rally pack. We will have reserved seating aboard the TSS Earnslaw. Saturday only participants will get their rally pack before the start of that day.

Day two, Saturday 3rd October, is a noncompetitive ‘Club Rally’ from Cromwell to St Bathans, for lunch, starting at the VCC Cromwell Clubrooms, 4 Litany Street, at 9.00am. We will stop for morning tea at ‘Muddy Creek Café’ in Omakau, before moving on to view the ‘Daffodil and Blue Bell Glade’ at Cambrians. From there, we move on to the historic ‘Vulcan Hotel’ in St Bathans for lunch. Following lunch, there will be a variety of route options for your return to Cromwell, or on to your home. To finish the day, it is proposed for those who wish to meet at Cromwell’s ‘Victoria Hotel’ for an informal meal, ordering off the regular menu.

Everyone who completes the ‘Entry Form’ and pays for the event, will be sent confirmation of their entry, and any updates, prior to the event. While it is possible to participate in one or other of the days only, it is anticipated that most people will join us for both days’ activities. There is a separate rally entry fee to pay per car, which covers organization costs, name badges and lanyards, and a ‘commemorative plaque’, irrespective of whether you enter for one, or both days. Costs from there are on a per person basis, for participation in the meals.

Everyone will be briefed on the Saturday event before the start and supplied with clear and concise instruction sheets to ensure driver and passengers will enjoy the spectacular scenery and convivial company of others.

The basic requirements are:

➢ A genuine desire to have fun over a relaxed and easy going two days.

➢ A camera to record the cars, scenery, and those memories!!

➢ A suitable fire extinguisher and First Aid kit is recommended for the Saturday run. While the weather in Central Otago is generally quite mild in early October, the climate can be changeable, and a warm jacket is recommended for the Earnslaw trip.

BOOKING OF ACCOMMODATION

This is the entrant’s responsibility and there is a considerable variety of accommodation available in both Cromwell and Queenstown including hotels and motels. For those visiting from out of town, you may wish to stay in Cromwell and drive over to Queenstown on the Friday morning.

QUEENSTOWN PARKING

Parking in Queenstown is limited for an extended period, (+ 2 hrs), therefore parking in an ‘Off Street’ carpark is recommended. The closest ‘Parking’ in central Queenstown, to the Earnslaw, is in the ‘Church Street underground parking’ (behind Eichart’s Hotel). This parking is protected by security cameras. All off street parking costs $3.50 per half hour, with a maximum of $42, for 12 hrs. Another parking building is the ‘Mann Street Carpark’, a bit further away. A cheaper option is to park in Frankton, Arrowtown, or an outer suburb and take the bus, but be aware of the time involved.

ELIGIBILITY

The event is open to all Members of VCC NZ, from any branch. A separate entry form (and entry fee) is required for each vehicle only. VCC Eligible or not. While we encourage members to motor on the Saturday, in a VCC eligible vehicle, this is not obligatory, and you will receive the commemorative plaque, irrespective.

EVENT RULES/REGULATIONS (Relevant to Saturday Only)

➢ The Traffic Regulations and Road Code must be observed throughout the event.

➢ Vehicles must have a current registration and WOF

➢ All drivers of vehicles driven as part of this event must hold a current driver’s licence which must be produced upon request.

➢ It is essential that you wear your name badge/lanyard at all times when attending the Rally. This will avoid the embarrassment of having to question individuals and these will also be your ‘approval’ to enter the activities you have chosen.

➢ The Stewards of the Rally may exclude from the event any driver or passenger who, by his or her behavior, or general approach to the event is, in their opinion, likely to bring discredit on the event.

➢ The Stewards may also exclude any vehicle which, in their opinion, is unsuitable or unsafe mechanically.

➢ The Central Otago Branch of the VCC NZ, (its members, officials or representatives) will not be held liable for any event or act or occurrence whatsoever that results in any damage or loss or injury, however caused, nor for the consequences of any action by an official, member, or representative of the Central Otago Branch of the VCC NZ, and participation in this event is entirely at the risk in all things whatsoever of the entrant and their passengers.

➢ Please Note: As we are visiting ‘Private Property’, please, no dogs, on the Saturday trip.

PROPOSED PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Friday, 2nd October

10.00am-10.30am Registrations/Collect Rally Pack/Tickets; Outside Real Journeys Office, Earnslaw Wharf, Queenstown

11.00am – Earnslaw departs for Walter Peak. 2.30pm – Earnslaw returns

DAY TWO: Saturday, 3rd October

8.00 - 8.30am Registrations: for those who have not already registered. COVCC Clubrooms, 4 Litany Street, Cromwell

9.00am Rally Starts

9.45am Morning Tea - Omakau

10.45am Arrive Blue Bell Grove, Cambrians

12.30 pm Vulcan Hotel, St Bathans

2.30 pm Depart St Bathans, Return route Options

6.30pm Optional informal dinner – Victoria Hotel, Cromwell

ENTRY FORM

I/we wish to enter the COVCC Branch, 80th Anniversary Rally, and agree to pay in full the entry fee, meals, and event costs for which I/we wish to partake. I agree to motor my vehicle in a safe and courteous manner. In consideration of the acceptance of this entry, I accept and agree to abide by the rules and regulations as noted under the Event Rules and by me signing below I also bind and accept responsibility for all passengers and supporters listed on this form.

Signature of entrant ………………………………………. Print name ……………………..........................

PLEASE NOTE: Only one entry form is required to be completed per vehicle attending the rally. The details and event requirements of the driver and all passengers associated with this vehicle shall be entered on this form.

Entrant/Driver’s name ………………………………………………………………………..

VCC Membership Number …………………………………………………………………..

Membership Branch…………………………………………………………………………..

Entrant’s address

Post code …………………………

Mobile number ………………………………………………………….

Entrant’s email address ………………………………………………

Additional passengers’ names (please print; this is for name badges)

Vehicle make ………………………………… Vehicle model …………………………………

Body style ……………………………………. Year of manufacture ………………………….

Registration plate …………………………………..

Please Note: The Rally committee have negotiated a good discount on the normal cost of the Earnslaw Gourmet Lunch Cruise (Normally $199 p/p) The cost of this trip will now be $173 per person. In addition, the COVCC Committee will subsidize fully paid up members and Joint members of our Branch, by $23 per person for the Earnslaw Cruise and Lunch Trip. The financial members price will therefore be $150 per person. If your wife or partner is not currently a Joint Member, you can join them up through the NZVCC Web Site for $15p/y and therefore qualify for the subsidy.

ENTRY FEES

Entry fee: Driver, Rally Support Pack, Name Badge/Lanyard, Rally Plaque $42

Passengers: Name Badge/Lanyard (names above) No. @ $3 p/p $

Sub Total $

Friday 2nd October: Earnslaw Cruise and Gourmet BBQ Lunch: COVCC Financial Members…………......@ $150 p/p Non COVCC Financial Members….…... @ $173 p/p $ $

Saturday 3rd October: Vulcan Hotel Lunch No………@$35 p/p $

Badge bar plaque: additional COVCC, VCC 80th Anniversary Rally logo as a Badge Bar Plaque N° …..…. @ $40.00 each

Please note that you will get one of these as part of your Rally Support Pack $

TOTAL RALLY COSTS: $

Online payment / bank deposit: Details

Central Otago Vintage Car Club

Account number: 06 0921 0035742 01

Please include: Your Name & surname Reference: 80th Rally

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMPLETED ENTRY FORM IS TO BE SCANNED and RETURNED TO: JOHN GRAY, jbgray@xtra.co.nz, 027 4345621. Please return your entry form and make payment at the earliest.

Entry Forms must be sent and payments made by 26th AUGUST 2026, owing to limited bookings available on the Earnslaw. At present there are only 61 places available to us, and places will be awarded on a FIRST PAID AND ENTERED BASIS. THEREFORE, ENTER EARLY. Rally Enquiries to: John Gray (as above) or COVCC Treasurer: Alister Gough, alister.gough@xtra.co.nz , 021 646757

Does anyone listed on this entry form have special dietary needs? Yes No

Name of person/s ………………………………………………………………………………

Please state requirements ………………………………………………………………………

OTHEREVENTSandNATIONALS

VCC Branches that would like any of their events noted in our magazine, please contact us with the details at editorCOVCC@gmail.com

For more information on these and other events in Beaded Wheels, check branch newsletters which may be found at http://vcc.org.nz/newsfrom-our-branches/

Date Event

Organiser Detail

26th - 28th September Mount Cook Rally South Canterbury Branch Entries to be returned to Ross Hamiltonscvccclubcaptain@gmail.com 0212407137 by 30th Aug 2026 (see pg 21)

Friday 9th –Sunday 11th October

VCC National Swap Meet Christchurch Canterbury Branch Full details in Beaded Wheels and on the Swap Meet website.

Central Otago Vintage Car Club (Including Queenstown & Wanaka)

NeilStevenson–JaguarRestoration Progress!

You will remember seeing the progress report back in April on Neil’s Jaguar MK2 rebuild Well, he is happy to report that he has made steady progress and is nearly ready for the paint job.

THEN: April 2026 - Both door skins were replaced

NOW: July 2026 - Nearly ready for the paint job!

Stickers for COVCC Members

Let others know which branch you belong to at events away from home. These are produced locally and are made from high quality vinyl. They are external stickers and go on the outside of the windscreen, or on the body work. They are easily removed with a hairdryer. Cost $3.00 each. (A small profit goes to our club.)

To order contact the Secretary: gtml@xtra.co.nz

NewMembers

We welcome:

Michael Kelley - Lake Roxburgh

Deneise Henderson - Cromwell

BitsandPieces

Name Badges

Graham is preparing an order for these. He gets them done in batches of 10 or so. If you need one, please talk to him.

Photos, Stories & Event Highlights

Got a great story, photo, or vehicle-related moment to share? We’d love to include it in an upcoming issue! Feel free to send any contributions to editorcovcc@gmail.com - The Editor

BRANCHOFFICERS2026-2027

Chairman Neil Webster 021999 049 neil.webster@xtra.co.nz Liz

Vice Chairperson: Vacant

Immediate Past

Chairman Vacant

Secretary: Jacqueline Potter 021919 123 secretarycovcc@outlook.com

Treasurer: Alister Gough 021 646 757 alister.gough69@gmail.com Judy

Club Captain: John Gray 0274345621 jbgray@xtra.co.nz Wendy

Editor: Megan Ireland 027 210 3037 meganirelandcroms@gmail.com

Committee: Nevelle Ridd 027724 9222 nev.chris.ridd@gmail.com Chris

Wayne Henderson 027566 0600 wf.henderson@xtra.co.nz Deneise

Tony Van Gool 021631316 dorstrom@gmail.com Raewyn

Bryan Anderson 021204 9290 bryandjen@live.com Jenny

Graeme Lee 027493 0112 caonthebeach@hotmail.co.nz Kirsty

Graham Taylor 027248 9942 gc.taylor@xtra.co.nz Cheryl

Steve Bell 027627 3171 stevebellbuilding@gmail.com

Property Ewen Duthie 027 838 8324 445 1973 duthie.e@xtra.co.nz Arlene

Alf O’Sullivan 021 110 7707 glenda.alf@gmail.com Glenda

Parts Convenor Bryan Anderson 0212049390 bryandjen@live.com Jenny

Parts Helper Alf O’Sullivan 021 110 7707 glenda.alf@gmail.com Glenda

Don Yeaman 443 2730 yeaperson@xtra.co.nz Lynne

Idle Torque BW; Alf O’Sullivan 021 110 7077 glenda.alf@gmail.com Glenda

Librarian: Alf O'Sullivan 021 110 7077 glenda.alf@gmail.com Glenda

Area Reps:

Wakatipu - Alister Gough 021 646 757 alister.gough69@gmail.com

Judy

Alexandra - Nevelle Ridd 027724 9222 nev.chris.ridd@gmail.com Chris

Cromwell - John Martin 445 0598 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz Wendy

Wanaka - TBC

HSE: Tony Van Gool 021631316 dorstrom@gmail.com Raewyn

Motorcycle Rep/Convener/Rally Organiser

Ken Roberts 021 369 413 kbcroberts@xtra.co.nz

Rally Conveners: Blossom Festival: Ewen Duthie 027 838 8324 445 1973 duthie.e@xtra.co.nz

Bryan Anderson 0212049390 bryandjen@live.com

National Daffodil Day Coordinator:

Graham Taylor 027248 9942 gc.taylor@xtra.co.nz

Golden Times: TBC

Facebook Page Bernice Hassed 021 164 9852 Hassed62@gmail.com

Sharon

Arlene

Jenny

Cheryl

Noel

THE REAR END:

Return Address:

C/- 114 Shortcut Road

Luggate

Wanaka 9382